Were you aware that 69% of millennials experience FOMO regularly? Or did you miss out on that fact? When this powerful psychological trigger is harnessed, it can make an event feel unmissable. We’re here to unpack proven ways to spark excitement, urgency, and a sense of exclusivity—ultimately boosting attendance and engagement. We’re going to show you how to create FOMO for an event!

We’ll look at anticipation-building, scarcity tactics, social proof, personalisation, and post-event strategies that keep the momentum alive. Planning an event and wanting it to turn into a must-attend phenomenon? Let’s explore the art of creating irresistible FOMO.

Creating Anticipation

Generating anticipation is an effective way to capture your audience’s attention and encourage early commitment.

Teaser Campaigns

Teaser campaigns spark curiosity by revealing partial details of what’s to come. This approach taps into human intrigue, maintaining interest as you release each clue. A dedicated hashtag can unify conversations, making it easier for people to follow along and speculate about what awaits them.

Countdown Timers

Countdown timers instil urgency. Showing a ticking clock on your event page, emails, or social media reminds viewers of the approaching date and prompts them to act sooner. Mentioning limited spots or discounted rates alongside the timer can heighten the feeling that time is running out.

Sneak Peeks of Event Highlights

Sharing glimpses of your headline celebrity speakers, performances, or unique experiences entices potential attendees. It helps them visualise the value they’ll gain and keeps them looking forward to more details.

Interactive Pre-Event Challenges

Social media contests or challenges can be very engaging before the event begins. Gamification elements like leaderboards or small rewards motivate participants to stay involved and spread the word, building excitement that carries right into the event.

Leveraging Scarcity and Exclusivity

Limiting availability and offering exclusive benefits are strong ways to encourage immediate action and amplify the perceived value of your event.

Limited Ticket Releases

Announcing a set number of tickets triggers the scarcity principle, where demand spikes if there’s a risk of missing out. This can push undecided individuals to purchase quickly while helping you manage capacity.

VIP Access and Perks

Giving VIP ticket holders perks such as early entry, premium seating, or meet-and-greet options makes attendance more attractive. It also appeals to those willing to pay extra for a memorable experience, so be sure to highlight these benefits in your promotions.

Early Bird Specials

Early bird discounts—often 10% to 30% off—reward those who commit well in advance. These offers can be promoted up to six months before the event. Using a countdown timer or specifying limited quantities reinforces the urgency to act.

Exclusive Content for Attendees

Providing exclusive workshops, behind-the-scenes tours, or other special content boosts the sense of exclusivity. This sets your event apart and motivates ticket purchases from those eager for something they can’t get elsewhere.

Building Social Proof

Social proof leverages existing enthusiasm and endorsements to persuade others to join in. When people see peers or influencers endorsing an event, they’re more inclined to take part themselves.

Influencer Partnerships

Influencers can be highly effective in shaping opinions about your event. Collaborating with those who share your event’s values allows you to tap into their loyal followings. Their enthusiastic posts, giveaways, or insider previews encourage followers to experience the event for themselves.

User-Generated Content Campaigns

User-generated content (UGC) is relatable and trusted. Encourage attendees to post photos, videos, and reviews during your event and assign a memorable hashtag to build a communal conversation. A hashtag contest can further motivate participants to share their unique experiences, creating a shared story that resonates with potential attendees.

Testimonials from Past Attendees

Positive feedback from previous attendees can be a powerful motivator. Featuring genuine quotes in your marketing gives prospective guests a glimpse of what to expect. Even concise testimonials or social media posts can reinforce the message that people loved your event.

Real-Time Social Media Updates

Staying active on social platforms during the event can keep everyone in the loop. For example, a live social media wall can display real-time attendee posts, making participants feel like co-creators of the experience. This sense of involvement can prompt even more people to join in and share content.

Personalising the Event Experience

Attendees increasingly value experiences that fit their personal interests and goals. Tailoring an event to their needs boosts satisfaction and fosters closer connections.

Tailored Communication Strategies

Communication that resonates with attendees is more impactful. Focus on their preferences by using targeted email campaigns, social media updates, or any channels suited to your audience. A well-structured plan outlines timelines, goals, and messaging that highlights how the event caters to specific interests.

Custom Event Agendas

Allow participants to shape parts of the schedule using tools like live polls or pre-event surveys. This kind of involvement enhances engagement, giving attendees a sense of ownership and ensuring they get the most out of the content on offer.

Networking Opportunities

Facilitate meaningful connections by understanding your attendees’ professional objectives or interests. Group sessions, networking apps, and matchmaking tools help them find like-minded individuals. This personal approach enriches the experience and often leads to lasting professional relationships.

Personalised Follow-ups

When the event is over, keep conversations going. Send follow-up emails that reflect what attendees enjoyed or missed and offer opportunities to stay connected or learn more about their guest experience. Timely, relevant follow-ups demonstrate an ongoing commitment to meeting attendees’ interests.

Maximising Post-Event FOMO

Your FOMO strategy doesn’t end when the event does. Post-event engagement is a chance to build on the excitement and entice those who couldn’t make it this time.

Highlight Reels and Recap Videos

Short, lively videos can reawaken the buzz. Post them promptly on social media and your website to remind attendees of the best moments and show non-attendees what they missed. This content also serves as a powerful motivator for attending future events.

Exclusive Post-Event Content

Behind-the-scenes footage or interviews not shared during the main event can intrigue your audience. Gating some of this material may encourage further interaction—even from those who didn’t attend. A thank-you email containing links to these special features is a great way to maintain goodwill and momentum.

Early Access to Future Events

When you’ve just hosted a successful event, it’s an excellent time to announce the next one. Offering early access or priority tickets for future gatherings acknowledges loyal attendees and sparks a sense of privilege that motivates quick sign-ups.

Community Building for Attendees

Events foster communities. Encourage participants to stay connected through dedicated online groups or an active event app. Follow-up meetups or digital networking sessions can further strengthen the bonds formed during your event, laying the groundwork for better attendance and engagement in the future.

Elevating Your Event to Unmissable Heights

Combining anticipation-building, scarcity, exclusivity, social proof, and personalisation creates an atmosphere where people can’t wait to attend. Maintaining engagement with post-event highlights and community-building ensures the energy carries forward, encouraging repeat attendance and positive word of mouth. By weaving these elements together, participants will leave with unforgettable memories and a genuine desire to return for more. Ignite the FOMO and watch the excitement unfold.