Imagine Woody without Buzz, or Thelma without Louise. Sometimes even the craziest idea makes sense when you’ve got your best friend by your side. Because when you’re asking someone to scale a wall or run further than their closest Starbucks, it helps to remember the old adage: misery loves company. Here’s how to increase your registration numbers at your next race by encouraging event teams:
The Power of Community
Promote the buddy system. People love hanging out with their friends, and the numbers don’t lie:
- Four million people participated in non-traditional running events (e.g., Tough Mudder, The Color Run) in the U.S. in 2013.
- Sixty-percent of The Color Run participants have never run a 5K.
The appeal of these non-traditional races are in the way they promote teamwork and friendship rather than rivalry—offering novices the unique opportunity to try an activity he or she would normally never do on their own. Having a built-in support system throughout a race makes it more fun, and still gives participants a sense of accomplishment when they cross the finish line.
The Buzz of Social Media
Smile! We’re a society that likes to share, and when we’re with our friends, we document everything. Participants who post pictures online before, during, and after a race, create an instant visual connection with their social circles that gets their friends thinking, ‘That’s cool! I want to do that!’ Call it peer pressure or FOMO, but people are more likely to participate in an activity after they see someone they know post about it on social media. And more participation can lead to more revenue. Try the team approach for your next race and get your participants having the time of their lives, instead of worrying about their final time.
Get Your Event Going
Ready to plan your event? Create your next event on Events.com.
