Company events are an investment in your team that takes hours of time, significant energy, and funds to plan. Whether you’re planning an employee luncheon, company picnic, or employee celebration, you’ll want to make sure you gain a maximum return on your investment with a high level of attendance and participation. Sometimes, getting people to participate in company events becomes a challenge. While one hundred percent engagement is not likely, there are actions you can take to increase attendance and get your employees excited.
If you’re looking for practical ways to increase corporate event attendance, the key is to plan early, communicate clearly, and remove common barriers so more employees actually show up and participate.
1. Communicate with your employees frequently and with ample time.
This might seem obvious, but telling your employees about a company event should involve more than sending one email. Promote your event with clarity and consistently. In addition to an email blast, send personal invites (especially to key teams and managers). Hang posters or flyers around your building and use every opportunity to bring it up in meetings and side conversations. Using multiple forms of communication ensures no employee is left out. With everyone’s busy schedules, it’s important to give guests ample notice to put it on their calendars and make plans to attend, one of the simplest company event attendance tips for better turnout.
2. Give your employees something to look forward to.
Get creative with different ways to excite and enthrall your employees. Consider raffling off different bingo prizes. Secure delicious catering and entice them with a delicious meal. Tease the games and activities that will be there when spreading the word about your event. Do you have exciting announcements to make? Save it for the event! Consider what is special to your employees that will motivate them to come, and build in memorable corporate event entertainment that fits your culture (photo booth, team games, live music, a friendly competition, or interactive stations).
3. Include your employees’ families at company events.
When you host a company event, you are providing an opportunity for employees to spend quality time with each other. When you include their families, you’re enhancing the experience and providing valuable time for connection. Bringing families into the workplace helps to break barriers and foster a deeper sense of understanding between one another. Plus, this removes the hurdle for parents who would otherwise need a babysitter, one of the most effective options for corporate event turnout improvement. RH Events & Catering specializes in planning family-friendly company events. Check out our page on family corporate events.
4. Make your company event convenient.
Hosting your company event on-site or close by makes it more likely your employees will show up because of the convenience. This makes it easy for them to find and guarantees plenty of parking. Allowing ample time for the duration of the event also adds convenience giving guests the opportunity to pop in when they can. When possible, make attendance effortless for employees by providing clear directions, reminder texts/emails, and a simple RSVP link. These smart company event attendance tips help reduce no-shows.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can we track which strategies increased event attendance?
Use RSVP tracking (form or event link), check-in counts at the door, and a short post-event survey asking, “What made you decide to attend?” Compare results by channel (email, manager invite, posters, intranet) to see what drives attendance.
How do we reduce no-shows for a free company event?
Require a simple RSVP, send calendar invites, confirm attendance 1–2 days prior, and add small incentives (raffle entry, reserved seating, or take-home items) that encourage follow-through.
How important is convenience for employee events attendance?
Very important. Location, timing, parking, and schedule flexibility are often the biggest predictors of turnout. The easier it is to attend, the more likely employees will show up.
Company events can positively contribute to building stronger relationships in the workplace and boosting morale. A great turnout is important for a great event and the lasting impression it will leave on your team. You and your employees deserve to enjoy the day. Contact RH Events & Catering to plan an experience employees actually want to attend, complete with catering, logistics, and entertainment options designed for real corporate event turnout improvement.
