### 9 Insider Tips for Cultivating a Loyal Event Community

**by Angela Haupt** May 11 2022

Without community, there would be no events. But it takes work to foster a loyal, consistent group of people who return to your events again and again.

During Eventbrite’s [**RECONVENE Sessions**](/content/reconvene/?utm_source=reconvene&utm_medium=MLP&utm_campaign=navbar/index.html) event **Squad Goals: Cultivating a Loyal Event Community**, three expert community builders and event organizers shared how they built — and continue to maintain — a dedicated following.

### Watch the full event recording — featuring [SoulfulofNoise](/content/o/soulfulofnoise-9896634880/index.html), [Center for Council](/content/o/center-for-council-8148687301/index.html), and [Black Velveteen Yoga](/content/o/marquita-rene-30673360980/index.html) — below:

[Squad Goals: Cultivating a Loyal Event Community](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NzgTxpDOERo)

Read on for a teaser of key takeaways from each of the event’s speakers. **Want more in-depth insights? Watch the full video above.**

### **Xavier Henderson, co-founder of SoulfulofNoise**
_The California-based platform supports independent artists and musicians through events like Soulful Sundays and the SoulfulofNoise Music Festival._

**1\. Commit to solving one problem**  
Xavier Henderson liked attending Black events, and Los Angeles didn’t have any that he felt comfortable going to — so he designed his own.

**2\. Aim to provide value**  
Ask your community: What would you like us to do? If they say they don’t want to travel so far to your events, host pop-ups that are closer.

**3\. Focus on the “freemium” model, at least at first**  
Make your first events free, and use them as a way to build your email database.

### **Maria Schnair, director of advancement at Center for Council**
_California-based civic organization Center for Council fosters good communication and community by providing training for businesses, health care agencies, and law enforcement._

**1\. Overcoming an “us” vs. “them” mentality**  
We’re all facing this challenge right now, and we need to consider where it comes from — and then take action against it. Fortunately, there are some key strategies to help, including dissolving bias, listening from the heart, practicing, and employing compassionate action.

**2\. Ask yourself: How are you making participants feel welcome?**  
The Center for Council’s events include seating in a circle, so there’s no front row or back row or “good seats.” The physical space and energy are equally welcoming to everyone.

**3\. Are you supporting continued engagement?**  
Aim to build connections between your event’s participants. Before attendees leave, ask them to say one word that describes what made the event meaningful to them.

### **Marquita René, founder of Black Velveteen Yoga**  
_Black Velveteen Yoga offers yoga and sound baths for everyone, designed to calm the mind and enhance wellness. Classes are available in-person in California or via livestream._

**1\. Engage frequently and regularly**  
When Marquita René founded Black Velveteen Yoga during the pandemic, she sent a weekly email and made sure her audience knew when they would hear from her. Eventbrite’s tools can help make this easy.

**2\. Choose photos wisely**  
You know what they say: a photo is worth a thousand words. It can also help make your event listing stand out from a thousand others. Avoid stock images whenever possible!

**3\. Cultivate partnerships**  
Look for local organizations that have the same goal as you, and reach out to them. Joining forces will help both of you expand your audiences and communities.

### **We’re Looking for the Next Culture Maker**
Eventbrite’s **RECONVENE Accelerator** offers direct support to creators who build community and help shape culture. An inaugural class of five creators will each win $10,000 and participate in a mentorship program to help bring their inspiring new event ideas to life. Are you ready to take your community to the next level? [Apply now](/content/l/reconvene-accelerator/?utm_campaign=accelerator_announcement&utm_medium=email&_hsmi=208380619&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-_bQbW6DVzYnrbZB1N2cJ6Zu4TKXENvNVm9mH45hbiMUeSo5FA1Y0MH-XmjzmPzciN80mhQH2IqrF1FNJUqP2bpx5N8JQ&utm_source=reconvene/index.html).