How can you use storytelling and branding to promote your conference?

1 Define your purpose

The first step to use storytelling and branding to promote your conference is to define your purpose. Why are you organizing this conference? What is the main theme or message you want to convey? What are the goals and outcomes you want to achieve? Your purpose should be clear, concise, and compelling. It should also align with your target audience's needs, interests, and expectations. Your purpose will guide your storytelling and branding strategy throughout the planning and execution of your conference.

2 Create your story

The second step to use storytelling and branding to promote your conference is to create your story. Your story is the narrative that connects your purpose with your audience. It should answer the questions: Who are you? What do you do? How do you do it? And why does it matter? Your story should be authentic, relevant, and engaging. It should also showcase your unique value proposition, your credibility, and your impact. You can use different formats and channels to tell your story, such as videos, podcasts, blogs, social media, newsletters, or webinars.

3 Develop your brand

The third step to use storytelling and branding to promote your conference is to develop your brand. Your brand is the visual and verbal identity that represents your story. It should include elements such as your name, logo, slogan, colors, fonts, images, tone, and voice. Your brand should be consistent, distinctive, and recognizable. It should also reflect your personality, values, and culture. You can use different tools and platforms to create and manage your brand, such as Canva, Squarespace, Mailchimp, or Hootsuite.

4 Showcase your speakers

The fourth step to use storytelling and branding to promote your conference is to showcase your speakers. Your speakers are the key assets that add value, credibility, and diversity to your conference. They are also the main attraction for your potential attendees. You should use storytelling and branding to highlight your speakers' expertise, experience, and insights. You should also use storytelling and branding to showcase your speakers' personal stories, passions, and perspectives. You can use different methods and media to showcase your speakers, such as interviews, testimonials, bios, headshots, or social media posts.

5 Engage your community

The fifth step to use storytelling and branding to promote your conference is to engage your community. Your community is the network of people who share your purpose, story, and brand. They include your attendees, sponsors, partners, media, influencers, and fans. You should use storytelling and branding to build relationships, trust, and loyalty with your community. You should also use storytelling and branding to encourage interaction, feedback, and advocacy from your community. You can use different strategies and tactics to engage your community, such as contests, polls, surveys, live chats, or hashtags.

6 Deliver your experience

The sixth and final step to use storytelling and branding to promote your conference is to deliver your experience. Your experience is the culmination of your purpose, story, and brand. It is the impression and emotion that you create for your attendees, speakers, sponsors, and partners. You should use storytelling and branding to design and deliver a memorable, meaningful, and enjoyable experience. You should also use storytelling and branding to measure and improve your experience. You can use different techniques and technologies to deliver your experience, such as agendas, apps, gamification, or feedback forms.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?