The art of a good member appreciation party eludes most fitness businesses. To have a good experience you need to first outline the goals of your party.
1. Reward members with an event they’ll remember.
2. Generate referrals.
3. Spur word of mouth awareness for your business.
Reward you members by providing them with a fun environment. The biggest key to success is NOT making the event about fitness or wellness — they spend enough time on that throughout the week. Your event should be about fun, food and prizes. Pizza, beer, wings and wine are all keys to success. Of course you can through the veggie plate and protein shakes out there also.
Invite your members to bring friends and reward them for referrals. Hold drawings, allow them to spin a reward wheel — whatever you think will get them interacting with you and other members.
The more fun, rewarding and unexpected your event is the more people your members will tell. Think about it — if you walked into your gym and they gave you a slice a pizza and had you play a game, how many people would you tell verses walking in and getting the same old protein bar, guest pass and free t-shirt?
Chris Batchelor
Health Club Marketing Contributor
