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Designing Your Event Mix: Difference between revisions

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{{Words of Wisdom
| wisdom  =
No single type of event works for everyone.
A successful Local Group offers a variety of ways to connect — in person and virtually, across different levels of commitment.
A strong event mix increases participation, reduces barriers, and helps more members feel included.
A strong event mix is not about doing more.
It’s about offering the right variety of opportunities so members can connect in ways that work for them.
| success =
* Members can find something that fits their interests and schedule 
* Both in-person and virtual options are available 
* New members have easy entry points 
* Participation reflects a range of engagement styles 
* Events feel consistent, sustainable, and welcoming
| best    =
| pitfalls =
* Offering only one type of event (e.g., only dinners) 
* Overloading the calendar with too many events 
* Ignoring virtual or remote-friendly options 
* Designing events only for already-active members 
* Not providing clear entry points for new members 
}}
== Purpose ==
== Purpose ==
Define an event mix so Local Groups can create a balanced, sustainable mix of activities that supports different member interests, engagement styles, and availability.
Define an event mix so Local Groups can create a balanced, sustainable mix of activities that supports different member interests, engagement styles, and availability.
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* Structured and informal   
* Structured and informal   


See:
See: [[Ideas for Local Group Activities]]
* [[Ideas for Local Group Activities]]
 
=== Engagement Levels ===
=== Engagement Levels ===
Provide options for different levels of commitment.
Provide options for different levels of commitment.


* Low (easy to join, minimal commitment) 
See: [[Engagement Levels Overview]]
* Medium (regular or interest-based participation) 
* High (leadership, hosting, organizing) 
 
See:
* [[Engagement Levels Overview]]
 
=== In-Person and Virtual Balance ===
=== In-Person and Virtual Balance ===
Include both in-person and virtual opportunities.
Include both in-person and virtual opportunities.
* In-person builds deeper relationships 
* Virtual expands access and flexibility 


See:
See:
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=== Core Pages ===
=== Core Pages ===
* [[Local Group Events and Activities]]
* [[Local Group Events and Activities]]
* [[Member Engagement]]
=== Designing Activities ===
* [[Ideas for Local Group Activities]]
* [[Ideas for Local Group Activities]]
* [[Engagement Levels Overview]]
* [[Engagement Levels Overview]]


=== Supporting Access ===
=== Supporting Access ===
* [[Get Involved Virtually|Member Engagement]]
* [[Get Involved Virtually]]
* [[Get Involved Virtually]]
* [[Supporting Remote Members]]
* [[Supporting Remote Members]]

Revision as of 04:26, 1 June 2026

Purpose

Define an event mix so Local Groups can create a balanced, sustainable mix of activities that supports different member interests, engagement styles, and availability.

What Is an Event Mix?

Your event mix is the combination of:

  • Types of activities (social, intellectual, virtual, etc.)
  • Levels of engagement (low, medium, high)
  • Formats (in-person and virtual)
  • Timing and frequency

The goal is not more events — it’s the right mix of events.

Core Dimensions of a Strong Event Mix

Variety

Offer different types of activities so more members can find something that fits.

  • Social, intellectual, creative, and experiential
  • Structured and informal

See: Ideas for Local Group Activities

Engagement Levels

Provide options for different levels of commitment.

See: Engagement Levels Overview

In-Person and Virtual Balance

Include both in-person and virtual opportunities.

See:

Accessibility and Timing

Make it easier for members to attend.

  • Vary days and times
  • Consider travel distance and schedules
  • Include low-effort options

Simple Planning Framework

When planning your event mix, ask:

  • Who are we trying to reach? (new, remote, active, etc.)
  • What engagement levels are we offering?
  • Do we have both in-person and virtual options?
  • Are there clear, low-barrier entry points?
  • Does this add variety to what we already offer?

Example Balanced Monthly Mix

A simple, sustainable approach:

  • 1 low-commitment activity (e.g., coffee, virtual hangout)
  • 1 medium-engagement activity (e.g., book club, discussion)
  • 1 social or group event (e.g., dinner, outing)
  • 1 virtual option (can overlap with above)

This is a guideline — adapt based on your group’s size and capacity.

Start Small and Build

You don’t need a full calendar immediately.

  • Start with 2–3 consistent events
  • Add variety gradually
  • Focus on what works
  • Repeat successful formats

Consistency is more valuable than volume.

Core Pages

Supporting Access

Planning and Execution