Fall is the peak season for events of all kinds. Corporate gatherings and festivals. Conferences and parties. The activities are endless. And the autumn season offers a natural, beautiful way to decorate and brand your event, and engage attendees pre-, during-, and post-event. Here are some proven marketing strategies to help your fall event stand out.

Autumn event decor
Photo by: JE Artography

Embrace Autumnal Visuals

Set the tone from the beginning by embracing fall colors and visuals. Whether you’re crafting your invitations, designing t-shirts, building your event website, or choosing themes for your presentations, fall colors like burnt orange, deep reds, golden yellows, and forest greens create a welcoming, seasonal atmosphere that is sure to engage your attendees.

Here’s an Idea: Use seasonal photos of your venue – think fall foliage and cozy outdoor spaces – to enhance your promotional materials, from Instagram posts and email headers to brochures and posters. 

Offer Fall-Themed Discounts and Promotions

Adding a fall theme to your discounts and promotions creates seasonal excitement. Even if your event takes place in a different season, theme your promotions with autumn touches for a limited-time appeal. Early-bird discounts or promo codes named “FALL24” or “PUMPKIN10” give a festive touch, making the event feel timely and exclusive.

Here’s an Idea: Consider creating a temporary, seasonal landing page for ticket sales that incorporates fall design elements. Not only does this create a cohesive feel, but it also offers attendees an immersive experience from the start.

Men standing by food and beverage cart
Photo by: Maica from Getty Images Signature

Partner with Fall-Themed Vendors

Partnering with local artisans and vendors who offer seasonal foods and items can create an authentic fall experience while supporting local businesses. Bring in local orchards for fresh apples and apple cider; partner with bakeries for autumn-inspired treats like pumpkin muffins and pumpkin pie; or rent a coffee cart that offers spiced lattes and cozy coffees.

Here’s an Idea: Set up a vendor area where attendees can sample seasonal offerings. These partnerships benefit the vendors and add variety to the event, creating unique interactions and photo opportunities that attendees can share on social media.

Pumpkin carving
Photo by: a.dL

Plan an Immersive Fall Experience

Create an onsite experience that lets attendees fully immerse in the fall season. Decorate the venue with pumpkins, hay bales, and string lights. Use natural elements like dried leaves, acorns, or pinecones as centerpieces or decor accents. If the weather allows, add fire pits, heaters, or blankets to create a cozy outdoor lounge space. You can even set up a marshmallow roasting station.

Here’s an Idea: Organize experiences like pumpkin carving or a DIY caramel apple station. These activities aren’t just fun and engaging; they also offer a great opportunity for attendees to share their experiences on social media.

Woman outside with a dog
Photo by: Getty Image Signature

Engage Attendees with Interactive Content

User-generated content resonates with consumers. It’s inexpensive, gives unique perspectives, and shows you how event attendees are interacting with your activations. Use your social media channels to promote the event with fall-themed content like countdowns and short videos so attendees can see what’s in store. 

Here’s an Idea: Host a pre-event social media contest that encourages attendees to use your event hashtag. Offer a drink voucher, event merchandise, VIP experiences, or the chance to be featured on the event social media accounts. Make it a Fall Photo Challenge and get your attendees excited to participate. 

Holiday dancers in an outdoor parade
Photo by: Jennifer McCallum for Getty Images

Say Goodbye to Your Attendees…and Autumn

Just like the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade marks the transition from fall to the holiday season, your event can too! Incorporate a few wintery decorations and color schemes into your final moments to signal the end of the event and build excitement for the next one.

Here’s an Idea: Set up a cozy farewell station where attendees can enjoy hot chocolate or apple cider as they exit. Decorate the area with subtle holiday hints like twinkling lights, evergreen accents, or a wintery backdrop for one last photo opp.

Conclusion

As we venture into the prime time of fall, incorporating fall-inspired activations into your event marketing strategy can enhance the onsite experience and the online engagement with your event. With visuals, strategic partnerships, immersive activities, and surprise and delights, incorporating the cozy charm of fall into your event will give your attendees a seasonal experience that will carry into the next season and beyond.