Types of Events You Should Try Hosting in Your Community
Explore top community event types from webinars to member-led sessions. Learn how to boost engagement & craft a standout member experience like a pro.
Communities thrive on connection - and events are the heartbeat of that connection. Whether you're nurturing a budding community or scaling an already engaged group, the right events can turn occasional participants into devoted advocates.
From sparking authentic conversations to growing your member base organically, hosting events in your community isn’t just a box to tick; it’s a magic wand to strengthen trust, boost engagement, and drive sustainable growth.
Here’s your definitive guide to creating a plethora of community events that work every time.
1. Educational / Value-Driven Events
When you position your community as a hub for learning, you build trust and establish credibility. Educational events give your members something tangible to take away - knowledge, insights, or skills - that keeps them coming back for more.
Event Ideas:
Workshops: Think "how-to" sessions like "Monetize Your Instagram" for content creators or "Scaling Your Startup on a Budget."
Webinars / Masterclasses: Bring in experts to deep-dive into niche topics via virtual events, like AI in marketing or stress-free tax tips.
Panel Discussions: Gather industry voices for multi-perspective insights.
Book / Article Clubs: Turn a book theme or industry article into collaborative learning opportunities.
Why They Work:
Value creates trust. Members see your community as the go-to place for expertise, which builds loyalty and retention. Plus, well-executed educational events often result in high shareability through word-of-mouth promotion.
2. Community-Building / Social Events
At the heart of every vibrant community is belonging. Social events are where human connections shine - and where relationships can blossom. These events bring personality to your group, showing that it’s not just about knowledge but about people.
Event Ideas:
Welcome Calls / Coffee Chats: Perfect ice-breaker events to help new members feel at home.
Themed Hangouts: Picture a "90s Movie Trivia" Zoom or a "Mindfulness Morning" virtual session.
Offline Meetups: If geographically possible, nothing beats IRL bonding over coffee or cocktails.
Show & Tell: Members share work/ideas (e.g., creative projects or wins).
Speed Networking: Short, timed one-on-one chats to meet many new members fast.
Why They Work:
Belonging boosts engagement. When members feel like they belong, they are more likely to stay actively involved, bringing new members along with them.
3. Growth / UGC-Driven Events
When members start creating content and promoting your community themselves, it’s a scaling goldmine. Growth-focused events incentivize members to participate, share their experiences, and draw new people into your orbit.
Event Ideas:
30-Day Challenges: Fitness, writing, or meditation challenges paired with a hashtag for social media buzz. Examples such as #30DaysOfWellness are evergreen.
Contests / Giveaways: Simple rules like "Create a post reflecting our community’s values to win [X prize]."
Referral Sprints: Motivate members to invite others with rewards-based structures.
Launch Parties: Celebrate product or course launches with community-exclusive perks and activities.
Why They Work:
When your members share their experiences, you're not just hosting events - you’re creating content engines. Shareable moments mean organic growth without heavy spending on ads.
4. Expert / Guest-Led Events
Bring in professional clout with minimal internal effort by inviting guest speakers or mentors into the mix. This introduces fresh perspectives without additional strain on you or your core team.
Event Ideas:
Fireside Chats / Interviews: Relaxed conversations with industry leaders or influencers.
Guest Masterclasses: Deep-dive into niche areas with specialists.
Mentor Office Hours: Community-driven mentoring sessions with subject-matter experts.
Guest AMAs: Give members exclusive access to ask pivotal experts anything!
Why They Work:
Experts lend credibility to your community. They can also help attract new members who want access to their insights - especially when those insights are exclusive.
5. Member-Led Events
When members start hosting events, magic happens. These initiatives enable your community to move beyond just engagement and into ownership.
Event Ideas:
Peer-Led Sessions: A marketer shares social media hacks; a designer explains portfolio tips.
Community Circles: Recurring themed discussion groups where everyone has a voice.
Talent Shows / Open Mics: Creative members get the spotlight in a low-pressure setup.
Topic Rooms: One-off chats on trending subjects initiated by members.
Why They Work:
Ownership fosters stickiness. People are far more likely to stick around in a community that encourages their unique contributions.
6. Bonus Tip! Recurring Formats That Build Habits
Consistency is king for engagement. Recurring events that members can plan around create habits, which in turn establish long-term loyalty.
Event Ideas:
Weekly Wins: Celebrate small victories every Friday with shoutouts.
Monthly Deep Dives: A monthly pick for either themed learning or collaborative projects.
Friday Fun / Meme Nights: Foster some #TGIF vibes by sharing laughs.
Quarterly Townhalls: Share updates, milestones, and community plans while involving member feedback.
Why They Work:
Most often, recurring formats set schedules that foster regular participation. Habits formed = ongoing engagement = stronger community bond.
Lights, Camera, Connection
Not every community needs to run every event format under the sun. Start where your community currently stands:
Newly formed? Focus on education and social events to connect members.
Growing fast? Shift toward UGC and expert-led formats for viral, high-impact interactions.
Well-established? Empower members to lead and build recurring rituals.
And when in doubt, focus on memorable moments. Your job isn’t just to run events but to spark conversations members will share, recall, and cherish long after they close their laptops.
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Because great communities don’t just talk - they gather, share, and grow.
