6 Ways to Make Your Parade Event More Engaging (Plus Bonus Tips!)
Creating an unforgettable parade experience involves more than just showcasing beautiful homes. It is about creating memorable moments for your visitors. Here are six proven ways to increase engagement and make your event stand out. Be sure to save this graphic below for future reference!
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1. Partner with Local Businesses
Teaming up with nearby hotels, restaurants, coffee shops, and boutiques can expand your reach and help attract out-of-town guests. Offer exclusive discounts for ticket holders, such as 10% off lunch or a free dessert, to encourage spending in your community.
Bonus Tip: Feature these partners in your app or website listings. You can also include their locations on your digital parade map.
2. Leverage Video Walkthroughs
Offer video walkthroughs or 3D Matterport tours of each home. These digital experiences not only add value to your ticket sales but also let guests revisit their favorite homes after the event is over.
Example: “Couldn’t make it in person? Your ticket gives you access to the full virtual experience through the app for 30 days.”
3. Use Voting to Hear What Your Attendees Liked
Let your visitors vote for their favorite homes using a “People’s Choice” system. Add fun categories such as “Best Kitchen,” “Most Unique Landscaping,” or “Friendliest Greeters.”
Why it works: It encourages more interaction, creates friendly competition among builders, and provides valuable insights you can use for future events.
4. Generate Social Buzz with a Custom Hashtag
Encourage attendees to post their favorite photos and moments using a branded hashtag like #CityParadeOfHomes. Feature the best photos on your app or website.
Incentive idea: Everyone who uses the hashtag could be entered into a giveaway for a free ticket to next year’s event.
5. Include Local Food Vendors at Remote Homes
Placing popular food trucks at homes that are farther from town helps keep visitors energized and engaged. Promote the food vendors in your social media posts, on the ParadeSmart app, and in printed materials.
Why it works: Great food keeps guests happy and boosts visibility for local vendors.
6. Scavenger Hunts and Prize Incentives
Encourage full participation with a digital scavenger hunt. With ParadeSmart ticket scanning, you can easily track which visitors scanned into every home.
Example incentive: “Visit all homes and be entered to win a $250 gift card.”
Bonus Tips: Flexibility and Feedback
The best events are willing to adapt. Be open to trying new ideas, listening to feedback, and making improvements based on visitor experience. Post-event surveys, builder feedback, and team debriefs are excellent tools for growth.