Alyson B. Stanfield, Art Biz Coach
 

 

How to Organize & Host an
Art Marketing Workshop

 

1. The most important thing we need for a successful workshop is a single contact–one individual who is enthusiastic and dedicated. He or she should have good connections in the community and be willing to do some work to bring people to the event.

is this you?

I ask that we aim for a minimum of 50 people at the workshop. I also no longer schedule single-day workshops for general self-promotion stuff. We need at least a day and a half and two days are best.

2. Time. Working at least six months in advance will allow both you and me to get the word out. Getting the word out early=more buzz=more participants.

3. We also need a room and chairs. We can talk about the size later, but let’s think big and comfortable! Tables for people to rest their arms on are a big plus. It’s critical that the room can be darkened for slide projection. I much prefer rooms where we can move tables and chairs around to static theater seating.

One of the best places to host your workshop is an educational facility. Think art centers, museums, and college classrooms. I’ve even given a workshop at a gifted high school. Educational facilities are set up for events like this.

4. Online registration. People must be able to register and pay over the Internet. I’ve been doing this long enough to know that not providing online registration is a detterant, which is why I now require that it’s available. You can do this through your shopping cart, through PayPal, or we can arrange to use my shopping cart. If we use mine, there will be an additional charge as this involves merchant fees and extra time on my end.

5. A place to eat. I prefer that everyone stay together for lunch. We can talk, network, and share ideas.

6. An LCD projector and large screen. I’ve got lots of slides to show! Artists, after all, are visual people. We like to see the pictures! Please note that a 6′ screen is insufficient for groups over 30 in number. We really need a larger screen or a blank white wall (please, no sheets or painted brick walls).

7. About three extra tables. I need separate tables for the projector and my computer (which can also be rolling carts). I will also need a table for my books and CDs that are for sale. You might need one more for a registration table.

8. Money. Oh, yes, money. I do have fees, which include travel and accommodations, but I don’t want anyone to lose money on one of my workshops. Let me tailor a workshop to your needs and help you organize and publicize it so that it benefits everyone involved. Email me and we’ll schedule a time to chat.

In return, I will:

1. Provide you with promotional language and anything else you need to publicize your event. I will always be available to help you prepare and I have an online media kit complete with photos.

2. Work hard to prepare for your audience.

3. Be organized, on time, and enthusiastic.

4. Guarantee the satisfaction of your participants or I will refund your money.

Email me and we’ll coordinate a phone call to discuss the possibilities.


Alyson's Workshop & Event Schedule

Sample Art Marketing Workshop

 

Donna Sands

After taking your seminar, I asked for sponsers for my annual retreat/workshop to Washington Island in Wisconsin. Twelve People signed up to sponser me!

My marketing manager also came to the seminar with me. Your books are her bible, which ßshe uses for ideas and to help keep me on schedule with promoting myself.

Your seminar was the best thing I ever helped organize!—Donna Sands

 

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