Highlights from the Gather + Grow One-Day Workshop Experience

Earlier this year I set a goal to host more in-person workshops local to Nashville. I wanted to provide simpler, “get-it-done” sessions where attendees could connect, learn a new skill, and implement it all in a day. 

With AI tools emerging as amazing resources for content creation, I was excited to focus this “Gather and Grow” workshop on that. I invited my long-time friend and ai expert, Brittany Long, to join me. She teaches entrepreneurs how to use Chat GPT and AI to support their businesses and she was the perfect partner for the day!

Let me tell you, friend, this event was such a huge success!

From the venue selection to the content delivery to the attendee engagement, it was such a magical day that I couldn’t help but share a recap with you. 

So, if you are dreaming of dipping your toes in hosting workshops, read on for the highlights and tips on how to host your own! 

Inviting a collaborator made the day!
Working with Brittany, known for her expertise in evergreen content, added amazing value to the day. She shared all her fabulous knowledge of ways to use AI to create engaging material. Attendees walked away feeling empowered with great tools to start using AI for their own content.

The right venue elevated the experience.
I chose a local, cozy co-working space that provided a few different types of areas to fit our needs. The conference rooms were great for Brittany’s training. They also enabled attendees to open their laptops, roll up their sleeves and get to work. And, while I really appreciated the simplicity of setting up the technology, it would have been helpful to have a projection screen for visibility. Next time I will definitely bring my own projector.

A hands-on learning experience helped attendees solidify new skills.
This workshop was designed for attendees to practice writing with AI tools in real-time. Brittany and I walked around the room answering questions and interacting with attendees to ensure they understood how to use the tools. As the host, I was also able to facilitate questions to enhance the learning experience, too. Ensuring all attendees were engaged was key to this workshop being successful.

I loved the connections made!
With a group size of 15, we were able to have meaningful discussions and give personalized attention people needed. I was so thrilled to see entrepreneurs with varied backgrounds come together and get so much done for our businesses in just one day.

The post-event feedback was fabulous!
Attendees gave overwhelmingly positive reviews after the workshop. They loved that it was very practical and they could implement the training on the spot. 

I can’t wait for you to incorporate some of these takeaways into your next event.

If you are inspired to host your own one-day workshop, here are some recommendations to kickstart your planning.

Determine what you want to offer.
Think about the unique knowledge or skills you can share. What are you passionate about, and what do your potential attendees want to learn? 

Create a plan.
Design an outline for your workshop including your objectives. Choose a venue that reflects your brand and is suitable for what you want to accomplish during your event. And, create engaging content that incorporates your knowledge with ways to communicate it to your audience.

Get the word out.
Create engaging content about your event through social media, your website and your email list. Consider offering early bird discounts or special bonuses for attendees who inquire early. 

Encourage engagement.
During the workshop, encourage interaction and participation. Create an environment where attendees feel comfortable sharing and asking questions.

Get feedback.
Be sure to get feedback from your attendees to understand what worked well, what could be improved and to have testimonials you can use for future events. That information can be a goldmine for your business!

Hosting “Gather + Grow” was such a fun experience! If you are dreaming of designing and booking out your own event, I would love to help you make that happen! 

Join me for my  "Mastering Retreats" workshop series at amberhousley.com/retreatworkshop.

Let’s dig into ways to create a one-of-a-kind experience unique to your business.

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