SHS061: How To Have Big Turnouts For Events | Event Marketing Strategies 2026
Intro
What does it actually take…
👉 To get 40+ people to show up to your event?
👉 And turn that event into something that makes money?
In this solo episode, Elijah Bilel breaks down the behind-the-scenes strategy behind one of his most successful events.
This episode is part one of a multi-part series where Elijah expands on what was introduced in Season 3 Episode 1.
If you haven’t seen that yet, it’s highly recommended you check it out below before continuing, as it provides key visual context for what’s being discussed.
Episode Overview
This episode kicks off a 3-part (possibly 4-part) series covering:
How the event achieved a 40+ person turnout
Why specific questions were asked during the event
How the event actually made money
The strategy behind turning events into business assets
Listen to the Episode
Check us out on Apple Podcasts or Spotify! While you’re there, hit subscribe so you don’t miss our latest episodes!
Side Hustler’s Society Resources
If you’re looking to build something similar—whether it’s a meetup group, event-based brand, or turning your skills into income—you can book a strategy session with Elijah Here
Why This Episode Matters
This episode expands on a major moment:
The 10-Year Anniversary Event
Built around The Veggie Outers, this wasn’t just a celebration…
👉 It was a strategic business move
What Most People Saw
A large event
Great turnout
Strong community
What Was Actually Happening
👉 Lead generation
👉 Brand positioning
👉 Monetization setup
Key Takeaway
👉 Events aren’t just experiences—they’re assets
Breaking Down the Series (What’s Coming Next)
Elijah lays out the full roadmap:
Part 1 (This Episode)
👉 How the event produced a large turnout
Part 2
👉 Why specific questions were asked during the event
Part 3
👉 How the event made money
Potential Part 4 (Bonus)
👉 Depends on audience engagement
The First Big Insight: Events Are Underrated
One of the most important points early on:
Most People Underestimate Events
Especially:
Content creators
Freelancers
Solo entrepreneurs
But Events Can Be Powerful
👉 They bring people together
👉 They position you as a leader
👉 They create monetization opportunities
Key Insight
👉 If you can get “butts in seats,” you can build a business
What Made This Event So Powerful
This wasn’t just any event.
1. It Positioned The Brand
The anniversary helped solidify The Veggie Outers as:
👉 A leading plant-based community in the area
2. It Created a “Cultural Moment”
Large turnout (~42 people)
Unique experience (vegan buffet + Q&A + networking)
People still talking about it afterward
3. It Acted as a Soft Rebrand
After the event:
More content output
Expanded into health & wellness topics
Better integration with The Side Hustler’s Society
4. It Helped Others Make Money
Restaurant partner benefited financially
Vendors gained exposure
Community members received value
Key Takeaway
👉 The best events create value for multiple people—not just you
Tip #1: Don’t Do It Alone
One of the biggest reasons for the turnout:
Collaboration
Instead of doing everything himself, Elijah:
Brought in a host (Yoshi)
Hired a videographer (Xander)
Why This Matters
Each person:
👉 Promoted the event to their own network
👉 Brought in new audiences
👉 Increased reach organically
Key Insight
👉 The more people invested in the event…
👉 The bigger it becomes
Tip #2: Know Your REAL Target Audience
This is where things get interesting.
The Surprise
The Veggie Outers wasn’t originally built for vegans.
The Real Target
👉 Non-vegans curious about plant-based living
Why This Works
Larger audience pool
Easier entry point
More opportunity for growth
Key Takeaway
👉 Your audience isn’t always who you think it is
Tip #3: Positioning Is Everything
Most people fail here.
What Most People Do
👉 “Hey, I’m hosting an event. Come through.”
What Elijah Did Instead
He positioned the event as:
A 10-year anniversary (built-in significance)
A special experience (vegan buffet)
A welcoming environment (new people encouraged)
Why That Matters
👉 People need a reason to care
Key Insight
👉 How you present the event determines turnout
Tip #4: Make It Inclusive (Not Exclusive)
A hidden mistake many people make:
The Problem
People assume:
👉 “This event isn’t for me”
The Fix
Elijah made it clear:
First-timers are welcome
You don’t need to be vegan
Anyone curious can attend
Key Takeaway
👉 Remove barriers → increase attendance
Tip #5: Leverage Platforms Properly
Another key factor:
Multiple Platforms Used
Facebook groups
Meetup
Event-based platforms
Why This Matters
👉 Different audiences exist on different platforms
Key Insight
👉 More platforms = more exposure
The Bigger Lesson From This Episode
This episode isn’t just about events.
It’s About Leverage
Because When Done Right
An event can:
Build your brand
Grow your audience
Generate leads
Create income opportunities
Key Takeaway
👉 Events are one of the most underutilized business tools
Final Thoughts
If you take anything from this episode, let it be this:
👉 Don’t just attend events
👉 Learn how to create them
Because the real opportunity is this:
👉 Turning attention into community
👉 And community into income