Events create momentum. They foster connections. They engender excitement and anticipation.
There is a small window, immediately after an event, to sustain that momentum and convert it into a community.
Don’t ease up after an event, push harder.
Identify the key topics and invite people to share their thoughts on the topic within the community. Put together a working paper on behalf of the group related to that topic. Invite attendees to give suggestions within a community for the next events.
Publish a roundup of the key topics at the event. Continue the informal discussions you had with members in the community
Let members share pictures through the community from the event. Make introductions and encourage members to cement their new-found connections from the event.
It would be a tragedy, having spent so much time building up anticipation of an event, to let its success immediately dissipate.