Event Ideas to Grow Your Community and Holistic Business

There are so many ways to connect with your audience, but when you offer a service and/or are hoping to build authenticity and trust, there is no better connection than the one you can get in person. I’m a big fan of gathering a group of like-minded individuals in one place to share stories, hold space for one another, and create opportunities for connection and growth.

It may feel daunting to host an event if this is a new venture for you, but I promise you’ll get such a reward! Don’t overthink it - lean into your offering and your audience and the rest will fall into place.

I’ve gathered some event ideas to get you thinking about the format that might work best for you. Keep your audience and intention at the top of your mind as you consider these, and remember that you already have the offering within you - now it’s time to share it with others.

Wellness Workshops and Classes:

Host wellness workshops or classes that showcase your expertise in holistic practices like yoga, meditation, nutrition, or energy healing. These events can serve as a platform to educate and engage potential clients, and they can be as focused as you’d like them to be. Consider incorporating a few different modalities so the event stands out from a standard class that they could find elsewhere.

Holistic or Wellness Retreats:

Retreats in serene natural settings can provide your participants with a transformative experience and an introduction to many modalities in one experience. These longer-duration events help you build stronger connections with attendees while helping attendees build stronger connections with one another. This does not have to be a retreat in a foreign country, either - you can take advantage of beautiful settings in your local area for a beautiful experience.

Healing Circles or Meditation Gatherings:

A bit more intimate than a workshop, a healing circle or meditation gathering brings people of similar backgrounds/experiences together to go deeper in connection and healing with one another. This can be hosted for groups who already know each other other or with strangers who are open and willing to connect.

Mindful Networking:

Create opportunities for networking and connection during your events. Encourage attendees to talk with each other, share their experiences, and foster a sense of community and support.

Outdoor Gatherings:

Escape the confines of indoor studios and invite your guests to join you in nature for a yoga practice, mindful walk, or workshop. This immersive experience helps you showcase your offering while offering attendees a deeper connection and an escape from the hustle of everyday life.

Guest Practitioners and Experts:

Invite guest practitioners and experts in related fields to your events. Their insights and knowledge can attract a wider audience, add credibility, and encourage your participants to try other offerings that they may not be as familiar with.

Themed Events:

Host themed events centered around holistic topics such as stress management, holistic nutrition, or mindfulness. You can tailor your event’s content to address current trends or concerns and create an open dialogue with attendees.

Wellness Fairs and Expos:

Participate in (or organize!) wellness fairs and expos to showcase your offering alongside other practitioners. It's a great way to tap into an existing audience of wellness enthusiasts while connecting with other practitioners with whom you could co-host an event in the future. In the Pacific Northwest area, I really enjoy MeWe events.

Holistic Product Showcases:

If you sell holistic products, consider hosting product showcase events where attendees can experience and purchase your offerings. Invite other practitioners or sellers to bring your attendees a more comprehensive experience.

Online Webinars and Virtual Retreats:

It isn’t always easy or feasible to meet in person, so I do recommend embracing online webinars and virtual retreats to reach a more global audience. You can always offer a virtual option for your in-person events as well.

Holistic Health Assessments:

If this is within your expertise, offer complimentary holistic assessments during your events, giving attendees a personalized taste of your services. This could be in the form of a free offer that leads to attendees wanting to work with you to go deeper.

Holistic Cooking or Nutrition Workshops:

If you specialize in nutrition, a great way to showcase your offering and connect with your audience is through cooking workshops or nutrition classes that teach attendees how to prepare more nutritious meals. People love hands-on approaches and an opportunity to chat with an expert as they learn.

Gift Bag Giveaways:

However you decide to host your event, pull together some small items and coupons from other practitioners and local businesses that your audience can take home with them. This will give them something to look back on after the event while encouraging them to reconnect with you at a later time.

Choosing how to plan an event is as unique as your offering and it’s a decision that you, and only you, can make. As you consider your options, remember to think about the event’s intention and how you want your audience to feel before, during, and after the event.

When you’re ready to think through the details, I’m here to help.