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Ideas for running precinct events and activations

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Stuck for inspiration? Check out these ideas for precinct events and activations. Find steps to help host a successful experience.

Events and activations can help your precinct engage with the local community and new customers, while showcasing small business, local attractions and restaurants. 

Delivering small events frequently can create ongoing impact by motivating customers to return, as well as minimising the risks associated with large events.

If you’re stuck for inspiration, we’ve pulled together some ideas for events and activations. We've also included simple steps to help your precinct hold a successful event or activation.

If you need more help with boosting your precinct, check out enhancing your retail precinct.

Activation ideas

Coupon flyers 

A flyer of coupons featuring offers for different businesses in your precinct can provide affordable and effective promotion for the precinct.

It can build awareness of participating businesses and allow customers to discover new businesses.  

You could consider building a coupon flyer around a particular theme (e.g. dining deals).

Make sure coupons are valid for an agreed time period (e.g. one month) and that location and contact information (website, social media) for the precinct is included in the flyer.  

Flyers can be printed and distributed to the local area or further afield if you want to attract new visitors to the precinct.

Always on 

Instead of organising specific events or activations, your precinct may choose to offer always-on activities. 

These activities are not arranged events, but suggestions for visitors on what to see and do in the precinct.  

Grouping businesses together around a theme can give potential customers ideas for celebrations and also encourage visitors to spend more time in the precinct.

Growing Precincts Together examples 

The Activities and entertainment at Racecourse Road pageopens in a new tab on the Racecourse Road website is a great example of an always-on initiative and includes 10 themed options for precinct visitors.

The Insider Guides pageopens in a new tab on the Rosalie Village website is another example of an always-on initiative to encourage visitors to linger longer in the precinct. 

Event ideas

Organising a precinct event or activation

Not sure where to begin? Follow these steps to plan your event.

1 Set your goals

Establish event goals and objectives at least 6 months in advance of the event or activation.

2 Pick a date and start planning

Select an event date and develop a plan with an agreed budget.

Involve precinct businesses who have expertise in areas you need (e.g. marketing, insurance, legal matters).

3 Check what approvals you need

Contact Council's Business Hotline (133 BNE) to see if any approvals are required.

Read more about event and festival permits.

4 Apply for any sponsorship

Apply for Council sponsorship at least 3 months in advance of the event or activation start date.

5 Kick off promotion

Brand your event and begin publicity at least 2 months before the event or activation.

6 Launch ticket sales (if applicable)

Open ticket sales and make sure all details, including pricing and availability, are confirmed.

7 Coordinate with any event suppliers

Work with suppliers to finalise bookings and confirm all necessary arrangements.

8 Run your event or activation

Manage the event/activation set-up and execution – but don’t forget to enjoy it!

9 Evaluate the event

After your event, conduct an evaluation to help with future planning.

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Submit ideas and feedback

If you’ve used any of these ideas to help promote your precinct or have event, or activation suggestions to share with others, email Council.