Tip Sheet: Filling the Seats at Your Workshop

The biggest question we’ve gotten over the years from other Second Saturday Leaders is, ‘How do we fill the seats?’

After almost twenty-six years of helping ten thousand individuals in our flagship workshop and raising nearly $300,000 for the San Diego community we’ve consolidated ‘tricks of the trade’ that will help build your audience every single month.

1. Consistency Counts:

Women contemplating divorce have no clue what each moment brings.  On the morning of the workshop, they need to figure out if they can leave the house, what to do with their kids if they have them, and if they can even get themselves out of bed.  We have found that many women hang onto information about the workshop for months or even years before they are ready to attend and/or register.  Be sure potential attendees know you are always there, and they are sure to show up eventually.

Remember:   Just because no one pre-registers, never think you’ve got that day free.  You’ll be missing the opportunity to help those who need you and could potentially become your clients.

2. Why on Second Saturday?

There are some Second Saturday Workshops that meet on a Third Thursday or Freaky Friday, and everyone needs to do what works for them.  We chose the Second Saturday of each month as the one Saturday that does not have a holiday that falls on it.  Women know that no matter where they are in a crisis, you are going to be there.

3. Location, Location, Location:

Many Second Saturday workshops are initially held in the Leaders’ office conference rooms, and that can work out just fine.  Your workshop is part of a non-profit network, so as your workshop grows, you have different options available at little or no cost that may be more beneficial and “neutral” in the eyes of your attendees.

In San Diego, we specifically chose a community college because it was an independent location. Additionally, being at the community college allowed us to list our course in their course catalog, which went out to a substantial number of people and upped our attendance from the onset.  Other neutral locations include:

1. Credit Unions and banks:  Some local financial institutions provide conference rooms free to organizations with a non-profit designation.
2. Libraries:  Many libraries have workshop rooms available – if you go this route be sure that the room is private.
3. Hotels:  Many hotels offer discounts to non-profits for conference room space.
4. Churches:  Your local church may also have options for you.