1053: The power of EVENTS to grow your business (and how to get butts in seats in person or virtually!) w/ Ginny Van Doren-Truong

Ever wondered how a chance encounter can launch an extraordinary career? Ginny Van Doren-Truong’s journey from a serendipitous moment at a Carrie Underwood meet and greet to founding her own agency, Backstage Event Marketing, is nothing short of inspiring. With over 15 years in the live entertainment industry and more than 800 successful events under her belt, Ginny shares her secrets to turning events into powerful tools for business growth and community engagement. Her story is a testament to the transformative potential of event marketing in building the know, like, and trust factor among audiences.

Ginny opens up about the art of organizing impactful events, focusing on strategies for both free and low-cost gatherings. From tracking attendance for sponsorship opportunities to deciding whether an event should be ticketed, she provides actionable insights for every stage of event planning. Learn how creative pre-show engagements, like a 1920s-themed happy hour or school visits by the Harlem Globetrotters, can skyrocket ticket sales and audience interest. Ginny's experiences demonstrate the power of experiential marketing, offering listeners a treasure trove of ideas to create memorable and effective promotional activities.

Our conversation extends into the realm of comprehensive event marketing strategies, where we discuss the intricacies of balancing organic and paid advertising, and the role of media partnerships. Unique promotional activities, like the cowboy name game, are highlighted as innovative ways to engage audiences without being too salesy. The episode also touches on the influence of mentorship and relationship-building in the entrepreneurial journey, with Ginny offering a sneak peek into her upcoming resources, including a webinar and online course. Join us for an episode rich with insights, stories, and strategies that promise to elevate your event marketing game.

ABOUT GINNY

Ginny Van Doren-Truong is a seasoned marketing professional with over 15 years of experience in the live entertainment industry, spanning both venue and promoter perspectives. After serving as Director of Marketing at the Wagner Noël Performing Arts Center and promoting more than 800 shows across venues ranging from 1,800 to 15,000 seats, she founded Backstage Event Marketing in 2023.

Since launching her agency, Ginny has secured major contracts with Ector County Coliseum and Odessa Arts, where she heads First Friday ODTX and oversees their quarterly magazine, Beacon West. Her portfolio includes marketing over 20 shows in Midland, Odessa, and the Houston area in the past 16 months.

Building on her decade with ASM Global, Ginny has developed a robust contractor network and practical tools to streamline event marketing and boost ticket sales. Her journey from employee to business owner exemplifies her expertise in "getting butts in seats" and elevating live events.

LINKS & RESOURCES

• Visit Backstage Event Marketing’s Website
• Join the Event Marketing Essentials Zoom workshop by Backstage Event Marketing on Tuesday, March 11, 2025, at 6 PM CT and use the code W2E to get $10 off (This offer cannot be combined with another offer or on a prior purchase. Sales end at 5 PM CT on March 11, 2025).
• Connect with Ginny on LinkedIn