# Creating year-round community

- Link: https://eventengine.net/year-round-community/
- Published: 2024-01-18T10:01:00+00:00
- Author: rondayvoo

Would building a year-round community around your event allow you to offer more 
value? In this episode, I interview Neil Thompson from [Delegate Wranglers](https://thedelegatewranglers.com/).
He shares his journey growing a Facebook community that exceeded any expectations.

We learn how he grew and monetised his platform, starting with just a simple newsletter
and expanding to customised campaigns working with global brands. Neil also shares
the amazing value he could add during the tough times of the pandemic, quickly pivoting
to online content and community support.

As you listen, consider what a thriving year-round gathering place could do for 
your attendees, community, industry and bottom line. Neil shares how he cultivated
an engaged, supportive culture that became the foundation of Delegate Wranglers’
runaway success. Neil’s story illustrates how listening to your community and continually
evolving to meet needs can help transform a simple idea into a thriving member ecosystem.

If you’re looking for inspiration and a model to emulate, this in-depth chat with
a true community leader is a must listen.

### Key takeaways

I had a wonderful time chatting with Neil. Here are some of my key insights from
our conversation:

 * Tap into online communities to generate valuable connections and conversations
   year-round. Neil started simply trying to connect with fellow freelancers.
 * Let your community guide the offerings. Neil created new initiatives like newsletters
   and partnerships based directly on member needs.
 * Build a positive culture first. Neil stresses the importance of rules, being 
   inclusive and “vibe tribes” in creating a welcoming environment.
 * Listen and evolve. Neil discusses continually taking feedback from members and
   letting that drive ongoing improvements.
 * Add value in times of crisis. When COVID hit, Neil rapidly created online content
   and support to give members purpose.
 * Don’t underestimate an engaged niche. Though focused on event professionals, 
   Neil’s highly targeted group exploded in size and revenue potential.

### Connect with Neil

 * [Website](https://thedelegatewranglers.com/)
 * [LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/in/neil-thompson-dw/)