In the world of parent engagement, a catchy title can make all the difference between a packed house and empty chairs. Recent data analysis of over 3,300 school community events hosted on Classlist between October and December 2024 reveals that creative and engaging event names play a crucial role in driving participation. Discover why event titles matter and which types tend to generate the most buzz.

Why Event Titles Matter

The analysis of school community events shows a clear pattern: schools with the most innovative event names tend to be among the most active communities. This suggests that a high level of engagement often correlates with creativity in event planning.

When parents receive dozens of notifications about school activities, a standout title can capture attention in crowded inboxes and busy family calendars. Event titles set expectations, create excitement, and give parents a reason to prioritise attendance.

13 Event Title Formats Proven to Boost Engagement

Based on the analysis of thousands of school events, here are 13 title approaches that consistently attract higher participation:

1. Host-Highlighted Quiz Nights: "The Greatest Quiz on Earth, with your host Mrs. [Name Hidden]!" personalises the experience and creates anticipation.
2. Unique Twist on Traditional Events: "Ultimate Wine Raffle" elevates a standard raffle with a specific, appealing theme.
3. Specialty Interest Clubs: "🌸 Calling all Embroidery Enthusiasts!" targets niche interests that create dedicated attendance.
4. Wellness-Focused Experiences: "The 9D Revolution: The Most Immersive Sound and Healing Experience Workshop" appeals to parents seeking self-care opportunities.
5. Clever Wordplay: "PositiviTEA (and Coffee) with Dr. [Name Hidden]" uses puns to make ordinary meet-ups more memorable.
6. Gratitude-Themed Gatherings: "Thanks a Brunch" for staff appreciation events creates positive association and community spirit.
7. Family Adventure Formats: "Parents & Children Treasure Hunt" promises interactive family experiences beyond passive attendance.
8. Neighborhood-Specific Socials: "[Neighbourhood Name] Local" gathering series creates community bonds at a hyperlocal level. Proving very effective for schools with extensive catchment areas.
9. Festive Alliteration: "Jingle and Mingle Bingo" uses rhythmic language that's both memorable and evocative.
10. Cultural Celebrations: Events highlighting specific cultural traditions (like Diwali and St. Martin's Day parade) draw in diverse community members.
11. Fitness Challenge Events: "Pound Fitness Class" and "Women's Strength Training" sessions offer practical value beyond socialization.
12. Expert-Led Workshops: "Parenting in the Digital Age" with specified expert speakers signals valuable content.
13. Creative Fusion Events: "Musical Bingo" combines popular activities in novel ways that intrigue potential attendees.

Lessons from Top-Performing School Communities

The most active school during this period (hosting 66 events) demonstrates remarkable creativity in its event planning. This school and their parents organised everything from specialised craft clubs to health workshops and fitness sessions. Their success suggests that diversifying offerings and using imaginative titles helps maintain high engagement throughout the year.

The data also reveals that seasonal themes drive attendance, with holiday-related events seeing particularly strong participation. Christmas-themed events appeared in over 700 titles, while Halloween events saw significant attendance in October.

Good things come in small events

The success of gatherings often lies in their specificity and exclusivity, rather than their attempts to appeal to everyone. Well-defined events (as signposted by the event title) with a clear purpose and boundaries tend to be more engaging and meaningful. As Scott Heiferman, the co-founder and CEO of Meetup, observed, 

"The more specific the Meetup, the more likelihood for success." This illustrates the power of knowing your audience and catering to their specific needs and interests, rather than trying to be everything to everyone.

These findings are consistent with our observations: 

• Small, focused events generally had the highest engagement per invitee.
• Large events had the highest total RSVPs but lower RSVP rates per invitee.
• Paid and volunteer events saw stronger commitment.

This is in line with community management best practice—smaller, more personal gatherings create a stronger sense of obligation and connection. However, large events still play a crucial role in reaching a broader audience, even if engagement per person is lower.

Beyond the Name: Building on Title Success

While a captivating title gets attention, schools must deliver meaningful experiences to maintain engagement. The most successful communities offer substance behind their creative names—whether that's entertainment value (circus shows, pantomimes), educational content (expert workshops), or community-building opportunities (neighborhood gatherings).

The analysis shows that approximately 41% of events included fundraising components, and 17% were volunteer-driven. This suggests that parents are willing to contribute financially and with their time when events are well-positioned and named.

For PTAs and school leaders looking to boost attendance, the message is clear: invest time in crafting event titles that capture interest, clearly communicate value, and differentiate your offering from the standard "coffee morning" approach. A strong title sets the tone for successful engagement before the event even begins.