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