The success of your Mixer will largely depend on the promotion you do for the event. While the Chamber helps create a flyer and promote the event, Mixer hosts are expected to do their own promotion as well. The Chamber will create a flyer bases on the information you send to them about your Mixer. Email these details to romina@santamaria.com and the Chamber will get the marketing materials created and help spread the word about your event!

Promotional opportunities from the Chamber include:

• Events details will be posted to our Chamber events calendar and included in our weekly Chamber events email.
• Event promoted on our social media channels.

Your Mixer event details should be provided to the Chamber well in advance for maximum exposure. 3-4 weeks prior is recommended. The Chamber will share the flyer graphic with you once created.

In addition to the promotion the Chamber does, Mixer hosts should promote the event to their own networks through email, social media, etc. to help draw a large crowd!

• Create invitations that are personal to your business using the graphics provided by the Chamber.
• Distribute invitations to those in your client base as well as close friends, associates, partners, etc. You can also send to chamber members.
• Mailing labels are free for mixer hosts by request. (Must request at least 4 weeks prior to event.)

• Plan on having about 5-7 prizes to give away.
• Provide a bowl or basket to collect business cards to draw for prizes.
• Plan to do some drawings halfway through the mixer, and the rest at the end of the mixer. Give away the biggest prizes at the end of the mixer to encourage guests to stay.
• Give some prizes from your business to remind people of you after they leave the mixer. If you need more prizes, contact your fellow members to see if they will donate a prize.

At each Mixer the Chamber will need 10-15 minutes to introduce our new members (who joined the previous month) that are in attendance. Please plan to have this occur around 6:00 p.m during the Mixer - likely before one of the raffle prize drawings. The Chamber will facilitate the program and introductions - we just ask you set aside the time for us to do so.

Entertainment is not required, but at minimum, a little background music is nice to have. Feel free to do more (i.e. D.J., band, etc) if you choose!

We also encourage you to provide food & beverages for guests at your Mixer. If you need suggestions on local restaurants and catering, check out our business directory.

• Chamber staff and Ambassadors will volunteer to be on hand early to help with your event, if you request this. They can help with registration, name tags, door prizes, and anything else you might need. Utilize these volunteers so that your staff can enjoy the mixer and mingle with guests!
• Contact Yuliana Nelson in advance with any questions at (805) 928-5000 x814 Email: yuliana@santamaria.com.

Decorate the venue in some way to create a fun, warm, party atmosphere! Remember, this is your chance to showcase your business to the local community - have fun, be creative and maximize your exposure with your Mixer!

We also encourage businesses to utilize this time to educate attendees on what your business does. This may include a tour or providing brief remarks from your leadership on your business.

Remember, your mixer is your opportunity to promote your business and gain exposure!