7 Proven Tips for Hosting a Successful STEM Open House
If you’re running a STEM program, an open house can be one of the best ways to bring new families through the door. Done right, it builds excitement, introduces parents to your staff, and gives students a taste of what makes your program special. Done wrong? It can become an expensive “free day” with little return.
Here are 7 proven tips to make sure your next open house is worth the investment.
1. Start Advertising Early
One of the biggest mistakes directors make is waiting until the last minute to promote. Families are busy, you need at least a few weeks to get on their calendars. Use email, flyers, social media, and community partners to spread the word.
2. Showcase Your Staff
Parents aren’t just choosing a program, they’re choosing the people who will work with their kids. Make sure teachers are present, friendly, and prepared to answer questions. Sometimes a parent’s decision comes down to the trust they feel in your staff.
3. Collect Contact Information
Never let families walk out without leaving their info. Whether it’s a paper sign-in sheet, a QR code, or pre-registration, your ROI depends on follow-up. An open house without a contact list is just a free event.
4. Offer a Quick-Win Activity
Students should leave feeling excited and accomplished. Keep activities short (15–20 minutes), engaging, and designed to spark curiosity. Pro tip: leave the project slightly unfinished so families have a reason to come back for more.
5. Create Urgency to Enroll
Parents need a reason to sign up on the spot. Offer a limited-time discount, sibling promo, or bonus class for those who enroll during the event. Don’t just hand out flyers and hope, they’ll forget as soon as life gets busy.
6. Plan the Flow of the Event
Map out the customer journey: Who greets families at the door? What do they do first? Where do they go next? A structured flow ensures no one feels lost and keeps energy high.
7. Treat It Like a Marketing System
An open house isn’t just an event; it’s part of your larger marketing strategy. Track attendance, measure conversions, and test different times of year to see what works best.
Final Takeaway:
A successful open house isn’t about luck, it’s about systems. With the right preparation, you can turn a single event into a semester of full classes.
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