How to Leverage Live Events to Keep Members Hooked

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One of the most effective ways to keep your Skool community engaged long-term is by hosting live events. While static content like posts and courses builds value, nothing beats real-time interaction when it comes to retention, engagement, and deepening community connections.

Ryan Duncan has seen that Skool communities that regularly host live calls, workshops, and AMAs experience:

✅ Higher participation and more returning members

✅ Stronger relationships between members and the community leader

✅ More conversions to paid offers due to trust-building

In this guide, you’ll learn:

✅ Why live events increase engagement and retention

✅ The best types of live events to host in your Skool community

✅ How to structure and promote your events for maximum participation

Want to see a high-engagement live event strategy in action? Join Ryan’s free Skool community and experience how real-time calls keep members hooked.

Why Live Events Are a Game-Changer for Skool Communities

While posts, discussions, and static content are valuable, live events create urgency and interactivity that other formats can’t match.

The Key Benefits of Live Events for Engagement

✔ Creates Real-Time Interaction – Members feel more connected when they engage in live discussions instead of just reading posts.

✔ Boosts Retention & Attendance – Scheduled events give members a reason to return to the community.

✔ Strengthens Community Culture – Live conversations deepen relationships and build trust.

✔ Encourages More Contributions – People who show up live are more likely to post, comment, and engage in other ways.

📌 Example: Communities that run at least one live event per month have higher retention rates than those that rely only on static content.

Pro Tip: Live events create FOMO (Fear of Missing Out)—people prioritize attending when they know the session won’t be available forever.

The Best Types of Live Events to Host in Your Skool Community

Different types of live events serve different engagement purposes. The best communities mix multiple formats to keep members coming back.

1. Live Q&A Sessions (Ask Me Anything Calls)

✔ Best for: Answering common member questions, breaking down topics, and creating direct interaction.

✔ Why It Works: Members love getting personalized advice in real time.

✔ How Often? Weekly or bi-weekly for best engagement.

📌 Example: Many top Skool communities run “Friday Q&A” calls where members submit questions in advance.

2. Live Workshops & Training Sessions

✔ Best for: Teaching specific skills with real-time exercises and engagement.

✔ Why It Works: Interactive workshops are far more engaging than pre-recorded courses.

✔ How Often? 1-2x per month to add exclusive value.

📌 Example: Instead of just posting a training on lead generation, Ryan has seen higher engagement when the training is delivered as a live event.

3. Hot Seat Coaching & Live Feedback

✔ Best for: Providing 1:1 coaching in a group setting where members can see real-time improvements.

✔ Why It Works: Other members learn from live feedback, making it valuable even for those not directly involved.

✔ How Often? Once per month or as a special event.

📌 Example: A Skool group could host a “Live Business Audit” session where members submit their funnels, profiles, or strategies for review.

4. Panel Discussions & Guest Speakers

✔ Best for: Bringing in outside experts to share unique perspectives.

✔ Why It Works: Cross-promoting with guests expands audience reach.

✔ How Often? Every 1-2 months to keep content fresh.

📌 Example: A community focused on content marketing could invite successful YouTubers, bloggers, or copywriters to share their insights.

Pro Tip: Tagging a guest speaker increases attendance rates, as members feel like they’re getting an exclusive, time-sensitive experience.

5. Virtual Networking & Casual Meetups

✔ Best for: Strengthening member-to-member relationships.

✔ Why It Works: People who feel personally connected to others in the group stay engaged longer.

✔ How Often? Once a quarter or as a special event.

📌 Example: Many mastermind-style Skool groups hold monthly “Networking Roundtables” where members introduce themselves and share insights.

How to Structure Your Live Events for Maximum Engagement

Running a live event is only effective if people actually show up. Follow these steps to maximize attendance and participation.

1. Schedule & Announce in Advance

✔ Post at least one week before the event.

✔ Use the Skool Calendar to set clear dates.

✔ Remind members 24 hours and 1 hour before the event.

📌 Example Post:

"🚀 Live Q&A This Friday! Drop your questions below and join us at 3 PM EST!"

2. Make the Event Interactive (Not Just a Lecture)

✔ Start with a Warm Welcome – Engage members with a quick icebreaker or poll.

✔ Encourage Real-Time Questions – Have a moderator check the chat for engagement.

✔ Break Up the Call with Participation Points – Example: “Drop a 🔥 in the chat if this resonates with you!”

📌 Example: Ryan’s most engaging events include open mic sessions where members take turns sharing insights.

3. Follow Up with a Replay & Engagement Post

✔ Post a Summary Thread – Include key takeaways for those who missed it.

✔ Tag Members Who Attended – Create post-event discussions.

✔ Encourage Further Action – Example: “What was your biggest insight from today’s session?”

📌 Example: Communities that follow up with post-event threads get higher ongoing engagement than those that just drop a replay.

Common Mistakes That Reduce Live Event Engagement

🚫 Hosting events randomly – No consistency means members forget about them.

🚫 Talking too much, not engaging enough – If it feels like a one-way webinar, participation drops.

🚫 Not promoting properly – If members don’t know when to attend, attendance stays low.

🚫 No clear follow-up – Without post-event engagement, momentum is lost.

Pro Tip: The best live events make members feel like they “missed out” if they weren’t there—so they make sure to attend the next one.

Join a Community That Runs High-Engagement Live Events

Want to experience how live events keep members hooked? Join Ryan’s free Skool community and participate in high-energy live calls, Q&As, and workshops.