Coming Attraction

To boost attendance, consider creating a preview trailer (here's an example). The team at the Ritz-Carlton, Chicago (A Four Seasons Hotel), recently created a short video featuring their events staff and partners discussing wedding trends to promote a bridal expo at the property; the video was posted on Facebook, Twitter and the hotel's website and was also played during the event. For budgets that can't accommodate a professional videographer, consider assigning a talented staffer or member to create one at little or no cost with an iPhone or inexpensive handheld recorder (Kodak makes several models); online editing programs, such as iMovie, are free. (312) 266-1000; fourseasons.com/chicagorc/

Behind the Magic: The Ritz Carlton Wedding Professionals from Jeff Goldstein on Vimeo.