How to Make a Room Look Full...

One of the worst feelings on a campaign comes when your candidate walks into a rally or event and the room is empty. Here are some tips to minimize the chances this will happen to you.

1. Under Promise and Over Achieve

Downplay the importance of a big turn out. If you think 100 people will show up, say that you are expecting 40. That way, if 50 people show up, you look like a star.

2. Book a Small Room

No matter what, always book a smaller room than you think you need. It's better to pack a room full of people than have a room look empty. If you can't book a small room, see if you can use partitions to fit people into a smaller area. Ignore the whiners who complain that it's "too crowded."

3. Invite a Band

Book a high school band (or any other large band) to fill up the room. Give each band member 2 tickets, telling them that they can invite their parents. Many parents will come just to support their child. If you really want a big turnout, have one band open up the event, and another band end it. Not only will this add numbers to your crowd, but the music will give the event some extra excitement.

4. Balloons

Give a room a full appearance by adding balloons. They are fairly inexpensive, and give the illusion that more people are at the event.