Making the Open... Well Actually Open

As the open season starts to wind down, there is no better time than the present to start analyzing how Affiliates have used to Open to increase member engagement.

CrossFit Hollywood - Beyond encouraging all members to participate, CFHW is also throwing a Final WOD Party right after 13.5 is over. This is a great way to make the Open about the community and not about where people placed and their reps.

CrossFit Independence - CFI makes everyone a competitive athlete. They have everyone sign up for heats and WOD in front of all the other members. In addition they provide a tailgate style party each week to celebrate member accomplishments.

CrossFit Scottsdale - Here is how they describe the event “The season kicks off with “Friday Night Lights, presented by CrossFit Scottsdale” the first weekly challenge of the Open, the most inclusive competition in the world. The top athletes and teams in each region from the Open will move onto Regionals. The best athletes and teams at Regionals will compete at the CrossFit Games, the world’s premier test to find the Fittest on Earth™.”

What do all these affiliates and events have in common? The goal of each is to be as inclusive as possible while also highlighting their top athletes. The Open can very easily become a separation of those who are viewed as competitors and the everyday WODers. To avoid this be sure to celebrate all accomplishments, even ones that may be viewed as small. Be sure to video people who are getting their first muscle up, snatch PR or just struggling to get done with one of the WODs. Employing these tactics will enthuse members and hopefully incent them to talk to more friends, family and co-workers about how great your box is.... bringing in new clients in the most organic way.

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