How Agents Can Find Local Event Opportunities


Local events can be an excellent strategy to connect with potential clients. Events like senior expos or community gatherings provide a platform to:

  • Engage with Medicare Beneficiaries in Your Area
  • Answer Their Questions
  • Build Relationships

In this article, we’ll explore how you can discover these local opportunities and share how Fidelis Consultants can help you make the most of them.

 

Why Local Events Matter for Medicare Agents

Attending local events allows agents to interact directly with their target audience. Seniors often have questions about Medicare, and these events offer a natural setting to provide education and build trust. Rather than relying solely on digital marketing or cold calling (which has compliance restrictions), face-to-face interactions at events can offer you a unique advantage. Not only can you make a lasting impression, but you also position yourself as a local expert who’s approachable and knowledgeable.

As you engage in these environments, it’s important to remain mindful of CMS rules to protect beneficiaries from aggressive sales tactics. Fidelis Consultants offers guidance to its agents about how to host compliant sales or education events.

Finding Opportunities in Community Calendars & Listings

A great starting point for finding local events is through community calendars. These can be found online through local government websites, senior centers, libraries, or publications. Many cities host health fairs or wellness days, and local senior living communities may organize open houses or educational talks.

These gatherings are often publicized well in advance, giving you ample time to prepare and coordinate your participation. By attending these events, you can be a resource to beneficiaries, offering guidance on the often-complicated Medicare process.

While engaging at these types of events, remember to keep it educational. CMS guidelines encourage agents to focus on providing general information about Medicare rather than specific plan comparisons unless it’s a pre-scheduled marketing event. By focusing on educating attendees, you not only build trust but also remain fully compliant.

Partnering with Local Organizations

Another effective way to tap into local event opportunities is through partnerships with local organizations. Senior centers, churches, and healthcare providers often host events or seminars focused on the well-being of older adults. By building relationships with these organizations, you may be invited to participate as a guest speaker or sponsor.

Ensuring that any materials or sponsorships align with CMS regulations, especially regarding advertising or co-branding, is crucial. Keeping promotional language clear and accurate will ensure that your participation remains compliant. For agents who may be unsure of the correct approach, Fidelis Consultants can help. We offer customizable, compliant marketing materials so our agents can confidently engage with local organizations and present themselves professionally.

These partnerships can be mutually beneficial. While the organization gets an expert to help educate its members, you gain exposure to potential clients needing assistance navigating Medicare.

Hosting Your Own Events

If you’re not finding the right event, why not create one? Hosting your own event can be a great way to control the environment, format, and content, ensuring you provide valuable information to attendees. Whether it’s a Medicare 101 workshop at a community center or a casual coffee-and-learn session at a local café, these events help establish you as a community expert.

When hosting events, clearly define whether they’re educational or marketing events. CMS differentiates between the two, and the rules surrounding each type of event vary. Educational events are designed to provide general information about Medicare and cannot involve discussions about specific plans, whereas marketing events allow for more direct conversations about plan details and enrollment options. Making this distinction early helps manage expectations and stay compliant.

Fidelis Consultants offers resources to help agents plan and host events through local Sales Directors! Learn more about how we can help you tap into new opportunities!

Joining Local Networking Groups

Joining local networking groups, such as the Chamber of Commerce, can also open doors to event opportunities. Many cities have business networks, including groups that focus specifically on services for seniors. By joining these circles, you can learn about upcoming events and make valuable connections that may lead to speaking opportunities.

Networking should focus on relationship-building, not hard selling. Engaging with community members and local professionals opens up opportunities for referrals and collaborations. Over time, your reputation as a Medicare expert will grow, and you’ll naturally attract clients looking for guidance. Networking with an educational mindset ensures compliance while creating lasting professional connections.

Using Social Media to Find Events

Today, many local events are promoted through social media platforms like Facebook and LinkedIn. Senior centers, local businesses, and healthcare groups often announce upcoming gatherings on their social pages or within groups dedicated to seniors. You can identify opportunities to attend or promote your events by staying active in these online communities.

Social media can also be an excellent tool for advertising your event participation. Be mindful of CMS guidelines when promoting Medicare-related events online, particularly when distinguishing between educational and marketing events. Always ensure your messaging is transparent and include any required disclaimers.

Fidelis Consultants supports agents’ efforts with event flyers and material creation. We can help you ensure your online presence remains professional, engaging, and compliant!

Taking Advantage of AEP and OEP

The Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) and Open Enrollment Period (OEP) are hectic times for Medicare agents. During these periods, many community organizations ramp up their efforts to educate beneficiaries about their plan options, making it ideal for agents to get involved in local events.

Many cities host large-scale Medicare workshops or health fairs during AEP, where agents can present educational materials and connect with beneficiaries. These are excellent opportunities to showcase your expertise and help beneficiaries make informed decisions about their healthcare.

However, during these high-traffic periods, staying compliant with CMS guidelines is especially important. This includes:

  • Adhering to rules around unsolicited contact
  • Ensuring all marketing materials are properly approved
  • Following the correct protocols for discussing specific plans.

Fidelis Consultants provides agents with the training and resources to navigate these busy seasons confidently. From compliance coaching to ready-made presentations, Fidelis ensures that agents are well-prepared to meet beneficiaries’ needs while staying compliant.

Navigate Event Opportunities with Ease!

Participating in local events is a powerful way to grow your Medicare business, and Fidelis Consultants is here to help. With our support, you’ll have access to a wealth of compliant, customizable resources that make engaging with beneficiaries at events easy. We help agents develop strategies that balance outreach with compliance so you can focus on what matters—building trust and serving your community.

Whether you’re new to the industry or a seasoned agent, Fidelis Consultants offers comprehensive tools and guidance to ensure your success. Let us help you seize local events opportunities and grow your Medicare business. Contact Fidelis today to learn how we can support your growth and success!