I’ve heard it alleged that having someone greet a newcomer with a smile, and introduce them to others, and generally be responsible for making sure that the newcomer has fun, jumps retention rates from something like 20% to 50%. Note that this is an Official Function—somebody has to be appointed to it, and then you have to make sure that they’re doing it right.
If someone else wants to do the research, I’ll note that the SCA has that office (called Chatelaine or Hospitaller), and it might be worth asking them what they’ve learned about making newcomers welcome.
I’ve heard it alleged that having someone greet a newcomer with a smile, and introduce them to others, and generally be responsible for making sure that the newcomer has fun, jumps retention rates from something like 20% to 50%. Note that this is an Official Function—somebody has to be appointed to it, and then you have to make sure that they’re doing it right.
If someone else wants to do the research, I’ll note that the SCA has that office (called Chatelaine or Hospitaller), and it might be worth asking them what they’ve learned about making newcomers welcome.