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1. Theme your event around something that is visually exciting and promotes a benefit.
2. Check with local officials for permits for tents, parking, liquor, noise ordinances,
3. Mail invitations 2-3 weeks prior to the event and, when possible, send ones that are three-dimensional so guests will want to open them.
4. Provide valet parking and note it on your invitation.
5. Try to have several reasons for guests to attend…see new models, support a charity, receive a special incentive, meet someone important, etc.
6. Offer the best food, beverage and entertainment you can afford.
7. Make sure each guest is greeted personally and made to feel welcomed.
8. Have a sign-in book or a gift drawing to collect names and addresses for your database, including email addresses.
9. Sell yourself. Put your logo on napkins, balloons, party favors, outdoor signage, posters, etc. Each guest should leave with a complete brochure and a party favor with your logo or product on it.
10. Remember the details such as coat racks, extra wastepaper baskets/plastic bags, flowers, nametags and pens, doormats, umbrellas, back-up generator, porta potties, etc.
11. Assign key people to entertain and introduce VIPs to others.
12. Take lots of photos to be used later as follow up thank-you gifts to guests, in a newsletter, for publicity, etc.
13. Have an emergency kit filled with tape, string, pens, extension cords, batteries, hammer, nails, extra name tags, markers, etc.
14. Keep your cell phone with you the day of the event, along with a list of all of your vendors’ emergency telephone numbers.
15. Never leave anything to chance. Make contingency plans for rain.
