Kids are fun, you have to know what they love, to produce an event that they’ll love. If they are happy then their parents (the ones with the money) are happy, which is what we want. What entails a successful kids night? Let’s find out!
Get The Word Out . . . But How?
There’s the typical press releases, email blasts and putting posters up in local libraries, but wait, there are MORE creative ways!
Facebook Posts! Basic, but widely effective. Have posts that contain pictures of the event (prior and after it occurs) because those receive the most likes/shares from your current followers.
Radio and TV announcements are an easy way to reach out to a larger span of people. Don’t be afraid to get creative with TV advertisements. Have the hosts do a science experiment that pertains to the upcoming event!
Rack cards target your visual audience, and can be placed almost anywhere. Businesses are more likely to accept and put them out compared to a poster or event calendar.
Want to keep people coming? Then, don’t forget about those coupons! People are all about freebies and discounts, so having some of them laying out at the event for guests to grab will most likely result in their return.
The Game Plan . . .What Are We Doing?
You need to think everything through. What is the objective of this event? What do you want to accomplish? How are you going to accomplish that? Once this is established, then you can move onto the smaller details such as working on promotional tactics, defining what activities you should entail/include and finding decor.
You want to give yourself at least three weeks, if not a month, to advertise and allow the word to spread about your event. You want to reach as many people as possible, and that takes time.
Organization = Transformation
With any event you want to control the flow of traffic. This is based on how you set up the event. Make sure your space is large enough, and that people can move from one area to the next easily. If tables are set up, never put them against the wall, but ensure that people can stand on both sides.
Make sure your volunteers know what they are doing. Give them a run down, prior to the event, of when they need to be there, how long they are working, the layout of the entire event, and show them what they will be doing. This way there is no confusion.
Food . . . It’s A Given
People gather when there is food, and are more likely to show up. The trick is to be creative. You can provide simple snacks, but put it on an eye-appealing platter and base it off the theme of your event by using play on words like naming Oreo’s, “Black Holes” if the event is spaced themed.
The #1 thing with food is, don’t run out. Always prepare and buy more than the number of guests you expect; otherwise, it appears as if you are unprepared, and people will become upset . . . especially if Oreo’s are at stake! Beverages, napkins and plates are all crucial to have. If the event is smaller, try to find food that does not require silverware.
The After Math . . . Make Your Event Known!
Don’t let all your work go to waste. Have someone present at your event to take pictures, and then post those on your social media platforms. This makes the guests feel special and shows everyone else what they missed out on. Posting photos and videos also builds connections with those families who came.
Don’t forget to thank everyone for coming out, and give your volunteers a special shout out because with out them, this event would not have been possible!
By Jessie Kilbride,Associate Account Executive, Explorations Station
