The Wizard Writes: Event Production Success Story: Surprise 50th Birthday Party

Event Production Success Story: Surprise 50th Birthday Party

Posted by Wizard of Ahs , Tuesday, January 24, 2012 at 5:24 PM Labels: event production

What do you give an aviation enthusiast for his 50th birthday? How about a surprise party at a local international airport?! Wizard of Ahs was contacted for event planning with only a week to produce an intimate yet exciting birthday party for 25 guests. After an in-depth interview with the birthday boy’s spouse, it was determined that something fun and unusual would be just the “ticket.” A few well-placed phone calls secured an unused Gate at the local international airport.

Since the birthday boy was also a foodie, Wizard of Ahs used our event production services to connect with an amazing personal chef and helped design an 8-course menu for this discriminating quinquagenarian. The food was served to a “King Arthur” table setup, all the while musically accompanied by a strolling guitarist. As the dessert course was served, the guitarist rolled out 3 sing-a-long parody songs written to highlight the antics and fo-paws of the guest of honors’ past 50 years.

One final event planning surprise – guests were able to take a 40-minute low altitude sightseeing flight around the city and/or fly a genuine flight simulator – attempting to land it on Hong Kong’s new airport runway!

Want Wizard of Ahs to plan your next event? Contact one of our professional event planners today.

View the photo gallery from this event!

Tip Of The Week!

Non-Traditional Revenue

Have you ever heard the term "nontraditional revenue"? If you’re not immersed in radio and TV ad sales, you’re most likely not familiar with that industry buzz phrase, more commonly referred to as NTR. But the concept, when applied to your business, can add bottom-line income to your existing revenue streams.

A little history first: A number of years ago, when radio stations were being snapped up and co-joined into large, publicly traded radio groups, there was an urgency on the part of the parent companies to justify the high acquisition costs and demonstrate profitability to their shareholders. But traditional revenue for radio stations (ad sales) was limited for two good reasons. First, the price stations could charge for commercials was determined by ratings and day-parts in each particular market—something the stations had no control over. Second, there was a finite inventory available on any given day, which also limited the amount of income stations could generate.

So they decided to get creative. Part of a radio station’s promotional activities included sponsoring events staged by promoters. When an ad package was purchased by those promoters, the radio stations had to provide additional free commercials, live mentions, on-site talent appearances, and any number of other giveaways. In return, the stations were given signage placement, a space at the event and an on-stage opportunity--but very little else.

It didn’t take long for station marketing directors to notice the promoter’s revenue streams, which included parking fees, gate admissions, booth sales, beverage sales, print co-ops, sponsorships and the like. The marketing directors felt that since the radio stations provided the event visibility and were generally perceived as “owning” the event, they should grow, own and promote virtually identical events. So they did, creating entire NTR departments within their radio groups—and they've prospered ever since.

Over the next few weeks we’ll cover the Top 5 ways to apply the concept to your own company to help generate additional revenue.

1. If your business is one that serves the consumer service industry, such as a bridal gown store, a caterer or a florist, then create a bridal show at a local hotel for you and other noncompeting bridal service providers, such as DJs, tux companies, photographers and printers. You'll generate admissions and booth revenue, plus you can use aggregate exhibitor money to buy advertising that you wouldn't normally be able to afford.

Event Production Success Story: Surprise 50th Birthday Party
Posted by Wizard of Ahs , Tuesday, January 24, 2012 at 5:24 PM Labels: event production

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