Launch Parties – Show Yourself Off

Launch parties are a thing of beauty when done well. It doesn’t matter how you slice it if your launch party is something to remember, when done well you and your product will be remembered too. But, it’s not as easy as hiring some guest speakers and hoping for the best. There are some things that you have to get right
Invite the right people. If you are running this thing alone, you’re going to be playing the role of PR and event organizer. Before you start mailing out invites to the likes of Brad Pitt, take a look at people who compliment the vibe you are going for, have something in common with your company, and you’d like to meet. A launch party is a celebration, but you’d be remiss to treat it as a party like any other. Invite people that make sense. Journalists from relevant sections, media, influencers, people in the business and even people who you might view as the competition.
Don’t skimp. People need a reason to travel to an event. Aside from the fact they get to hear about your product or service – what are you giving them? In basic terms, launch parties can be networking, but if you manage to land a few big fish there, then they pay back dividends for years to come. What should you be thinking about? Think about putting on an open bar, hiring an up and coming DJ that is tipped for stardom, getting some sponsors to provide goods for goodie bags. Just steer clear of using the open bar as your big selling point. Great catering can make or break a party, invest in contract catering – they’ll be worth their weight in gold.
Think about how easy it is to get to. If you have a lot of different people traveling, while some might travel in a private car, others might need to be on good old public transport. Cater for both. Somewhere central with great parking nearby, and at least a train station is essential. Make sure you have checked out local cabs too.
Keep everything on brand always. You are now talking to your buyers, your champions and your potential loyal following. If you are launching a tech startup, have iPads or similar set up so people can test it out, some download QCR codes dotted around and some tech-based take homes. If you are launching more of a service like business coaching, then keep on brand there too. Do a talk yourself, have materials you’ve produced for the attendees and have something ready to follow up.
Be social. Have you social media tags and hashtags for the event all over the place. On the invitation, on all of your social media and spread around the venue in the evening. Let people talk about what you are doing, encourage them to share – you might even considering giving something away to the highest engagement on a social post that evening.
After all, is said and done, a launch party only happens once make it something memorable for the people and something that makes you proud for years to come.