New York City

Planning a Party, New York-Style

NYC is ridden with parties galore. What makes yours special?

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It’s no secret that New York City parties are famous worldwide. Because there are so many parties going on every day, NYC party planners have to learn to compete with each other to get attendance. They learn to make their parties stand out, to attract the right crowd, and make their events unforgettable.

Planning a Party, New York-Style

Sally Golan, founder and executive producer of Social Exposure Media, provides party planners all over New York with her top ten ultimate must-dos for that awesome New York-style bash:

Set the goals first, then plan

Why start hunting for a venue or liquor sponsors if you don’t event know WHY you are hosting this event? Are you holding the party to support a charity for animal rights, or hoping to raise awareness for a newly launched product? Or do you simply want to reunite the gang for a catch-session after the long holidays? What’s the party for and what do you intend to achieve out of it? While a party doesn’t need to as structured as a meeting (otherwise it will get too boring!), you need to ask yourself what you want to get out of it before you start planning. When your goals are clear, you will have no trouble deciding on what you should get and who you should hire for it to be a success.

Avoid club venues

The most insulting thing that any one can call me is a “promoter”. I cringe at that label. I am a creator, a producer, a media conglomerate — anything BUT a promoter. I expose the best of NYC from talents to products to cool places and ideas. This is why I avoid club venues. ALWAYS. Club venues almost always lead to the most mundane after-party events I’d rather not say and for a party to be truly memorable (and for you to become a well-respected planner) this is the not path you want to take.

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Avatar of Sally Golan

Sally Golan is founder and executive producer of Social Exposure Media, a high concept, theatrical PR company producing some of the most talked about events and creative productions in the city. Social Exposure has been written up by every major magazine from Time Out New York to the New York Times.

Reader Discussion: 9 Comments

  1. Avatar of Ashley Moore

    Ashley Moore

    Yes Invite people! more people who will be attending your event the merrier. There are lots of ways to contact people with the use of technology because it is fast and efficient. You can send them messages by group in Facebook or message them with snail mail which is the old- fashioned way of sending a message to other people. It will also create an impression to the person you have invited and also the feeling they will get when opening the invitation they have received is thrilling. Lastly, make sure to talk to them and ask them if they are enjoying your event.

  2. Avatar of Cornelia Green

    Cornelia Green

    There will be an event happening on the next few months, doing it yourself is stressful and it needs a lot of work. My first option will be hiring someone to do the job for me.

  3. Avatar of Esther Earl Harris

    Esther Earl Harris

    Why don’t you just hire an event planner to make it easier for you. Hiring an Event planner/company to help you organize your event is essential nowadays. They have great knowledge and experienced in planning an event and they know a lot of suppliers that can also give them discounts. They have the stress while all you need to do is to attend and enjoy the event. With an event planner you can have a better and enjoyable party without shouldering the responsibility in planning the event.

  4. Avatar of Grace Stirling

    Grace Stirling

    Great tips! Planning an event is really an stressful task to do. I think it is also important to create and set a theme that perfectly fits the tone and content of the event (you do not want to confuse your guests on what kind of event they are attending).Create ideas that will also engage both the fans and the sponsors.
    Be innovative when planning what is the atmosphere you want for your event and also think of ways on how you can entertain your guests like hiring a DJ or a band. Lastly create impression that guests can share it to others on how good and awesome the event they have attended.

  5. Avatar of Hazel Collins

    Hazel Collins

    Event is not just about party, music and food it is also a good way for business owners to promote their brands and business. It is important to plan and list your ideas about the event before executing it. When an event becomes successful it is also a great technique for the company’s marketing, networking and engagement. Follow some great pointers like this article on how you can make a successful even whether it’s a sports event, business event or etc. When organizing and planning on executing event esp. big events, you should know first the purpose of the event and why are you going to perform this event.

  6. Avatar of Ansley Barrington

    I went to one of Sally's naked body painting parties. It was SO crazy and fun 🙂

  7. Avatar of Genevieve Scarano

    Planning a party is definitely all about your guests and making everyone feel like they achieve something by being there. I really like these planning tips a lot, especially the last one about staying connected. If your party is awesome and professional, it totally is a reflection of who you are and what you bring to the community. Plus, it gives you a chance to meet people and make new friends who want to help as much as you do!

  8. Avatar of

    Anonymous

    Wow, I always assumed clubs were the go-to venues for events but glad I got the memo now! Where else are good places to host events? Also, being a calm host is totally important. There's nothing more uncomfortable than being around someone who's buzzing and nervous

  9. Avatar of Carina_Isobelle1989

    Carina_Isobelle1989

    I actually Youtube-ed “Bitter Sweet” and “Hotel Costes”. I must say, perfect music for my next party!

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