Launch Party Ideas

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The most important ingredient for a launch party is guests. It may go without saying, but a successful launch depends upon a receptive audience. Spend a lot of time on your invitations and guest list. Invite members of the public that would most be interested in your product or business, such as professionals and other business owners. Invite your friends and family so that you have people to support you and talk up your business with the other guests. And most importantly, invite the press. They are going to be the ones to buzz about your product!

With most parties, you can just make sure the food and entertainment shows up and then just let the party progress naturally, but with a launch party you will want to make sure it stays professional so you should have a plan for the entire party. Will there be giveaways or door prizes? Will there be a speech? What kind of entertainment will you have and when will they perform?

Entertaining the Guests

While the focus of your party is the launch of your new product or business, you still need to make sure your guests are having a good time. The best way to do this is by hiring great entertainment. The type of entertainment will depend on the kind of mood you want to set for your party. Do you want classical music playing in the background as your guests mingle? Or do you want to hire a live band or DJ to play and open up a dance floor for the guests? Instead of or in addition to background music, you could also hire variety entertainment such as aerialists or a strolling magician to mingle with the crowd. If you plan to give a speech about the product or business you are launching, then you may want to follow up your speech with some sort of short show or skit. You could bring in a comedian or a hypnotist. Performances such as those can really leave a lasting impression with your guests, and at a launch party that is your goal. You may want to familiarize the entertainers with your product being launched so that they could possibly work it into their performance or mention it.

Wine and Dine Your Guests (and Potential Customers!)

This launch party is the first impression you are giving of your company or product, so you will want all the food and drinks to be of the highest quality. Because of this, you'll want to hire a professional caterer and servers, if the catering service you choose does not provide them. Some caterers may also provide a bar service, but if they do not and you wish to have alcohol served, you'll want to hire a bartender. For an extra touch, you could also consider a flair bartender! Your guests can be entertained by juggling, flipping and magic tricks while also enjoying professionally mixed drinks!

Depending on the location you choose for your party, you may have to provide all the equipment necessary for the party. There are several things you'll need to get. If the venue doesn't provide tables and chairs, you may want to bring some of those in. You'll also need to consider linens, tableware and tents if you choose to have your party outdoors. Many of these items you can find at a party rentals company near you.

Setting the Scene

It's important that your product and business be remembered after the party, so you will want to make sure the decor of the party cleverly highlights what product you are launching. You may also want to give out samples or some kind of party favor that advertises your business. Capturing everything that goes on at your party is also very important. Hire a photographer so that you can post pictures of your launch on your website and social media sites. Also bringing in a videographer to mingle and record the party will give you more material for your site and also give you a great way to go back and review how your guests reacted and responded to the idea you were launching!

Because a great launch party is so crucial for the start of your business or product, you want to make sure everything is done perfectly. So, it may be a good idea to hire a professional event planner to handle it for you. However, if that is not in your budget it is definitely possible for you to do it yourself. GigSalad is here to help you every step of the way as your one stop shop for all your launch party tips and planning needs!