Whether you’re hosting a few friends for dinner, a yard full of folks for a backyard barbeque, a wedding, a corporate event, or something in between… you want everyone to enjoy themselves – and remember the great time they had!
So what’s it take to pull off an unforgettable event for your friends, team, or clients? We asked Jennifer Bishop at J. Leigh Events for some advice on how throw a party like a pro!
As a professional event planner and full-time “party thrower,” what are some essential elements to a successful event?
Good food and personalized touches! People always remember if the food was good, and they always remember that extra touch you put into the event. When I personally throw parties at our home, I always try to do something to wow my guests. It can be something small, like a personalized golf ball for my husband’s 50th or marquee letters in the front yard. For my clients, I take their vision and budget to create special touches that will bring the biggest impact.
What role can branded merchandise play in a successful event?
Branded merchandise can offer a bounce-back opportunity for attendees to return to the business. Typically at our shopping center events, people love free stuff… For our nonprofit clients or corporate clients, branded merchandise is a reminder of the event they attended. It triggers for them to make a donation or to visit your business.
One of the most successful giveaways a few years ago was the pop-socket. They were relatively new to the market and people loved them. I loved it! Which is why it is so important to stay in tune with trends in the market and what people won’t just throw away.
How about some ideas for using branded merchandise to take an event from “bland” to BOLD?
Give something that people can actually use… and be creative. We recently hosted an event for a client and they produced items from the honey bees on their property. It was a huge hit!
If you are on a budget, do enamel or button pins. People love taking a token of an event they attended and loved and putting it on their jacket or tote bag.
In 2022 we worked with the Louisiana Tourism Association and each of the participating parishes and chefs sent items so we could create a swag shopping room. The majority of the items were very unique and we cleared out the room. One of the biggest hits was a spice mix by one of the participating chefs!
Phone chargers or external cell phone batteries… since everyone loves an extra way to keep their phone charged on the go. Huge hit!
Reusable water bottles; but a nice one, like a Stanley. We are all trying to stay hydrated out here!
More about J. Leigh Events
J. Leigh Events is a full-service event planning company that focuses on large scale events, community, and nonprofits. You can find them at j-leigh.com and you can follow them on Instagram @jleighevents for more event tips!
