Oakland A&E | 2019 Miami Vice & Little Havana Club Night
The PLOT: An A&E District plans a summer event and is kicking around ideas. It’s assumed that the event will be at a hidden location as their hugely popular Speakeasy event had been in 2018. A Cuban theme gains support and enough traction to move forward, but on the world stage relations between the US and Cuba are in a “transitional” phase and there are concerns we won’t be on good terms just as the event happens in late August of 2019. How do you get back on track and retain the ideas of Cuban food, color and costume, but make it something homegrown? Keep it light and take a pop-culture approach. The eighties offered much more artistic license and a nostalgic backdrop that, ultimately, created a setting for dance, merriment and some public signs of affection. That was an unexpected bonus!
For more on the Miami Vice & Little Havana event and the Oakland A&E District visit this link.
Print & Collateral
The Invitation | A “members only” card and “wallet” for guests to present at the gate
It’s safe to say, if you’re planning an event, especially to raise support or funds, at some point you’ll be putting a lot of effort into creating an experience for its guests. Along with that effort, if you can make the actual ticket for the event an “experience” that builds excitement and enthusiasm that can translate, quickly, into ticket sales.
A Secret Location | Pros & Cons
An event with a secret location has its pros and cons. How they balance each other is something to manage in itself. Limited venue options (with the capacity needed) can force the things outside as can a pandemic, as was seen the following year, when this annual event was cancelled. Publicity is steered by this and messaging must clear and concise to avoid assumptions about the location and confusion once the location is known and people are sharing it. It’s unusual in today’s society to make plans (months in advance) to go somewhere and not know exactly where until the day of the event. This is a deterrent for some and for others it’s the deal closer. Much in the same way that costumes scare some folks away from the most memorable gatherings.
Post-Party Promotion | There’s always the next event, and you’re only as good as the last one!
Group photo at bottom, ©David Bruffy
