Wed. Event Tune-Up: What's Old is New Again

[Bill_Goode]

I was looking at a post on a social media site last week. Some colleagues had headed out of town for an industry conference and were having a great time. Pictures were plentiful and decorated page after colorful page, and many were commenting on them. One picture featured a translucent mixing board that one event planner was just gushing over it. She had never seen anything like it before and was just too excited to share her joy over the marvel she witnessed in action. She cheerfully typed her glee, and a couple of hours later, a person in the events industry had typed back that what she saw was already old news and it was not a great product. I was mortified! She was excited and full of glee over something she had never seen before, only to have her excitement crushed by another “expert” running down what she saw.

Before we go any further, this is not a post about internet etiquette. Instead, let’s talk about what this person saw during the conference; something that was new to her, while it is old hat to others.

What is your answer to the following: How many times do you cringe hearing the same tunes every week at different events? How many times have you been bored seeing the same five colors used in decor at the last several events worked? Why has your chocolate fountain not been out of storage the last six months? Is it because you think it is old news and no one will want it? This is what I call “Stuck in the Box” thinking. YOU may thing it is old and not worthy, but why are you in business? Are you not in business to serve your CLIENT?

If you do your homework, you may discover that the client has not seen what has been on the market for a while, or they may have seen it and want it at their event. In the rush to keep new and fresh, why not offer ideas, products, or concepts that have been around for a while and have a following?

One giant example of something old that has developed a new following is the photo booth. In old booths of years past, one would put their money in the slot, sit down in the booth, have pictures taken, and walk away with a photo strip. Today’s photo booth updates can change backgrounds, themes, post immediately to social networking, and still leave the client with a photo strip.

Before discounting something “old”, place yourself in the client’s position. Is it “old” to them, something very new, or a retro idea with a new spin to make it a fresh suggestion?

Oh, and NEVER run an idea down in social media, it will come back to haunt you at some point.


Want to see the picture that started this?



If you don't like it, don't tell your planner! She may have never seen it before and LOVES it!!

[jodi]

So true.... your comments bring me back to a planning session I had with a bride last week.

Sweet bride says: "Oh, and please do NOT play ANY group or line dances" (Ok - we hear that quite a bit actually)
I say "Ok"
Sweet Bride THEN says: "I KNOW my mom, and grandma, and my maid of honor will ask for the Electric Slide and The Cupid Shuffle, but I've been to three wedding this summer and I'm sick of those songs"
I say: "Ok ... BUT it IS a little harder to turn down mom, or grandma, or maid of honor .... I'm guessing THEY haven't been to three weddings this summer? In fact, your grandma might not have been out dancing for a long time. Maybe we can play one of those just for her? How about, IF she (they) ask for it, just one line dance for a few minutes to make mom, etc... happy? You can use that time to go get a drink, or who knows ... maybe join in dancing with your grandma a silly cheesy little line dance - that would be a fun memory, right?"
Sweet Bride says "Ok - but I really think EVERYONE is sick of those songs"

So - Old news to the bride who is on wedding circuit and wants a fresh reception - could actually be welcome or new to the family or guests who haven't been to a wedding or dancing party in YEARS.

We always want to honor the wishes of our couples, and we know we can have a blow out without The Chicken Dance or The Cha Cha Slide .... but, not everyone goes to parties/dances/receptions all the time.

Old to us (or our wedding-circuit brides) .... NOT necessarily old to guests.... good to remember!

[EventCurious]

I. Love. It!

You're exactly correct – what’s old news to an industry person may become the next hot thing with someone that’s never experienced it before. We definitely become too jaded too soon in this industry. Great post DJ Bill

[akdj]

This may very well be the toughest challenge I face while training new DJs/Hosts to work for me. The simple fact that some music will always remain timeless...regardless of how we feel as the 'professional' working the event. Familiarity during the cocktail/dinner hour in my opinion is essential. If we keep their toes tapping while they're eating, we've got them in the palm of our hand when it comes time for the events and dancing. If we sit back, play Kenny G's greatest hits while they're enjoying dinner...we'll lose them as soon as the garter toss/cake cutting is over. Whether it be music, events, lighting (and other gear)...even the way we dress, this is an excellent post to remember and keep in the back of our minds. Next month, I'll have been doing mobile entertainment...in the same market, for 22 years. I believe the first high school dance I did in 1990 I played 'Billie Jean' from MJ. I played it this past Saturday as well---to the elation of the crowd and everyone danced! We hear the same from brides and grooms often. No Rap. No line dances I hate country, et al. However, when it comes time for Show-Time...this is where our skills come in. Reading the Crowd is often the most important skill-set a professional MC/DJ/Host can attain. Sometimes it's as easy as finding the bride and/or groom at a perfect time and politely suggesting the possibility of playing one of the songs they've 'banned' from the evening playlist. Most, if not all of time (we did 87 weddings this summer from April 1st-this past weekend), we come to an agreement and the song played is a "Hit!" For the crowd. Young, old...Ages 8-80, this is what we do. It's our job to educate our clients and give them our very best on their Big Day!

BTW---What is that 'transparent' mixer? I agree with the gal that was impressed So. Am. I!

Jer