How to Throw a Launch Party

Your best friend is always inventing some hair-brained scheme to make money. The first time it was the crazy way to bake pies without using any grease so that any person who ate one wouldn't gain weight. You both gained 50 pounds. Another time, he tried to start a pregnant cat babysitting service. That scratch never did heal right. But now, it looks like he is onto something fantastic. It's party time!

1. Make sure the product that you are launching is worth a product launch party. Is this something that should even be considered worth a launch luncheon, let alone a launch party? Have you done your research to see if this product will be relevant? Make sure that this product or event is worth the time and effort not only for the upcoming launch party, but also for the impending hard work that it will take for this thing to be a success.


2. Talk to everyone involved. That would include investors, inventors, sales people and anyone who has anything to do with the fruition of this product. Make sure that they are on board with this product coming out into the public. Make sure they bring their people, if just to make sure that someone shows up.


3. Get your party budget in order. See how much money you'll need to work with. Ask yourself: "Who is coming?"; "How many people do I expect to show up?"; "What am I willing to spend to make this party a success?" In the end, it's just like throwing a regular party.


4. Get your target audience in mind. Who are you trying attract with your product? Is it something that is going to benefit single moms, middle-aged dads, adventurous grandparents? Gear your invitations toward your target audience and those who might also be interested. 


5. Look for the perfect place to host the launch party. Perfect place doesn't just mean perfect spot, visually and aesthetically. It could very well mean perfect in price, size and location. Is it a place that people can get to easily? Can you afford it? Will it be too big an arena or too small an arena?


6. Pick the perfect entertainment. How does the entertainment selection fit with the product launch? If it is a CD launch party, will the artist be there to sing? If it is a cookbook launch party, will there be time for taste testing? Pick the perfect entertainment that fits the product that is launched.


7. Keep in touch with your party attendees. get email addresses and send up-to-date information on what's going on.