Aldain Reid, Contributor

Wright and Campbell are the best at what they do. So follow these tips and you should be well on your way to a successful event this season!

As the festive season approaches, the party scene will be buzzing and for the next few weeks, corporate and social groups alike will organise numerous events in the spirit of the season.

A smooth party experience requires meticulous planning by a team responsible for ensuring that partygoers enjoy a fulfilling experience.

Proper planning and organisation will make the difference between a lacklustre party, and an affordable, yet memorable event.

The seasoned patron can easily detect when little effort is spent in making the event special. The truth is, success in hosting parties lies primarily in preparation.

Dreams

Marlon Campbell and PJ Wright are two young Jamaican entrepreneurs who are in this business. At the top of their game, Wright and Campbell are behind some of the most successful parties in recent times.

Wright's DAYDREAMS series is a brand that provides an exclusive experience for discerning patrons, while MUSIQUE the brainchild of Campbell, has enjoyed much popularity among the 'Gen Y'.

So what brought Campbell, a postgraduate History major, and Wright, a Business Management graduate into the business of party making?

"A passion for people" said Campbell. "From as far back as I can remember, I have been involved is some form of entertainment for the sole purpose of making people happy.

"During my years at University, I led numerous on-campus entertainment activities, including University of the West Indies Carnival" he added. "And so MUSIQUE was borne out of a natural progression and an innate entrepreneurial spirit".

Campbell's fun personality endears a loyal following to his events, which he hosts at least twice per year.

Wright's response was very similar. "I never chose this business, it chose me," Wright said.

Attention to detail

His meticulous attention to detail quickly became the hallmark of his all-inclusive events. "Our patrons have come to expect a premium production, and that's what we strive to maintain," Wright quipped.

"No expenses are spared in ensuring that we continuously deliver on our promise to our clients to provide an experience second to none," he stressed. And, based on their popularity, it is evident that Wright is succeeding.

Aldain Reid is a serial entrepreneur and is currently serving as the president of the Young Entrepreneurs' Association of Jamaica. He may be contacted via his entrepreneurship blog at www.aldainreid.com.

Marlon Campbell (left) and PJ Wright.

Campbell's and Wright's tips for successfully hosting an event

Preparation is Key

Do proper research to ensure that you identify all the key elements and engage all the right people. Prepare a detailed list of required inputs. budgets, venue selection, design and décor, catering, entertainment, marketing and promotion and sponsorships are some of the elements that must be considered.

Visualise your definition of a perfect event; note all the intricate details, and execute your plans.

Know your audience

Keen analysis is required to ensure that you understand the audience that you are seeking to attract. The choices you make with respect to the inputs must be in sync with the tastes and preferences of your desired market segment. This is a critical determining factor in the success of your event and the longevity of the brand you are creating. Always strive for a first-class event and encourage frank feedback from your clients.

Create a Theme

Whether it's "all-white", "all-inclusive, or "all music, no long talking", creating a theme for your event is a must. This will be your Unique Selling Proposition (USP) and will ultimately set you apart from the competition.

A successfully executed theme will vividly stand out in the minds of your patrons and will keep them coming back.

Execute

No matter how robust your plans are, hosting a stellar event comes down to proper execution on the day. Areas of focus during the event must include gate and access management, security and event supervision, food and drink availability and flow, and crowd management and control.