NightClub Promotions - some basic tips on throwing a successful event.

In nightclub promotions it's all about who you know. Anyone could throw an event but there are some basic tips you should know before you consider throwing one.

1. Go out to the same style events and get to know people. (incl. promoters, DJ's, club owners, regulars)

2. Start planning your event at least a month in advanced.

3. Don't book a large venue for your first event.

4. Make a written proposal including percentages you want to make off the bar and door and an estimate of how many people you think will come.... remember only 10 out of every 100 invited will come. What you will charge at the door. Will there be a dress code? Include where you plan to promote the event (online, flyers, word of mouth, invitations by mail etc..)

5. Try not to pick a date that another big event is being held on.

6. Inspect the venue, find out the capacity and square footage and what sound system they have.

7. Find out if the club has their own security.

8. Book your DJ/DJ's, some DJ's require you to sign a contract. Read it carefully and make sure you can provide everything stated in the contract before you sign.

9. Design a flyer or pay to have someone design one for you.

10. Get your flyers printed and have them all handed out over the next couple weeks.

11. Send out a copy of the flyer to everyone on your mailing list online, include other DJ's, promoters and club owners and regulars you met while networking.

12. Go on message boards and club listing sites and post your event everywhere.

13. Use myspace and/or facebook to send out invites.

14. Go out to at least 3-4 events a week for the next 4 weeks to tell people about your event in person.

15. Be positive and excited about your event and others will be excited too.

16. Find someone you really trust to collect money at the door.

17. Rent any extra sound equipment needed or requested by the DJ's.

18. Invite some other DJ's to bring their music in case one of your booked DJ's don't show up.

19. Call or text message people again the night of the event to remind them. Some people won't remember even after getting the flyer and invites online.

20. Make sure to thank everyone involved the night of the event so they will want to work with you again. Buy a drink or give a drink ticket to everyone involved.

There is actually a course at some community colleges for NightClub Promotions. So don't feel bad if your first couple events don't go smoothly. Its all about problem solving and patients and who you know. And remember, some people go to college for a couple years to learn how to throw these kinds of events. You may want to start off working as a promoter, promoting other people's events before you throw your own.