How To: Throw the Best Party of 2011

I went to (and threw) a lot of great parties in 2010. Taking the best parts from each of my favorite events, I present to you my formula for throwing a party of epic proportions in 2011!

There shall be dancing!

Case Study: SPARKcon flash mob dance: Raleigh, NC

If you look closely, you can see my head bopping to and fro. Participating in a flash mob dance was something I got to check off my bucket list this year!

Music to my ears.

Case Study: Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival, Manchester, TN

Just pretend like you’re hearing music right now. Bonnaroo was the BIGGEST and BEST party of 2010 because there was literally music playing somewhere 24/7 for 4 days straight.

Playing dress-up.

Case Study: Revolution Raleigh Glow Party: Raleigh, NC & WKNC Afterhours’ dance party (Beach Style): Raleigh, NC

See that beach ball? Yea I brought that and decided to turn it into a game. I purposely threw it all around the room and everyone there drew on it. Props add dimension.

Glow sticks, while technically a prop, get a whole description to themselves. They make any party exponentially better.

Location, Location, Location.

Case Study: Bourbon Beach Club Reggae Beach Party: Negril, Jamaica

Parties in exotic locations are going to be memorable no matter who you were with or what you were doing.

No shoes necessary at this party. Actually... clothes aren't really necessary at all once you get in the ocean just a few feet away (luckily we didn't get pictures of that)!

VIPs

Case Study: PechaKucha Night at ideaSPARK after-party: Raleigh, NC & Brazen Careerist’s Network Roulette launch party: Washington, DC

The company you're in is really *the* most important aspect of a party. Being in the company of good friends at my events makes me 200% more joyous than if I were with strangers.

The VIP list could make or break the party. For example, Regina Twine and I drove 4.5 hours to DC just to meet Penelope Trunk, Ryan Paugh, and seriously so many other amazing people that I don't have space to list them all. The guest list definitely MADE that party :)

What’s Next?

Holiday parties galore. They will probably all include: music, dancing, costumes (hey — Christmas dresses count!), people I definitely want to see, but all in not-so-exotic locations.

In 2011, though, expect a lot more parties. This was the year that I found I’m totally passionately in love with planning events of all kinds (except birthday parties, weddings, and funerals) so it’s going to happen. I’m really *most* excited about all the SXSW Interactive parties more than anything, however :)

…

In participation with #reverb10.