From Pumpkin Spice Lattes to LED-powered sweaters to radio stations that play all holiday music all the time, it doesn’t take much to send people into a festive frenzy.
Lighting showrooms across the country are also tapping into the spirit of the season with open house events that bring the crowds. Over the years, Susan Burks, showroom division manager at Mayer Electric in Birmingham, Alabama, has seen her fair share. Her lighting showroom’s annual holiday open house receives enough local traffic to keep the warm ‘n’ fuzzies going through the season and beyond.
Read on for Burks’ tried and true tips for staging a successful party.
Get ahead of the hubbub
Sure, folks are full of holiday spirit once December rolls around, but so are their social calendars. The team at Mayer Lighting finds that open houses appeal to a wider audience when they happen in October or November before they’re forced to compete with school events and office parties.
Entice designers with education
With their superior sense of style and Rolodex (is that still a thing?) full of the coolest friends, designers are a sought-after lot. Give them a reason to put you on their “yes” list by offering an opportunity to earn continuing education units at your event.
Keep it short and sweet
There’s no hard and fast rule for how long an open house should last, but four hours seems to be the norm. Holding a party from 1-5 p.m. or 3-7 p.m. gives clients plenty of time for shopping and revelry, and both four-stretches have worked well at Mayer Lighting.
Eat, drink and be merry
Seriously, when was the last time you attended a party without vittles and something delicious to sip on? Hire a caterer to pass hors d’oeuvres and serve drinks or go the DIY route with a table brimming with snacks, beer and wine.
Add a feel-good extra
Many people look for ways to give back during the holiday season. Tap into that charitable enthusiasm by raising money or collecting items for a local charity during your open house. Last year, Mayer Lighting asked guests to bring a new toy to donate to Toys for Tots.
Build some buzz
If you build it (the buzz), they will come. Promote your event in the showroom, on Facebook and through direct mail or email to your list of preferred customers.
Throwing an open house this year? What's your secret to success? Share with us in the comments!
