In planning an event, whether it’s a social party, art showing, musical venue or something else, there are many points to take into consideration. The following are a few key questions to consider:
 
1. What type of event are you planning?
2. Where is the event going to take place?
3. Who are the guests and/or who is the market?
4. What costs are involved?
 
I’ve hosted a variety of different events in the past and the general questions above have really helped me keep my events focused and organized.
 
Recently, I began work on a new event dubbed the Songwriters Showcase.
 
The Songwriters Showcase is an upcoming concert event (April 22, 2010), featuring six local up-and-coming musical artists. Each artist will be performing his or her original music acoustically and will be sharing the inspiration behind the songs. After the show the artists will be making their way across the street to Original Joes for the after-party.
 
The idea to organize the Songwriter’s Showcase first came to me while I was in the studio working on a new track. My producer, John Thiel, mentioned a great new venue he’d heard of, Cardel Theatre. Since one of my personal goals for 2010 is to be performing original music more often, the Songwriters Showcase has been the perfect opportunity.
 
Shortly thereafter I met with the Cardelhomes Theatre Planner to view the venue. Cardel Theatre is a beautiful and quaint little theatre with stadium seating for 150 people. There’s not a bad seat in the house!  I was able to book the venue and secure the date. Having already determined the type of event, I had solidified the location as well meaning questions #1 and #2 where now answered.
 
Question #3… who to market to?
The six artists participating in the show are from varying genres, allowing for a wide market appeal. However, the commonality comes from the fact that each artist will perform acoustically giving the show an overall roots feel.

Such advertising mediums as Fast Forward Magazine are one of the best ways to reach our target market, but again, costs have to be considered, and as our funds are very limited we’ve had to rely primarily on online advertising through Facebook, Reverb Nation, Myspace etc. We’ve also posted flyers around our neighborhoods and invited our friends and families in the hopes of a sell out show.  
 
Question #4… what about costs?
There were several important factors to consider in determining the appropriate price-point for each ticket. The cost of the venue, payment for each artist, advertising costs and free drinks (limited to one per person) factored into the ticket price.
 
The ultimate success or failure of this event will determine whether I’ll host a Songwriter’s Showcase quarterly or not. If it is successful, each new concert will feature different local talent in the music industry, thus providing artists a great opportunity to reach new fans on a more personal level.
 
If you’re interested to learn more about the Songwriters Showcase… please visit www.alisacreations.com for more information and tickets. We’d love to have you there! Any photographers interested in covering the event should contact me through my website.
 
Be sure to come back in May for a follow-up blog post about how the event turns out.
 
ARTICLE CREDITS
Alisa Yardley
Singer/Songwriter
www.alisacreations.com

There's plenty of ways to meet people in the industry if you're willing to get out and try new things. Long before Model Republic, there was Meetup.  It was (and still is) a great way to connect with other people that share the same interests.

For the past few months, the members of MR have been meeting in small groups at pubs and restaurants around Calgary. I personally like these gatherings because of how casual they are. Everyone I've met at the Mixes had been really down to earth and friendly.

The one drawback has been the heavy ratio of photographers to models. If 15 people come out, 10 of them will be photographers! It's been suggested that photographers should bring along at least one model (or makeup artist or hair stylist) to help round things out. I think this is a good idea, and I look forward to seeing more ladies at the next Mix.

If you're interested in attending a MR Mix, watch the The Wall - this is where the events are posted most of the time.