The concert in the park—almost every town and city does them, regardless of size. Often, it’s a picnic in the park event. People buy tickets, pack their picnics and stake out their territory. In our area, the authorities “relax the no alcohol in the park” rule for one evening. As an advisor, you can see opportunity here.
The music is often orchestral. Put another way, it’s not a rock concert. Classical music might put people to sleep, so they often lean towards “pops,” music from the movies and other selections everyone knows.
Capitalizing On The Concert In The Park
You plan to attend because it’s fun. You endeavor to put together a small group. Let's look at how this comes together and the opportunities it presents.
1. The setup. If you are bringing friends, clients or friends who are also clients, you want something that looks smart. You arrange for table and chairs or picnic blankets and lawn chairs.
Rationale: You want everyone to be comfortable.
How we do it: Over the years, we have purchased 30x30 inch tables that roll up into bags, bought folding chairs from Ikea and setup an “outdoor dining room” for eight people, complete with wine glasses, china and flatware, but all made from plastic!
2. Tickets. If you are feeding your friends, they can buy their own. Tell them where you will be setting up. Exchange cellphone numbers.
Rationale: This is an informal gathering, not a corporate event. They are friends, not business guests.
How we do it: We supply the food, water and wine. Guests just need to show up.
3. Work the room (OK, so it’s a field). Before the concert, everyone walks around to see who they know. You will do the same. Have munchies on hand along with plenty of extra glasses for the sparkling wine you brought.
Rationale: Your friends will do the legwork, finding their friends and inviting them over for a drink and snacks. You have now gotten to meet their friends.
How we do it: We have more champagne glasses than we have guests, because we are expecting visitors.
4. Food. It will be served cold, because it’s highly unlikely the organizers will want hundreds of people cooking over open flames! You want it to be elegant and easily portioned out. No shared dishes.
Rationale: You want something that’s elegant and gets people talking after the event.
How we do it: This year, it’s easier cold poached salmon or sliced marinated London broil. The jury is still out.
5. Two extra seats. Plan the food and seating for two more people than you invited. You or your guests will likely find a friend who didn’t know you could bring wine or thought food would be sold on site.
Rationale: You invite them to join you. Your friend is thankful. You’ve made a new friend or deepened the relationship
How we do it: Two extra places can be set at the head and foot of the table. The coolers serve as extra seating.
6. Lighting. It will get dark. It will get chilly. Pack some sweaters. Have Ikea lanterns or LED lights so everyone isn’t sitting in the dark. Flashlights help people find their cars or the way out of the park.
Rationale. Your guests might not have thought this far ahead. They are getting cold. They are impressed you are prepared.
How we do it: Same as above.
7. Cleanup. Time for a rock concert flashback. Once it’s over, thousands of people are all getting ready to leave at the same time. You need to plan ahead. Once dessert has been served and the concert is getting underway, we are disassembling the tables, putting them back into their carrier bags. We are gathering up plates and extra glasses. Trash is organized.
Rationale: When you entertain at home, none of your guests want to clean up and do dishes. They want to head to their beds. You are the elves in the background.
How we do it: Same as above. We are moving coolers and extra bottles back to the car if that’s practical.