Event Hosting — You are Doing it Wrong
Three years ago we applied to host an event through an existing platform to meet new people in real life.
The platform was offering a way for people to dine with locals. Or, that is what is said. Meals were > $100 and mainly international cuisine.
We submitted an event for a simple local brunch, costing $20 and offering a unique opportunity to dine in a private garden in a historic location.
We were rejected.
We were not chefs. After looking around, we saw this too often. This is why we created SipScene. A place where anyone can host events as a new way to meet new people in real life.
After hundreds of events through different hosts in six cities, we have picked up a thing or two on what makes a great host. I’ll give you a hint… it isn’t what you think.
It isn’t about fine dining.
It isn’t about matching place sets.
It isn’t about formalities.
It is definitely not about perfection.
It isn’t even about running water (bear with me on this one…)
People are looking to connect. They are looking to be heard, to listen, to engage in interesting conversation.
In a world where thanks to technology we are connected to millions online, we are disconnected in real life.
So, what makes a great host?
It is someone that welcomes you by looking into your eyes.
It is someone that introduces you into conversations.
It is someone that invites you to help them set things up, this is a great way to make guests feel at home.
It is someone that asks the right questions to get conversations flowing in the room.
It is someone that is happy to be quiet when there is good conversation in the room.
It is someone that is aware of who needs encouragement to talk up in the room.
It is someone that cares about connecting people.
It is someone that wants to bring out the best in their guests.
It is someone humble.
It is someone that understands that they are leading the vibe of the event.
It is someone that stays calm in the face of a crisis.
OK, for the NO WATER story.
We were hosting an event and just before the first guests were due to arrive, our water stopped working. Not ideal.
Had we not had the experience of so many events behind us, we probably would have panicked, cancelled, stressed out.
Luckily for us, we already knew the secret. People were coming to meet new people, not for our bathroom, and the water issue had a solution.
We set into action — firstly, calling the plumber. Secondly, going to neighbors to ask if our guests could use their bathroom. Thirdly, notifying guests as soon as they came in with a smile on our face, completely calm.
The outcome? An incredible night. A wonderful group of strangers coming together as friends. In our goal to help people meet new people, we had succeeded. That night multiple guests were inspired to become hosts and we even found someone to sublease our apartment the following month when we headed out to Austin for Mass Challenge.
So — what is the worst thing that could happen? I’d say no water is pretty up there. And yet, people still had a great time, new friendships were formed, apartment leases were exchanged and guests were inspired to create their own magic with their own events with us!
What could have been a failure ended up being one of our greatest successes.
The most important thing you can do as a host — have a good time. If you are calm and enjoying yourself, so will everyone else. Adding onto that being aware of all your guests and including everyone, you are on your way to a winner. Water, optional.
Find out more → https://sipscene.com/
