New York event planners learned very quickly how important it is to be adaptable and open to new ways of creating memorable experiences. For many restaurants, the pop-up dining phenomenon has become a downright staple. But now that most event planners are getting back to “normal” events, what’s all the buzz about pop-ups? And should you, as a New York event planner, be embracing them and offering them as part of your services?
Behind the Buzz
The pop-up method, whether it’s dining-related or something else, is meant to be spontaneous. It’s a smaller event, intended to be a short-term, almost one-off event to surprise guests either with the venue, the menu, or the entertainment. And that’s the buzz element. You never know what to expect at these types of events, which is what makes them so much fun. As a New York event planner, you can tap into this trending event style and help your clients set up and host these impromptu get-togethers.
Reasons to Consider a Pop-Up Dining Event
These types of events are incredible for promoting new venues and new foods. Some of New York’s top chefs prefer pop-ups to introduce some of their latest creations and to help increase exposure for their expertise in the cuisine. But there are plenty of other reasons for your customers to consider a pop-dining event, including:
- A unique approach to the traditional work meeting
- A spontaneous and informal way to meet and greet clients
- A fun way to gather for a bridal or baby shower
- An upscale engagement party experience
- A little something different when gathering with friends to celebrate any occasion
Benefits of Planning the Pop-Up Event
There are benefits to event planning a pop-up event, the most significant being a lower-cost engagement. These types of get-togethers are typically smaller but can command a higher ticket price because of their upscale nature. You can plan an Haute Couture-themed event without overextending the event budget. In a way, it’s like a mini high society event without the expansive planning and timelines. Other benefits of the quick-turnaround pop-up event include:
- A low-cost way to promote a brand
- A flexible way to wow smaller event attendees
- Great way to highlight new, local venues and menus
Different Types of Pop-Up Events
In addition to planning pop-up dining events, New York event planners are seeing success with all kinds of pop-up events. There are pop-up art shows, pop-up retail events, and pop-up themed events. And whatever type you decide to offer for your clients, you have free rein to make it incredible. Here are a few themes and ideas you can tap into for inspiration.
- Pop-up events are great for charities and fundraising.
- They’re ideal for culinary collaborations between New York establishments.
- Consider a wine tour across several venues.
- Murder mystery dinners make for great pop-up dining events.
- Any holiday is the perfect reason to host a pop-up event.
- Have a pop-up fashion show.
- Promote an influencer or industry leader
Suggestions to Make Your Pop-Up Event Incredible
Event planners can be following a best practices rulebook for offering pop-up event planning services. Your clients will expect creative and spontaneous perfection. Here are some cues to follow as you carve out your to-do lists and processes for planning.
Get specific with your goals: Pop-up events can increase brand awareness, generate new customers, celebrate an occasion, conduct market research, or just be a memorable and engaging event.
Target with pinpoint precision: Pop-up events should be appealing to your target audience, offering upscale value they’ll uniquely love to pay for and experience. The pop-up should always create buzz with your core guest list.
Explore partnerships to pull off the best pop-up events: Don’t be afraid to work with other businesses or community leaders in creating your pop-up events. Buzzworthy brands, local hotspots, and companies can reap the brand exposure rewards, too.
Focus on logistics first: Planning your pop-up event should always start with an outline to follow regarding audiovisual, parking, decors, and guest registration or payment. You can fill in the aesthetics from there.
Get in on the action with pop-up dining events! Consider these tips to get in on the buzz. And don’t forget to get your tickets for The Event Planner Expo 2022 to gain even more insights about pop-up events and so much more!
