Event Wrap up.

[kymied]

Well, my event is over. People seemed to have a really good time and enjoyed the food. The courses came out on time, the food pacing worked well. However turnout was a lot lower than expected and I lost over $300. It really gets me bummed out about throwing events. How can you possibly throw an event if you don't know how many people will show up

Comments

[ynfytyn]

You can't, not sustainably. I've seen some success with hosts selling "tickets" to reserve a seat and asking people to pay ahead of time, either in person or through PayPal. It really minimizes the financial risk.

[juggernautbud]

Trying to gauge how many people you will get at a Realms event is Impossible unless you do PreReg Only (which btw Draws less people then normal). So often as an EH you will lose money... its just what happens...

[guardian_elf]

At Feast of Folkestone we have a simple rule. If you pre-reg, you get to eat nomtastic food. If you don't, you get pasta and dessert.

Simple as that. We don't even require that you pay in advance, just let us know that you are coming. It usually works very well as we end up with about 100 pre-regs and 20-30 people at the door, Pasta is cheap.

[nimir_ra]

before I go any further, dont take any of this as an attack. its just a thought

Our group (meaning realms) is really not very adventurous in a culinary way. They are hard core meat and potatoes people.
Drawing a larger group than 35 will be hard with a vegetarian feast. Im not saying you should alter your menu, as that would compromise what you are trying to do. But next year, plan on feeding only 30-40.
I had a couple of ideas on dishes you could try, too. Hit me up sometime if you want to brainstorm. :)

[kymied]

So last year I had 47 signatures, I don't know the actual attendance number. If I had that many this year I would have been fine. I really think it's the time of the year that caused the drop. Throw an event when there aren't many events, more people come.
I know that "as a whole" the Realms is not adventurous but I had many people say that they were really excited about coming to an event where they could eat healthier because as a whole, the Realms is out of shape and overweight. Many are trying to eat healthier in their every day life and the majority of Realms feasts do not provide them to maintain that.
The problem is you can't throw a small feast. Hall rentals are too expensive. $300 divided by 30 leaves $10 per person for food and nothing for auction, no discount for staff, servers, prereging etc.
I guess the only way there will be another Savory Delights is if I join my mom's church.

[guenpanther]

Hey there, got your vmail. I'll be here tonight and tomorrow evening. Call me about 2 hours before you show up, k?