Hi People,

A few months ago I posted some thoughts about what goes into planning a M and G.  I see some more cities would like to have one or are thinking about it.  So, I thought I would post it again with some additional thoughts.

Thought I would give you some kind of idea about what goes into the planning of a M and G.  As most of you know, I host the Los Angeles M and G's along with my co-host, Kate O'Conner.  I strongly recommend that u have a co-host (male or female) that u can trust.  Anyway, below are my thoughts.

Venue:  This is always the toughest for me.  I try and find a venue that is affordable, large enough to accomodate 150-200 people, good parking and/or valet available, and is in a safe location.  There should be a full bar, food available, and a DJ.  But most of all, privacy is an utmost concern and a requirement.  I've hosted more than 10 parties and they have been anywhere from a large hotel suite to a private club.  Obviously, since my parties have gotten quite large, I use a private venue that will be closed to the public for that night.  Some cities, LV for example, hold large parties in private homes.  I have explored this option myself, but in LA, the cost is prohibitive.  

When:  From what I can gather, most parties are held during the week.  For several reasons such as married guys typically cannot attend on a weekend, venue pricing is always more on a weekend (even later in the week), and generally attendees availability is better during the week than weekend.  The exception is LV which typically has their parties on a weekend.  I have found that Tuesday or Wednesday are the best days.  

Getting the word out:  Once you have a venue lined up and a date, you need to get the word out that a party is being planned.  I think most of the M and G hosts have a master list of guys and gals who have attended or requested attendance to a prior M and G and/or who have passed screening.  Mine is now over 500.  They typically will get an email from me requesting their attendance the day I annnounce the party.  I usually will send followup emails until the last week of the party.  So, 3-4 additional emails after the original one.  Also weekly, the event is advertised on the M and G board as well as the city board where the party is taking place.  The M and G board will have an weekly updated list of the ladies that have requested an invite.  Having Kate as my co-host helps tremendously as she will invite her clients as well as other ladies.

Screening:  It is done by everyone.  Everybody has their own techniques.  I won't go much into it, but u need to have a process that is dependable and reliable.

Cost: Typically a donation is asked from the gents.  Ladies always get in free.  My parties are $40, but parties in other cities are as high as $100-150.  The cost parameters can vary based on the price of the venue, what you are offering (host bar, food, DJ, Parking, Door Prizes, etc).  My last party included food, a DJ, and several door prizes for the gents and ladies.  Sometimes there is an upfront cost required to secure the venue.  That is borne by you the host.

Attendance: Always figure that out of your total attendance list, 50% of the ladies will attend and 60-65% of the gents.  Thats a good rule of thumb.  My last party had an invite list of 262 with a final attendance of 167.   This was the biggest party I have hosted.  Additionally, always know the capacity of the venue so that you know what your limits are.

Lastly, always explain to your invitees regarding dress code and rules.   Business should never be conducted at a M and G.  If you hear of it, stop it immediately.  This isn't the place for it.

Hope this helps.  Oh, and BTW, there is a ton of stuff that happens in between.  LOL.  U'll find that out once you host.

A philly meet up would be sooo sweet. I got my start in Philly and come back quite often. There is a ton f interest there. I hope this happens.

let me know if if you do put one together in Atlantic City somewhere if not Phillies fine Delaware is good just not Washington DC or Baltimore thanks let me know Jennifer for smart maybe to be a dress-up party but we all have to dress up like something in particular like an animal that way lobby dressed appropriate LOL.

Plan a M&G in Philly and I will definitely attend and in fact will throw my hat in the ring to help with planning or organizing it.