Another trip around the sun is almost complete, and New Year’s Eve is fast approaching – one of the most exciting (and profitable) nights of the year for bars, restaurants, and entertainment venues. While each year brings its challenges, savvy businesses know how to adjust their sails to make the night unforgettable.
If you want to make your venue the go-to spot for New Year’s celebrations, here are tips to help you plan, promote, and deliver a night to remember.
Table of Contents
Create an Irresistible Theme
New Year’s Eve parties are everywhere, so how do you stand out? The answer: a unique and engaging theme. Guests want a reason to dress up, show up, and celebrate in style. Whether it’s a Gatsby-style roaring ‘20s soiree, a Black and Gold Masquerade, or a Throwback ’80s Night, a strong theme turns a typical party into an experience worth sharing (and spending money on!).
Promote your theme in advance with social media teasers, themed drinks, decor, and dress codes. A great theme builds buzz and gives your guests an easy excuse to say, “I’m going out this year!”
Make It Easy to Spend Big
According to Eventbrite research, people are willing to splurge on New Year’s Eve, with 11% saying they’d spend over $200 for the right party. This is the perfect time to offer premium options that enhance their night:
- VIP Packages: Reserved seating, complimentary champagne, and bottle service.
- Exclusive Tickets: Early admission, special entertainment, or themed party favors.
- Upsells: Signature cocktails, premium menu items, and take-home goodies.
Upselling doesn’t just boost your profits – it makes the night feel special for guests who are willing to pay for a VIP experience.
Promote Right Up to the Last Minute
Worried it’s too late to start promoting your New Year’s Eve event? Think again! Nearly half of all party-goers wait until the week between Christmas and New Year’s to finalize their plans. Use this to your advantage:
- Social Media Ads: Push targeted campaigns on Facebook and Instagram to capture last-minute planners.
- Email Blasts: Send reminders with VIP details and reservation links.
- In-Venue Promotion: Use digital signage and tabletop flyers to engage customers already visiting your venue.
The window is short, but the reward can be huge if you stay top-of-mind during this crucial week.
Countdown to Midnight with Control Play
Midnight is the main event on New Year’s Eve, and a great countdown can transform your venue into the ultimate celebration spot. With Control Play’s New Year’s Eve Countdown, you can:
- Automate the Party: The countdown runs throughout the day, leading up to a perfectly timed finale at midnight.
- Customize for Families: Hosting an earlier “Family Countdown” at 6 PM or 8 PM? Control Play lets you set up a mock countdown to give families the same thrill of ringing in the New Year. We have a whole blog about it!
- Audio and Video Options: Add visuals to your countdown to create an even more memorable moment for your guests.
From the final 10-second countdown to a year-in-review music montage and the classic Auld Lang Syne, Control Play takes care of the most important part of the night so you can focus on your guests. Watch Adam Melrose break it down in the video below.
Automate and Elevate the Experience
New Year’s Eve is busy enough without worrying about playing the right music or running the countdown at the perfect moment. With Control Play’s automation tools, everything runs seamlessly, letting your team focus on delivering an exceptional guest experience.
- Set It and Forget It: The player automatically recognizes your time zone, ensuring the countdown happens right at midnight.
- Easy Setup: Whether you’re hosting one event or multiple time-based celebrations, Control Play makes it simple to schedule everything in advance.
- Support When You Need It: Need help? The Control Play support team is available to ensure everything runs flawlessly.
Make This New Year’s Eve Your Best Yet
New Year’s Eve is your chance to deliver a standout guest experience that keeps people talking well into 2025. By combining an engaging theme, upsells, strategic promotions, and seamless automation with Control Play, you’re setting your venue up for success.
Want to take the stress out of your New Year’s countdown? Reach out to the Control Play team to get started today.
