Laser Tag Logs Podcast S1 E1

Season 1: Episode 1 "Invitations"

 

Avoid the dreaded "Silent RSVP"

Are they a “yes!?”

 

 

 

Dive into the world of Laser Tag Party Invites on our latest episode!

Get inspired with creative designs, DIY tips, and more!

Listen now!

 

 

 

PODCAST TRANSCRIPT

You’re listening to the “Laser Tag Logs” podcast, episode number 1.

Hello, Game-Runners, welcome to the first episode of our podcast. It’s where we explore the art and science behind making memorable moments.

If you don’t know who I am, I'm your host, Nicole Lander. I'm a lucky person. I get to help people create unforgettable experiences. I am a storyteller, entrepreneur, & Mum to 2 kids.

I started my business with a few thousand dollars and the idea of taking a video game and experiencing it LIVE. Fast-forward to today, I’m the Chief Fun Officer at Laser Tag in a Box. My team has booked more than 27,000 events. And I’m here to help you create one of the best times of someone’s life.

It is one of those handful of experiences that they will NEVER forget.

And I am EXCITED to hang out with you on this poddy.  Imagine this, we are at a coffee shop, sitting side by side and chatting about planning your special event.  Welcome to Laser Tag Logs. This is our maiden voyage, our logbook to your event's success. Let’s dive in!   Today, my friends, we’re starting your event planning journey from the top: Invitations.

In suburbs across Australia, there are people thinking about how to kick off this year’s special event. Behind the scenes, often the first step towards a successful event is crafting the perfect party invitation.

 

If you think about it, you send out invitations, in one form or another, for not only birthday parties or weddings. But to all sorts of events. Events like youth camps, holiday programs, and even sports team celebrations.

The invite is the promise of an unforgettable occasion. No matter if it’s delivered via the old printed paper or your inbox or messenger, the invite promises part merriment and part mayhem for your party-goers. If you were living on the set of the Bridgerton TV Show, you would have a footman deliver an embossed invitation and a matching RSVP card.  Many of you nowadays go for a modern approach and create a digital invite.

You could create a digital card on an app like Canva or Adobe Express. The Adobe app has heaps of easy-to-customize templates. Both apps have a free and a premium plan.  Sending a digital invite also saves on printing costs.

Or you could create a private event on Facebook, so you don't have to worry about printing and posting invitations.

You can track your RSVPs and post additional info, like directions, online. Or you could use an online app like RSVPify. With RSVPify you can send digital invites and keep track of the RSVPs for your event. 

Here at Laser Tag in a Box, we have created some free downloadable party invites for you. There are a few different designs for you to choose from. Check them out at lasertag.com.au/free-party-invites

So, what makes an invitation more than just a boring message?

Let's start by delving into the psychology of invitations. Did you know that, according to a study in the Journal of Applied Social Psychology, sending and receiving invitations triggers a sense of social obligation, making recipients more likely to attend?

In the past, when we received an invitation, people often felt compelled to attend. But nowadays, it is challenging to get people to RSVP!  Avoid the dreaded “Silent RSVP”. Are they a “yes!?” Are they a “no?” Or maybe, they’re just a “maybe!”

 As the party host, you don’t know if your kiddo left the party invite at the bottom of their school bag with a dirty banana. Or if the parents simply forgot to send you their response.

Don't worry, you're not alone. We've all been there.  Design, timing, & wording can all influence how your invitations do their job.

What are some insider tips and tricks to make your mark?  A survey by Eventbrite revealed that a staggering 78% of respondents said that the design of an invitation influenced their decision to attend an event. That's right—first impressions matter, even in the world of invitations. This highlights the importance of investing time and effort into creating visually appealing invitations that captivate the recipient's attention. 

You want to note the date and time (both the kickoff and end times) and the location of the party.  It's not just about aesthetics; the language used in an invitation is equally crucial.  The wording, or what we call semantics in the trade, is important. Fast fact: If you use a call to action, such as "Join us" or "Celebrate with us," this can achieve in a higher response rate compared to a dry RSVP - répondez s'il vous plait – respond if you, please.

In other words, "Please reply by..." But let’s take a step back for a moment.  What about the guest list? Who’s on your A-list? Is there such a thing as an optimal party size? A good rule of thumb is to take your birthday person’s age and add one. So, if you are organising an 11th birthday then 12 is your sweet spot for party size.

Or if you want a bigger group. Then you can play in a round-robin format, which lets you invite more guests. For example, you have to play with two teams on & two teams off. But before you send out the invitations, I recommend you do one vital thing. Ask your child who they desperately want to come to their party. Is their BFF available on your proposed date? Phone or text that kiddo’s parents to check if they can make it on that day.  That way, you can send out the party invites knowing that your child will not be devastated if their bestie cannot make it. When considering the big date, avoid super competitive dates. Like, for example, it’s a bad idea to organise a party on Grand Final Day. Also, don’t compete with Mother’s Day or Father’s Day.

Next, consider timing. Timing is important, even when it comes to invitations. 

You may not be surprised to hear that sending invitations too early can lead to lower attendance, while sending them too close to the event can cause scheduling conflicts. Sending invitations out 3 weeks before your party is ideal. This gives guests enough time for excitement to build without losing enthusiasm.

This might sound obvious, but it is better to send out personalised invitations, rather than generic ones. When crafting your invites, make sure you include a date for your RSVP – I recommend a week before your party – and an easy way to contact you.  Don’t forget to include your name, not just “Oliver’s Mum”. Some parents at school might not know your name. So include your mobile or email contact. Be sure to include your V.I.P.’s name as well. You never know, there might be two Olivers or three Charlottes in your kiddo’s year.  Remember that an invitation is not just a call to attend; it is an announcement of your special occasion, a promise of shared moments that linger long after the confetti has settled. 

If you have the promise of some fun backyard laser tag included in your party, you might just find you get a great response! (laugh!) If I do say so myself!!  So, game-runners, as you plan your next event, let the power of invitations be your first step on the event-planning journey! Craft them with care, infuse them with excitement, and watch as they unfold the gateway to unforgettable experiences. Now, friends, thank you for joining me on this episode of "Laser Tag Logs." I cannot wait to connect with you next time. Until then, may your events be filled with laughter, thrills, and magic. 

Thank you so much for tuning in. I know excitement for your special day is building. And you next time we will explore how to throw a party on a budget. That’s next time on “Laser Tag Logs.”  

 

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The Laser Tag Logs Podcast S1 E1 Show Notes