Need tips for throwing a very formal party that will be fun for everyone.?

Question

I am on a committee to help organize the Colorado National Guard's 2007 Military Ball. This is a very formal event to which tickets must be purchased. The theme, so to speak, is a hail and farewell to our outgoing TAG and Governor. We are expecting an attendance of 800-1000 people, including high ranking military and government officials from Washington DC. Proceeds from the ball will be donated to charity.
A few of us on the committee want to put extra effort into making this ball fun for lower enlisted Soldiers, who have tended not to come to these sorts of events in the past, although they are very much wanted. So far we have decided to get a seperate room from the ballroom where a DJ can play modern dance music and we are hoping to sell tickets to E-5s and below at a quarter of the officers price. The ball is set for late March and we are brainstorming more ideas to make this an event for the lower enlisted. Please tell me what you think will make this more fun for the enlisted.

Lower enlisted is the official term, since there are Lts out there who are younger than me (I'm an E-4). I suppose sometimes people use the term Junior enlisted, but that suggests that they have not been in the military long. Try telling that to an E-5 with 20 years under his belt. I wish there were a nicer sounding term, because I dont like to think of myself as lower, but its just military jargon and it doesnt really mean much.

Answer 1

Since this party is raising funds for charity see if you can enlist some celebrities to attend. For instance, you might want a comedian give a small show, or a singer perform a few hits. Keep your DJ. Your celeb's will only do short time stints. But make sure there is an open invite to the celebrity to join the top brass, that might make it worth their attending the event. Also, allow the top brass to attend the party in the other room for the celebrity appearance. This will allow both classes to mingle for short period of time which is great for morale, but after they can all party/mingle more comfortably in their separate rooms.

1) make sure you have a committee arranging these events.
2) assign one committee member to volunteer recruitment, as you will NEED volunteers putting this event together, setting it up and tearing it down
3) assign one committee member to celebrity recruitment. Try for celebs that support the military. For instance, if you have proper time to solicit the celeb CHER is a big supporter. With some simple research you can determine who will donate their time to military causes/ events.
4) assign another committee member to solicit local celeb's and other entertainment like the DJ, also consider celeb look alikes for the secondary party you have going on.
5) keep assigning committee member to appropriate positions such as secretary, etc...

Well the above are some ideas that should help you out. I wish you the best of luck.

GOD BLESS THE MILITARY! USA all the way!

www.impartialinc.com

Answer 2

How about an area with casino-type games? These always seem to be a big hit at charity fundraisers. You would have to be aware of the rules of gambling for your locale, but I know there are ways to do this in areas where betting is illegal by using tokens and such.

Also, having areas to get away from the formality can be helpful, whether this is outside or in another room. I think the DJ room is a great idea.

I think the best thing you can do is to reach out to the enlisted soldiers. The more they feel connected to the ball, the more interest they will have. Solicit their opinions, and make sure they are represented and welcomed in the committee. If the atmosphere is inviting, they will almost certainly feel a part of the event and the gap will be bridged.

Answer 3

You need to get the wives excited about it. How about seeing if you can get some of them on your committee? Instead of referring to them as "Lower enlisted" you may want to change that to younger enlisted personnel. You are coming across like you are doing someone a favor. Why not plan some fun games where everyone can communicate with each other. That will be what makes it the success. That is what makes all parties a success.

Answer 4

I've never been to a military ball, but have been to a dining out. The grog bowl made it pretty fun for all above legal drinking age no matter the rank. However it could be a bad thing to get tanked at an event the TAG is attending.

Answer 5

Get a separate room yes, but have a live band or local group that is well known to be popular with young people
Having a discounted ticket price for junior ranks is a good idea, but also remember that the price of formal clothes puts off junio rpeople with lower incomes! It has to be fun enough to attract the partners to want to come
We did one once which had a funfair theme, and there were stalls outside for fun - shooting alleys with toys as rewards, and candyfloss etc for a fun atmosphere.

Answer 6

Well if you were Marines I would tell you to look in the NCO manuel. but I am sure the Army has a version, or it might be in the drill and cermonies manuel. Sorry I don't currently have the web link for that information. I did find some of that info a few weeks back when i was looking for something else. good luck.

Answer 7

IN COLORADO? I have this suggestion, tell all the military personal not to attend, then serve ANTHRAX-CAKES To the remainder for letting "John Mark Karr" go. you have no-shame Colorado. he should have been SHOT just for saying he did that atrocious crime. And your district attorney should be the friggen PRESIDENT, for the fact she thought along the same lines as me! God Bless America, And Our Troops! 1st. Sgt., 7th Special Forces, (Ret.) Vietnam, "67"-"70"

Answer 8

Can formal parties be fun?