Why We Throw An Annual Party For Our Business

Why We Throw an Annual Party for Our Business

At City Lifestyle, we’re supposed to throw a launch party when the magazine launches and arrives in mailboxes. We were so swamped getting it off the ground that we couldn’t pull the event together. So we made a slight change and celebrated one year in business instead.

Our launch party was meant to celebrate the team who built the magazine. The writers, photographers, editorial coordinators, and most importantly, the clients. It was a moment to honor the clients who invested in advertising and believed in the vision before the magazine had proven itself.

Turning a Party Into Experiential Marketing

This was a time for leaders to be in the room and see who was actually part of the magazine. It was also a time for business owners to invite their friends.

It created the right environment for real, meaningful networking. We intentionally invited leaders we hoped would join the magazine as well.

We shared the vision and heart of the magazine in a way that was far more compelling than sitting one-on-one with a media kit and trying to sell. The experience itself created the sale.

We told the story of our launch, gave shout-outs to the business leaders who rallied around us, shared where we’re headed, and invited people to grow with us. We weren’t the heroes that night. The community was. The event was designed to make them feel that way and to show we’re here to help shape that story and help them win.

Why We Keep It Intentional and Exclusive

We keep the event exclusive. It’s invite-only. We choose the right location, set the right time frame, and pick the ideal date. Those three details matter more than most people realize when planning a successful event.

The night was so good that before it was over, we decided to turn it into an annual gathering and announced next year’s event on the spot.

How This Applies to Your Business

If you’re relying solely on ads, emails, or cold outreach, you may be working harder than you need to. Sometimes the most effective way to grow isn’t louder promotion. It’s creating an experience that lets people encounter who you are firsthand.

Think of an intentional gathering. Whether it’s a party, workshop, or small event. How can it build trust, create momentum, and invite people into your story long before a sales conversation ever happens?

What’s one experience your business or nonprofit could create this year?