I've been thinking about a number of factors recently. One of these factors is the fact that there is nothing in my area for the under-21 dance crowd. There is a local under-21 club but it's (SURPRISE!) top-40. I think that something more focused on techno/trance would bring large crowds, but nothing exists like that for the under 21 crowd, only club nights that're all 21+. The other fact is that in the suburb where I live, entertainment is confined to a local resturant/arcade and the movie theater.

For this reason, I've been considering launching my own event. It would entail renting a fire hall or a banquet hall and loading in my equipment and then charging a flat admission fee, and reselling water bottles there.

I'm pretty sure that with some flyers and word of mouth I could rally up support. I am really rather tight with a number of local ladies who are just mad about dancing and would go to the end of the earth to support me, so I'm pretty sure that getting flyers distributed wouldn't be too hard.

I think it'd be necessary to rent a cop for the evening so that nothing bad would happen.

I was wondering if any of you knew anything about doing something like this... What I should worry about, things I should watch out for, etc. etc. etc.

The advantage would be that I would be able to advertise my format ahead of time and then nobody would complain about it. Also, the profit potential is sweet, which could kickstart my wider music selection

Any advice would be loved! thanks

Well, for ambition I give you 100%. But somewhere along the way, you're going to get knocks.


Take flyers - if you are the organiser, then like other area's of organising a 'gig', you take responsibility for things that go wrong, including 'Fly-Posting', which can result in fines.
Ok - some venues, if not all, need to be aware of the function type before you are allowed to hire.
The numbers 'invited' are going to be required - for Health & Safety, Fire regulations, etc. But if you mention admission, you may get a decline from the venue.
Security issues need to be addressed, and 'renting a cop' is like placing an advert to both the Good Guys in Blue and your 'invited young crowd' that trouble is around the corner!!!
You want to charge admission and flog water?
Are you registered to sell a consumable?
You're going to need deep pockets if you are really serious about regular 'event's.

But if you are still keen, why not look at the issues as a 'Business Plan', and work towards your 'goal' as a type of beneficial community project, and get people on board (on your side) for advice.
So write everything down what you want, what you need and what you expect.
Then try to forcast how often you could hold such an event, weekly, monthly, etc.
What are third party costs? Hire, security, printing, telephone calls, etc.
You may be surprised who will speak to you.

Heres a suggestion! In Australia they do a thing called "Blue Light Discos" which are run in conjunction with the police and the local authorities. It works on a two fold basis... part of the profits go towards the police benevolent fund - and part to local community projects.
Why not try approaching your local police dept and get the idea going with them... The only resource the police need to give would be for a few off duty officers to donate a couple of hours of their free time to mingle with the kids and act as "security". This also raises the profile of the police with the kids - a positive step.
Have a look at www.bluelight.com.au - which will give you an idea of what I am suggesting.... Dont think it is going to be easy to get off the ground - but if you are persistant and keep plugging the benefits to the police and the community, you could have some luck.

You can do it,but make sure you check every legality before doing so.Good Luck!

All sounds a bit perfect world if you ask me.

Lots of venues are not overly keen to host such events either, due to trouble, vandelism etc.....

Just before everyone jumps on the "oh too much trouble" bandwagon... firstly, why not check out the blue light site.... These discos are run in conjunction with both the police and local authorities. Provided that the events are carefully managed then they can become a great success.
Instead of giving negative feedback lets try a bit of encouragement for once.
I have given a tried and tested situation - something that has been running for years extremely successfully and has gone nationwide in australia.
Those who think that hard work is enough to be put off can look forward to a very stagnant future - those who are prepared to do the research, the legwork and above all else, put in the time and effort are the ones who make a success in life.
Phantom, you will have a lot of doors closed on you - but eventually one will remain open - and when that happens, be ready to step in.

Why not find a fun pub in your area (one that has a dj every weekend) one that has a function room upstairs that they my use for private parties.Than go chat to the manager tell them your idea, you might have to say you will donate 30% of the door money to charity but at least they will distribute your flyers to their regular crowd, also they will ahve there own door men, so you wont have to hire your own, also the manager get to fill his function room (which you should ask to hire at a discounted rate !) and also is selling more drink so he is happy most ways ! There is no halm in asking, if your doing most of the work eg. designing and printing flyers,equipment supply and doing the night then they sometimes are willing to give you a go..at least this way you get to play the type of music you like to a crowd of people that want to listen to it !! good luck..

Just make sure before you send out all your flyers you check to see what the maximum capacity level for the building is. This may sound dumb but can get you in a lot of trouble if you go over. The fire marshal would be the one to answer this question. Also make sure that you don't need any permits to do this event. I think its a great idea and could definattly be a lot of fun as long as you cover yourself.