BMCC After 6 Hosting Guidelines 2024
Thank you for your interest in co-hosting a BMCC After 6 event. These evenings are one of the most popular benefits of a BMCC membership, and they are always well-attended and lots of fun. They also offer hosts a unique opportunity to showcase your business or organization, and introduce yourself and what you do to a new audience and potential client base.
Every After 6 is different, depending on the venues, hosts, and services being showcased, and that’s part of the fun. The following are loose guidelines, and most of the elements can be tailored to suit the co-hosts’ vision for the evening.
Key Elements for Hosts of an After 6 Event are:
- There are typically two co-hosts for each After 6, who coordinate to provide a venue, hors d’oeuvres and drinks for the evening. A typical turnout is between 35-50 people; the Chamber handles the invitations and RSVP list, and will provide a final headcount prior to the event. The minimum budget commitment is $500 per host, though hosts are of course welcome to contribute more. This includes providing one complimentary drink per guest in attendance and adequate snacks for the number of guests confirmed.
- It is the responsibility of the co-hosts to put together an event that is desirable for Chamber members to attend. This includes providing adequate food and drink. The Co-hosts are welcome to secure sponsorship/partners to assist with meeting this goal to keep costs reasonable.
- If the event is taking place at an unlicensed venue, the Chamber will provide the necessary permits, alcohol, and Smart Serve certified staff to serve alcoholic beverages.
- If the event is taking place at one of the co-hosts’ business locations, they must ensure that there will be ample room to comfortably accommodate up to 50 guests, as well as food and drink tables, and live entertainment (if applicable).
- The BMCC may contribute to the co-hosts’ budget (to a maximum of $500) to accommodate additional attendees, to cover the cost of live entertainment, the cost of the Special Occasion liquor license (if applicable), the cost of the complimentary round of drinks, glassware rental, or any other expenses that exceed the co-hosts’ minimum $500 contributions.
- Co-hosts are required to provide a raffle prize for the evening, typically a product or service that the hosts wish to highlight. Depending on the host’s budget, the Chamber may be able to purchase the prize item for the raffle, or another member may want to donate one from their business.
- Co-hosts should be available to greet After 6 attendees as they arrive.
- Co-hosts should prepare a short presentation (5-10 minutes) about your business. What would you like people to know about your business or organization? What is it you do that people may not be aware of? Do you have any upcoming events that you’d like to promote?
- Help promote the After 6 to fellow members in the weeks/days leading up to the event, and keep the Chamber informed of any additions to the guest list.
- On the event day, expect Chamber Board members to arrive at the venue between 5:00-5:30pm to help set up.
- Enjoy and have fun!
After 6 Event Timeline
6:00 – 6:30pm
Mingling/ Entertainment
6:30 – 6:40pm
President’s Welcome
- Thank everyone for coming
- Introduce Chamber Directors in attendance
- Any important announcements from BMCC
- Introduce hosts for the evening
6:40 – 7:00pm
Host(s) Presentations
- Hosts speak about their businesses, upcoming events, and anything else that they’d like to promote
- Hosts may lead a tour of facility if applicable
7:00 – 7:15pm
Prize Draws
- Raffle draws by prize donors
7:15 – 8:00pm
Mingling/ Entertainment
Contact us at info@bluemountainschamber.ca to find out more about being an After 6 co-host!
