Los Angeles is often seen as the entertainment industry’s epicenter and a city filled with highly talented individuals. With its thriving music scene and beautiful weather, it’s a great location for an outdoor concert. Preparing for any event can be stressful, and planning an outdoor concert comes with unique challenges. Here are some tips to guarantee your event is a success.
Set a Realistic Budget
LA is notorious for its high cost of living, meaning that outdoor events often come at a heftier price than elsewhere. Since Los Angeles is the second-most expensive city in the U.S., you’ll need to set a reasonable budget and stick to it after San Francisco. Consider the cost of venue rental, security, permits, essential equipment, artist fees, marketing, and other essential finances. If you’re struggling to figure out everything you’ll need, consider consulting with another event planner who can guide you through the process.
Selecting a Venue
The beauty of an outdoor concert is that you can theoretically plan it anywhere. However, you should scout some locations to see what will work for you. LA has a plethora of outdoor venues that would be suitable for concerts, so checking out what the city has to offer is crucial. Consider factors like accessibility, amenities, capacity, and acoustics during the selection process.
Permits and Regulations
You may have an elaborate and exciting event planned in your head, but permits and regulations may prevent you from doing everything you want to do. For example, you might want to have fireworks or not end the concert until late at night, but government restrictions likely won’t permit those things. Research the specific requirements for your venue, such as noise restrictions, parking, crowd control, alcohol and food handling permits, and more. Start the application process, as there may be delays in approving your paperwork, and, if necessary, consult with an experienced event planner to ensure you’ve covered all your bases.
Audio and Visual Expertise
There’s no reason to handle the audio and visual side of the performances if it’s not your area of expertise. California has the highest number of audio and visual technicians, with nearly 9,000 employees as of May 2021, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. If you’re worried about budget, consider contacting local colleges or offering it as an opportunity for someone needing industry experience.
Create a Solid Marketing Strategy
Planning an event and marketing it are separate things. You want people to know that the concert is happening and get them excited. Talk to the performers and have them advertise the event on their social media, as they are likely to have many loyal followers. Create a social media page for the event and put together engaging posts. Check out local bars, coffee shops, and music venues, and see if they’ll let you put up flyers.
Looking for Sponsorships
Sponsorships are highly beneficial, especially if you have a strict budget or want to increase the buzz around your event. Look for like-minded businesses, like music stores, concert venues, coffee shops, and more. Since California has approximately 1.6 million businesses, you should have no issue finding places that align with your values.
Logistics and Security
Before the event, make sure you arrange restroom facilities, sufficient power supply, and trash services. Talk to vendors about providing food and beverage options for the event, or allow attendees to bring their own. Ensure the safety of attendees through crowd control and developing a comprehensive emergency escape plan.
Outdoor concerts are a fun way to listen to music while enjoying LA’s nice weather. Planning one is an exciting adventure, but it can also be stressful. However, with the proper preparations, it will be a fulfilling and rewarding experience for you, the performers, and the attendees.
