Thesis Papers and Dissertations by Frank Price

It's An Evolution. Birthday party businesses will continue to thrive, only if they understand the growing awareness for of a higher level of consumer demand and an expectation that goes far beyond good service. It is crucial to be preparing for the next generation of your birthday party offering that must be delivered through a distinct, personal experience, meaningful to each individual's needs. Birthday facilities joining in on this evolution, are moving up their industry's economic ladder, shaping memories and transforming lives, by engaging guests in a very personal way.

"It's play attractions and facilities that give you the best party program"
"The facility with the biggest and best play attractions does the most parties."
"Great designs, layout and attraction mix, guarantee a successful birthday party program."

Party Mom is pleasantly surprised to receive a personal phone call a few days before her child's birthday party. She never expected anyone to take the time and ask her specifically what she envisioned her child's party to look like. The voice she hears is very pleasant and enthusiastic. An emerging "Party Hero" introduces him/herself and asks "I'd like to find out more details about what you're expecting and what the birthday child's favorite things are." "I'll also fill you in on what to do and what you don't have to worry about, because we'll have it all under control." The Party Hero asks permission to speak with the birthday child personally, to get to know them better by asking questions. "What's your favorite movie and cartoon character?" "Who's your best friend?" "Do you play any sports?" "What are your favorites?" Now the Party Hero can plan activities for a more personalized party.

Make sure you have all the ingredients of an experiential birthday party in place before you start. Create a festive setting and a variety of fun play and recretainment attractions. Tell everyone what the cake will look, taste, smell and feel like when it's done. Give the chefs (your party team) the proper training and correct baking tools, they'll need to succeed. Don't forget to add the special magic ingredient, "TLC" - tender loving care, just as your Mom did when she baked you a cake on your birthday.

Many birthday party facilities focus a great majority of their time trying to deliver a quality event, by "serving" the guest well. They're hoping their "Draw" (play attractions, games and organized activities) produce all the fun and entertainment expected at a birthday party. If this is your facility, pat yourself on the back, because the highest percentage of businesses hosting birthday parties haven't even gotten this far. Unfortunately, in today's experiential economy, a glorified waite staff will not score many points in the game of producing awesome birthday parties. Celebrations with an organized flow, a brief smile here and there, serving everything hot, tasty and on time, are all part of a quality event, but not enough to engage participants in a memorable experience or personal transformation. It won't be long before you'll face the reality that the new competition has everything you have, plus more. Their understanding of producing party experiences at much higher experiential levels, leaves you rummaging for the stale crumbs.

... And Merchandise Birthday Party Products and Services that Get Results.

Birthday parties can be as much as 25% - 50% of a family entertainment, recreation or leisure center's total revenue and still an untapped source of additional new income.

The birthday party business has exploded in recent years with the growth of families and the desire to fulfill an important day, in the life of their child. Competition for this growing market is no longer just the family entertainment center Industry, but any number of family businesses aimed at capturing a piece of this lucrative, billion dollar industry. All kinds of businesses involving children and families are offering birthday parties. Now more than ever, you must develop, focus and plan a sound strategy to differentiate yourself and radiate above and beyond your competition. Your goal is to create an unforgettable birthday experience, that emotionally engages parents and create special memories for both the children and their parents.

The way you package and sell your birthday parties has a significant effect on their success. The methods you have for merchandising and "adding-on" to your basic party packages, can be the difference between red and black ink at the end of the year.