The Alabama Gulf Coast Area Chamber of Commerce holds a monthly social event for its members. This function is known as Business After Hours. The event is held on the 3rd Thursday of each month and moves around to different business locations. In preparation for hosting this monthly event, it would be helpful to keep the following in mind:

• The normal attendance at these functions runs somewhere between 300-350 people. However, numbers have gone as high as 500-700 people depending on the location and time of year.
    
• The business hosting the event is providing the space and complimentary hors d’oeuvres. It is best to keep the food simple but plentiful. Food set up in several locations is best so that the crowd does not stand in line too long.
    
• The business should set up cash bars, with soft drinks and water, in at least two locations. This again keeps the crowd from waiting unnecessarily. If your business does not already have a license to serve alcohol, special arrangements will need to be made ahead of time to accommodate beer/wine/alcohol. If your business cannot get permission to sell alcohol via cash bars, it is customary to provide complimentry beer and wine.
    
• This event should be considered a private party, so your business will be closed for regular business. Invitations are sent to the membership through the Chamber’s monthly Newsletter. Attendees will be Chamber members or guests of members who are considering joining the organization.
    
• The business should provide some sort of musical entertainment. A simple one-person entertainer is usually best. The music should be considered background entertainment and not necessarily a major attraction. It is best to set up the entertainer in a central area. Chamber representatives will need microphone for anouncements.
    
• Seating - It is not necessary to try to provide seating for this large crowd. Ample moving around room is preferable to seating. Tables and chairs spread around in various areas is most appropriate.
    
• Parking - Large crowds of people mean lots of vehicles. Determine ahead of time how to best arrange adequate parking. This is a major concern for some establishments and should be given great consideration.
    
• Entrance - The Chamber staff will need a table and two chairs set up at the entrance to the facility. This will be used for guests to fill out name badges. If space is available, the Chamber staff will also bring along a small table (4 ft.) on which to display brochures and other information on current events.
    
• Door Prizes - The Chamber staff will secure items to be given away as door prizes. The host business may enjoy providing a couple of items to give away as well. Door prizes are usually drawn around 6:00. At that time representatives of the Chamber will use the microphone system that the entertainer is using to announce the winners. The drawing of door prizes and any brief announcements is usually the extent of any type of program.

Most Important - Have fun! The Chamber deeply appreciates the efforts of each business that hosts this monthly event. It is also a wonderful opportunity for the host business to showcase themselves in the best light possible. Remember, the attendees are our local business community. Owners, management and staff should be visible so that attendees will have the opportunity to meet their hosts.

Contact Jana Davis at 251-968-1480 or janadavis@gulftel.com for more information.