BOKA hosted two highly successful Freshers' Week events with distinct themes, drawing diverse crowds and generating over £2,000 in revenue. This success was driven by partnering with key student societies to boost awareness and legitimacy, collaborating with student DJs to save costs and provide growth opportunities while encouraging them to bring their own followers, and maintaining a strong focus on affordability without compromising quality. By prioritising community engagement and viewing guests as individuals rather than revenue sources, BOKA has strengthened its brand and reputation within the student community.
The "Traffic Light Party" was perfectly tailored for freshers aged 18-19, just starting university. The concept engaged students by encouraging them to wear colours representing their relationship status: green for single, red for in a relationship, and orange for something in-between, allowing attendees to shape their night accordingly. I successfully negotiated with the club to offer £1 Tequila, Tequila Rose, and Sourz shots all night, which I believed suited the crowd perfectly—tequila and a wild night out go hand in hand. The inclusion of Tequila Rose and Sourz shots was a strategic choice, informed by my years of bar experience, as these are the most popular choices among this demographic and helped attract more female attendees to the event.
The "Surf's Up, Get Down" event, a BOKA staple, centred on house and garage music and was specifically aimed at non-first-year students, an often overlooked market by mainstream clubs and event organisers. By focusing on this niche and being one of only two events catering to this genre, BOKA gained an early competitive advantage. However, the event's success was driven by more than just its unique concept. Securing £1 Jäger bombs was a key factor, serving as an irresistible draw for attendees. Negotiating this deal with the club owner was challenging, as it represented a revenue loss per sale, but this printer & ink deal ultimately played a crucial role in making the event a standout success.
For each event, a custom animated banner measuring 4 metres long and 2 metres tall made it easy for everyone to find us. Running on a dynamic 10-20 second loop, these banners stood out against the static, uninspired displays of other clubs, adding a unique and eye-catching element. While a small component of the events overall, they contributed to creating a distinctive and memorable atmosphere.
Reliving the event: