“We get invited to dinners and games every week.”
I’ve spent the last few months talking to any media buyer I could about their thoughts on client entertainment. The common refrain is that we’re all trying to get them out, all the time, and with mostly the same ideas.
Honestly, this has been helpful for me to hear, since I've been inviting clients to dinners and sporting events for years.
To be clear, no one's complaining about a nice dinner or a fun game. But the point is that to stand out in a sea of email, you also need some different ideas to mix in from time to time.
Here are 3 new ones to think about this week.
— Robbie
K1 Speed Go Karts
K1 is an indoor go-kart racing experience with an arcade, food/drinks, and all the party details that work for everyone from serious media professionals to sugar-crazed tweens with braces.
It falls squarely into the category of something you might not do on your own, but would definitely be fun to check out if someone else is paying and rallying the crew.
Plus it provides a lot of inherent conversation fodder as you all figure out how to Mario Kart your way around the track together. Studies have shown that sharing the same adrenaline-inducing activities actually helps you form closer bonds with someone.
K1 is dialed in for groups and corporate outings and has several locations around SoCal including Burbank, Culver City, Thousand Oaks, Irvine, and Torrance.
Reservations:
Groups of fewer than 8, they accept walk-ins only. Races are first-come, first-served, but I was told midweek wait times are fairly short and you can always get a bite or play the arcade while you wait.
Groups of 8 or more (max 48), reserve through their group sales department. I spoke with Mia, who was helpful - her contact info below:
[email protected] - (949)-250-0242 Ex. 3035
Event flow:
You’re actually going to race each other (usually twice, a qualifier and a final), and each race can accommodate up to 12 drivers at one time. Larger parties are split into multiple race groups.
The flow of the event is flexible. Most groups race first followed by eating, drinking, and checking out the arcade.
Costs vary slightly per location, but this gives a good general sense:
Under 8 people:
Racing: ~$50-100 (2-3 races per person)
Food/drinks: ~$25-50 per person
Arcade credits: ~$25-50 per person
Group Reservations of 8 or more (full details here for Burbank, check individual location for exact pricing, but it’ll be within $5 per person). Race packages:
Mini Grand Prix – Standard ($75 per person Mon-Thur)
Two 12-lap races (qualifying + final)
Podium ceremony + medals for top racers
Private reserved seating or room after racing
Food, drinks, and $10 arcade card included
Premier+ ($80 per person Mon-Thur)
Everything in Standard
Upgraded $20 arcade card for each racer
Platinum+ ($95 per person Mon-Thur)
Everything in Premier+
Premium $50 arcade card for each racer
Optional Upgrades
Add a third race for $15 per person
Add a helmet camera for $5 per person
Important notes:
Food packages include all the usual suspects (pizza, wings, sliders, nuggets)
50% non-refundable deposit required for reservations.
Reservations can be moved with a minimum of 5 days’ notice.
Links to send your client:
Influencer overview of Culver location
Added Value: I didn’t personally get into the whole F1 thing during COVID, but I definitely had a few friends who did and invited me over to watch cars drive in circles for a few hours. I watched one of the races with them once as they regaled me with all the little microdramas between the racers and teams. Maybe K1 could be the perfect backdrop to air out some good old media microdramas?
Ariana Grande At The Kia Forum
Whether you’re an Ariana fan or not, chances are one of your clients is. She’s one of those pop stars where you don’t even realize how many songs you know ‘til you start hearing them back-to-back.
She’s playing a few nights at Crypto and the Forum, but the only weeknight she plays is Wednesday, June 17th.
Tickets aren’t cheap, but it’s a very ‘Gram-friendly option if you’re looking to celebrate a campaign.
Where: Kia Forum, 3900 W Manchester Blvd, Inglewood, CA 90305
When: June 17th
Dinner/Drinks before:
Three Weavers Brewery: outdoor seating, food truck food, and casual brewery vibes (link).
Somerville: Co-founded by Issa Rae, this is more of a swanky, jazz club aesthetic (Eater, Infatuation).
Added Value: Early in my career, I went with some clients to a concert and peer pressured myself into smoking weed with everyone before the show. I’m not against weed generally, but I learned an important lesson about the right time and place for it as I swiftly became an overly self-conscious stoned social zombie. Did not repeat!
The Silver Lake Reading Club
The Silver Lake Reading Club organizes relaxing group reading events on Tuesday evenings and Saturday mornings at restaurant spaces in Silver Lake during off hours.
You bring your own book and settle in for 1.5-2 hours of quiet reading with a short break in the middle to mingle. It ends with 30 minutes of discussion and guest author speakers.
If you have a client who's into reading, or who has a more introverted, indoor-cat vibe, this is a unique, calming, and cost-effective option with lots of strong food/drink options nearby.
Tuesdays: 6-8pm
Cost: $23 per ticket
Email: [email protected]
Links to send your client
IG Reel for a sense of the vibe/experience
Food/drink options within walking distance:
As a gift idea for clients with kids, they also offer the Silver Lake Youth Reading Club with events for children aged 5-10 and 11-18 (Link).
Added Value: I’ve known Helen for years and she’s somewhat of an inspiration to me. She’s built a real third space, an introvert’s extroverted destination for people who want to get out of their house but don’t want to go to a traditional bar/restaurant.
The energy she’s brought to reading has gotten me back into reading myself. Whenever I’m with clients, I always ask if anyone is reading anything fun, and I’ve found that there’s almost always at least one other person in the group who enjoys reading. It opens up a whole new avenue for connection with book recs and follow-ups that go beyond the usual movie/show suggestions.
The Oasis 🏝
Ever been hanging with a client and conversation just completely runs dry? I know I have. Whether it’s recent and topical, or general and evergreen, this section is about giving you one idea for helping you in that moment.
What would your name have been if you were born the opposite sex? Mine was going to be ‘Margot-Suzanne,’ who I imagine would have been a hardy Midwestern woman who baked amazing fruit pies.
Bring up how you recently found out what your name was going to be and whether you could see yourself as 'that person.' Then see if they'll do the same.
Thanks for reading. I’m building this for sellers looking for more creative ways to connect with clients, and your feedback will genuinely shape where it goes.
If there's a neighborhood I'm missing, a type of experience you'd love to see, or anything that would make this more useful, just hit reply and let me know.