How to be a good guest at events

A mis-conception of PR is that it is just a big party…all we do is drink champagne and party or go to lunches. There is more to it than the social side…but today we are going to focus on the social side of things.

First things first – going to these events is classified as work. So don’t treat the event/party like a personal party where you can let your guard down, get drunk and behave however you do in your personal life. This will be looked down upon and you will probably not be invited to many more events.

Now we have established attending events is part of your job let’s focus on etiquette.

Always RSVP – even if you cannot make it. It is rude not to RSVP and the event producers really do need to know final numbers for catering and drinks.

If you have RSVP’d yes and can no longer make it – contact the person that invited you and let them know. It’s simply rude to RSVP yes and not turn up.

Arrival time – it is polite to arrive in the first half hour of the event start time. You don’t need to arrive on time when it starts but within the first half an hour is polite.

Don’t be the last to leave – you don’t want to be known as the big party person that leaves last or needs to be kicked out. This links in with my important first point – these are not personal parties.

And lastly, enjoy yourself and meeting people. Mingle and I am sure you will meet interesting people. Just make sure you don’t have one too many champagnes.

One other important point to make…particularly for any celebrities reading…don’t go to the “opening of an envelope” as they say in the industry. Pick your events you want to attend and don’t attend everything and become too available. Think about your career and what events are the right fit for what you are trying to achieve. For example an actor should be attending movie premieres but could maybe forgo the opening of a new bar…

Enjoy the events this summer!

~ The Dawn til Dusk Publicity team

(*Image Source: Carly Ravenhall)