We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Marketing

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What is a Launch Party?

Mary McMahon
By
Updated: May 16, 2024
Views: 72,659
Share

A launch party is thrown by a company to celebrate the release of a new product or service. It has become associated with software and the technology industry due to the lavish and costly launches thrown by companies in the Silicon Valley. A company will throw a this type of party to draw in potential new customers and to increase public exposure for their brand name, using a open bar, catered food, and a variety of entertainers. Most of these events represent a substantial investment for the company, with some parties costing as much as $250,000 US Dollars (USD).

The dot-com launch party which has come to symbolize the elaborate launch industry emerged in the early 1990s, when software companies held small internal parties to celebrate the acquisition of a domain name, an initial public offering, or the successful release of new software. These parties expanded to include other companies in the computer industry, and became an excellent way to network, exchanging ideas and sometimes staff as well.

In the late 1990s, the launch party took off, with some cities such as San Francisco hosting upwards of 20 such parties a week in spaces ranging from exclusive venues to rented convention centers. As more companies started to have these events, the pressure to have a catchy gimmick or draw increased, with most companies consulting with party planning firms for their expensive soirees. Many firms also hoped to use the launch party for new employee recruitment, projecting a forceful, trendy image of the company to prospective new employees.

At a minimum, an event like this has freebies for guests such as branded clothing or bags, while some upscale ones have gift bags filled with expensive branded items. The launch party also includes high quality catered food and drink, and entertainment. Circus performers, famous musicians, and everything in between can be found at these parties, as companies struggle to differentiate themselves from the competition.

With the increase in popularity came an increase in size, and most launch parties do not serve as a networking venue anymore. Critics of this practice have suggested that it is an expensive and outdated ritual, with many guests simply crashing the party in search of food and drink. The goal of brand promotion is not often accomplished, with some companies being famous for their launches, rather than their brand.

Share
SmartCapitalMind is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Mary McMahon
By Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a SmartCapitalMind researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Discussion Comments
By MrsPramm — On Feb 21, 2013

@browncoat - I figure the best way to get invited to launch parties is to become a journalist and focus on a particular field. If I was going to do it, I'd totally focus on gaming, because they get really awesome launch parties for the new systems and games.

I think it would also be kind of cool to be friends with a bunch of artists, because gallery openings tend to be like launch parties as well. I guess I just like the idea of the free food and interesting company, as well as the chance to see something before anyone else gets to.

By browncoat — On Feb 21, 2013

I really love book and journal launch parties. I've been lucky enough to go to a few, some of which I was actually involved in (not yet a book launch, but I've been a contributor to some journal launches).

Generally they are much lower key than is described here, but a similar idea and people involved in the local writing community get together and network and mingle.

I would love to become enough of a name to be able to go to the big book launches in New York. Those would be amazing for so many reasons and I know a lot of famous authors go to them.

By closerfan12 — On Jul 26, 2010

A quick tip about launch party invitations -- you should make it sound interesting, but it should match the image that you're trying to create for your company too.

For instance, a serious wine cellar might not want to choose invitations with party hats and cartoon people.

Also, you should make it clear as to whether invitees can bring a friend -- a lot of times people just assume they can, and then you end up with double the guests you expected!

By FirstViolin — On Jul 26, 2010

@zenmaster -- Why don't you try making it kind of like a buffet luncheon?

That way you can have a lot of people come through, but you don't have to go broke on food.

If you're masseur is up for it, you could have her do free five minute massages, or something like that.

You could also use free samples to stuff goody bags. That way everybody feels special because they got a gift, but you don't have to break the bank buying stuff.

By zenmaster — On Jul 26, 2010

What are some good launch party ideas for a spa?

I want to get the business' name out there without going broke handing out freebies!

We do facials, massages and mani/pedi, if that helps.

Any ideas, anyone?

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a...

Learn more
Share
https://www.smartcapitalmind.com/what-is-a-launch-party.htm
Copy this link
SmartCapitalMind, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

SmartCapitalMind, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.