How to Throw a 90's Themed Event

Since throwback everything is back in style, throwing a 90’s themed event can be a great idea. There are so many memorable moments during this era, from clothing to music that still have a huge impact on the trends occurring today. If you really want to do this the right way, you’ll need to bring Brooklyn to wherever your event will be held.

VENUE

First, you need a venue. Since this was an era where there was a lot of dancing, you want someplace that has enough room to make it happen. Think “street style” and you’ll get the idea. You should consider having a block-style party. This will allow the street to come alive with graffiti, fire hydrants, front porch steps and more. You also want to dress the buildings to reflect the era.

Customization is key. You want to make sure you study the pictures and videos of that era so no detail will be overlooked. For something of this magnitude, authenticity is key. What other types of props will help this come alive? Think taxi cabs, hot dog carts, boom boxes, overalls, big earrings, and a lot of color. The permits for this type of event can’t be missed, and having additional lighting that can be turned on as night falls is important.

DECOR

Second, you’ll need an event company that can provide the props you need to make things come alive. Even though it’s a party, you want to make sure you have ample seating and a place where the food can be served. Having a huge tent, or a graffiti-sprayed building where there are different food selections can make this a lot of fun.

MUSIC

Third, you’ll need to find the right DJ. For a New York setting, this is one of the most important elements of your event. Music, and played the right way, counts. Setting up a street rap battle would be an exciting element to throw in the mix, with opportunities for everyone to sign up. The object of this party should be having everyone dancing from the moment they arrive, to the minute they say goodbye. You want to have artists performing those songs that never go out of style. Music from these artists still have an impact, and their presence will take things over the top.

Think about the popular TV music shows of this era. You have MTV, BET and their video shows. Bringing back those hosts and other celebrities who were on the shows would be a major power play, paying homage to those shows that set the standard for how music content is delivered today.

Last, but not least, you have to consider marketing and parking. Making tickets accessible, and ensuring you have a venue or area large enough to fit a crowd of people, plus providing a way to get to the event, either through public transportation or parking areas is key. Everyone loves the 90’s. Do the event right, and it will be one of those memories that will be talked about for years to come.

Marketers know that one of the easiest ways to catch people's attention and produce good feelings is to go for nostalgia. Because of this, it's a certainty that every generation will be treated to a round of advertising and marketing meant to call up feelings of the good old days. This is why we've all been seeing a resurgence of 90s-themed products and events. Millennials, companies hope, are already looking at this time period with the airbrushed memories of those wishing for simpler and happier times. These 90s-based marketing efforts have taken several forms. Here are some examples you can use for inspiration for your own company's nostalgia marketing:

Nickelodeon's 90sFest

Nickelodeon didn't just put on a few marathons of 90s shows for its celebration of the Millennials' decade. Instead, it hosted several retro music festivals, complete with 90s acts like Sister Hazel and Bone Thugs-N-Harmony. Attendees dressed up in 90s clothing or as Nickelodeon characters from that period in order to fully immerse themselves in the experience.

The company got down to business with its obstacle course, which was present at each event. This course was set up to promote The Splat – the network's block of 90s game show and cartoon reruns. Other Nickelodeon offerings were also promoted in fun and immersive ways.

Crystal Pepsi Summer of '92

PepsiCo was another company that made great use of old music, this time to re-introduce Crystal Pepsi to the market. Salt-N-Pepa, En Vogue, and others started off the entertainment at concerts that featured 90s sets along with the music. A retro mall was also set up, and patrons could get 90s hairstyles, play in an arcade featuring the games of the decade, and buy assorted swag just like they did as teens.

TRL

MTV revamped its old Total Request Live, or TRL, studio into Total Registration Live to promote National Voter Registration Day. Along with being able to register to vote, attendees were also able to check out various celebrities, who spoke about the election issues they were passionate about. Celebs who came included Joss Whedon and Ty Dolla $ign. Of course, the musical artists also performed to ensure that people would stay interested.

These are just some of the events that took place during the last year to target Millennials with nostalgia marketing. Such marketing isn't limited to this age group, though. You can easily use it to reach any demographic that isn't still young.

If you're looking for a venue for your next immersive marketing event, look no further than Soho Studios in Miami. Our event space can be adapted for any size function, with up to 70,000 feet available. We can also set up custom features to make sure your event is an unforgettable hit.