Parties like the Player's Ball, that people talk about long after they are over, do not happen by accident...
I attended a handful of Player's Ball parties over the years, and had a kick ass time, everytime!
At the last D$ event, Rock the Ball in San Francisco, I decided to step up and help out as a sponsor (since the event was taking place in my area). This provided me with the opportunity to see things from the inside.
The amount of work it takes to put on one of these events is truly amazing. Yet, D$ left no detail unattended to, and believe me there are a ton of details (securing the venue, security, lights, sound, performing artists - such as bands, DJs, and dancers, transportation, lodging, contracts, printing passes, guest lists, backstage catering, stage crew, insurance, etc).
And that is all before the event.
It was quite impressive watching D$ in action on the night of the event.
D$ and KB met up with me during the band sound check a few hours before the show. There are a lot of contracts that have to be signed, checks cut, and many last minute details for the show to go on.
I was stressing a little over the Go-Go stage placement. Originally I wanted the Go-Go pods on the main stage, but that became impractical, with the bands' set-up.
We had to come up with a change of plan solution, and fast. D$ remained calm throughout the process (which included having to deal with the Fire Code and electrical supply issues), and he eventually came up with the concept of placing the main Go-Go stage right in the middle of the floor. Go-Go in the round he called it.
I was skeptical, but in the end, it turned out to be an excellent move, and demonstrated Darren's grace under pressure and out of the box creativity.
Several people commented to me how much they liked that arrangement, and of course I acted as if that was how it was planned all along...
I watched throughout the night as D$ walked through the crowd, ensuring that everyone was having a good time. The vibe that night was incredible.
As I said, great parties like The Player's Ball and Rock the Ball, don't just happen. D-Money knows how to throw a party - that is clear.
However, it also requires the support of Sponsors, since as we all know, pimpin' ain't easy, and it ain't free either.
An investment into The Player's Ball is money well spent. Your name is flashed continuously throughout the night, and you are associated with what is always the best party during whatever event D$ throws a party at.
By collaborating with D$, I was able to even find a way to monetize my sponsorship in the event, by having a photo session with many of the dancers the next day (some of whom were flown in from LA and Las Vegas), which will continue making me money well into the future.
Another cool thing is that there are various levels of Sponsorship, so if you thought the cost was out of reach, think again, and give D$ a call. You'll be glad you did.
Because of my positive show experience, I plan to be a sponsor for select future events as well.
See you all in Vegas next month...
ADG