Embrace the buzz around the 420 holiday by creating a 420 event that elevates your cannabis cafe. A special event is an ideal way to draw in newcomers and long-term enthusiasts eager to honor this cultural phenomenon with a new experience.
According to My Grasslands, a marketing survey revealed that 78% of millennials prefer to spend money on experiences rather than material things. Hosting a 420 event at your cannabis cafe can be a great way to boost profits and increase brand awareness among this growing market share of cannabis consumers.
What is a Cannabis Cafe?
A cannabis café is a venue where patrons can legally consume cannabis products in a social setting. Cannabis lounges provide a safe and welcoming environment for cannabis enthusiasts to gather and enjoy their favorite products with one another.
Why Does the Cannabis Community Host Events on April 20th?
The term "420" is said to have originated in 1971 from a group of California high school boys who met up after school each day to search for a cannabis crop noted on a map they had found. Because they met up at 4:20 each afternoon, 420 became the codename for their search. Over time, April 20th (4/20) became a symbolic day for people to come together and celebrate their love for cannabis.
How Early Should You Start Planning Your 420 Event?
The key to a successful 420 event is planning. Begin the planning process at least 2-3 months in advance to ensure you have enough time to secure venues, vendors, permits, and promotional materials.
6 Strategies for Hosting 420 Events at Your Cannabis Café
As a cannabis cafe owner, you have a unique opportunity to capitalize on the growing popularity of cannabis culture by hosting your own 420 event. Here are six strategies to help you host a successful 420 event at your cannabis lounge.
1. Create a 420 Event Plan
To ensure a successful 420 event, you should first create a plan of action which includes your goals for the event, budget, and a detailed timeline. You will also want to ensure that you have enough staff for the event, and if not, begin hiring temporary workers and security for the event.
Define Specific Goals: Whether your objective is to increase sales, attract new customers, or build brand awareness, having specific, measurable goals will help you tailor your event to achieve the desired outcomes.
Create a Budget: Allocate funds for marketing materials, permits, venue rental, staffing, and any other expenses. Prioritize expenses based on their impact on the success of the event.
Plan a Detailed Timeline: This will keep you on track even if things don’t run completely smoothly. Stick to manageable steps and assign deadlines for each task.
Hire Event Staff: Hiring and scheduling staff for 420 events should be done well in advance. The specific needs of your event, such as security, food service, and entertainment, should be evaluated when putting together a staffing plan.
2. Prepare Compliance and Safety Procedures
Before hosting an event, familiarize yourself with local and federal regulations regarding cannabis consumption and cannabis events.
Research Local Regulations: Applicable regulations in your city or region may include restrictions on smoking in public places, licensing requirements for cannabis-related events, and rules regarding the sale and distribution of cannabis products.
Obtain Permits Early: Contact the relevant local authorities or government agencies to determine what permits are required to host a public cannabis event. Apply for any permits well in advance to allow for processing.
Security and Safety: Security staff should be trained to handle any potential issues that may arise, such as age verifications, managing crowds, handling intoxicated guests, and responding to emergencies. Put a plan into place to address any overindulgent guests who may require assistance.
3. Plan the Event
Choose an event type and theme that resonates with your audience to pack in customers and maximize product sales. Seek out ways to engage your guests and enhance their experience.
Understand Your Audience: Conduct surveys, analyze customer data, and engage with your audience on social media to gauge their preferences and interests. Consider factors such as age, gender, lifestyle, and consumption habits to tailor your event to their needs and expectations.
Choose an Event Type: Consider the interests of your target audience. A tasting and pairing event might appeal to cannabis users interested in exploring different strains and flavors. A competition could attract competitive patrons to highlight their skills. A wellness event may appeal to those interested in the health benefits of cannabis, and a charity event might attract socially conscious individuals.
You might even consider making your event educational. Invite expert speakers to lead sessions on topics such as cannabis cultivation, extraction methods, or the therapeutic benefits of cannabis. Provide interactive workshops that allow attendees to learn new skills or techniques related to cannabis consumption or production.
Pick a Theme: Current trends, popular culture, and seasonal themes can help determine your theme.
4. Promote Your 420 Event
The best way to ensure a booming 420 event is to promote it well in advance. Luckily, there are ample ways to promote your event without breaking the bank. Between paid and organic social media promotion, sharing flyers in local businesses, and good ol’ word of mouth, you can attract attendees at any budget.
Social Media: Use a mix of text, images, and videos to engage social media audiences. Run contests or giveaways to generate excitement. Engage with your followers by responding to comments and messages promptly. Enlist the help of social media influencers to amplify your event and drum up excitement.
Email Marketing: If you aren’t already leveraging email marketing, now is the time. The easiest way to collect emails is through a loyalty program where customers are rewarded for each purchase they make, and in exchange, you receive their contact information to send them targeted emails, coupons, and invitations to events. Best practice is to send out a drip campaign a couple of weeks leading up to the event, along with a reminder the day of for those who confirmed their attendance.
Traditional Methods: Print flyers and posters to distribute in local businesses, community centers, and other high-traffic areas. Encourage potential attendees to spread the word to their friends and family. Partner with local businesses to cross-promote your event. Newspapers, radio stations, and blogs can also help promote your event through interviews, articles, or event listings.
5. Offer a Variety of Product Options
Crafting a special 420 events menu can enhance the overall experience by offering unique and exciting items that align with the theme of the event and your cannabis cafe. Your menu should highlight the unique flavors, ingredients, and presentation of each item being offered.
Remember that not everyone will want to consume cannabis through smoking or vaping, so you’ll want to also provide alternatives like edibles or CBD-infused drinks and snacks. You’ll also want to offer regular food items for when attendees get the munchies.
Your special event menu should include information and guidance that will educate guests about the different consumption options available, explain the effects of each method, and offer tips for safe and enjoyable consumption. Incorporating symbols to clearly indicate which items are infused with cannabis, their potency and strain, and any other relevant information will help customers make informed choices.
You’ll also want to consider offering special discounts or promotions for guests who order from the 420 menu to boost sales and profits during your event.
6. Create an Inviting Atmosphere
The atmosphere of your cannabis cafe plays a significant role in the success of your 420 event. Pay attention to the details that will help set the mood for your guests.
Lighting: Use soft, warm lighting to create an inviting atmosphere. Colored lights can add a festive touch while dimming the lights slightly creates a more intimate setting. Avoid harsh, unpleasant lighting.
Music: Choose a music playlist that isn’t too overpowering and matches the vibe you want to create. Consider hiring a DJ or live band to provide entertainment.
Layout: Arrange furniture and decorations in a way that maximizes space and allows guests to move around easily. Create distinct areas for different activities, such as a smoking area or dance floor. Provide ramps or lifts for guests who use wheelchairs or have difficulty navigating steps or stairs.
Seating: Provide a mixture of seating options, such as chairs, couches, and bean bags, to accommodate different preferences. Arrange seating so attendees can easily interact.
Final Thoughts on Hosting a Blazin’ 420 Event at Your Cannabis Cafe
Hosting a 420 event at your cannabis cafe can be a lucrative opportunity to connect with the cannabis community and increase your brand's visibility. These strategies can help to create a memorable experience for your guests, boosting sales and maximizing profits.
To learn more about maximizing profits at your cannabis cafe, download our free guide Maximizing 420 Profits.
