VIP Area Ideas

For the past few years, my old Boy Scout camp has put on a wine walk as a fundraiser.  Last year, VIP tickets became a thing, which included a separate space for the VIPs.  The space didn't have much to it, so this year we're looking to improve that area with some nice amenities.  We have a large tent with tables and benches, along with some Adirondack chairs that are being loaned for the weekend.  Since this is an outdoor event, the primary needs are to keep people dry and cool.

I have had a few thoughts so far:

-  Small snacks and drinks.  (We don't want to go overboard on this, since there are multiple food trucks on site that we'd like people to also  support)

-  Phone charging station

- Glass washing station for cleaning tasting glasses.

Beyond that, anyone have any suggestions for little things that don't break the bank to make the area a little bit more, y'know...VIP.  

Private bathrooms

Snacks for sure

Better shelters

Better parking

Golf cart shuttle from parking to event

Swag bag

VIP Meet n Greet experience or exclusive tasting opportunities

Early entry

I wouldn't mess with a phone charging station, if people need their phone charged they will find an outlet somewhere or bring their big booty battery.  

In reply to 93gsxturbo :

I'll second most of that. I don't think you have to offer too much "extra," but instead make the experience "better" than the normal one, if that makes sense.

Maybe an exclusive bottle of some kind? Doesn't have to be insane, just something the poors don't get to taste. 

Fans in that area. Even if just the battery powered Ego ones. Some kind of bug repelling devices if that would be helpful, like Tiki Torches if at night, or Thermocell if day.

A fire and an unlimited supply of sticks, marshmallows, Hershey's bars and graham crackers. 

Have Tim and Marge there to sign copies of the magazine.   

Everyone has pretty much nailed it, the only thing I would add is different lines, if there is anything that involves lines. Like the shuttles suggested above, the VIP stuff needs to save time, that is what people will pay for.

Thank you all for the feedback, there's some good suggestions here.  I like the idea of having a wine or cocktail that can only be available in the VIP tent.  There are a few distilleries this year, so there's opportunity for something unique.  

The idea of reducing line time is another good one.  That'll take some coordinating, but would certainly make an impact.

Since there's a designated smoking area nearby, I'm curious if dipping into the cigar side of things would be of interest.  

We've all been to motorsports events with VIP areas, or have snagged a VIP pass from a friend (or snuck in).

While working at COTA and organizing tons of these events, the main idea was "How do we make them feel special".

Whether it was special cups or lanyards, special wristbands, comfy seating, TV access to the race/show, their private bar so they don't even have to leave, or staff allocated to take empty drink glasses away - you wanted them to feel special. You want to make it a place that "everyone else" wishes they could be at. However you do this is up to you.

Maybe get some representatives of each winery to offer a private tasting in the tent with larger portions and to talk about the product, offer a giveaway for a winery tour (free and good advertising), ask some vendors to donate a few bottles for a giveaway, etc. Give them something that everyone else isn't getting.

As far as ambiance, make it welcoming. Folding chairs are cool, but something to lounge in is cooler. If it's at night, make sure you've got warm lighting and some music.

You'll rarely get it right the first time, so don't sweat the small stuff. 

Thread update!

We had our event yesterday, and it got a lot of positive feedback.  

We had some ideas mentioned here as part of the area, and they worked great.  We had two specialty cocktails that could only be available in the tent, an old fashioned and wine mixer.  

We were able to get some nice patio furniture from an amish business for people to sit and relax.  

Snacks, non-alcoholic drinks to refuel were well appreciated. 

We also had an outside "patio" that was made available that had some yard games and a firepit, which was a big hit since it was a cooler day.  

Here's some photos of our setup before things kicked off:

Looks pretty nice.  Good call on the furnature

In reply to Puddy46 :

I love this! It feels natural but still has the quality you would expect for a VIP area. Well done!