Just recently we did an event called "The Karate Kid Extravaganza."   My staff of instructors and program managers are very happy with the event, and its outcome.  Unfortunately with most of the positive you get some negative.  I think I am making this more then what it is, but my martial art school is my baby, and whatever we do, I feel very emotionally attached to it. 

First let me tell you what we did.   We set up a "Parents Night Out."  This event is designed to allow the parents to drop off their children at our school for 3 hours.  We took the opportunity to play some of the parts of the old "Karate Kid" movie and also set up a fun obstacle course for the children as well as teaching them a fun Kung Fu form, that I learned from a good friend of mine.  We also included Pizza and drinks and charged $25.99 for first member and $15 for siblings or friends.   To me, this in itself is a bargain of a lifetime.  We didn't stop there..

We went on to rent a private showing of the new Karate Kid movie with Jackie Chan and Jadan Smith and include a free ticket to the movie for all that attended the "Karate Kid Extravaganza."   Of course we discounted the tickets for the movie to all parents and non participating siblings, for $8.00.  

We had over 150 + people in attendance for the movie and about 60 for the "Parents Night Out."   At the beginning of the night we handed out a "Ransome Note."  This is our fun way of saying you have to give us a testimonial.  We ask the parents to tell us what they did, then ask their child if they had a fun time.  All people were positive but two out of the group, even though very positive about the event, complained about the price. 

This is my frustration.  I would like to say "common sense would say", but "Common Sense is not so common," so I won't say it.  Hahah, I guess I did say it didn't I.  Yeah don't people think, what can I get for this value.  Here is my break down.

2 slices of pizza $5.00
unlimited Drinks   $2.00
Total                         $7.00
Movie Ticket            $10.00 regular cost at a theatre

That alone equals $17.00 with the cost of our event at $25.99 is $8.99 left over. 

Even if we just sat around and baby sat the kids, at the lowest possible minimum wage today we would have charged $6 per hour.  I don't know many responsible teenagers that charge that little and don't forget you feed them.  Plus, they don't entertain the kids and we did for three hours.  Just as a sitting service we charged $3 per hour. 

How is that a person doesn't see value in that.  I am amazed. Aren't you.

Either way, the event was positive in 99% of the people and they all saw a value in it. 

Here is my take away.  We need to sit down with those few people and find out why they didn't see it as a worth while endeavor.  Maybe no matter what you do they would feel the same way.  If you want a blue print to successful parent nights out, check out www.takingittothenextlevel.com and become a premium member of our site.  If not just email me with questions @ Kyoshi@lininja.com