Do You Need an Intermission?

As I was writing the blog “Know Your Limits,” it got me reminiscing about the various concerts I have helped plan. As I reflected on some of the discussions around these concerts, we often circled around the question of whether or not to add an intermission.

If you’ve read my blog for any length of time, this may sound familiar, but the first thing I will say about an intermission is to consider if it meets your event’s goals and objectives. That should be the driving factor. Beyond that, here are some practical tidbits to think about:

• Any program or concert longer than 1-½ hours requires (in my experience) an intermission. Attendees need a bathroom break and, at a minimum, a chance to stretch.  
• If selling merchandise, attendees are usually psyched about the artist or content by the intermission and more likely to purchase items during this time.
• If selling refreshments, attendees are more apt to purchase snacks and beverages during an intermission than either before or after an event.
• Depending on the type of program, an intermission is a great time to highlight other features of the event such as sponsors or to provide giveaways. 
• Offering a silent auction or raffle during an intermission can be the perfect fundraiser if it fits with the theme of the event.
• Occasionally, some of the performers will mingle with attendees, take pictures, and sign autographs during an intermission. It gives the performers a break and excites the crowd for the second half of the show.
• Practically, an intermission may be needed to reset the stage between performers.

“But,” you may ask, “if I add an intermission and release attendees into the wild, will they all return? Won’t attendance for the second half of the program suffer as a result?” In my 16+ years of planning events, if the content has been planned with the attendee in mind, it will be compelling enough to keep them interested to see it though. Plus, if the attendees have paid for the show, they are more likely to stay. You may lose a couple, it’s unavoidable. It’s also ok. If someone is going to leave, they’re going to do so whether you give them the opportunity or not. You’ll know instantly if the program is not hitting the target if there is a mass exodus during the intermission… 

Talk it over with your team. Weigh the pros and cons. Put it through your decision grid. Some events may and some may not need an intermission.

If you’d like some help thinking it through, send me an email and we can
set up some time to talk.

I’d love to have you like this blog, make a comment, and share it with others who plan events!