A total solar eclipse is slated to cross over the United States in 2024, and it’s the perfect opportunity to throw a low-cost solar eclipse party at your office! The last time we saw a solar eclipse touch the “Lower 48” was in 2017, and it was also the first to span the U.S. from coast-to-coast since 1918 — nearly a century’s worth of waiting. We won’t see another until 2044, so this upcoming eclipse is a great reason to gather prospects and clients together for an Eclipse Viewing Party.
Because many people don’t have a great view of the eclipse from their homes (trees, houses, etc. in the way) and because most won’t have the specialized glasses required to safely view it, we saw record numbers of people take part in solar eclipse parties in 2017.
And the best part? We’ve made it even easier this year to hold this special event.
An Eclipse? When?
The eclipse will cross the United States on Monday, April 8, 2024. Though not everyone will have a view of the total eclipse, the entire continental United States will be able to see the eclipse at least in part. For a full view of the total eclipse, you’ll need to be in its direct path, also known as the “path of totality.”
Where?
Well, in space.
But for our purposes, the path of totality throughout the United States begins in Laredo, TX at 1:30 p.m. CDT and exits the country over Maine around 4:30 p.m. EDT. You can view NASA’s detailed map and timetable here. Anyone within this strip will be in the umbra of the eclipse and see its full effect.
How Can I See It?
An eclipse is best witnessed using ISO-certified glasses. Such glasses are specially made for viewing eclipses directly, without damaging your eyes. Below are two of the eclipse glasses available:
- Decorate Your Own Eclipse Glasses – These can double as an activity as well, since they’re “design your own.” Alternatively, you can print small logo stickers in-office and add them to each pair of glasses.
- Plastic Eclipse Glasses – This site has a large selection of designs to choose from, with minimum orders of only 25+.
Since it’s doubtful your clients will have these glasses on hand, you’ll want to provide them at the start of your event.
Also, You Shouldn’t Stare at It
Don’t stare directly at the Sun. Hopefully we’re not the first people telling you this. Even when the Sun is fully eclipsed by the moon, there’s still risk of damaging your eyes once the coverage lapses. Stay safe and look through the eclipse glasses, and only through the eclipse glasses! Your designer shades aren’t up for this particular task.
How Should I Plan My Eclipse Event?
First, if you haven’t already, you should check out our blog posts about CAEs every financial advisor should host and our great ideas for unique customer appreciation events. There, you’ll find excellent ideas for how to plan and throw a variety of client appreciation and referral events.
As for an eclipse event specifically:
- Find a clear area for viewing. Many advisors have parking lots that are great viewing areas for the total eclipse, but if that’s not you, don’t rule this event out! Look into local parks, fields, or rooftops. You can even make this a bigger event by holding it at a venue with a great space or a rooftop restaurant for incredible views.
- Send out a beautiful invite. Whether you send it as a physical invite or you opt for an email send, we have the perfect invite ready to go! If you’re an Impact advisor-partner, give your Advisor CMO a heads up that you’re interested in holding an eclipse party in 2024 and remember that invites typically take around two weeks for design and need 3-4 weeks for invitees to respond.
- Set the scene. Make your guests feel like they’re out of this world with the right kind of party décor. There are all kinds of space-themed decorations.
- Add festive party food. Think Sun Chips, Moon Pies, Rocket Pops, star cookies with marbled galaxy icing, Astronaut freeze-dried ice cream, galaxy pops, and other space-themed snacks and drinks!
- Create a memorable takeaway. This isn’t just a fun moment for your attendees — it’s historic! We’ve provided a list of souvenirs that your eclipse party guests can use to remember this special moment in time.
- Don’t forget to post on social media. Make sure your clients and friends know about all the fun you had! Post pictures of the event and stories on the day of the event.
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