I recently read this Webutante Ball Founder on the Tenets of a Great Internet Party by Erica Swallow, asking Richard Blakeley about the Tenets of a Great Internet Party for Forbes magazine. It's great to see some concise points that work at almost any scale.

Give them something to talk about.
Invite the right people.
Don't skimp on venue technology.
Go all out with the photo booth.
Pump that party music.
Keep the spirits flowing

My experience throwing events in NYC had me discover a few more that I thought would be fun to share..

Design surprise
Presents are the best when someone has given you something you never knew you needed. Parties are the same way. Give your attendees something that they didn't expect, then do it again.

Create conversation by seeding awkward moments
When the elevator or subway car stops unexpectedly people speak up, they step aout of their shell and will talk to anyone. This same breaking of character is possible at parties too, and can be manifested without an abundance of alcohol.
Take things away to have more fun.
The coat check is a convention of bars and restaurants to make people more comfortable, and in some cases slow the process when it's time for them to go. I found that taking other things away also made for a great party too.

In 2005 Lvhrd hosted GMHRD the "underpants only videogame tournament" at Barcade. Created a vert awkward social situation, by taking away everyone's pants. Image ©Erin Sparling — In 2005 Lvhrd hosted **GMHRD** the "underpants only videogame tournament" at **Barcade.** Created a vert awkward social situation, by taking away everyone's pants. Image ©Erin Sparling

In 2006 LVHRD and MoMA PopRally invited over a 1,000 attendees to leave their cellphones at the door, rock it out with Les Savy Fav ,and view the 'Out of Time' Exhibition featuring works of Andy Warhol and Jeff Koons. Made possible by the support of Dewars and Brooklyn Brewery.