Party Like Gatsby – Who and What is this All About?? Marc Metz from Speakeasy enlightens us on this international party phenomenon.
The event series ‘Party like Gatsby” was inspired by the world-famous novel – tell us more about making the dream a reality.
Starting this event series three years ago in, Munich, Germany we were fascinated by the myth surrounding Jay Gatsby. A man everyone knows and hears of. What is he doing? Where does all his fortune come from? Why all this sensation? We heard he killed a guy, he’s a great war hero, a German spy or even a relative of the Kaiser. All these questions kept us curious. We started to follow his traces. Jay Gatsby is reflecting more than just a person. It is a quest for identity and trueness. Who is this Gatsby? Party like Gatsby is a mission to answer this.
And what challenges did you face to make it the international success it has become?
The challenges are various and every event we are producing, brings its own. It starts with finding the different needs and expectations of our guests. Our attitude here is to see these challenges as the fun part of our job. Not everything can be planned and therefore we must stay creative and passionate about creating these events. Every challenge we solve gives us more experience and learnings. After a while we become able to make upcoming challenges more predictable.
What do you think made the 1920’s such an iconic era?
It was the time of prohibition. Alcohol was forbidden. It was a time of glamour, excess and restlessness. It is the lust, passion and joyfulness of era.
Jay Gatsby is famous for his mesmerizing parties – how do you recreate that wow factor Gatsby was so well known for?
Our events not only attract creative and wonderfully dressed guests. We also invite artists, entertainers and DJs from all over Europe. Touring the concept around Europe has opened up an incredible network of amazing artists.
Each party you host is done so in a venue which is extremely unique – what qualities do you look for in the venue that make it a worthy ‘Gatsby residence’?
When looking into the next Gatsby residence we often receive hints from previous guests where Gatsby could travel and acquire a new venue. Our venue scouts are looking into specific requirements like size, infrastructure and of course the overall atmosphere. It’s important for us to consider the need of every single guest and the feedback we receive from our surveys after each event.
Why do you keep the venue details a secret until nearer the date of the event?
As Gatsby is this mysterious character we also translate this secret mystery into the whole concept. Our guests are excited and thrilled with anticipation. We don’t want to give away too much at the beginning and steal this excitement.
Each party is hosted in glamorous cities around the world – do you take the local culture and influences and incorporate them into the party theme?
Yes, we do. Especially regarding the show, we always include local talents who understand their folks as no one else. Imagine a Danish host making sarcastic jokes in another country where no one really gets it. That’s why it’s important for us to always include a local and adapt reflect this in Jay Gatsby’s parties.
Which city have you not yet hosted a party and is on your hit list – what is it about this city you love / think make it ideal for a Gatsby party?
Paris. The city of love. And as we all know Jay Gatsby is the heartbroken man fighting for the love of his live – Daisy Buchanan. Paris seems to be an ideal place to host a little party for her. Rumours even say Jay Gatsby started to learn French…
Find out if there is a party near you: https://www.partylikegatsby.eu
