Here’s How You Can Fill Your Venue With Happy Patrons

[image error]You’ve probably either heard about or read Patrick D. Smith’s novel, A Land Remembered.

It is arguably the most popular novel ever written about Florida’s history.

It is fiction but so clearly depicts the challenges of the early Florida pioneers that it is used in many schools to teach both Florida history and literature.

You also may have heard of a multimedia show I present about the life and literature of Patrick Smith. I call it Patrick Smiths Florida Is A Land Remembered.

What Is Patrick Smith’s Florida Is A Land Remembered?

I’m Patrick D. Smith, Jr. (I go by Rick) and I’ve presented the show over 280 times in libraries, museums, schools, universities, community centers, retirement villages, performing arts theaters, festivals … you name it, I’ve probably done it. Most shows draw a capacity crowd. In fact, in March, 2019 a capacity crowd of over 1,100 people packed a show at the 1,200 seat Sunrise Theater in Fort Pierce on a rainy Tuesday afternoon.[image error]

Related Post: A Land Remembered Spring 2019 Tour Reflections

So what’s the draw for so many people?

The popularity and reputation of A Land Remembered is the key reason. Florida natives practically worship the book and newcomers are told that if they are going to live in Florida then they have to read this book. It’s a fantastic introduction to “Old Florida.”

Word has also spread that the show is a “must see” media experience suitable for all ages. Well over 30,000 people have attended the show since I began presenting it in 2013 and the reaction has been overwhelmingly positive.

[image error]You don’t have to believe me. Read what others have said about the show on our A Land Remembered Tour Testimonials page.

The show is a combination of photos, videos, music, graphics and special effects that I narrate live. I throw in a good bit of humor, too. Many times audience members and event sponsors have told me that it far exceeded their expectations.

It is a unique experience that often breaks attendance records.

Right now I’m accepting bookings for February and March 2020, and you can arrange a show to come to your community.

Check out the A Land Remembered Tour Schedule to see where I’ll be in 2020.

Interested in attending a show in your area? Don’t miss out on being notified. You can sign up below to get on my email list.

What Is The Fee?

[image error]I wish I could give it away but public speaking is a large part of my business.

I travel from my home in California to do the shows and will be living “on the road” with a rented cargo van full of books with my wife Kim for 5-6 weeks, so naturally I have to charge a fee for a presentation.

I ask $700 for a show for an estimated audience of 100+ or $800 for less than 100 attendees.

I also request but don’t absolutely require a hotel room for the night, depending on the show schedule. Unfortunately, at this time of year, when all of the Snow Birds are in Florida, hotel rates are at their peak.

If you schedule multiple shows, such as several different libraries within a region then the cost per show goes down.

Here Are Several Ways To Pay For The Show

I realize that the fee can be a stumbling block, so here are a few suggestions that many venues and organizations have used:

Charge a fee – That seems obvious and I know that some organizations, such as libraries, cannot do that. I have seen fees of from $5 to $50 charged for the show and it doesn’t seem to make a dent in the size of the audience. Many shows include a reception or luncheon and charge $25 or more and fill the room.
Friends of the Library – These organizations appreciate the quality of the show and the impact on the library’s patrons and often fund library shows. As I’ve said, many librarians have told me that the show drew the biggest attendance they have ever had. They also say that patrons talk about it for weeks afterward.
Florida Humanities Council – I am on the Speaker’s Bureau of the Florida Humanities Council. They fund Florida Talks for nonprofit organizations. Their intent is to offer an easy, inexpensive way to host informative and thought-provoking presentations across the state. They provide funding and sample promotional materials for organizations to bring up to three presentations to their community. [NOTE:] Deadline is October 18, 2019 for funding from January 1 through June 30, 2020.
Community organizations – A library might get help from a historical society, museum or any business with a related theme and work together to put on a show.
Local business or individual – Find a local business or individual who is interested in funding the show. We’ve seen that happen a lot, especially with school shows. A Land Remembered is so well known and loved that it isn’t hard to find one or more folks to help with funding.

Those are just a few examples to get you thinking.

I’m happy to send you some references of other venues who have done these suggestions so you can get more information from them on how they did it.

Book The Show Soon

Right now it’s still six months away and there is plenty of flexibility in the schedule.

However, every tour has booked up and that will happen this time, too, so if you are interested it’s best to contact me soon to reserve a date that works for you and for me. I plan the tour so that we have an efficient route of travel, so getting your request in early will help fulfill your needs with our travel schedule.

I hope this information is helpful. I’m happy to work with you to bring the show to your community.