Graduation ceremony for the class of 2023 at the Eagles school, in Santa Cruz de la Sierra. PHOTO: Eagles School Facebook
School ends and it’s time to think about the future. But before defining what career to pursue, students must organize, together with the school and parents, the graduation ceremony and party. Luckily for students, teachers and families, in the country there are several enterprises that emerged around this type of festival.
“This date is, for event organizers, one of the most demanding of the year. “All schools seek to say goodbye to their students in the best way, whether with events that highlight the history of the institution or parties that meet the objective of entertaining and offering a moment of triumph and enjoyment before entering a new stage,” explains Kelly Murillo, from the HCK Rental company, a specialist in assembling “removable rooms.”
The removable lounges allow for great versatility. PHOTO: HCK Rental
Every year new companies, of different sizes, see opportunities in the hustle and bustle of the end of the school year. In addition, very specialized initiatives are emerging, which focus on specific aspects of the celebration.
“You are allowed to choose more than one supplier for different needs. For example, an organizer, but also a restaurant.” Elisa Menacho
Companies for everything
“We are in an era in which the client has a very active role in the way these types of events are organized. That allows you to choose more than one vendor for different party needs. For example, they hire an organizer, but also a restaurant for food, a bar they like to prepare the drinks and another company to rent the awnings,” he explains to 360 Vision Elisa Menacho, event organizer in Santa Cruz.
Yes, there are businesses that offer “full service,” from music to food. But this offer fails to fulfill everything perfectly, or fails to satisfy the desires that customers have.
The suits cost from 500 bolivianos to over a thousand. PHOTO: Market Place/Facebook
In that sense, entrepreneurs have found opportunity in businesses that are successful and, better yet, have little competition.
A graduation party can cost up to $50,000, with the budget funding everything from costumes to commemorative jewelry, security, music, and photos and videos.
Such is the case of HCK Rental, which specialized in assembling awnings for these events, especially those held outdoors.
This not only makes it easier to meet the consumer’s interest, but also benefits the suppliers themselves. By hiring separately, for example, the bar that will be in charge of providing the drink, the venue and the organizer are freed from one task, allowing them to focus on other aspects.
Of course they cannot work completely independent of each other. It is the client’s responsibility to inform the representatives of the initiatives who will do what, so that business owners can talk and make the work easier.
“All schools seek to say goodbye to their students in the best way, whether with events that highlight the institution or unforgettable parties.”
Kelly Murillo
This means that those who celebrate also have a level of responsibility, beyond paying the cost of their efforts. Something logical, because people like to receive what was promised for the value delivered, since these events are not cheap.
Prices range from 1,200 bolivianos to 50 thousand, depending on the number of people, the size of the premises and other factors.
Pasted to protect the titles and allegorical bouquets. PHOTO: Market Place/ Facebook
Without going too far, men’s suits, the cheapest, exceed 500 bolivianos, while dresses can easily triple that figure, as Jeanette, a seamstress from La Paz, explains.
The change that occurs in fashion and traditions greatly affects, because this is an always changing field.
Changes for reason
New trends arise both from the influence of popular culture; for example, the interest in copying the graduation ceremonies that were known through television and cinema, as well as through events out of control.
More than 300 students
They can end up forming a school promotion, which implies greater expense in organizing the subsequent celebrations.
For example, the removable salon business began to gain importance due to the pandemic. “People needed to celebrate in large outdoor spaces to avoid contagion. And, since the weather in La Paz is so unpredictable at this time, we invested in waterproof materials, but at the same time they served as canvases for the decorations,” adds Murillo.
Allegorical bouquets that family members hand out after the graduation ceremony, pasted to preserve the graduates’ titles, and brightly colored balloons to celebrate arrival at the finish line, became fashionable.
Balloons and traditional dances are among the new trends. PHOTO: Market Place/facebook
The custom of giving graduation rings and earrings generates another lucrative item. You can find everything from wooden jewelry, which does not exceed 100 bolivianos, to traditional gold rings, which cost more than eight thousand dollars.
Considering the diverse range of businesses catering to graduation celebrations, what are the potential economic benefits and challenges this booming industry presents to the Bolivian economy?
## The Booming Business Of Bolivian Graduation Celebrations
This article explores the burgeoning industry surrounding graduation ceremonies in Bolivia. It highlights the diverse range of businesses emerging to cater to the ever-evolving needs and desires of students, parents, and schools.
**Expert Insights:**
* **Kelly Murillo (HCK Rentals):** emphasizes the high demand for graduation event services, as schools strive to create memorable experiences for their graduating students.
* **Elisa Menacho (Event Organizer):** points out the growing trend of clients opting for specialized vendors for different aspects of the celebration, allowing for greater customization and control.
**Key Trends:**
* **Rise of Specialized Vendors:** Businesses focusing on specific aspects like removable lounges, bar services, and photography are gaining popularity. This allows clients to tailor their celebrations with greater precision.
* **Increased Customization:** Clients have become more active participants in the planning process, seeking unique experiences and personalized touches for their events.
* **Influence of Popular Culture:** Graduation trends are influenced by media portrayals, leading to demands for elaborate decorations, specific attire, and unforgettable experiences.
* **Outdoor Celebrations:** Removable lounges have become increasingly popular, providing versatile spaces for events and addressing the need for spacious, weather-protected venues.
**Cost Considerations:**
The article details the wide range of costs associated with graduation celebrations, which can vary significantly depending on factors like guest count, venue size, and chosen services.
Quotes that Highlight the Key Insights:
– *”All schools seek to say goodbye to their students in the best way, whether with events that highlight the history of the institution or parties that meet the objective of entertaining and offering a moment of triumph and enjoyment before entering a new stage.”* – Kelly Murillo
– *”You are allowed to choose more than one supplier for different needs.” * – Elisa Menacho
**Discussion Points:**
* How does the entrepreneurial landscape in Bolivia reflect the trends and demands of a modern generation of graduates?
* What are the potential challenges and opportunities associated with the growing specialization of services in this industry?
* How might cultural traditions and economic factors continue to shape the evolution of graduation celebrations in Bolivia?
