From SecularPortal

Socials are a great way to get people to know each other and make friendships which will encourage them to return. They are also a good way to give people a memorable night, if the social goes on into the early hours.

The key to a successful social is to ensure everyone is having fun and chatting. This sometimes requires a proactive attitude and so ensure the committee know they need to keep an eye out for people sitting by themselves or not chatting to anyone.

If you're holding a social directly after a meeting it is a good idea to make it as close as possible to the meeting venue - for example if you are holding a meeting in your union, it is a good idea to make the social venue the union bar - as the closer you can get it the less likely you are to have people wander off or decide they can't be bothered to stay for it.

It is also worth considering that your society members may have different needs - for example some may not be heavy drinkers - and so it is good practice to organise meals, bowling or cinema trips, etc., so that people who don't just want to go to the pub and drink are catered for also.

Talking to venues

Many venues will offer you privileges if you tell them you are bringing a large society group down. Many pubs and bars around campus will give your society a discount if you agree to have a regular social there.

Most bars will reserve you a space / amount of seats for free if you let them know a few days in advance.

For large groups, clubs may also offer you discount entry. This usually requires everyone to enter the club as a group.