DWTS VIP Hot Summer Nights Tour Summer 2017
I’ve had the pleasure of being a VIP for the last five Dancing with the Stars tours. From the first tour I participated in the VIP to this year’s tour I must say: It’s like night and day! They have improved them tremendously! So let’s talk about the details of the VIP!
Pre-Show: For my 1st and 2nd shows in Raleigh/Durham…I did two different packages there. We received our pre-show email about 3-5 days ahead from VIP Nation. For our show we had to arrive between 2:15-2:45 and show started at 5:00 (Note this varies city to city so ALWAYS review your itinerary). There is no reason to line up an hour early or anything. They have a very organized process to get everyone in. The email also contains where the VIP check in table is, the link to where to find your photos and password.
Front Row VIP Package Gifts
Entering VIP: Right on time the doors were opened, they did the usual security checks at the door and then you went to the sign in table. It took maybe 5 minutes to get checked in. We also picked up our 1 drink ticket, the tote bag for the front row package included a bag, sunglasses, water bottle, earbuds & signed tour program. For the 2nd row package it include the same minus the signed tour program. When you check in you are given a laminate with a letter on the back and that is the order they call you for your pictures so there is not one giant line and everyone can enjoy the party until it’s their turn. I will also say I missed our VIP host from the last two tours Anthony Jones. No offense to Brittany in any way.
Now on to the good stuff! After check in we were directed upstairs. We didn’t wait very long at all when they started telling Group A to line up. A few minutes later we saw Alan and Britt coming our way, it was their turn to do the Meet & Mingle! It appears that it’s all rotating like last tour (2 in the Meet & Mingle and 4 in the photos with Emma & Rashad/Heather being consistent). To give you an idea for our cast photo we had Emma, Lindsay, Rashad & Gleb. I will update this after each show to give you all an idea:
http://lightscmemories.com/entertainment-blog/dwts-hot-summer-…r-vip-photo-list/
The photos were wonderful as always. In all past tours I have attended they have always taken 2 pictures, this time they only did 1. The staff is also very kind, nobody is yelling at you it’s a pleasant experience. You do have to leave your purse, bags and anything else on you at the table and you cannot ask for autographs etc. at the cast photo portion. This year too it was one professional photo taken by VIP Nation host, no selfie options in the main photo. You could however do selfies with the dancers in the Meet & Mingle. I did not honestly see the green screen option anywhere at either VIP party in Durham so I cannot comment on that. After the photos were done and the dancers all left to get ready for the show you could go to the merchandise stand and do some crowd free shopping which was also nice.
Rows 2-5 VIP Package Gift
Please note on the pics: the itinerary says up within to 2 weeks but the staff has been doing an awesome job and usually has them up in about 24 hours.
Show time! Here is a full article I did on the show itself. http://lightscmemories.com/entertainment-blog/dwts-hot-summer-nights-tour-2017/
Suggestions for Tour Management: This is something I have been thinking about. For the Maks & Val Tour and the Derek & Julianne tours there was another top level tier package when you got pictures in the VIP and then got extra time with them backstage. I know the VIP photos are with “select” dancers (4 the last 2 tours) at each city but, many fans have voiced their disappointment when their “favorite” isn’t in their photo since it’s a random rotation. I have heard many voice their displeasure at paying several hundred dollars but not getting a pic with their favorite. What if you added another ticket tier or made it with the front row packages that you get your pic with the rest of the VIP’s and then you are either taken down just before the show or just after and get a photo with the full tour cast? If you sold a very limited # of them it wouldn’t take that much extra time. That way you those that truly want to meet them all would have the chance and it would then add another tier package for you. I know I would sign up for that for sure!
If possible rotate the dancers if you are doing two shows in one city. Some of us like to go to both shows and it would be great to get pics with two sets of dancers since you are paying VIP at both.
Bravo & Thank you: VIP Nation you always put together fantastic unique experiences and it doesn’t go unnoticed! Thank you so much to the tour staff: Mandy Moore, Director Andrew Winghart, Associate Director and Ashley Edens-Shaffer, Creative Consultant and our dance captains: Lindsay and Artem truly put together an amazing show that I think every fan should be sure they have a ticket for! The creative genius is obvious at every moment in the show. 
The vision and layout for this tour is truly worth 10 Stars! The crew and all the other behind the scenes individuals also deserve a shout out! The Dancers (Sharna, Gleb, Artem, Lindsay, Sasha, Keo, Emma, Hayley, Alan and Britt all truly leave it on the floor each night. It’s emotional, it’s passionate, it’s raw, it’s FUN, it’s full of energy and I am so excited I will get to see this tour multiple times and have a new take away each night!
If you don’t have a ticket…Buy one today and if you are able to do VIP it’s worth the investment for this experience they have many different levels and price points too! Here’s the link for tickets/VIP package! https://vipnation.com/tours/dancing-with-the-stars-live/hot-summer-nights/e54ccb4a62ac4b99ca9331d468a18443VwH3ZPV%3D
Want to see more photos? For many more pictures from the tour, past tours please follow me on Instagram, Twitter & Facebook @lightscmemories! If you have any questions that I can help with please don’t hesitate to reach out!
Where do I love to shop for fun outfits for VIP pics!
Until next time,
XOXO
Heather
Suggestions for his staff: One suggestion would be to offer a limited # of VIP tickets for purchase to compliment the fan club meet and greet contest. I know a few friends of mine would love to meet Dierks but, have not been lucky enough to win yet and with Dierks’ s ever growing popularity it will be harder. 
