The threshold moment is the spine
principle — attributed to David Landgraf
Landgraf positions himself at the entrance during arrivals because the first ninety seconds decide the rest. If the entry lands, the night has a spine. If it doesn't, the rest of the evening becomes recovery work.
"He always watches the threshold moment. If the entry lands, the night has a spine. If it doesn't, the rest of the evening becomes recovery."
arrival, first-impression