Over 600 people packed Auckland's Transmission Room on Friday night for a sultry Hero Party featuring more than 50 dancing performers on stage into the small hours of Saturday morning. Hot stuff: Hero '09 partygoers The organisers of Friday's Hero Party say they're pleased with the turnout and feedback they received from attendees - but are now hoping for a lengthy planning and community consultation over the future of the party, which they hope to plan again next year. Scott Dunning and Richard James of the Gay Auckland Business Association planned the party, with dance party stalwart Candy Phloss as creative director. "We're pleased to have created an open and inclusive party, with good numbers of young and older people, bears and twinks, men and women. People seemed to like the free body painters and the VIP ticket holders got free cocktails, jelly shots and food in a relaxed space." Dunning realises there were some concerns about the raised temperatures in the underground venue on the night. "We did everything we could - but we know it was insanely hot. In the end there wasn't much we could do." Richard James looked after the money side of the event, and says this year's Hero Party "came pretty close to breaking even." "We never intended to produce a big profit. The party ran at a small loss, but nothing too significant." The Hero '09 crew says they're very interested in hearing more feedback from partygoers via email at heroparty@aeonz.co.nz, and are planning a consultation meeting with interested people in the Auckland LGBT community in late March, on the future of the Pride/Hero Festival and Hero Party.