4 Key Elements to Hosting the Best Company Holiday Party Ever
So you’ve been asked to organize your company holiday party?
Office parties can be tricky. When poorly planned, they can be awkward affairs that have your co-workers wishing they were home in bed watching Netflix.
When done right, your holiday party can be a fun way for your company to shake off the office vibes, blow off some steam and feel more bonded as a team.
You can do it right and be the hero of your office by keeping in mind these 4 key elements to a fun and memorable holiday party:
#1 The Pros
Face it — you may be the life of every party but that doesn’t make you an expert on producing them. Worst of all, you don’t know what you don’t know. Professionals in the event business can help you avoid common party pitfalls and guide you toward some unique ideas. If your budget allows for a party planner — great! They will help you bring all the elements together and take the pressure off of you. If you don’t have the budget for a planner, you can still get plenty of help from the industry experts around you.
Your venue coordinator can be a valuable resource. They know what works best in the space and can share party ideas and vendor contacts. Ask them about the most memorable events they’ve seen in the space and use those stories as inspiration for your own party.
A good full service A/V company produces multiple events a week so they have plenty of vendor relationships and ideas. Share your vision with them and allow them to make recommendations around staging, lighting, sound and entertainment.
#2 Location, Location, Location
The right venue can be a party feature in itself. Think outside the hotel ballroom box and book a venue that inspires and delights your guests. An architectural firm might appreciate a dramatic view of the city skyline they are helping to reshape. A local interactive museum might be perfect for your tech or bio-tech company, where co-workers can explore the exhibits while they sip cocktails.
A daytime carnival in the park, the barrel room at a local winery, a mountain retreat, a local circus big top, a hipster miniature golf or bowling alley, a converted theater, a bar crawl, a yacht — the possibilities are endless. Think about your company’s ethos and culture and get creative. Reach out to local venues directly or check out www.peerspace.com for a list of unique possibilities in your area.
#3 Music
No other element has the power to break down social barriers and get your guests into the holiday spirit more than music. Ditch your Spotify playlist and make sure you reserve a healthy portion of your budget for entertainment. A live band is always a nice touch, and will set a definite tone. A jazz trio creates a certain vibe, while a salsa band will bring a whole other level of energy. Think carefully about the mood you are trying to create and what music will speak to all of your guests.
If you are trying to appeal to a wide range of ages and musical preferences, a DJ might be your best bet. A good DJ can read the room and vary their music as needed to get everyone out on the dance floor. For even more flexibility, you might want to try silent disco headphones. With multiple channels, you can have multiple DJs or playlists so everyone hears what they want. www.hushconcerts.com.
#4 The Unexpected
A surefire way to inject fun into your event is to surprise your guests with some kind of novel activity. Arcade games are big on the party circuit right now, including both pinball machines and large screen style 80s video games. Let your guests play with their food by injecting a cooking demo or build your own dessert bar into the festivities. Have practitioners on hand to offer palm readings or mini spa treatments. You can even arrange for a puppy cuddle area. www.puppyloveparty.com
Almost any activity can be scaled for your event. Keep in mind your party theme or vibe and your company’s unique culture as you brainstorm ideas that will engage and delight them.
Focus on these 4 key elements and you will be well on your way to producing a holiday party that your co-workers will be raving about well into the new year.
- Jennifer McDowell
I’ve worked on events both large and small for nearly two decades now and feel that my experiences can be valuable to not just businesses but anyone out there planning a holiday party!