This Year, Make Your Office Party An Experience

Looking to wow your corporate office with a unique and exciting holiday party that will be the talk of the company into the New Year? If holiday party planning is in your purview, never fear! Even the most novice event planners can look like seasoned pros by following a few universal rules for hosting an unforgettable company event. Creativity and planning are the keys to your festive fun, as well as a hearty dose of good cheer!

Here are some tips for an office event to blow your staff away this holiday season.

An Oscar moment – Everyone likes to be recognized and feel appreciated. Consider establishing an informal awards ceremony where the staff are creatively thanked for their specific contributions. Roll out a red carpet for the event. (Yes, these can be rented.) Make it lighthearted and humorous. And not too long!

Make the venue special – Ask around the office for people’s top choices for party locales. Picture a dynamic venue that is bound to impress and which encourages lively interaction. Seek out a trailblazing site that ticks all the boxes when it comes to a bold venue that will generate excitement within your office. Make sure there’s something for everyone — areas for those seeking to get out and move around, and a relaxed space for those looking for chill.

Get creative – Plan your holiday party with imaginative flair. If your budget permits, hire an up-and-coming local band for live music. Add a whimsical holiday selfie station. Or one of those trendy slow motion booths. Not everyone is into it, but karaoke can be a way to get people involved.

Food — We all know that the food and drink choices can make or break a party. Depending on the unique venue you choose, make sure the food will be special and memorable, to meet the standards of your epic night. Don’t skimp here and be sure to offer vegan, vegetarian and similar choices.

Prime the pump – Get your employees pumped in advance by creating teams, different holiday-themed events, and interactive competitions for the big day.

Swag bag – Depending on your budget, consider sending your guests home with some fabulous bling. Exclusive door prizes or an automatic entry raffle are always a party hit. What if some of the prizes were half and full days off? Explore options like gift cards to a luxury spa, popular restaurant, upscale boutique or a gourmet cooking class. Or how about tickets to a popular music concert, well-known comedy act or mainstream sports event?

Make it charitable – Think of supporting a local charity and ask guests to bring donated canned goods or a holiday gift for a needy family with them to the event. Be sure to have the proper festively decorated storage bin for collecting. Then be sure to have the company match any donations made by the team. Engaging people in giving back is easy at this time of year and adds special meaning to your event. Everyone goes home feeling happy.

Have a budget – Create a detailed, itemized budget for your event. Be sure to include all costs: taxes, tips and those little extras add up. Be organized in your preparation. Your accounting team will thank you.

Power hours – If the budget is tight, then say thank you with a bash during work hours. The holiday season is filled with fun and festivities, but it can be exhausting as well. Close the office for the day and you’ve already created an employee-friendly feel. This also motivates your team to finish the year strong, wrap up projects with enthusiasm and at the same time, have a cool and engaging party where they can look forward to celebrating.

Team building – Team building is trending, and not just within one group, one department or one division; integration is the model for a productive working environment. A relaxed, vibrant corporate holiday party is the perfect opportunity for mingling and networking. Keep that in mind as you plan activities.

Let us be clear in our cheer. Team chemistry and morale is more important than ever in today’s hyper-competitive business climate. Topping off a strong year with a holiday party that will be remembered for years to come is a fantastic reward for the hard work and perseverance of your exceptional team. Now get ready to eat, drink and be merry!