There are a variety of corporate events that are common throughout the calendar, and one of the most notable examples here is the holiday event. Companies of all shapes and sizes tend to hold at least one holiday event this time of year, if not multiple, and optimal planning for such events is vital.
At In The Event, we’re proud to offer a huge range of corporate event planning services and event decor rentals for any sort of holiday event you’re looking into this year. From long-term planning to on-site event coordination and more, we’re here to help you every step of the way. Here are some tips from our event planning professionals on how to plan the perfect corporate holiday event.
While this may vary slightly based on the size of your company and other related factors, it’s generally recommended to start planning a corporate holiday event six to eight months prior to your desired event date. This gives you plenty of time to find a suitable venue, lock in any necessary reservations, and handle other important logistics. You’ll also want to consider reaching out to our event planning professionals at this stage for additional advice and consultation as well.
An important initial step when planning a corporate holiday event is to choose a date that works for the majority of your employees. While you may not be able to accommodate every single person’s schedule, try to find a date and time that works best for most people. Keep in mind that weekends are generally preferred by many, but be sure to take into account any religious or cultural holidays as well.
In terms of venue selection, there are several factors to consider. You’ll want to choose somewhere that’s centrally located for most employees (if possible) and is also spacious enough for your event size.
Additionally, consider whether you want an indoor or outdoor space; if opting for outdoors, have a backup plan in case of inclement weather. Lastly, don’t forget to inquire about catering options, as well as any necessary technology or AV equipment for presentations and entertainment.
One of the most fun parts of corporate holiday event planning is choosing a theme for the gathering. This can vary widely based on your company culture, budget, and other factors, so it’s worth taking some time to brainstorm different ideas before landing on one that works best for your specific event.
Keep in mind that whatever theme you choose should be reflected throughout various aspects of the event, such as decorations, food choices, entertainment options, branding and more.
One of the most important aspects of corporate event planning is setting a budget. This can involve working with accounting or financial teams within the company to determine an appropriate amount to allocate for the holiday event. From there, it’s important to stick as close to this budget as possible and make adjustments as needed throughout the planning process.
For instance, if you’ve decided on a more elaborate theme or venue that may be slightly outside of your initial budget, consider cutting back in other areas such as entertainment or catering to balance things out.
Whether you’re planning a small holiday event for just a few key employees or a larger gathering for the entire company, it’s important to send out invitations well in advance. This will give employees plenty of time to plan and make arrangements to attend, and also allows you to get an accurate idea of how many people will be attending.
Consider sending electronic invitations via email or creating an event page on social media platforms like Facebook so that guests can easily RSVP and ask any questions they may have.
As with any event, it’s important to have a contingency plan in place for unexpected situations. This could be anything from inclement weather to last-minute cancellations or even technical difficulties during presentations.
By having backup plans in place and being prepared to handle unforeseen circumstances, you can ensure that your corporate holiday event runs smoothly and without any major hiccups.
Planning a successful corporate holiday event involves careful consideration of various factors such as timing, venue selection, budgeting, and more. By starting early and enlisting the help of professionals like those at In The Event, you can create an unforgettable holiday celebration for your employees and colleagues. Contact us today to learn more about our event planning and decor rental services. Happy holidays!
