Yudu - Ex PA Magazine Aug September 2010

PROFESSIONAL PARTIES

Christmas party countdown

Are you ready for the staff party? Make sure you don’t miss out a vital step in putting a bash together “September is

September “September is the month when Christmas party bookings really start to hot up, so it’s important to make sure you don’t keep putting off the search for your ideal party for more pressing matters, as this can only end in disappoint- ment come December” confirms Lisa Busby from Office Christmas. Lisa should certainly know a thing or two about throwing a great bash – Office Christmas is responsible for organising Christmas events for both shared and individual office parties. “If you are organising your own private event for your company it’s important to consider what dates best suit your guests – keeping in mind it’s unlikely you will find a date that is suitable for everyone – and what type of venue you’re looking for in terms of both size and location” advises Lisa. “It’s a good idea to brainstorm your priorities with a colleague and then try and put them in order of most to least important. With this in mind you will know if it’s best to arrange the event for a Wednesday rather than Thursday for the sake of a closer location or a more beauti- ful venue or vice versa.”

October Have you got a to-do list that spans organising a team build- ing session for the whole company through to booking a festive lunch, on top of the usual Christmas-related tasks? Why not get clever and book a combined team building and staff lunch and so cut back on the organisation. Venturi’s Table Corporate Cookery Centre has just the thing with its ‘homemade’ Christmas party. Delegates will enjoy intro- ductory canapés and prosecco before the team bonding session begins with everyone getting a hands-on cookery class resulting in a delicious three-course Italian meal to enjoy together. While the meal is cooking the team will also have the chance to learn how to make classic Italian bis- cuits and chocolates to take home. “Office Christmas par- ties are a great way to say thank you to staff,” explains Anna Venturi, Managing Director of Venturi’s Table. “However, the challenge for businesses in 2009 is to organise an event which will respond to the current mood and feelings of staff members. People are struggling to deal with less and so are more appreciative of being shown ‘money can’t buy’ ways to have fun and feel happy.”

November

The party might be booked but the administration does- n’t stop there. PAs will need to convey vital information to staff, take and make payments if necessary, and circu- late menu options and itineraries. But there is an easier way, according to Alasdair Adam, Managing Director of Office Christmas. “Personalised websites are an essential tool for party organisers; they save precious time, man- age staff expectations, and provide an excellent commu-

the month when Christmas party bookings really start to hot up, so it’s important to make sure you don’t keep putting off the search for your ideal party for more pressing matters as this can only end in disappointment come December

”

nications platform for large groups, easing a situation which can be otherwise extremely difficult to manage,” he says. Consider using the company intranet to handle some of this, or set up a website which everyone attend- ing has access too – which will stop many of the ques- tions you’re likely to deal with in the preceding weeks. Office Christmas understands how as a PA you want simple options, which is why they offer a complimentary party website for every party booking. The website features itinerary details, menu choices, wine lists, maps, message boards, image galleries and more. Individual guests can log in and select their menu choices or make payments, simpli- fying the whole process of organising the party.

December By now everything should be sorted so it’s simply a case of checking and rechecking and confirming details. Make sure your caterers, venue, entertainers and transport all know where they have to be and when – it’s also worth confirming this with staff members too. Make sure any- one providing a service has your mobile number in case of any last minute panics, keep details of local cab firms handy in case of late night transport needs and finally don’t forget to get your party frock or suit dry cleaned! E