Corporate Christmas While it may appear logical to plan a combined Christmas event for staff,
clients and associates, the mix is rarely appreciated by its audience. And the people who have worked hard for the business all year merit recognition for their support at an event exclusively for them. The starting point for planning your staff party should be an analysis of
the workforce demographic. We’re all tempted to follow our personal preferences, but tastes vary – especially if the majority of your employees happen to be under 30. A great opportunity here is to include staff in the selection process. Inviting people to vote from a menu of e-mailed options will not only demonstrate that the event is for them, but increase the likelihood of their buy-in. Of course the ultimate decision on format and venue will be largely
influenced by budget. Some companies ask their staff to pay a contribution towards their Christmas party but this hardly conveys gratitude from the senior leadership team and reduces the likelihood of strong attendance. It’s better to allocate a budget and design the event around it. Timing is another consideration. Christmas parties need not be held in
the evening; depending on the audience demographic, an afternoon event might be preferred by staff with childcare or babysitting challenges. When to comes to venue selection, remember that the event could be
held on your own premises if space permits. By investing in some dramatic props and lighting it’s possible to transform a warehouse or canteen into anything from Santa’s Grotto to an ice-carving workshop. Accessibility may be an issue for out-of-town locations. Employers have
a duty of care to consider the safety of people leaving a company event, particularly when they have been drinking, so consider the option of hiring a coach. Theming is another consideration
- unless you opt for a traditional hotel, where festive décor will already be in-place. A blank-canvas venue gives you free rein to create your own spectacular event, but allow adequate funds for this because skimping on props, lighting and music will produce a lack-lustre atmosphere.
Theming your own event gives
the opportunity be creative. Our company is currently developing a New York-themed concept: Get Along to the Big Apple this Christmas. Using bold swathes of black, green and yellow, with a Manhattan skyline, it will be a stunning departure from the traditional sleigh-bell setting. Another element to include in the
workforce vote is entertainment. Our own findings are that people are moving away from the live band option, preferring instead to have an excellent DJ who will get everyone up on their feet. Again, by asking the question you will be giving staff the freedom to shape their own evening. While the ultimate objective is for everyone to have a great time, the
‘Christmas parties need not be held in the evening’
spectre of excessive drinking and its consequences can’t be ignored. It’s ironic that after a session on the dance floor, almost everyone grabs the water jug and at so many functions it’s scarcer than wine, so don’t be afraid to keep the H2O flowing. After all this careful planning the party organiser may still have fears of no-
shows on the day, so an e-mail campaign during the run-up to the event, or trailers on the company intranet will generate interest and spark conversations. And one of the best ways of enticing attendance is to promise an informal awards ceremony – featuring prizes for the most impressive Christmas jumper, Bing Crosby impersonation or Secret Santa gift. Hopefully your event will be a winner. But like every other business
endeavour, it’s helpful to debrief, review and file learnings to ensure an even better party next year. Because rest assured, it’ll come round sooner than you think.
For more information visit
www.kdmevents.co.uk or email
Nicky.whyman@kdmevents.com
Feature
September 2016 CHAMBERLINK 39
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