5 tips on how to organise an unforgettable company party
“The company party is due to take place in three weeks’ time; unfortunately, the budget is a bit tighter this time, but please make sure it’s unforgettable – all the bosses will be there, so it has to be something really special. Any questions?”
If, as a corporate event organiser, this ‘briefing’ is making you break out in a cold sweat, dreading sleepless nights and feeling like crying: please read on. Because here they are, our top 5 tips for the best corporate events. With these, you too can pull off the perfect event.
1 | The right venue makes all the difference
Yes, they do exist – those parties that just happen and work out perfectly. You can’t plan them; they’re often spontaneous moments where the ‘right people’ come together. There’s a great social vibe, it’s fun, and everyone remembers it for a long time to come. But if you’ve been tasked with planning a company party, that’s where the problem lies: you simply can’t plan for that successful, spontaneous party scenario. Or not without a bit of help. Because it’s all down to the right atmosphere. The right theme. Essentially, the visual elements that get the party going, turning the celebration into Celebration Get creative. Fortunately, there are no limits to your creativity here! Casino & Glamour theme? Then simply set up some roulette tables, ask the party guests to dress to match, and choose the right music. Put nicknames on table signs and place cards, such as Markus ‘all on red’ Gruber, donate all proceeds to a good cause, and add the right décor to the hall – and you’ll feel just like you’re at Ocean 1 to 11.
2 | Something for everyone
The catering must also be suited to the occasion. From sausages to Michelin-starred catering, anything is possible, and each option has its pros and cons. Fixed seating plans with waiter service lend a certain air of exclusivity, but you first have to get the right colleagues to sit at the same table. A self-service buffet encourages the guests to mingle, and the best conversations arise when everyone is spoilt for choice amongst all the delicious options and tries to balance as much of it as possible on their plates.
Whatever you decide, perhaps there are some reviews and recommendations from colleagues or friends? A tip: weddings often present a similar problem, so who’s got married recently and where was the food best?
3 | A small token of appreciation
Particularly at Christmas parties (though not only there), a small token of appreciation upon arrival or departure makes for a great start or ensures that people will look back fondly on the company party for a long time to come. It’s best to ask colleagues for ideas. Perhaps there are some amateur beekeepers amongst the invited guests who would be more than proud to provide these little delicacies?
4 | What makes it more fun?
A human table football game? A shooting range, archery or curling? A go-kart track? Caricaturists? A theatre group? Performers? Magicians? Mimes? An escape room? Poker tables? There should definitely be a real highlight to ensure the evening has a fitting climax, so to speak. Perhaps followed by a speech from the managing directors? That way, you’ll not only have a supporting programme but also ensure there’s plenty of entertainment.
5 | Photos and more photos
Professional event photographers can capture the atmosphere on the spot with a keen eye. Depending on the company event, a few technical aids may be used – perhaps even video cameras, interviews or drone footage? Either way, every participant will be eagerly awaiting the release of the photos or videos in the days following the event. When will the email arrive with the download link or the link to the gallery? Perhaps they’ve already been uploaded to the intranet? Once the photos are finally available, the ‘after-party’ takes place, so to speak: people reminisce about shared moments, or are glad they can’t quite remember them clearly (because even that can be a sign of a successful celebration).
The self-service photo booths are also well-known and loved by almost everyone. It’s precisely there that queues often form, and you find yourself in photos with colleagues you might not even have known before. Wigs, oversized glasses or clown noses do the rest – it’s actually super simple, very affordable and a sure-fire party hit.
