Whether you’re putting together a holiday party or planning a product launch, arranging a company event can be daunting. You want everyone to have fun, but you also want everyone to be comfortable. Finally, you want to be the go-to person for the next event.
Make Space for All
You’ll need to collect RSVP’s to make sure you have a fair head count, but be ready to go over that if you’re planning a come and go gathering, such as an open house.NYC party rentals can help you make sure you have enough tables, chairs and food access for everyone coming to your event.
If you have the space, try to spread out a bit. For example, if you hire a DJ for a holiday party, create space away from the DJ for folks who want to chat or who need a bit of quiet. You may also need to ask the DJ to turn their setup to concentrate sound on the dance floor.
Provide Some Silliness and Fun
If your event is strictly a social gathering of your company, be sure to make room for a little silliness to get everyone to relax. For example, a photo booth with a few props could be an entertaining way to bring together folks of all ranks for great photos, memories and connections.
For those planning family-friendly events, try to schedule the party at a venue that already has a play area, or be ready to bring in a bouncy house or similar play toy. If you are planning on having music, search local sites for a DJ hire near me. Make sure the food you bring into a family-friendly event is easy to open, enjoy and discard in single-serving containers to keep things simple for parents.
Get the Social Butterflies Involved
When you’re planning a corporate event that will include hosting other professionals in your industry or around the area, try to incorporate the more social butterflies of your organization as icebreakers and connectors. Of course, everyone will have a name tag, but you also want to make sure there’s someone at the table to move the conversation along.
To that end, consider putting out a list of conversation starters on the table. Fun topics like
- worst COVID recipe failure
- favorite elementary school teacher
- memorable pet
can get the ball rolling. Even if your press release is extremely serious, you want your guests, co-workers and fellow industry professionals to enjoy time in connection and relationship-building. These connections can be invaluable over time.
Set the Tone With Decorations
Use the decor your choose to help set the tone for your big event. If you’re prepping for a product or a service launch, keep things low-key in the decorations. Dark tablecloths, simple cups, and plates if you’re offering a buffet, and elegant finger foods with small beverage cups would be best for a come and go event with a big announcement.
For a formal party, make sure to incorporate your logo colors into space. If your logo includes a bright color to draw the eye, try to include something in the table setting with just that shade.
If you’re hosting a family-friendly event, try to offer a free take-home gift to the children. Something simple, like a reusable water bottle or s string backpack, can brighten their memory of the event and offer a sense of unity.
Do a Key Check
There are folks who over-imbibe. If you have a co-worker who lets their hair down a bit too far beside the open bar, you may need to be ready to keep them from driving. Hopefully, they brought a guest who can help you persuade them from doing something inappropriate.
Make sure that this information is included in your company policy. You may not need it on the flyer announcing your event, but it’s a good idea to gently remind folks that your organization cares about their fun and their safety and will be monitoring any behaviors that will put them at risk.
Whether you’re planning a party, hosting a reception in honor of someone planning their retirement or celebrating a new product, having a party-planning partner who can help with set-up, tear down and layout is critical. Discuss your space and people’s needs with a party rental professional.
