How to Host a Successful Office Party
If you are planning to hold a corporate office party, then there are several things you can do to make it special and successful. Some of these things include hiring a venue, sending out invitations, and promoting team building.
Set a budget
If you’re planning a social event, there are many things you need to know. One is how to set a budget. Then, you have to find the best vendors to work with. You’ll also have to do your homework when it comes to advertising.
The best way to do this is to do it in stages. Start with a ballpark estimate and then add more detail as you go. Getting it right can be a daunting task.
You may have to resort to spreadsheets and budgeting software. Aside from making life easier, this type of approach helps you keep track of your expenses, especially those that aren’t part of your original estimate. Keeping track of your spending also helps you prepare for future fundraisers.
In the end, a good budgeting strategy will take some of the stress out of the party planning process. Having a well thought out budget plan in place can help you avoid a major mishap. This is a particularly useful if you’re planning a large scale event.
In addition to the event’s budget, you should also consider a contingency fund. This can be a percentage of your total expenditure. It can cover expenses such as backup venue if yours doesn’t live up to the hype or a bartender calls in sick. Other items that might fall into this bucket include costumes, music, shuttle bus, and even the venue’s liquor license.
While the budgeting process might seem overwhelming at first, taking the time to do it right can pay dividends down the road. As you’ll see, the right approach can save you money, and maybe even make a few new friends in the process.
Hire a venue
If you’re planning to host a social event, you’ll want to hire a venue. But choosing the right one can be tricky. It’s important to keep your audience in mind when selecting a space. And don’t forget the right technology and equipment.
A good venue will make a big difference to your success. However, it’s also a good idea to consider the cost. You’ll want to get an estimate of the size of the venue, including the number of rooms and how much staff it’ll require.
Also, consider the timing of the event. If you’re planning an outdoor event, you’ll need to think about the weather. Some venues will even offer a valet service, but that will add to your expenses. The location of the restrooms is crucial.
Before choosing your venue, it’s a good idea to take a tour of the building. You’ll want to ensure that there’s plenty of parking, that the restrooms are clean, and that the staff is easily accessible.
Venues can come in all shapes and sizes. While you may want a big space for a concert, you’ll probably need a smaller one for a wedding. Similarly, an outdoor venue is ideal for festivals, concerts, and fairs.
When looking for a venue, you’ll need to check the county, state, and local licensing requirements. Some venues will also require risk assessments. They may even require additional insurance.
If you’re planning an alcohol-serving event, you’ll need to apply for a beer license. Some venues will offer catering as part of the deal.
Event venue owners should have a website. This will help them market their venue. Ideally, you should include a map, photos, and details of the location.
Send out invitations
If you are hosting a social event, you will need to send out invitations. You can do this in many ways. Some of these include paper or electronic invitations. The type you choose can make a difference in how people respond.
A formal invitation uses a wording that shows respect to the recipient. You might use it to show your interest or to show that you are serious about the upcoming event. It is a good idea to check with the person you are inviting to see if he or she is okay with this.
Electronic invitations can be sent via email, social media, or through an app. They are often easier to send, but they carry less weight.
For the most part, paper invitations are more effective than digital ones. Paper invitations are visually appealing and serve as a reminder of your upcoming event. However, they are not always easy to find.
Evite is another way to send out invitations. This type of invitation includes more information than an actual invitation. Since it can be sent through several channels, it can also be lost in an attendee’s inbox. Moreover, it is a little more expensive.
When you are planning your event, it is important to remember that sending out invitations early can result in people forgetting about it. If you are worried about a potential guest’s busy schedule, you may want to opt for a courtesy text instead.
When you are considering the best way to send out invitations to your social event, be sure to use the right materials. Make sure your invitations are high quality and include plenty of information. Remember to proofread your invitations before mailing them.
Add corporate office party games
If you are looking to spice up your office celebration, why not mix it up with some fun games? Not only will you be able to interact with your coworkers more, but you can also increase productivity while doing it. For example, if you play a game of office basketball, you might get a little competitive, which is the perfect way to get everyone involved.
Games can be anything from board games to video games. One of the easiest games to implement is a game of Bingo. The premise is pretty simple: each player gets a card and then tries to mark off as many squares as possible.
Another game that will get your team excited is the gift exchange. Each participant gets a card and is then asked to guess the name of the recipient. This may be a bit of a pain to plan, but the end result is a fun experience for all.
There are a lot of games to choose from, but one that will get your employees interacting is a Murder Mystery Game. You will need a number of participants and a good sleuthing hat to pull this off. However, it will pay off in the form of camaraderie and plenty of laughs.
Another game that will get your team interacting is a scavenger hunt. These are not skill-based games, but rather a series of challenges that are designed to test the mettle of your employees.
If you want to impress your boss, you can go all out by tying the game to a real life scavenger hunt. But be sure to check with your HR department for the latest health and safety recommendations.
Promote team building
In order to promote team building at a social event, organizations should offer activities that break down communication barriers and encourage open discussion. This will strengthen work relationships and increase productivity. However, choosing the best activity for your team requires some research. Depending on your team’s strengths and weaknesses, you may want to incorporate activities that encourage creative thinking and problem solving.
A fun activity to encourage cooperation and creativity is a scavenger hunt. To participate in this activity, teams must gather together to answer questions. During this activity, teams are encouraged to work together, develop leadership skills, and build camaraderie.
Another team building activity is the Egg Drop. Teams are divided into three to five members. Each team member is given an object that is supposed to be secret. The team is then required to assemble an egg package. It is also a great exercise to build critical thinking and communication skills.
An exercise to improve your team’s listening and communication skills is Listen Up. Participants are paired up and asked to describe a phrase. They are also asked to list two truths. If they are correct, they receive points.
An activity to build problem-solving and collaboration skills is a blindfold. In this activity, one person is given a random object. He or she must not tell anyone about it. Team members then have to collaboratively solve the puzzle.
All Adrift is another team building activity that promotes collaboration and innovative thinking. It is ideal for sales and marketing teams. By combining the elements of collaboration, communication, and innovation, the All Adrift activity will help teams to develop leadership and confidence.
Finally, a lunch date is a great way to foster teamwork and communication. Whether or not the event is held at a restaurant or in a park, it will be sure to break down the barriers between team members.
