With event season in full swing, the team at Complete Function Hire are busy delivering furniture, equipment, AV and décor to Melbourne’s best venues. We see all kinds of Christmas events – from casual family fun days in the park to glamourous VIP client events (and everything in between). So, what makes a corporate Christmas party really memorable?
On this week’s blog we were honoured to chat to Dee Nicholas, Director of CIS Event Management to get her helpful tips for event planners. Dee has been producing amazing events in Melbourne, Australia and all over the world for over 25 years and we enjoyed getting her expert advice on how to make sure your Christmas event is talked about for years to come.
Mix It Up!
The easy option is to do what you did the year prior however variety is the spice of life! There are so many incredible event spaces in Melbourne – the possibilities are endless. If you truly believe you have ‘been everywhere’, why not let your imagination run wild in a warehouse style space or one of Melbourne’s incredible gardens? It is good to mix up the format up too – if you have had a formal seated event in the past, why not mix it up with a cocktail party style event or a picnic?!
First Impressions
Get creative with your invite. The Christmas Party is seen as recognition to staff (or clients) for their hard work and many look forward to the event each year. To help with getting maximum attendance, create an exciting invite with a teaser of what they may expect on the night.
The WOW Factor
Whether it be incorporated into your entertainment, your styling, your menu choice or your gifting – it is always important to think about incorporating points of difference e.g. signature cocktail designed especially for your business, a special theme, interactive activity or high tech digital element.
Food, Glorious Food
Food is always an important factor when creating an amazing event. Ensuring there is ample food, as well as variety and consideration of guest’s special dietary needs will always be received well. Food stations, Charcuterie and Cheese tables and dessert buffets are all very popular at the moment. Incorporating food stations will ensure that guests can continue to ‘graze’ throughout the event and it can become a stylised feature and talking point at your event, creating a lasting (and delicious) impression for years to come.
Recognition
For end of year staff parties and client entertaining events alike, it is always important to place emphasis on recognition. A well delivered speech by Management including company highlights for the year will help end the year on a positive note. A personal touch is always well received and appreciated.
Break The Ice
Do your guests know each other? For larger businesses with multiple departments or for client entertaining events, it is possible that guests may not know each other that well so it’s important to break the ice. Interactive activities such as Gif booths, photobooths and roving entertainment are great starters.
If you want your event to make an impact, speak to the team of business event professionals at CIS Event Management today.