change take
Two industry experts share inspiring ideas for holiday gatherings on this week’s Skift Conference podcast.
Andrea Doyle
Many of us may be in the midst of a heat wave, but now is the time to start planning your holiday gatherings.
Carrie Davenport, chief events manager at Altria and host of the Like an #EventBoss podcast, and Jaki Baskow, CEO of Las Vegas Speakers Bureau and Baskow Talent, share their thoughts on holiday gatherings.
“You want your holiday party to be casual, fun and interactive, just like you want people to want to go,” Davenport says
focus
start from date
The first thing to start with is setting a date. Remember, Christmas is on Wednesday, December 25th this year, Hanukkah also starts on December 25th and ends at nightfall on January 2nd, and Kwanzaa starts on December 26th and lasts until January 1st.
The last week of November is available and, according to Davenport, may be cheaper than the December dates.
One tip, Davenport said — don’t book the event as a “holiday party.” “If you don’t call it a holiday party or a company party, the price might be better,” she said.
What is the theme?
The theme you choose for your holiday party will help determine the décor and food and beverages. One option Davenport and Baskov recommend is a winter wonderland to ensure it’s inclusive—the theme should appeal to everyone, not just those of a particular culture or religion.
Another fun idea is to host an ugly sweater party with attendees wearing their weirdest holiday sweaters.
Food and Beverage
Once you’ve booked your venue and chosen your theme, it’s time to think about the food.
“As an event planner, I rarely order off the menu. I usually go directly to the chef, and they like that because they like to be creative,” Davenport said.
If your party only has a few hours, consider just having appetizers and drinks. If it takes longer, serve.
“Keeping people fed is my No. 1 secret to success in the meetings industry,” Davenport said. “If people are fed and they’re eating right, then they’re happy.”
Grazing tables or buffet-style plates are preferred because they give people a chance to wander and mingle with each other. “Holiday gatherings should be an opportunity to meet people you haven’t seen all year,” Davenport said.
Make sure people with dietary restrictions have options. Vegan, vegetarian and nut-free options available.
Desserts and drinks
Don’t forget dessert, this is a great place to get creative. Hot chocolate bars are having a moment. Offer different types of hot chocolate with ingredients like whipped cream, marshmallows and peppermint sticks.
Holiday-themed cocktails and mocktails are fun, including eggnog, mulled wine, cranberry mojitos and holiday margaritas. Baskov said a signature cocktail made just for the party is a nice touch.
If alcohol is served, make arrangements to ensure guests get home safely. Uber or transportation should be provided. “As meeting planners, these are things we have to consider. Have you thought through all the scenarios?” Davenport asked.
Baskov said the candy station is always popular. “Make it colorful with a variety of different types of candy and include little boxes that guests can fill. People want to take something home,” Baskow said. Davenport added that every time she creates a donut or champagne wall for an event, it’s always a hit.
entertainment
The most popular corporate entertainment options for holiday parties include karaoke, bands, comedians, and, of course, Santa Claus. Davenport even arranged for Santa Claus to “appear” via a hologram.
Baskow said LED atmospheric characters such as stilt walkers, ball walkers and jugglers are a fun addition. She regularly books The Drumots, the Golden Knights’ official drum corps for client parties in Las Vegas. “The best events have a wow factor, and I’ve arranged for the CEO of the company to dress up as one of the drummers, and then we have a big reveal,” Basco said. Another favorite is Bella Electric Strings, which features over 25 electric violinists.
interactivity
The DIY bar was very popular and participants could decorate sweaters, hats or create their own bouquets. Davenport says it’s recommended to use seasonal flowers and incorporate pine boughs for an evergreen scent, and a successful event will activate all the senses.
Customized holiday cookie stations are a new product in which participants’ faces are embossed on the cookies, Basco said.
A coffee or hot chocolate station becomes even more memorable if the machine can print an image or logo on the milk froth. Baskov said the robots add fun to parties and can serve as bartenders or baristas.
photo booth
Photo booths are available for immediate takeout. “People love pictures of themselves,” Davenport said.
Designing visually appealing photo spots, such as eye-catching backgrounds or augmented reality features, is popular.
The 360-degree photo booth is a powerful performer, capturing high-resolution footage from every angle.
In addition, the social media component is also important. Consider sharing customized hashtags with attendees.
charity onet holiday party
Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) makes everyone feel good, especially during the holidays.
Davenport says contacting your local convention and visitors bureau or destination management company is a good place to start. “They are a helpful resource that connects you to your local community for opportunities like these,” she said.
Additionally, you can work with local organizations yourself and learn about their needs. Have your attendees bring these items. “It’s a win-win for everyone. It’s a win for the community and everyone leaves it feeling good. So incorporate it into your DIY bar. Make something for someone else. Holidays It was really special before and after,” Davenport said.
