It’s not just the morale that’s boosted by a corporate event party; it’s also the good cheer. Corporate event parties show staff that they are appreciated. Such events also provide a chance for virtual employees to meet one another or show that the business owner intends to say farewell to the past year and welcome the new one.
Small businesses without conference rooms or adequate office space, especially those with a large number of subcontractors, may have to send invitations for off-site holiday parties. In the midst of end-of-year stress, the right party and corporate event venue in Toronto can boost team morale.
Everybody makes mistakes, and while learning from errors of judgment is arguably more useful and important than avoiding them in the first place, it’s also more embarrassing. Being aware of some common mistakes that you might fall prey to while planning your events could help you steer clear of them. That’s why we have put together a list of common ones that event organizers have made.
1. Confirm the details
Vendors, speakers, caterers, and other participants have a lot on their plate, and your event isn’t the first or last thing on their minds. This means that they can easily forget about their commitments or find the event date creeping up on them quickly. This is why it’s important to maintain a dialogue with them so that everyone is prepared.
In particular, a reminder a few days before showtime is a must—and keep trying if you don’t hear back from them! In the same event, check in with staffers early about the dates you’re choosing so they can plan ahead and everyone can participate. Work closely with your venue to ensure that all of the details and requests are met.
2. Be professional
Attending a work holiday party is all about following this rule. Although it’s a party, you should still act professionally. You may feel the need to let loose, especially if things have been hectic.
However, you’ll probably regret some of what you said and did come Monday morning. Both your personal and professional behaviour will reflect on you.
At the end of the night, you want to be respected by your peers.
3. Avoid overindulging
Having a drink or two at the holiday party is probably a given. The best plan is to pace yourself and consume moderately. You can avoid overindulging by introducing some mocktails or by limiting the number of alcoholic drinks that guests are served during the evening.
4. Transportation
If you are going to serve alcohol, you must make sure that employees don’t drink and drive. We recommend arranging cabs, carpools, and Ubers for your employees beforehand. This way, you can make sure that everyone has a good time and arrives home safe and sound.
5. Don’t make attendance mandatory
It’s likely that you will end up with a few grumpy party-goers if you make attendance mandatory for your employees. Some people may not want to join in for any number of reasons. Let them sit this one out if they wish, and don’t make anyone feel compelled to participate.
6. Don’t skip the food
Whether it’s appetizers, a full meal, or small plates of tapas, you should provide food for your employees. An important note to keep in mind is to pay attention to the time of day you’re holding the party. For example, if you’re having an evening party, your employees may expect a larger meal than if you have a small get-together in the late afternoon.
At Château Le Jardin, we do more than just provide catering services. We can design an elegant plated service, sharing platters, or cocktail reception service. The choice is yours.
7. Have a plan B
If something can go wrong, it will. From bad weather to traffic delays and no-shows, there is an almost endless list of unexpected issues to contend with. The problems you may face will depend on the nature of your event, so it’s important to have a contingency plan in case things go awry.
Come up with solid backup plans that will allow you to overcome each of these difficulties individually while making your event still look like a success. Your attendees will understand that issues can arise, but they’ll be less forgiving if you didn’t seem to consider possible solutions.
8. Include the spouses/partners
Since the goal of the party is to build trust and connection in the team, bringing partners and spouses is a great idea. Tell partners why their spouse or significant other is important to your team. Don’t forget to thank them for taking time out of their holidays to celebrate with you.
Lastly, be friendly, open, and appropriately casual, and your staff will follow. Greet staff and spouses when they walk in the door. Talk to them about their hobbies, travel plans, and other party-appropriate topics, not about the deadline for their projects.
If you consider all of the above factors, you will have an easier time hosting this year’s festivities.
When looking for the best corporate event venue in Toronto, contact our experienced event planners today for your unparalleled party experience at Château Le Jardin. You can also call us at 1-888-529-8573.
