éliseDo you want to plan a company party but don’t know how to go about it? Don’t worry, we’ve got wise advice, lots of practical information, and a step-by-step plan to help you on your way!
The planning of a company party is the hardest part of this adventure. Or, as your boss always says, “Don’t think about the problem, think about the challenge.
The reality is that there is plenty of company party inspiration on the Internet, a world of suppliers, and even themed staff parties and unique activities to choose from. It can be paralyzing with so many choices, but we’ve got the essential tips out for you!
1) Organize a Team
Decide on a certain number of people and plan a party together. This is useful because each person has their own area of expertise, such as a good person picking out party decorations or an all-rounder. You can also have someone observe their duties, for example, if they fall down the stairs and break their leg.
2) Make It a Project
Share documents in Google Docs or Google Spreadsheets, or find an online environment to start a project. It helps if all team members know exactly what still needs to be done and everyone has an overview. It also helps to know your budget. Make sure you have enough time and money to spend on the staff party as a team.
3) Determine the Purpose of the Company Party
What is the reason for the party? Opening a new location, substantial numbers in the last year, Christmas, motivation, meeting new team members?
4) Check the Guest List
Staff parties and company parties: they are not the same thing. A staff party is for the staff, that makes sense. However, people may come from outside the company at a company party, such as to see the new building. It would be helpful to adapt the program to this.
5) Set the Date Early
If you have friends and family, you know how complicated it is to have 5 or more people in the same place at the same time nowadays – Sarah has never hired a babysitter for her son, John always has a yoga class on Tuesday nights, and Max has a nightly Netflix date!
So, make sure to send out the invitations well in advance, with plenty of time to spare, at least 6 weeks before the party. Be aware of the holidays, or you will be alone on the dance floor.
6) Party Place or Office?
Sometimes it is not all that complicated, especially if you’re celebrating the opening in the office building itself. It often gets complicated if you want to throw the party somewhere else.
Advantages of On-Site Company Information Meetings
- Cross-industrial exchange
- No sticky residue, no cleaning required
- More of an office atmosphere
Disadvantages of On-Site Company Parties
- Budget is expensive
- Hard to find a suitable location
- Of course, the layout and size of the building are also essential factors. It is difficult to hold a party in an office building with many small spaces, but a cafeteria or coffee shop can go a long way.
7) Planning a Company Party Yourself, or Having One Planned?
There are two kinds of people: those in the middle of this article who are ready to do so, and those who are now crying about the amount of work.
Do you belong to the latter group? Then, of course, you could use some help such as hiring a party planner. You’ll really be relinquishing the significant advantage, but it will cost you a bit more.
Let us know how your office party went by in the comments below!
