The holiday season is a time for gathering, sharing joy and the opportunity to bring together your hardworking team for a festive celebration. If you're planning to host out-of-town employees flying in from various states, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable experience is key to making lasting memories. Here’s how you can go about it:
Setting Up Hotel Room Blocks
First things first, securing accommodations for your out-of-town guests is crucial. Consider negotiating room blocks with nearby hotels to ensure everyone has a comfortable place to stay. This not only simplifies the booking process but also allows for potential group discounts. Choose hotels that are conveniently located relative to your event venue to minimize travel time and maximize convenience.
Transportation in Style
Transportation to and from the holiday party can set the tone for the evening. Imagine surprising your employees with a decked-out party bus adorned in holiday décor! This festive mode of transportation not only adds to the holiday spirit but also ensures everyone arrives together and in style. Coordinate with a local transportation service to arrange pick-up and drop-off times that align with your event schedule.
Timing Flights Thoughtfully
To minimize stress and maximize enjoyment, consider the timing of flights for your out-of-town guests. Aim to schedule the holiday party on a day that allows attendees to fly in earlier in the day, avoiding late-night arrivals whenever possible. Similarly, ensure that departure flights the next day are scheduled for a reasonable hour, allowing employees to rest and travel back home comfortably.
Ice Breaker Games
One of the challenges of corporate gatherings, especially when employees are from different locations, is breaking the ice. Ice breaker games are an excellent way to facilitate interaction and create a relaxed atmosphere. Consider games like "Two Truths and a Lie," holiday-themed trivia, or even a light-hearted gift exchange to encourage conversation and laughter among colleagues who may not often get the chance to meet face-to-face.
Creating a Memorable Holiday Party
When planning the main event, pay attention to the details that will make it memorable. Decorate the venue with festive accents, such as twinkling lights, wreaths, Christmas trees and even a spot for a photo op with Santa. Better yet, when in search of a venue, find facilities like Five Star Parks and Attractions that already decorate for the holiday season!
Acknowledging Achievements and Celebrating Together
The holiday party is not just about food and decorations; it’s also an opportunity to celebrate achievements and express appreciation for your team’s hard work throughout the year. Consider incorporating a brief awards ceremony or a heartfelt speech to recognize outstanding contributions and milestones. This not only boosts morale but also reinforces a sense of belonging and appreciation among employees.
Conclusion
Hosting out-of-town employees for a corporate holiday party is a wonderful opportunity to strengthen bonds, celebrate successes, and create lasting memories. By carefully planning hotel accommodations, transportation logistics, thoughtful timing of flights, engaging ice breaker games, and a memorable main event, you can ensure that your holiday gathering is enjoyable and meaningful for everyone involved. Remember, the spirit of the season is about coming together and celebrating as a team, making each person feel valued and appreciated for their contributions. Cheers to a joyful and festive corporate holiday party!
