Works parties can be a complete nightmare to organise - there's Mary in accounts who's tee-total and can't eat after seven, Dan in the warehouse who's barred from most of the pubs in town, and the clutch of customer service reps who won't go anywhere that doesn't service pink cocktails with umbrellas in! If the responsibility of arranging the office party has fallen on your shoulders, you are going to need all the help you can get!
Budget
Before you do anything, find out how much money you've got to spend! If management are being stingy with the readies, consider selling tickets to make up the financial shortfall – even if it is just to your colleagues’ guests. Raising a bit of extra cash could mean the difference between a bottle of warm white between four at the local bar and grill, and a swish, upmarket shindig.
Do Your Research!
OK, so you know that not everyone is going to be happy with pub grub and a bop to a local amateur band. Likewise, some work mates might not be too thrilled at the prospect of a night in the local meat market, blinded by the laser beams and with their eardrums perforated by the music! You need to find a venue that can lay on an event that everyone will enjoy, regardless of their age, dietary requirements etc.
Have a conflab with all the staff about what they want from their office party, and take everyone's comments on board – not just the person who talks loudest or is most forceful about their ‘needs’! Narrow the choices down, and go back to them with three or four ideas that are within budget and offer 'something for everyone'.
Popular Events
A riverboat shuffle party cruise. These type of party packages work really well for mixed age group events where a party atmosphere is required, but where there's also quieter, more relaxing areas for those who do not want to dance or listen to music.
Bring Your Party To Ours
Usually held at hotels and function suites, Bring Your Party To Ours are fully catered events with music and dinner provided, and usually consist of several local companies partying at the same time. They can work well if you're not put off by not having an exclusive party space.
Casino Night
Many hotels and night clubs offer casino night parties for larger groups. This gives your team the opportunity to glam up and have a fun night out with a theme.
Staying In
If the finances don’t stretch to throwing your party at an outside location and if you work in a building with plenty of space for hosting a bash, then it makes sense to hold your event at the office. Try and have the main party area away from the ‘business end’ of things - being in a room full of office equipment and phones might thwart some people’s partying spirits! Boardrooms and conference rooms that open out onto hallways can be utilised well and wide corridors can be turned into party spaces rather than just walk ways.
Action and Adventure
Office parties do not have to be exclusively evening affairs and drunken revelry! Consider organising a weekend event such as go-karting, paintball, a trip to a theme park, or even just an old fashioned ‘works away day’ to the seaside. The drinks can flow in the pub after all the activities!
