As the end of the year approaches, your company teams look forward to seasonal holiday parties. If you’re in charge of the festivities this year, it’s time to button up some of the party planning details. And today, we’re sharing some do’s and don’ts for producing office holiday parties to help you check the essentials of NYC event planning off your company to-do list.
Office Holiday Party Do’s
Office holiday parties are just better when you follow through on the themes, venues, food, entertainment, and gifts.
1. Do Choose and Book a Unique NYC Venue
Select a memorable location in NYC that reflects your company’s culture and adds a special touch to the celebration. Explore some great NYC venues, ideal for unforgettable office holiday parties.
2. Do Plan Ahead for Gift-Giving and Swag
It’s the holidays, so plan ahead for company gift-giving and swag. Think door prizes, “under the tree” giveaways, and employee award gifting. Make sure to infuse your swag with your company brand, too.
3. Do Consider Staff Dietary Preferences and Restrictions
Ensure your menu accommodates various dietary needs to make everyone feel included. Need ideas? Check out some of these elegant catering companies in NYC.
4. Do Incorporate a Fun and Engaging Theme
A fun theme can tie your event together and make it more engaging for attendees. Include a game that complements team-building activities and games for employees to play. Need inspiration? Here are a few team-building ideas, perfect for office parties.
5. Do Provide BIG Entertainment
Whether it’s live music, a DJ, or interactive activities, keep your employees entertained throughout the night. Explore some of these musical entertainment options in NYC to really bring the wow factor.
Office Holiday Party-Planning Don’ts
Avoid making these mistakes with all your office holiday parties and dodge some common issues that arise in event production.
6. Don’t Skimp on Budget
While it’s important to stay within budget, cutting too many corners can lead to a lackluster event. Company parties are an investment into your people and company culture, designed to boost morale and productivity.
7. Don’t Overlook Transportation
Provide transportation options or parking details, especially in NYC, where travel can be challenging. When choosing your NYC venue, be mindful of transportation logistics for all your guests.
8. Don’t Forget About Employee Recognition
Take time to recognize achievements or express gratitude during the event. Whether your event agenda includes stage presentations and breakout sessions or just one big, night-long celebration, reward your teams for a job well done this year.
9. Don’t Book Vendors without Checking Reviews
Your office holiday parties are only going to be magnificent if each of your event vendors delivers as promised. Don’t book anyone for your NYC event without taking the proper steps to vet each service. Read the reviews and interview your potential partners for experience in similar events. Booking without fully checking everyone can lead to logistics challenges and mishaps that could spell disaster for your party.
10. Don’t Go It Alone
You likely already have a full-time job to do. Don’t unnecessarily overburden yourself with the additional tasks of planning the company holiday party. Instead, work with a NYC event professional (like us!) who can make it easy and hassle-free. Here are 15 other reasons to hire an event planner for all your NYC office parties.
Office Holiday Parties Are More Magical with EMRG Media
If you’re nervous about your company’s upcoming holiday party checklist, call in the pros! EMRG Media has been curating memorable and magical office holiday parties for more than two decades! We have the best network of event services and venues. And we can take the reins to handle every party-planning detail for your company. Reach out to our team of NYC event planning experts today!
