How to Throw a Massive Corporate Party

By James Helliwell posted 01-24-2014 07:27 AM

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We've all been to those boring parties that some corporations seem to put on year after year. The ones where everybody is talking to the same people, nobody mingles, the energy level just drops as soon as the gathering has started. Now, let's say that you have been tapped to host your next corporate party. How can you make it so that your party will be remembered fondly for months to come? Well, there are certain tips that can help any corporate affair, whether it is for a small team meeting or a large holiday gathering with full invitations.

Decide What Type of Party

The first step is to find out what sort of budget you will have to work with. Then, choose the date of the party. If you are throwing a holiday party at a location away from your offices, it is very important to book the location as soon as possible, as places can fill up rather quickly. You may even want to consider holding the party in January instead of December, as prices are generally much lower. Your next step is deciding who to invite. Is the event going to be during the day, or will it be an evening soiree? If it is an evening event, you should plan to invite the spouses and significant others of your co-workers or employees, as well as sending out formal invitations. Do so at least 6 weeks before the event, which will allow the guests to plan ahead.

Consider a Creative Theme

If the party is going to be a holiday party, your theme is pretty self-explanatory. However, if not, you may want to consider creating a fun theme to get your guests into more of a party atmosphere. Whether you are planning the event on your company’s front lawn or in the largest conference room, there are many things you can do to spruce up the location. Consider getting some colourful helium balloons in your corporation's colours.

Another fun theme can be '80's days. Have your guests come dressed as they might have during that time period, play popular music (low, in the background) from then, and you can layer the room with day-glo streamers and banners. If the party is going to be outside, consider a traditional picnic theme, with wicker baskets and chequered tablecloths, and hot dogs and hamburgers cooking on a grill.

Consider Hiring a Planner

If the party is a major shindig, hiring a party planning company to host and help plan the event is a great idea. Companies such as ClassiQue Promotions have put together hundreds of parties already, and can help you put together themes, locations, caterers and staff. This will allow you to focus on what is most important; making sure your staff has the best experience possible!

Greet Your Guests

This is very important, and is a great way to get your guests more comfortable, especially if your party is away from the office. Consider having drinks available just inside the doors, so your guests can have something to fill their hands as they begin to mingle. Also, you want to try to minimize as much talk about work as you can. Parties are for having fun! Plan some activities that everyone can participate in. With the '80's theme, you could have trivia based on that decade, or play short snippets of music and see who can guess what it is in the shortest amount of time. Offer prizes to the winners. An outdoor event in a park could have a company softball game, with certain divisions competing against each other.

Be Safe

If alcohol is being served, you will want to provide alternate ways home for those that have had too much. You can consider setting up a deal with a taxi company, hiring a bus or van or even choosing a location near a subway stop. If the event is in a private home, it is even more imperative that rides are found, as the home-owner could be found liable if there are any alcohol-related accidents. You may also want to consider hiring a bartender to control the amounts that are poured and to be able to say when a person has had enough.

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