The end of the year is fast-approaching and, if you’re like everyone else, you probably haven’t given any thought to the holidays. What presents to buy, which relatives to visit, what to cook for holiday dinners…these are all things that will keep you busy once the time is near, but one thing really shouldn’t wait that long: planning your company’s holiday party.
You probably don’t want to think about work when it comes to the holidays, but if you’re tasked with planning your company’s office parties and events, then it pays to think ahead. November, January, and especially December are peak months for the events industry (especially casino party companies.) Friday and Saturday evenings during these months are extremely busy for most event companies, so begin planning during the summer months to help ensure you have access to the venues, caterers, DJ’s, casino companies(!), and other vendors you prefer.
You should first find a location for your event: think about the type of party you’re trying to hold for your employer and what activities you have planned. Do you want a hip, fun place to party, like a nightclub or bar and lounge? A more elegant and serious setting like the Ritz or a restaurant on the water? How about size? Do you need room for 2000+ people or a small space for just 50-60 guests? Locating a venue that works for your event is a big part of the work that goes into event planning; once this part is decided, the rest usually falls into place nicely.
After selecting your venue, you’ll want to focus on the food and entertainment for the party. Most larger venues offer their own catering, but others do not. There are plenty of caterers in the San Francisco Bay Area to choose from, but again, they’ll book up fast for the holiday party season. Along with caterers, entertainment companies are also really busy during the later months of the year. Secure your entertainment early, so you don’t rush around at the last minute looking for someone to fill in. Since a big part of what DJ’s, bands, and casino companies provide is their staff, they don’t always have a lot of inventory to work with. It’s not as easy as pulling rental items out of storage to bring to your event – they actually have to have fun and friendly people to provide you with as well. By booking well in advance, you ensure you’ll get the best staff the vendor has to offer!
While we love to gamble, it doesn’t pay to roll the dice when it comes to event planning: Don’t wait until the last minute to plan your event and don’t just book the first entertainment company you come in contact with. Put in a little effort early on and devote some time to viewing all available options – we guarantee this will improve the outcome of your event.
