The company Christmas party: choosing the best theme for your business

Even in tough economic times, there is always a reason to celebrate - whether it's the launch of a new product, the opening of new premises or the company Christmas party.

But planning such an event can be a real headache, particularly when you have all your other business activities to attend to as well.

Here's how one business benefited from handing the responsibility for their annual Christmas party over to an event hire professional in Melbourne. 

The client 

The Melbourne office of a luxury car firm wanted to thank their 250 staff for all their hard work during the year with a Christmas party they would never forget.

"In previous years, employees had been taken by bus from the office to another location for the party," explains Robert Fox from the Pakenham Party Company. 

"But then the company got feedback that some staff didn't enjoy waiting around for the buses and wanted to be free to leave whenever they felt like it." 

The party brief 

The company approached Robert for professional advice on how to handle the Christmas party. Their brief was for a spectacular night-time party including dinner, bar and live band. 

Following a site inspection, Robert and his team advised that the company's office building would not be suitable for the party, as it lacked sufficient space to seat 250 for dinner - not to mention for a stage and dance floor. 

Instead, the Pakenham Party Company suggested that a series of marquees be erected in the spacious grounds of the company's headquarters.

Show and share 

Pakenham Party Company showed the client photos of similar events they had organised, so the client could see the different types of marquees, decorations, stages, dance floors and seating arrangements available. 

Together, they decided on a series of white silk-lined marquees lit with sparkling chandeliers - one for dining, one with a dance floor and stage for the band, and another with a full bar and tables where staff could gather to chat and drink in comfort. 

Planning ahead 

Robert advised that it would take about a day to erect the marquees, stage and flooring, set out the tables and chairs, and organise the electric cabling for the lighting and band. Bar equipment, portable toilets, ice tubs and sound systems were also to be supplied. 

A date and time was chosen well in advance - this is particularly important around the busy Christmas period, when event companies are often heavily booked.

A four-time triumph 

The night itself was a spectacular success, with the client particularly pleased with how smoothly the event went.

A post-party meeting offered the chance to discuss any areas for future improvement - an extra touch that thrilled the client and has seen the same event planner taking care of their Christmas party four more times to date.

So if you'd like to take the stress out of organising an event with a difference, contact an event hire professional to discuss your company Christmas party.