by Kristin Healy | Sep 12, 2023 | blog
Hosting a holiday party for employees can bring several benefits to a company’s culture and overall work environment. Here are some reasons why a company should consider hosting a holiday party:
1. Boosting morale and motivation:
A holiday party provides an opportunity for employees to unwind, relax, and celebrate together. It can boost morale and create a positive atmosphere, fostering a sense of appreciation and motivation among employees. It shows that the company values its employees’ hard work and wants to reward them with a festive event.
2. Enhancing camaraderie and team building:
Holiday parties encourage employees from different departments or teams to interact and socialize in a more relaxed setting. It can facilitate relationship building and strengthen bonds among colleagues, promoting better collaboration and teamwork in the workplace. Improved relationships can lead to increased productivity and a more cohesive work environment.
3. Recognizing and appreciating employees:
A holiday party is an opportunity for management to express gratitude and appreciation for their employees’ contributions throughout the year. Public recognition, awards, or speeches can make employees feel valued and recognized for their hard work. This recognition can boost employee loyalty, satisfaction, and engagement.
4. Encouraging work-life balance:
Hosting a holiday party demonstrates that the company recognizes the importance of work-life balance. It allows employees to take a break from their usual work responsibilities and enjoy a festive occasion. This can help reduce stress levels, improve overall well-being, and foster a positive work-life balance, leading to increased job satisfaction and employee retention.
5. Promoting a positive company culture:
A holiday party is an opportunity to reinforce and promote the company’s values and culture. By organizing a fun and inclusive event, the company can showcase its commitment to a positive work environment, employee happiness, and work-life integration. This can contribute to a stronger company culture and help attract and retain top talent.
6. Encouraging employee engagement:
A holiday party can provide a platform for employees to actively participate and engage in various activities. Whether it’s games, contests, or team-building exercises, these interactive elements can create a sense of involvement and make employees feel more connected to their colleagues and the company as a whole.
7. Improving employee satisfaction and retention:
A well-executed holiday party can contribute to overall employee satisfaction and retention rates. When employees feel appreciated, enjoy positive relationships with their colleagues, and experience a sense of belonging within the organization, they are more likely to stay with the company for the long term. This can reduce turnover costs and ensure continuity in the workforce.
It’s important to note that while holiday parties can be a great way to enhance company culture, it’s crucial to plan the event with inclusivity and diversity in mind, ensuring that all employees feel respected, comfortable, and valued.
What are you waiting for? Start planning your Holiday Party with Swank Events today!
by Kristin Healy | Jun 13, 2023 | blog
During times of economic hardship, businesses often resort to cost-cutting measures in order to survive. As Event Planners, we can offer valuable guidance and advice on various aspects of your event budget. At a time like this, it is important to stay flexible and be creative. Hosting company events is crucial to make your employees feel valued and acknowledged. We can help you look for innovative solutions and creative alternatives that can help you achieve your event goals within a reduced budget.
Tip #1: Talk to Your Planner Before Making Any Changes to the Event Budget!
Event planners are experts in budget management and can provide valuable insight on how to reduce costs for your organization. We can help you figure out where to trim the most off without impacting the overall event.
Tip #2: Choose A Cost-Effective Venue
If you have not already booked your venue yet, shop around! Request detailed quotes from multiple venues that meet your event requirements. Pay attention to the venue rental fees, any additional charges (e.g., setup fees, audiovisual equipment rentals, staffing, etc.), and any required minimum spend for catering and other services. Compare the quotes to identify venues that align with your budget. Don’t be afraid to negotiate with venue managers. Ask if they offer package deals or have flexibility in pricing. Explore the possibility of bundling services such as catering, audiovisual equipment, or parking to potentially secure a more cost-effective package.
Tip #3: Simplify Your Menu
Food and beverage costs can quickly add up and take up much of your event budget. You may want to choose less complex menu items or explore other options like buffets or food stations instead of plated meals.
Simplify the drink menu. Offer a limited selection of popular, cost-effective drinks instead of an extensive menu. Focus on serving a few well-chosen options, such as beer, wine, and a signature cocktail, rather than a wide range of spirits and mixers. You can also consider a cash bar or drink tickets. This shifts the cost burden to the attendees, allowing them to purchase their own drinks. Alternatively, you can provide each attendee with a limited number of drink tickets, which helps control expenses while still offering some complimentary beverages.
Tip #4: Vendor Negotiation
Negotiate prices with vendors, suppliers, and service providers. Request multiple quotes and compare offerings to secure the best deal. Be transparent about your budget constraints, and explore the possibility of getting discounts, package deals, or payment plans.
Inquire about the venue’s in-house services and amenities, such as audiovisual equipment, tables, chairs, or event staff. Utilizing these services can help you save on additional rental costs or outsourcing expenses.
Tip #5: Identify Unnecessary Items
Eliminate any “low impact” items. Identify elements that overlap in function or offer minimal impact on the attendee experience. For example, if you have multiple entertainment options, consider choosing the most relevant and impactful one rather than offering all of them.
One area where company budget can be unnecessarily spent is on multiple swag items. It’s advisable not to allocate funds towards swag items that your attendees might not find useful, instead of spending a lot of money on smaller things, pick one nicer quality item that will give you more bang for your buck.
Tip #6: Be Flexible with Your Event Date, Whenever Possible
When planning a holiday party specifically, there are two, maybe three weeks before the busy-ness of the season takes over completely. These tend to be very popular dates to squeeze holiday parties in, leaving a small window to plan your event. Consider hosting your event on weekdays or during off-peak seasons. Venues and service providers may offer lower rates during these times, allowing you to save on rental fees and other expenses.
Remember, while budget cuts can present challenges, they can also spur creativity and encourage you to think outside the box. With careful planning, open communication, and strategic decision-making, you can still deliver a successful event. Cost-saving measures should not compromise the quality and objectives of your event. Find a balance between saving money and delivering a memorable experience for your attendees.
by Kristin Healy | Apr 27, 2023 | blog
Warm weather means that outdoor events are back! The great thing about outdoor party tents is that they are available in different sizes, so you have no problem accommodating a variety of group sizes. There are many ways to enhance your tent and with the right design, you can transform your outdoor space into a great corporate gathering spot.
Ceiling Draping
Elegant Presentations
Drapery helps you soften the overall look of the tent by hiding its framework. Adding fabric to the tent makes it look professional and personalized. You could include your company colors or keep it neutral.
Lanterns
OLLTENT
Lanterns are a great way to add decoration to the free space at the top of the tent. If your event is going into the evening hours, add lights into the lanterns to create a warm glow.
Flooring
Special Event Rentals CA
Flooring options can range from wood panels to carpeting. Adding a floor eliminates the uneven ground as well as the possibility of walking on soggy grass.
Greenery Wrapped Poles
Ned Jackson Photography
Tent poles build the framework of the tent, however in some cases they can be a bit of an eye sore. Greenery is a great enhancement for a corporate event because it pairs well with a lot of colors. You don’t have to worry about it clashing with your table linens or centerpieces.
Projectors
County Marquees
Projectors can create an opportunity for company branding. You can choose to display your company logo, event name, or display an image relating to your theme!
When it comes to customizing your tent, your options are limitless! When choosing to host your event outdoors there is always the uncontrollable aspect of weather. Renting a tent can eliminate the stress of canceling because rain or shine the event can still go on. These enhancements can help elevate a basic tent rental and personalize it to fit your next corporate event!
by Kristin Healy | Mar 16, 2023 | blog
Caring about the Environment does not need to be a hassle. Making a few environmentally conscious decisions can make a huge difference. When planning your next event, there are many things to take into account including venue selection, transportation, food and beverage, and technology. Here are three ways to “go green” and make your next event sustainable!
1. Reduce Paper Usage
We are living in a digital world, and while planning events we can utilize it to our full advantage. Using online programs can help not only the environment but also help track and make data-driven decisions. Create digital invitations, utilize social media for marketing, create an event website, and send follow-up emails and surveys via email after your event. Embrace the digital world and stay paperless!
2. Plan for Proper Waste Disposal
Waste management should not be a forgotten step in your event planning process. The typical types of waste to plan for are:
- Organic waste: food leftovers, beverages, biodegradable decor (flowers)
- General waste: plastics, balloon remanence, single-use cups and plates, napkins
- Recyclable waste: paper waste, cans, glass, cardboard
Setting up a proper waste disposal system can make a huge sustainable difference. Have proper bins as well as signage for each bin. This can be a great way to reduce the amount of waste that is sent to landfills from an event.
3. Reduce your Event’s Carbon Footprint
There is a lot of travel involved in attending an event. This increases the amount of carbon dioxide being emitted into the atmosphere. Reduce this by creating a transportation plan!
- Group Transportation Options- if guests are staying at the same hotel organize a shared shuttle system. Shuttle multiple people to your event rather than having them individually drive to the venue.
- Venue Selection- choose a location that is a short commute for your attendees or where they will have easily accessible public transportation.
Sustainable event planning is making the conscious decision to reduce the environmental impact of your event. With these three steps you can minimize the environmental effects of your next event!
by Kristin Healy | Feb 14, 2023 | blog
Happy Valentines Day! This year show your employees some appreciation. Whether your team works fully remote, hybrid, or in-person these gift ideas are guaranteed to be a hit. Your staff needs more than just the basic essentials to thrive while working out of the office. Select one of these items or all and make traveling between workstations easier for your staff.
HyperGear 3-in-1 Wireless Charging Dock
Help your staff keep their work area organized. This is a great tool to keep their desk wireless and ensure all essential technology can be easily charged.
Wireless Transmitter
Do your employees travel often for work? Gift them with a transmitter and help make flying more enjoyable! The product pairs wireless headphones or earbuds to equipment that does not have Bluetooth technology. Perfect for watching a movie on the plane.
Tangelo Boike Wireless Travel Mouse
A wireless and compact mouse is a must-have for a remote, hybrid, and in-person employee! Sleek design is easy to travel with or keep on your desk without taking up too much room.
Pillar Light-Up Bluetooth Speaker
A Bluetooth speaker is a great and affordable tech gift that every demographic tends to enjoy. Add your company logo to the top of the speaker.
Tech Organizer
Customize a tech organizer bag and help your employees move between workspaces. A great place to store and travel with all the above-mentioned swag gifts!
Auden Bamboo Lap Desk
What could be helpful to a remote worker? Gift them a lap desk! The bamboo surface paired with a vented tray keeps computers from overheating. It also includes a built-in mouse pad, phone dock, and ledge to keep your computer in place.
The smallest of gestures can make your team feel valued, appreciated, and special. Let them know their hard work is paying off, and gift them with items that will make their work life easier. All of the items above are sourced from Print House.
by Kristin Healy | Feb 13, 2023 | blog
The New Year is here and ready to bring some change. Whether you are in the beginning stages of your event or have been planning for a while, here’s what you can expect in 2023!
In-Person Events are #1
While we are still managing the pandemic and other illnesses, one thing is clear, in-person events are and will continue to be the preferred option. People want to be in the same room with their coworkers and let’s face it, networking just isn’t the same through a computer. We expect to see more hybrid events, however, strictly virtual events for large celebrations, award ceremonies, dinners and networking, have certainly been put on the back burner.
Bright, Bold Colors
People are ready to be bold in 2023! Pantone’s color of the year is Viva Magenta, which promises to add a joyful and optimistic tone to your design. We’re expecting to see colorful, eye-catching pieces that will truly make your event pop. Whether rooted in florals, ceiling fixtures or lounge furniture, bright colors are going to be incorporated in events this year and we couldn’t love this trend more. With the steady popularity of social media, creating something to get people talking about and taking photos of is beneficial to all involved!
Utilizing Event Data
With the uncertain economy, tracking your event ROI is more important now than ever before. As planners, we are constantly doing things differently and better, based on what’s worked, or not worked in the past. Being able to prove how and why your event was so successful will help you make this an annual event. Not to mention the ease of planning when you have historical data to reference. With corporate events, you should know session popularity, engagement rate, number of registrations, attendance rate, cancellation rate and how many of your attendees are returning participants. Tracking your event data can help you grow and improve your event guaranteeing, its successful year after year.
Nontraditional Venues
With the return of in-person events, there is now even more pressure to impress your guests and provide them with an event to remember. A critical component of this is selecting the best venue to meet your needs and whenever possible, going with a nontraditional venue. If guest counts allow, we’ll be seeing companies opt for something other than a traditional ballroom. Venues that you will see a lot more:
- Museums/ Art Galleries: Provide an immersive experience.
- Outdoor Areas (ex. gardens): Nature is the wow-factor.
- Lofts and Rooftops: Give your participants a great view to talk about.
- Dinner Cruises: Relaxing experience on the water, sets the tone for any event.
- Vineyards: Encourage a more laid back, often picturesque atmosphere.
- Warehouses: Open area and can be transformed into anything!
Immersive Entertainment
Corporate events are now expected to have all the bells and whistles. If you’re planning a day of meetings, the attendees are looking for entertainment throughout the event, a reason to be in-person and not in front of a computer screen. This could mean bringing in live music, food and wine experiences, a magician, a 360-photobooth, coffee artist, LED or Laser show, or various other performance artists. The possibilities are endless and leveling up your event with an entertainment factor will surely have your guests returning next year!
We are very excited for what’s to come in 2023, and we hope you are too!
by Kristin Healy | Nov 17, 2022 | blog
Adding greenery to your event space can transform a dreary, dull room into one with vibrant color, warmth and energy. You can mix and match with a variety of color palettes and designs. Here are our top 3 reasons to add some greenery to your event space:
1. It’s versatile.
Adding greenery of any kind to your space is always a great idea and the nice thing is you are not locked into how you use it. It can match with any color and be used in various ways. As in the photo below, in addition to the pops of blue and pink we added natural green tones by utilizing the living walls provided by the venue as a backdrop to our beautiful outdoor lounge and pairing that with a grass rug. Both of these elements help to create a visually appealing space and add texture, making this a picture-perfect spot at your event! I mean, who wouldn’t want to relax in this lounge?
2. It instantly warms up your space.
Adding planters to a large room instantly fills the space, and sets a warm, intimate setting for your event. If the group is small and the space is large, this is also a great décor option to help make the vast area work for smaller groups.
3. It creates a unique space.
Using planters or hedge walls to divide your space is a great option for indoor and outdoor events. Putting multiple walls together allow you to create a unique, private space to be used for a multitude of purposes. You can even enhance the walls by adding custom logos and signage.
Of course, there are several reasons for you to add greenery into your event design. Nobody wants a dull space, and plants are a great way to add vibrant color, texture, and aesthetic to your event. No matter the venue you can always find a way to incorporate greenery!
by Kristin Healy | Nov 11, 2022 | blog
5 Fall Cocktails for your Next Event
We love a good cocktail made with Prosecco. It can be combined with seasonal ingredients to make the perfect drink anytime of the year. We’ve pulled together a list of our favorite Fall Prosecco Cocktails in case you also like the occasional bubbly refresher.
Harvest Punch
Photo Credit: Jonathan Boulton
1 bottle of Prosecco (chilled)
6 cups ice
½ gallon apple cider
1 cup vodka
2 cans Ginger Beer (12-ounce cans)
3 apples (sliced)
2 oranges (sliced)
8 cinnamon sticks
<add cinnamon sugar for rimming>
Serve this delicious cocktail in a large bowl. Be as creative as you would like, even a punchbowl can add to your overall event theme and décor. To add more flavor, use an orange wedge to wet the rim of the glass then dip it into the cinnamon sugar.
Cranberry Prosecco Cocktail
Photo Credit: SPFoodie
1 bottle of Prosecco
1 ounce Cointreau (divided)
add cranberry gingerale
add cranberries (frozen)
This cocktail is a refreshing cocktail to serve at your next event. The warm red tones of the drink scream fall.
Spiced Apple Prosecco
Photo Credit: SPFoodie
6 ounces Prosecco
2 ounces Spiced Rum
4 ounces Apple Cider
add slice of apple on rim to garnish
This is packed full of flavor. The prosecco gives your classic apple cider that bubbly feel. A picture-perfect cocktail!
Prosecco Royale Cocktail
Photo Credit: Delicious Magazine Co.
1 bottle of Prosecco (chilled)
3 teaspoons Crème De Casses
The bright orange color of this drink is perfect to match an Autumn themed event.
Enjoy!
by Kristin Healy | Sep 26, 2022 | blog
Events have many moving parts, and getting your attendees to smoothly locate and move throughout your venue is vital. Swank Events can help your company create impactful signage that can offer more than just directional value!
This summer we were apart of IntelyCare’s Summer Outing at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts. Larger venues like this can be tricky to navigate and can lead to your participants getting lost. Signage is the most overlooked and forgotten ingredient in a successful event because of their plain nature. Corporate events especially, have the ability to form employee comradery and lose the formality of the work environment. An easy way to do this is with décor, and it is easy to include your signage in that vision.
Allegro Photography
Create a Welcome Sign to help the attendees know they have found the correct location and are not wandering around the property. The Welcome Sign is the first touch point that guests will interact with, and it is important to make a good impression. Include eye-catching colors and branded material to ensure that your guests can easily find it. At this event we added company colored balloons next to each sign, keeping the overall theme in contact.
Allegro Photography
Swank Events created the concept of using different sports quotes on each sign leading the guests to the main event. Using these signs as touch points rather than arrows was our way of promoting the company’s core values and also carrying through the theme of “We are the Champions.” Signage can look and represent anything you want!
Event Planning Tip: After determining the placement of your signs, be sure to walk through the venue as if you were a guest. You’ll want to ensure that the location of your signage provides the most benefit for your attendees and serves it’s purpose, whether that be wayfinding or decorative.
by Kristin Healy | Sep 8, 2022 | blog
Ashley is a recent graduate from the University of New Hampshire with a Bachelor of Science in Recreation Management and Policy: Program and Event Management with a Minor in Tourism. She was able to complete her schooling in just three years. We are very excited to have her join our team with her fresh and new perspective on the events industry. Ashley has worked as Event Staff throughout her years in college, which has given her exposure to a wide variety of events. They have ranged from recreation, high school proms, music venues, and corporate outings. She recently finished her internship with Chatham Bars Inn working corporate events and recreation. In Ashley’s free time she is an avid movie watcher, loves going to concerts, and traveling to visit her hometown and college friends.
Please help Swank Events Boston welcome Ashley!
