EPG Spotlight
A Holiday Experience
Not quite in the mood to begin planning your office holiday gathering? Bel
ieve it or not, we’re only a few weeks out from the season start!
For some, thoughts of exchanging trinkets, eating finger foods or engaging in light chatter conjures up more heartburn than celebration. Given this time of year can be so hectic and flooded with parties, why not consider something off the beaten path this year?
The time leading up to Christmas is a season about giving. Perhaps you’ll consider giving your valued employees, clients and other staff an unusual gathering that’s more so remembered for the overall experience. Here are some ideas to ponder:
Dine Around
Consider organizing a “dine-around” where guests can indulge in different delectable foods. For the appetizer, entrée and dessert courses, guest would consume each at a different restaurant – preferably in the same proximity and accessed via hosted shuttle. This could also be enhanced by company leaders sharing something special about the year at each location. Depending on your organization, the type of food chosen might even coincide with your business practices. You should also keep numbers in mind for private dining options.
All About Town
Charter an evening tour that’s unique to your location. For instance, here in Washington, DC, we are fortunate to have monuments that are beautifully lit in the evening. Perhaps following a dinner, guests board charter buses for a ‘moonlight’ tour where they are served hot cocoa, cider and holiday treats for the ride.
High Tea in the City
Organizing guests to share in High Tea could be an extremely unique activity. Perhaps the tea experience is coupled with a performance by the Nutcracker or other traditional Holiday show.
Dinner for How Many?
Create your version of ‘Iron Chef’ by hosting a cooking demonstration featuring holiday desserts or even dinner. Perhaps a local restaurant or hotel chef could prepare dishes chosen in advance by the group. You might even take this a step further by creating teams that could participate in the preparation as well. All would then be able to participate in the last part – eating! Bon Appetit!
It’s All in the Grapes
A fun event could be an interactive wine tasting show featuring challenges and ‘game show’ rounds over the course of dinner. It would be a chance to sample fine wines and gauge your ability to remember what you’ve learned. You could also compete in teams for select prizes or overall company gifts. Each guest would then be transported home via hosted car or shuttle service.
Celebrating with Family
If your organization typically hosts family events, perhaps consider staging a “Winter Wonderland” where parents and children are treated to puppet shows, lunch and craft projects featuring holiday themes and characters.
These are just snapshots to consider in creatively organizing your next holiday gathering. There no doubt are other experiences to consider, especially given many individuals may not take advantage of unique activities and events in their own backyard. Think about those special trips or moments that you’ve experienced and why you remember them. Steering your thinking in that direction can go a long way in creating a more memorable, unique and enjoyable holiday experience for all.
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