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Your end-of-year company party will be a symbol to clients or staff, whether it’s tinsel-filled or toned-down. We asked a couple of planning pros to share holiday event trends. |
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Work with what you can. “Client events and staff recognition events are definitely being toned down,” says Joe Nishi, regional director with the Meeting Encore Group in Toronto. To achieve more with less, he’s seen some planners seek support from key suppliers to cover some costs, choose locations close to the office, and pick unique venues that don’t require additional décor. |
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Integrate your events. “Many companies are combining staff appreciation/awards events with holiday parties this year, rather than having multiple annual events,” says Debbie Arato, president of Arato Entertainment & Events in Markham, Ont. It’s a cost-saving compromise, but helps retain the caliber of meals and entertainment in recognition of employees. |
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Have fun with your figureheads. Look for ways to have staff become part of the entertainment. “Does your CEO or executive team have a sense of humour? I’ve seen companies do some crazy things with their top execs at both internal and client-facing events,” says Nishi, recalling an instance when an entire C-Suite team dressed up and performed as the Village People. “When you see that your top people can laugh at themselves, it sends a great message.” |
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Take the party to work. “If budget is low, bring the party to your office rather than booking a venue. Bring in massage therapists to take care of the staff, catering, music, holiday cheer,” says Arato. |
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Connect with suppliers. “Shorter-term, space opportunities are definitely there at hotels and if the F&B is there, they can be secured with minimal or no guestrooms,” says Nishi. He says venues in general are being more flexible with attrition and minimum guarantees. “If your numbers are down, have a conversation with the property: more than likely than not, they’ll work with you to keep the event versus cancelling outright.” |
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Get off the festive fence! If you still haven’t made a decision, consider the repercussions to your organization of a lost networking and communications opportunity. “In times like these, employees want to know that the company is moving in the right direction and there’s hope,” says Nishi. “The message to staff when their organization cancels crucial staff recognition and client events is: ‘We’re in trouble so start updating your resume’!’" |
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A last word. What’s are your company’s holiday party plans? Answer our poll on the Ignitemag.ca homepage.
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ADVERTISEMENT
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Québec does business like it does recreation: with style, warmth and oomph. Thanks to its vibrant cities, modern convention centres and comfortable hotels, Québec is one of the newest hotspots for business travel.
In this land of contrasts, historic and contemporary buildings stand side by side, and natural spaces border safe and welcoming cities. It’s the perfect setting for successful conventions, business meetings, trade fairs or even incentive trips! |
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When: Nov. 15-18, 2009
Financial & Insurance Conference Planners, Annual Conference
Where: The Sheraton Centre Toronto Hotel
Why go: Financial and insurance industry meeting planners from around the world gather to share best practices and management techniques to navigate seismic shifts.
What’s in it for you: Practical ideas to stage successful events for sales force, clients or investors, drawn from 35 education sessions, plus tools to help to sell your ideas to the boss.
More industry events at Ignitemag.ca
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CORPORATE TRAVEL MANAGEMENT
Travel pros see mixed business traffic in 2010
A survey of 49 travel managers across Canada reveals split expectations of business travel plans for 2010. The NBTA Canada Business Travel Overview and 2010 Cost Forecast found that 31% of those surveyed expect travellers to take more trips next year, while 38% expect the number of trips to stay flat or decrease. Costs were largely projected to hold steady, but those surveyed suggest there may be more to be done to streamline travel management. “Canadian corporations expect little change in costs, but continued policy change internally,” says NBTA Canada President, Tanya Racz. Tightening travel mandates and automated booking tools are among goals cited. Association members can access the report on the NBTA Canada website, while non-members can request details by contacting smckay@nbta.org. |
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INCENTIVES + MEETINGS
Motorcoach service goes online in Quebec
Another piece of the group travel puzzle has gone online: Quebec motorcoach owners have teamed up with tour operators and the province’s tourism and transport ministries to launch a booking site for group travel by coach. Espacebus.ca lets travel organizers plan and book transportation for their groups online to destinations throughout the province, and can also choose from themed packages for accommodations and activities. For custom programs, travel organizers such as corporate social clubs or convention planners can also transmit a call for bids for a customized group travel package. |
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CORPORATE GIFTS + REWARDS
In a rebound, recognition helps keep good workers
Are your top performers poised to run off in a rebound? If money is tight for raises or bonuses, investing in professional development and creative rewards that recognize people for their hard work is a key to retaining talent, says Ernst & Young. “As economic conditions improve, companies could see more of their existing employees wondering if the grass is greener on the other side,” says Karen Wensley, Human Resources Director for the consulting firm. “The market for skilled professionals is about to get hot again, and employers must plan ahead to retain their best people”. One new benefit the company started offering its own staff in this downturn was a corporate discount site for savings on everything from groceries and restaurant meals to electronics. |
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Activating a good cause in the community
The position for a senior coordinator, special events with the Ontario Regional Division of the Canadian Cancer Society is front and centre in a role to support third-party community groups, schools and clubs raise money by organizing, and managing their own fund-raising events. Run independently from Society-led initiatives, it gives event organizers flexibility in terms of the type of event they want to organize. It includes the Cops for Cancer program working with Toronto Police Services. See the full description on the www.cancer.ca website
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