All work and no play makes for a dull employee, right? Employers understand that when employees feel appreciated, they become more productive and fulfilled. Therefore, employers who throw the occasional corporate event are investing in their employees in multiple ways.
Some corporate events take place as a celebration of the holiday season; these are usually occasions where employees and their plus one enjoy a meal. The mood and atmosphere of the corporate event are purely festive; employers may make motivational speeches, but work is not the focus of these corporate parties.
Other corporate parties take place as a means of congratulating a hardworking crew. Perhaps the company accomplished a milestone or was awarded some type of recognition. These corporate functions may include a sit-down dinner for employees and some entertainment, or the party may be more of an award ceremony.
Regardless of the reason for throwing the corporate party, you’ll want to choose the perfect venue for your next event—even if that means choosing an unconventional venue with a unique ambiance!
Choosing the ideal space for your upcoming corporate event is crucial to the success of your business meeting, product launch, or gala. From modern meeting rooms in Midtown Manhattan to elegant event spaces in Chicago, every city has its unique offerings.
The Pavillion at the Local Park
What better way to host a corporate event than to completely remove everyone from a “work” environment and enjoy the great outdoors? Renting the pavilion at the park is a great way to invoke the idea of relaxation. Employees will enjoy the idea of a picnic, and the green spaces of the park are perfect for large-scale events with some office party games. Your employees will bond over the great event, and you’re likely to see production increase as the employees feel appreciated away from the office.
Rooftop Restaurant Venue
Although you’ll need the weather to cooperate, hosting a corporate event in a beautiful venue like a restaurant rooftop offers an elegant backdrop and a change of scenery for your employees. Tables and chairs can be set up on the rooftop for a meal if you desire, and there’s typically room for a few “party games” to set the festive mood.
At the Spa
What better way to show your employees that you appreciate them than by hosting the corporate event at a relaxing spa venue? Treat your workers to a relaxing massage and a little pampering while celebrating the attainment of yearly goals or simply set up a one-hour spa party just to say “thanks” for a job well done.
For your event to be a success, there are a few attributes and features that each corporate event venue should possess. You’ll need adequate space for the number of people attending, plus you’ll need to consider accessibility, acoustics, and accommodations for food and beverages. Always consider touring the facility before the event to ensure that your chosen party venue checks off all the priorities on your list.
Adequate Space
The venue you choose should have just the right amount of square footage to ensure that everyone has an adequate amount of room to have a great time. If you plan some fun party ideas, you’ll want to make sure your guests can participate without feeling squeezed into a space. A bright and functional private office could do the trick.
Accessibility
Accessibility for all guests is a premium characteristic a venue must have for your upcoming party. You’ll want to make sure that restrooms are plentiful for your event, and, if guests require certain accommodations, the venue has already put those in place. Most venues have already considered this, but hosts should never take for granted that they have. A brief tour can help you decide if the venue is accessible to fit your particular needs.
Food and Beverage Accommodations
If you plan to feed your guests as a part of the corporate event, you may want to check out the venue’s ability to provide a space for food and beverages. While you may not need a full-service kitchen, having certain amenities at the venue can save you time and money when it’s time for the meal to be served.
Acoustics
Let’s face it, some buildings have more pleasant acoustics when compared to others. If you’ll be addressing the audience, you want the acoustics to be adequate so that your guests aren’t straining to hear you. You can ask the venue manager to play music through speakers at the venue to test the acoustics yourself.
Hosting your corporate party in a non-traditional location requires a bit of creative planning on your part, but it will definitely make your event one for the history books. In fact, hosting a non-traditional type of corporate party can boost productivity among employees. Let’s look at our curated list of considerations for a corporate get-together at a unique location.
Corporate Parties at a Winery or Brewery
Hosting your corporate party at a winery or brewery can be very fun and relaxing. Guests won’t be expected to try any of the adult beverages available, but, if you do intend to serve alcoholic beverages, you’ll be able to offer something new to your guests. These venues also tend to offer the ability to feed your guests. You may want to arrange for private car transportation if you choose this type of venue.
Corporate Parties at a Warehouse
Looking for a corporate event venue that offers a great deal of space? A warehouse offers plenty of room, and you typically have free reign to decorate as sparsely or as much as you’d like. You’ll have room for tables and chairs, or you can set up a bar-type area where guests can be served food and/or adult beverages.
Corporate Parties at a Theme Park
Allowing your employees to let their hair down and have a good time adds to employee productivity in the long run. Renting space at a theme park offers fun for kids of all ages, plus there will be many spaces available to grab a bite to eat. You won’t have to worry about decor when choosing this type of venue, just simply let your employees enjoy themselves as a “thank you” for a job well done.
Corporate Parties on a Farm
Think of your upcoming party as a retreat for employees. Booking a space located on a farm can add excitement and relaxation. Ask the owner about hosting the event in an old house, outbuilding, or in a spacious barn; you’ll often have enough open space to bring in tables and chairs. Some farmhouse venues may also offer accommodations so that you can turn the party into a productive retreat for employees.