Saving Holiday Party Costs without Cutting into Fun!
A meeting on a yacht is exciting!
Tips to Save Money on they Company Event this Holiday.
By Tegan Firth
WANT TO SHAVE COSTS ON YOUR HOLIDAY PARTY
WITHOUT CUTTING THE FUN? HERE ARE 10 TIPS TO SAVE MONEY
ON THE COMPANY EVENT
No manager wants to cancel the company holiday party, but budget reductions are a reality for everyone this year. Armed with a few insider tips, company party planners can throw a great party and come in under budget – making the employees and the bosses happy. Here are few tips from Hornblower Cruises & Events – learned over 29 years of holiday party planning.
1) Negotiate the bar – this is where venues and caterers make the most money, so ask them to comp something for you – maybe a greeting beverage or no bar set up fee if you’re doing it no-host.
2) Think about Free Entertainment – See if an employee’s band wants to play a few tunes for the party, or create a playlist of holiday music on your iPod and plug it into the venue’s sound system. Some venues, like Hornblower Cruises & Events in Los Angeles and Newport Beach, offer Sirius Satellite Radio.
3) Ask about special holiday packages – All venues have special packages that include the space, food and beverages. While you may want to customize your event, often these packages have been slightly discounted and are the best deal.
4) Ask the venue to donate a raffle or door prize to be given away at the party – most venues will gladly give away a few free meals to your party attendees. It means repeat business!
5) Look at off peak times – Lunch, afternoon or mid week events are usually less expensive. Ask what times offer the deepest discount. Some venues also deeply discount in November and January.
6) Ask about all possibilities – Hornblower Cruises & Events offers public, holiday-themed lunch and dinner cruises. These are a perfect low-cost way for a small office or group to celebrate the holidays.
7) Select a venue with an engaging view and let that be your décor. For example, waterfront bars, charter yachts or penthouse restaurants all use the view in lieu of expensive flowers or other decorations.
8) Choose plated meals rather than open buffets. Plated meals are typically less expensive per person, and it cuts down on waste, lowering your event’s carbon footprint.
9) Limit the party to employees only. While it’s always fun to invite spouses and guests, it can increase your costs by 40-50%.
10) Find a venue with strong ties in the hospitality industry. Well-connected venues can partner with other companies to provide special discounts. In addition, well-connected companies are more aware of industry trends and will make sure that your employees are getting the most for your money this year.
Hornblower Cruises & Events has been the leading charter yacht and public dining cruise company in California for 29 years. Hornblower has a total of 35 vessels in use in ports in San Francisco, Berkeley, Long Beach, Newport Beach, Marina del Rey and San Diego.
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