A venue sets the stage for what kind of party you’re going to have and the variables when choosing one can make anyone’s head spin. Before you decide on the place, it’s helpful to know roughly how many people will be attending, what activities will be planned, and, of course, what budget you have to work with. Even with this information, though, wading through the options and finding a venue that checks every box on your criteria can be quite the challenge.

Planning a holiday party can be tough, particularly when you have a limited budget for the event AND your team’s expectations riding on your shoulders. But having an incredible holiday celebration doesn’t have to break the bank. 

You’ve nailed down the date for your next company party. You’ve arranged the time and place, and you know who will be showing up. Those are the first steps but now you must answer the most important question that will determine whether your party is successful—how will you entertain your guests? Specifically, what will engage your employees beyond drinking and conversation to make your event memorable?

After publishing this article in 2019, ZogCulture has gone on to host hundreds of company events for thousands of coworkers across the country. Learn more about our in-person and virtual options!

We often hear from our clients that the most difficult part of planning a company event is the work that goes into getting people excited for it. We get it and we’re here to help. Here are five ways to build up anticipation and have employees ready to fully enjoy the festivities once the day arrives.

When all 25 New York City-based team members of the ZogLife office worked remotely for nearly two months while their workspace underwent a refresh, the team used it as an opportunity to experiment.

Since originally publishing this post in 2019, ZogCulture has hosted hundreds of company events across the country. Learn more about our in-person and virtual options! 

As a kid, did you buy those pharmacy-branded Valentine’s Day Cards with cheesy sayings like “Just speeding by with Valentine 'Hi'”?

Do you ever feel like you can’t get your events strategy right? Ever feel like you don't have the answers on how to make an event inclusive and still deliver an experience that is fun AND helps your team connect?

Wanna know what fun is? The president at the last agency I worked at used to throw candy at employees when they answered her trivia questions at all hands meetings.

We’ve all been there. We’re exhausted, finally finished working a 12 hour day and just want to get home in time for the Bachelor before someone ruins the episode for you on Facebook. You finally board the subway after not being able to fit on the first two because, although people are screaming it in your ear, people won’t actually MOVE IN! You’re hungry, cranky, and sweating more than you do when you go to the gym to take selfies of yourself “working out. #motivationmonday” And then there’s that one person who becomes the final straw. The passenger that gives you that last push of inspiration you needed to make that ultimate decision of “that’s it — i’m getting married and moving to Westchester.” We understand and we are right there with you. So let’s take a moment to honor those who inspire us…

August in the office is a funky time. People are in and out, the pace is a whole lot slower than normal, and meetings are often pushed off due to people’s unpredictable travel schedules. Don’t beat yourself up over this less productive time in the office.

About Robert “Zog” Herzog: