The Ultimate Guide to Choosing a Corporate Holiday Party

Choosing the perfect venue for your company holiday party is a crucial decision that will set the tone of the event. The venue affects not only the atmosphere, but also logistics, budget, and overall experience for attendees. Here are some key factors to consider when choosing a venue, along with the pros and cons of different types of venues.

Factors to consider when choosing a location

capacity and space
The venue should be able to accommodate all guests comfortably. Consider the number of attendees and make sure there is enough space for networking, meals and any planned activities. Avoid spaces that feel cramped, as this can make people uncomfortable, but don’t choose spaces that are so spacious that they feel empty, which can be equally off-putting.

Budget
Create a budget and find the right venue. Be sure to consider hidden costs such as service fees, taxes and potential overtime. Having a clear picture of your total costs can help prevent surprises and ensure you stick to your financial plan.

Dining options
Food and drink are the heart of any party. Make sure the venue can offer in-house catering or allow outside catering. Discuss menu options, dietary restrictions and any special requests ahead of time. This is where flexible caterers like Eatertainment come in handy!

Location and accessibility
Choose a location that is convenient for most guests. Consider proximity to public transportation, parking, and accessibility for people with disabilities. Centrally located venues increase attendance and ensure a hassle-free experience for everyone.

atmosphere and style
The ambience of the venue should be consistent with the theme and tone of the holiday party. Whether you are attending a formal, elegant event or a casual, festive get-together, the venue’s décor, lighting, and overall ambience play an important role in creating the ideal ambience.

Facilities and services
Check whether the venue provides necessary facilities such as AV equipment, Wi-Fi and adequate toilet facilities. Additionally, please consider the availability of on-site catering, bar service, and event staff to assist with setup, service, and cleanup.

Flexibility and availability
Check the venue’s availability on your preferred dates and its flexibility in terms of set-up and tear-down times. Some venues book up quickly, especially during the holidays, so it’s best to book early.

Parking and transportation
Adequate parking facilities or transportation arrangements can significantly improve convenience for your guests. If the venue is not within walking distance, consider offering valet parking or shuttle service.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Different Types of Venues

Let’s take a closer look at the pros and cons of each venue type – because no one venue is right for every business group!

event venue
advantage:

• • Versatility: Event spaces are designed to accommodate a variety of themes and sizes.
  • Facilities: These venues are usually equipped with audio-visual technology, stages and other basic facilities.
  • Professional Staff: Event spaces typically provide experienced staff to assist with planning and execution.

shortcoming:

• • Cost: Renting an event space can be expensive, especially when you factor in add-ons like catering and entertainment.
  • Logistical planning: Arranging transportation, parking, and accommodations for guests may require additional effort.
  • Availability: Popular event venues book up quickly, so advance booking is required.

office
advantage:

• • Cost-Effectiveness: Utilizing office space can save you money on rent.
  • Convenient location: Employees are already familiar with the location.
  • Personal touch: Offices often have branded decorative elements.

shortcoming:

• • Limited space: Office space may not comfortably accommodate larger groups.
  • Distractions: It can be challenging for employees to switch between work and party modes.
  • Lack of Amenities: The office may lack proper dining and entertainment facilities.

Dining room
advantage:

• • All-inclusive: The restaurant usually provides catering, staff, and decor.
  • Variety of options: Many restaurants offer private dining spaces to suit different group sizes and budgets.
  • Atmosphere: Many restaurants have built-in ambience, saving decoration costs.

shortcoming:

• • Limited customization: Decoration and layout may not match your theme exactly.
  • Logistics constraints: Restaurants may have limited availability and strict hours, and their capacity may not be suitable for large groups.
  • Cost: High-end restaurants can be expensive, especially if you need the space to yourself.

Choosing the perfect venue for your company holiday party requires careful consideration of a variety of factors, including capacity, location, ambiance, amenities, and budget. Whether you choose a convenient office, an all-inclusive restaurant, or a versatile event space, each option has its own pros and cons. By thoroughly evaluating these aspects and aligning them with your event goals and guest preferences, you can ensure your group has a memorable and enjoyable holiday celebration.

This article was provided by Sebastien Centner, founder and creative director of Eatertainment SpeSocial events and dining. To learn more about Sebastien and Eatertainment, visit their website And follow their social media pages: