Boris Cherniak, entertainment and corporate event planner provides useful tips for holiday function planning.
Party planners have an enormous task of fitting into ever-shrinking budgets, while keeping attendees happy. Enormous effort goes into holiday entertainment planning, long before the CEO says thanks for a job well-done," says Boris Cherniak, comedy hypnotist and corporate event planning professional.
How do we make the holiday event an affair to remember?
Here is a helpful function planning checklist:
1. Budget. Spend it wisely and know your limitations.
2. Attendance estimate number of people expected.
3. Book banquet hall with easy access and parking facilities.
4. Food and catering dinner / lunch, drinks or buffet ensure enough choices for all tastes.
5. Schedule and timing. Length of speeches, time to bring out the food or attendees arriving late. Plan accordingly and have a contingency plan.
6. Entertainment comedian, hypnotist, juggler, psychic, magician, DJ, band and dancing, party games. Entertainment leaves a lasting impression. Many performers have web sites. Agencies have a roster of suggested performers. Also, look within your organization for talent. Entertainers are busy during the holiday season don't leave booking until last minute.
7. Sound, lighting, projection equipment and audiovisual materials Have a run-through before your guests arrive.
8. Accommodations for out of town guests, transportation to and from the airport.
9. Taxi for guests that over-indulge in open bar concept and to avoid liability.
10. Registration name cards, open seating or pre-arranged seating plan.
11. Awards, door prizes and giveaways can be donated by your suppliers or provided at their cost.
12. Party theme and dιcor color scheme, chair covers, centerpieces, flowers, ice sculptures.
13. Dress - formal, casual or business attire.
14. Invitations or company newsletter announcement.
15. Contracts. Be ready to commit and put it in writing - halls, performers and caterers have limited availability.
16. Presentations keep speeches brief and speakers to a minimum. People are there to socialize and not to be lectured.
17. Having your party not on a Saturday may greatly reduce expenses. Consider having your function early afternoon - a lunch is cheaper than a seven-course dinner.
18. Include a crew table - they make sure your event runs smoothly. Make them a part of your celebrations.
19. In a seasonal business, consider holding your function in November or January instead of December.
20. Make sure suppliers have venue address and phone number for last-minute emergencies.
Your function will be attended by people from many backgrounds - politically correct term is Holiday Party. Make it chic, memorable and fun."
Boris is a comedy stage hypnotist and appears in almost 300 live performances yearly. He authors a popular ezine power words and phrases" through his web sites www.comedywood.com or www.IncredibleBORIS.com or www.HypnotistShow.com
Boris self-hypnosis Relaxation and Motivation CD is available through his web site or as a giveaway to complement his performance at your companys function.
Happy Holidays.
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