13. Before you sign the contract, ensure that there are no hidden fees.
14. Book the entertainment, audio-visual, and photographer (if applicable)
15. Book the caterer (after asking for a menu tasting!) – confirm if they have their own wait staff, alcohol license, and determine if there will be a buffet or set menu.
16. Call for quotes for suppliers (i.e. furniture, glassware, linen) Please note that if you choose to hire a Schupepe marquee, we have interior hire options.
17. Hire a Master of Ceremonies and arrange guest speakers.
18. Organise Transportation.
19. Create an itinerary for the event.
20. Send out proper invitations by mail that coincide with your theme.

21. Include the following information on your invitations:

• Venue – with directions
• Date & Time
• Menu Options
• Cost (if Applicable)
• Confirm if partners are invited
• Dress Code/Theme of Party
• Event Itinerary
• Transportation (if provided)
• Parking Arrangements
• Accommodation Options
• RSVP Date
• If Gift is Required

22. Once you have chased everyone (as you will probably need to follow up with the RSVP’s) and you have a final guest list, you can create a table plan.
23. Send out the final itinerary to everyone involved – suppliers, vendors, entertainment, guest speakers, master of ceremonies.
24. Relax. Have a Great Time at Your Holiday Party!!!!!!

Contact Schupepe today for an onsite visit. We also have branded tents available for those corporate clients who would like to expand their market without stretching their budget!

The post The Ultimate Checklist on How to Plan an Epic Corporate Christmas Party [Part II] appeared first on Schupepe.

1.Will you require a committee or a party planner/ event manager?

2.Set the date as soon as possible as venues book up quickly around Christmas time, also make sure that it does not coincide with any other work-related events

3.Determine the budget as this will affect all other decisions.

4.Find out if the Christmas Party is just for employees or will spouses/significant others and clients be invited?

5.Create a guest list.

6.Send out a save the date email – this email could also serve as a way to ask for suggestions for possible themes, as well as finding out if there are any special dietary requirements.

7.Will guests be contributing to the ticket price?

8.Once you know the budget, determine the level of formality and the style/theme of your Corporate Christmas Event.

9.Allocate the following common costs into the budget:

• Venue Hire/ Marquee Hire
• Insurance/Deposit/ Bonds (if applicable)
• Invitations (including postage)
• Decorations (if outside remember furniture, etc)
• Entertainment (DJ/ Band/ Etc…)
• Food & Beverages
• Catering/ Wait & Bar Staff
• Lighting & Sound (if applicable)
• Emergency Fund for Unexpected Costs!

10. Start calling venues immediately for quotes and to confirm availability.
11. Ensure that the venue is easily accessible to guests and has accommodation nearby (if applicable)
12. You should ask the venue the following questions:

• What is available for you to use and what exactly do you need to hire?
• This includes furniture, wait staff, entertainment equipment, decorations, etc…
• Is cleaning included in the quote?
• Will they supply the alcohol and if not, do they have a proper license?
• If it is an outdoor party, is there a noise ordinance you need to be aware of?
• Is parking available and is it sufficient for your amount of guests?
• Ask to organise a site visit and take pictures so that you can visualise the area when you are planning your theme
• If you haven’t received all the RSVP’s yet, you can ask if the venue is willing to allow you to add guests at a later date

Part II to follow!

Contact Schupepe today to hire a marquee for your Corporate Christmas Party!

The post The Ultimate Checklist on How to Plan an Epic Corporate Christmas Party [Part I] appeared first on Schupepe.

1. First things, first – The Budget!

Obviously, the size of your budget will be the determining factor in the type of Christmas party that you organise. This is the first order of business so that you can plan accordingly. To be on the safe side, you will want to assume that everyone will be attending. Decisions will need to be made as to whether guests will be contributing to the ticket price. You will also want to put some money aside, as unexpected costs can occur at any time for any size event.

2. Think outside the box… forget the box… think outside.

Whether you are hosting a party for 20 or 2,000, it is absolutely essential to get the basics right. Venue sourcing should be the first thing on your list. The great thing about hiring a marquee for your corporate event is that you can have your party practically anywhere. You will not have to worry about furniture, lighting, or flooring as our interior hire options provide you with everything you need for a successful event.

3. Tone – the cornerstone of any event!

Will this be an informal, once-a-year celebration where the employees go a little wild or will it be a formal affair where clients and associates are invited? Perhaps presentations and award ceremonies will be involved? Regardless, if you choose a Schupepe tent to cover your event, we can ensure flexibility – altering the mood with clever lighting and stage flooring. It is also important to note that some corporate offices choose to have less formal Christmas parties – as everyone is desperate to get away from the office atmosphere. Industrial offices tend to prefer more formal events – giving everyone a chance to dress up. The most important thing is to create an environment that does not resemble work.

4. A unique theme pulls everything together.

A memorable Christmas party is an entirely themed event – and the options are endless. Once you have selected an appropriate theme, it is easier to make decisions concerning food, entertainment, and décor. Adding a bit of competition to the mix is always a crowd pleaser. Quizzes, murder mystery games, and casino evenings are very popular these days. If you would like something more upscale, wine tasting is always a safe bet! Schupepe Tents has a wide variety of interior options and a long list of trusted vendors to supply anything that we do not have in stock.

5. Eat, drink, and be merry!

You should start thinking about catering approximately two to three months before the event and choose a menu that is affordable and will appeal to various tastes. Incorporate the theme where possible, but also allow for vegetarian options and other dietary requirements. Depending on the tone and size of the event, you will need to decide if a buffet or a three-course sit-down meal is more appropriate. No party is complete without alcohol, but of course it is imperative to make responsible and cost-effective decisions. A general rule of thumb is to allow two drinks per guest for the first hour of the event and then one drink per hour thereafter. Don’t forget soft drinks, juice, and water – not everyone plans on getting sloshed at the annual Christmas party!

6. The Wow Factor – essentials for entertainment…

The difference between a ho-hum party and an all-out bash is the element of fun. Nothing says epic festive fail like an empty dance floor. Hire a DJ, musician, or live band – schupepe tents can supply the stage, dance floor, and lighting. We have truss rigs that are perfect for tolerating heavy sound equipment and large lighting rigs – ensuring your event is not only spectacular but safe! Give your employees something to talk about other than work and provide them with fodder for water-cooler talk for years to come.

Start planning this year’s epic festive event. A marquee is to an adult what bouncy castles are to children! Tents symbolize both fun and elegance. Contact us today and allow us to help you create a memorable holiday event for your staff and clientele.

The post A GUIDE TO PLANNING AN EPIC CORPORATE CHRISTMAS PARTY appeared first on Schupepe.