Any incentive reward professional will tell you that rewards have to appeal to the recipients. Who wants a jet-boating experience as a reward, for example, if you don’t like getting wet?
And the same is true of end-of-year Christmas parties and events. While you may be excited to bungy jump off a bridge, your invited guests, be they customers or staff, may not have the same level of enthusiasm.
Knowing what participants want is imperative to ensuring that everybody has a good time. And more than that, they walk away with the key messages you want them to remember.
As any event planner knows, the first important consideration that you have to make before selecting a venue and deciding on what kind of activities you want your guests to participate in, is to determine what the key messages you wish to impart to your group are.
As special event consultant Pamela Wheat explains, it all starts with the brief, knowing the audience and recognising objectives.
“We must find out the culture of the organisation, what style of events they’ve done before, what’s worked and, more importantly what didn’t work,” she explains.
“We [need to] know a lot about the demographics of the guests and if the event has to be in the CBD or further out. We need to know if the guests are going to drink a lot, or very little, and if the quality of the food and wine and the opportunity to network is more important than the entertainment.
“And most importantly, we need to know what the client hopes to achieve by holding this event and investing their money in it.”
In regard to end-of-year events there are pretty much two reasons why events are held. The first is to thank clients and customers, and the second is to thank staff. Client events may be more formal, perhaps even involving a small presentation by the CEO or similar to reiterate key messages and give genuine thanks for the support of customers throughout the year. The staff party may be less formal but still provide the CEO or company head the opportunity to thank the hard work employees have done over the past 12 months.
Whatever it is that you decide to do, make sure that you understand your key objectives and your attendees. And remember that it’s a celebration and not a time to start talking about sales figures and targets over the next 12 month period.
Over the following pages mice.net highlights some of the latest, greatest and popular experiences around. Merry Christmas!
If you really want to spoil your staff or customers at the end of this year why not give them a super experience at Dreamworld on the Gold Coast. The beauty of this venue is that it really does have something for everyone. Thrillseekers will get plenty of thrills on rides like the The Giant Drop, the Tower of Terror and The Claw, while those who prefer a more leisurely pace can try the Thunder River Rapids Ride or The Rocky Hollow Log Ride.
And, if you want to incorporate a bit of team-building into your event, you can see if they’re up for the Dream Challenge.
Corporations around Australia are using Dreamworld’s magical backdrop to take part in one of the most exciting team challenges in the country. And with more than 40 thrill rides and attractions in the theme park, the most popular team-building activity to date is the Dream Challenge, a two hour contest that pits delegates against each other in a ‘pace around the world’ scenario.
Designed for groups from six to 100, with the average size of around 20, the Dream Challenge has captivated some of the biggest brands in the country from the banking, tobacco and airline industries. It is pitched as an ice-breaker to a day’s outing that also includes a banquet lunch with awards ceremony and an afternoon relaxing in Dreamworld.
In a nutshell, teams are given 50 challenges, with each successful challenge earning a number of points that vary depending on the level of difficulty. Log onto www.themeparksgoldcoast.com.au for further information.
Understanding the demographics of your group can certainly play a big part in what you decide to do for your end-of-year event experience. Are they all willing and able to scale the heights of the Sydney BridgeClimb, or would they prefer a sumptuous five-star meal in the comfort of a world-class venue?
Only research can often determine what a group may like to do. It’s imperative because the important thing is that you have to remember that you are most probably trying to motivate them to put in the hard yards again the following year. Over the following pages are a few alternative options that may be right for your group.
The Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre is offering a sackload full of Christmas party options this year.
Party organisers can take full advantage of the centre’s world-class event expertise to choose from a variety of themes for their celebration - from a clandestine Christmas with James Bond to a nautical night with King Neptune.
Packages start from $120 per person including room hire, banquet or cocktail menus, a four-hour beverage package, stage, dance floor, lectern and microphone, lighting and PA system and a dedicated event manager and AV project manager.
To ensure partygoers have a lasting memory of their celebrations, the centre’s Christmas packages even include a photographer.
With its superb waterfront setting and flexible rooms, the centre is well positioned to cater for Christmas events of all sizes. Options range from the centre’s impressive ballroom with its separate foyer area overlooking the city skyline, to its more intimate Bayside rooms with outdoor terraces offering stunning views over the water.
The centre’s new Bayside Lounge also provides a memorable setting for Christmas drinks, with its designer décor and waterfront positioning ensuring a sophisticated celebration. And for those dreaming of a green Christmas, the centre will also work with party organisers to deliver an environmentally friendly event.
“Clients love the centre because we offer them dedicated event and AV managers who can take the stress out of staging event,” says sales and marketing director, Amanda Anker.
“We also recognise that catering is a key part of a great party. Our award-winning chefs have some superb menus on offer to set the tone and ensure everyone enjoys good food as well as good company.”
Visit www.scec.com.au for further details.
Another great Sydney venue close to the water is Harbours Edge, which offers spectacular water and city skyline views.
Harbours Edge can be divided for three separate functions or opened up for one large function space that can accommodate 1200 guests for a cocktail reception or 450 for a dinner dance. Each room boasts its own private balcony, individual ambience, neutral colours and a design layout to suit individual requirements – the ideal backdrop for end of year celebrations.
Operated by premier catering company, The Cuisine Group, the world-class venue is purpose-built with state-of-the-art facilities to cater to for corporate events.
Executive chef Adam Dundas-Taylor has had a long-established relationship with the hospitality industry where he has worked in many award-winning restaurants and event catering companies worldwide. Adam was one of the chefs who opened Jamie Oliver’s restaurant 15 in London and worked at world-rated restaurant Nobu London.
“Harbours Edge delivers restaurant quality food in a function environment. Our menu focus is gently moulding different flavours between different cuisines with freshest possible ingredients,” he explains.
The team at Harbours Edge prides itself on delivering unique and personalised events styled around client requirements and concepts. Their qualified and experienced events team are on hand to assist with all aspects of a client’s special event, providing them with the knowledge and advice to make it an unforgettable experience.
For further details visit www.harboursedge.com.au.
If you’re heading to Canberra this Christmas, or have been thinking about it, then you have to check out the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) which offers some great unique spaces and wonderful incentives for special events.
The AIS allows guests the opportunity to soak up the inspirational and motivational atmosphere of Australia’s sporting powerhouse.
The versatile venues and spaces across the 65-hectare site are easily themed for any event, and of course being the home of Australian sport, sports-themed events are a specialty for the AIS.
You can leave all the work to the AIS as you indulge in a fun-filled function of interactive games, sports trivia and your own medal ceremony, all run by elite AIS athletes and a professional sports MC.
For details contact Chris Owens at the Australian Institute of Sport on chris.owens@ausport.gov.au or visit www.ausport.gov.au.
For something completely different for your event this Christmas take a look at Kingpin which is located in Darling Harbour in Sydney, the Crown Entertainment Complex in Melbourne, and the Victoria Gardens Richmond.
Catering for a variety of entertainment needs, Kingpin Bowling Lounge specialises in top-class entertainment and caters for all kinds of events, family fun days through to major high-end corporate events, and let’s not forget amazing Christmas parties.
Brand new to Darling Harbour, this sophisticated venue offers guests spectacular harbour views, 20 state-of-the-art bowling lanes, the M9 Laser Skirmish featuring Sydney’s largest indoor interactive laser skirmish arena, a fully licensed bar, delicious catering, the latest arcade games, plus private function and lounge areas.
All in one amazing location, it is just a stone’s throw from the CBD and is all indoors so you need not worry about Sydney’s ever changing weather! The venue capacity at Kingpin Darling Harbour is 500.
Centrally located in the heart of the Crown Entertainment Complex this Kingpin Bowling Lounge features 15 state-of-the-art bowling lanes (three separate bowling areas in a unique format), numerous pool tables and three fully licensed bars. Kingpin at Crown also offers M9 Laser Skirmish, the only laser arena in the CBD.
Another feature of this venue is Galactic Circus, touted as “Australia’s largest indoor interactive theme park”. Capacity is 2500.
Just a hop, skip and a jump out of Melbourne’s CBD is Kingpin Bowling Lounge – Richmond. Offering guests 10 state-of-the-art bowling lanes, a fully licensed bar, the X-Bar sports bar featuring large screen plasmas and projectors, plus the latest arcade games and pool tables, this sophisticated new-age concept also offers guests gourmet food and private function spaces. Up to 350 guests can sit back and enjoy the Kingpin experience in Richmond.
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