* It’s that time of year again and Holiday Inn St. Petersburg/Clearwater International Airport is ready to take on the challenges of your corporate holiday planning. While space is a must for any company party, this hotel has over 4,000 square feet of flexible meeting space, revamped and modern for your approval. Planning your own party can be stressful because you want all your guests to have a great time and talk about how wonderful it was for months afterwards.
So how do you plan a great party? We’ve got a few useful tips to help you plan your best holiday party ever!
1. Start planning now. Give yourself plenty of time to plan and organize. For government organizations, the new year begins October 1st, so you must get a venue reserved and budget established by Oct. 31st. Having the time to check out lots of vendors helps you find the best for the right price and availability.
2. Visualize your party. What do you want your party to look like? Pick a theme and decide on decorations, if any. Is this an annual party that most guests expect the same treatment as the prior year? Try to use an elegant approach if the party involves people in their 50s, compared to a more modern, upbeat status with 30-year-olds.
3. Details. Ask yourself: How many guests? What kind of alcoholic or non-alcoholic beverages do you wish to provide? Is there a band playing or a DJ? Are you providing games or other Holiday entertainment? Is it formal or informal? Are children coming to the party? If so, what ages?
4. Budget. Take the party you’ve visualized and begin to create a realistic plan. Your budget may not allow you to have everything you’ve visualized for your party so you may have to prioritize. Make a list of what you feel you absolutely have to have for your party. Is it a DJ? …Live band? …Great food? …A full bar? Your budget may require you to downsize on guests or have a buffet rather than a sit down dinner but that doesn’t mean it won’t be a memorable party.
5. Invitations. Once you’ve decided on your guest list get your invitations out as soon as possible. Start a Facebook Event page or make decorative flyers to spread the word. Make your invitations according to the theme of your party and make notes if they should bring a small gift, etc. You need to give your guests ample time to RSVP so you can get an accurate guest count. Having an accurate guest count to provide for vendors is important to you staying within your budget.
6. Create a timeline of events. This list should include communication to your venue planner on the topics: When does the banquet food and dessert arrive? What time do you want the band to begin playing? Who is the confirmed entertainment of the party? Write a list of everything definite and enjoy yourself the day of the party!
Best of luck from the Holiday Inn and happy holiday party planning!
Holiday Inn St. Pete/Clearwater Int'l Airport 