Does your company have a picnic each year? Should they? Even in rough years a company picnic can boost employees morale and show that the company owners appreciate their employees efforts in making the company succeed.
But, how do you go about planning that perfect company picnic? Here are a few tips for making the event great, even on a small budget.
Location: There are many event locations that specialize in company events. Many of them offer catering to make your planning easier. But you don not have to go off site. If you have a company that runs 24/7 sometimes it is better to have your event on site so that all employees can attend with their families. This is also a great opportunity to offer tours if your company has a factory, or area that the average person cannot visit. Many parents really enjoy showing their family where they work and what they do.
Food: Food can be as simple as hotdogs and hamburgers grilled by the management staff to a fully catered event. There are many catering companies that specialize in company picnics and you can plan everything from ribs to dessert. But when the management cares enough to be part of the food preparation it seems to mean a lot to the employees. If you choose this though, make sure that you have plenty of help so that everyone still gets a chance to enjoy the party.
Entertainment: The entertainment is the easiest part of your planning. And again, it can be simple or extravagant depending on your budget.
You can offer Bingo for adults and relay races for children (both with prizes). Corn Hole and Volleyball tournaments are always huge fun. If you are offering tournaments, make sure to have a sign up table so that there is no delay starting the games.
Inflatable and Interactive games can be a huge attraction for kids AND adults and they certainly add a festive flair to the event. There is something about pulling into a parking lot and seeing giant moonbounces and slides to get everyone excited.
Many companies offer casino games for the adults while the children are playing on the inflatable games. Casino games are played for fun with the winners receiving prizes.
Keep in mind as you are planning entertainment that many things require a power source so you want to plan your event with power requirements in mind.
Budget: Decide what your budget is going to be in the beginning. This will give you an idea of where to start. But, do not despair if your budget is low. Talk to your vendors. Many vendors will be more than happy to sponsor part of your event. Some of the best company picnics we have done had “sponsored by" signs in front of all the inflatables and game tents. This is a great way for everyone involved in your company growth to share some time together.
Just keep in mind while you are making plans that your ultimate goal is to show you appreciate your employees and their families efforts to support your business. Do not make your plans so complicated that you cannot enjoy the day. A company picnic should be fun for everyone; even the management!
Cheryl Pierce is President of PartyZone Entertainment in Indianapolis , Indiana . PartyZone has been planning company picnic events for over fifteen years. For more information on planning company picnics in Indiana and surrounding states, please visit her website: www.partyzone-rentals.com Or call her office at 317-838-9408.
Disclaimer: All information on this site is provided for informational purposes only! By no means is any
information presented herein intended to substitute for the advice provided to you by any health care or other professional
or organization.
