It is never too early to start planning an enchanting Christmas or end-of-year event! Are you the one responsible for organising this festive get-together for your colleagues or associates? Read on for 7 inspiring ideas and practical tips to transform your event into a magical memory, with insights from account and event manager Anke Verstraten.
At Jaarbeurs, we understand that a Christmas party is not just a celebration, but a chance to give your guests a magical and unforgettable memory. That's why we have a wealth of inspiration and indispensable tips ready for you. From surprising themes to unforgettable experiences, read on to take your Christmas party to the next level.
As the creative mind behind events at Jaarbeurs, Anke has seen the most spectacular parties shine. Together with her team, she is masterful at designing meetings at Jaarbeurs's various conference venues. She no longer turns her hand to unique Christmas parties.
The question we asked her: how can you end (or start) a year really well and give your guests a magical time?
Give your Christmas party an extra dose of magic by working with themes and decorations. Choose a theme that matches the mood you want to set and reflect this in the decoration, furnishings and even the entertainment. Whether it is a winter wonderland, a classic Christmas atmosphere or a futuristic theme, themed decorations take the enchantment of your event to the next level.
Go for unique and create magical themed worlds that spark the imagination. 'From a fairytale ice queen to a nostalgic trip to toyland, give your guests an unexpected and enchanting experience. We are happy to think with you to find a theme that perfectly suits the atmosphere you want to create.'
'For a sparkling end to the year, a dinner show is perfect,' says Anke. 'You want to thank your employees and associates for their efforts. You want to make an impression. That certainly works with a magical dinner show. A festive spectacle in which entertainment, technology, decoration and catering are seamlessly coordinated.' 'We even had champagne ladies in the conference rooms Progress or Polar, completely decorated with prick lights. It was breathtaking.' A dinner show combines culinary enjoyment with an enchanting spectacle.
Remember that choosing the right event venue plays a crucial role in the success of your Christmas party. Choose a venue that suits the atmosphere you want to create. A venue with character and unique possibilities can make the difference between an ordinary event and an enchanting Christmas party. Anke: 'In addition, a location that is easily accessible by public transport ensures that your guests can stay just that little bit longer in a cosy, relaxed and responsible way. In your search, also check what options and facilities that venue has to offer and match these to your guests' wishes.'
To maximise the experience, combining it with an enchanting musical show is a brilliant choice. Anke: 'A musical immediately puts your guests in the right mood. It is the moment for them to sit back and enjoy. It really enhances the feeling of a special getaway. Our Beatrix Theatre plays the most beautiful musicals all year round. Before or after the show, we naturally create a festive ambiance. Besides a visit to the theatre, you can receive your guests exclusively in various beautiful conference rooms of the Beatrix Theatre.'
'A menu that perfectly matches the theme of the event is the icing on the cake.' How about an 'Enchanted Snowstorm' theme with winter delicacies? Or for a 'Glowing Winter Wonderland' theme, think of dishes that light up in the dark and add a magical touch to the evening.
At an end-of-year event, the bubbles, festive tables and oliebollen should not be missing, of course. For a more unique interpretation of your New Year's Eve celebration, you can also opt for culinary creations that look visually spectacular, such as dishes with edible firework decorations, sparkling desserts and colourful cocktails that add a touch of magic to the evening. A spectacular way to welcome the new year! And to get your New Year kickoff off right? Anke: 'A nice idea then, for example, is the theme 'Energetically into the new year'. Think sustainable catering with a refreshing smoothie bar. Original and healthy too!'
Even though it may seem unusual to book a speaker for a Christmas or end-of-year event, it is the way to inspire people. A good speaker gets people thinking or makes a subject open for discussion. Anke: 'A good speaker adds enormously to the group dynamic, it just has to fit the theme. We are happy to think with you about the right speaker and can put you in touch with each other if necessary.'
Imagine this: while guests are enjoying their culinary delights, you announce an enchanting reveal. A mysterious curtain is slowly pulled up, from where the surprise element of the evening appears.
Anke: "You can go in all directions. A surprise element could be a show element, such as a unique light show or surprise act. Or something substantive, such as the unveiling of a new product, logo or plans for the new year. Whatever it is, these unforgettable moments not only create a buzz among your guests, but also ensure that your event will remain in their memories for a long time. Success guaranteed!
Don't forget to draw up a detailed script and share it with the venue. In terms of technology and extra facilities , a huge amount is possible with us, but we need to know what you need. Our technicians can arrange a lot on the spot, but it is useful if it is already ready.
It is also important to evaluate the event afterwards: 'You really should always do this. Evaluate the event afterwards with your guests as well as with us. That way you know exactly what can be done differently next time and what determined the success.'
Account manager Anke
I will be happy to help you! Together, we will organise a dazzling event that your employees will be talking about for a long time to come. Contact me using the details below. Or drop by and experience the many possibilities of our conference locations for yourself.
jaarbeurs | +31(0)30 295 58 81
