“Create a brand experience”

– Sean Doyle, Director Brand & Creative

“To make the most out of this investment, you need to tailor the experience around your brand. Reinforce your values and goals through activities or settings that will immerse your beloved team in all things *insert your company here*. Bring everything together through branding and event collateral. From signage to decorations and lighting you can really transform a venue and express your brand personality through some nifty creativity. Go that extra mile and create some bespoke items for the day will generate excitement and provide a sense of belonging – branded t-shirts, bags, sunglasses, water bottles, even flip-flops. They’ll also serve as nice souvenirs, providing further reminders for years to come!”

“Pick the right venue for your brand and audience”

– Charlie Stevens, Head of event-venues.com

Securing the right venue is the foundation to planning your summer party. Finding somewhere that brings your brand promise to life is vital and should be a top priority. Next, generate excitement and make sure people make an entrance on arrival. It doesn’t have to be a golden staircase, but you want to create that same sensation. It should also be easily accessible, after all the experience really begins when people start their journey. Remember if you ask guests to travel too far, it can be frustrating and expensive, plus it increases the possibility of last minute drop-outs. It’s especially nice for those cooped up in offices to step outside and enjoy the sun in the summer months. Venues with rooftops and outside spaces make a fantastic reward for employees’ hard work – plan well in advance though as the best spots and dates get booked up quick!

“Stimulate the senses through catering”

– Rob Morgan, Head of Business Development

“Ever heard that the way to people’s hearts is through their stomach? Well, it’s true. Often overlooked, catering can be a fast track to impressing your team. This doesn’t have to mean your typical (and often expensive) 3 course dinner either. You can both express your brand and delight your team in so many innovative ways with the endless street food vendors now available. Many of who will happily cater to something more bespoke and creative. Burger stations, paella stations, charcuterie stations, crepes, Asian fusion, raclettes – the list is endless. When it comes to storytelling through food, Jimmy Garcia Catering have a fantastically creative team who will create anything from donut walls to edible terrariums, and love working to an unusual brief! For extra points, think of clever brand-related names for the dishes”

“Don’t overlook entertainment”

– Meredith Bloom, Account Director

“Entertainment comes in many forms; street performers, wandering musicians, cocktail flair bartenders and even live art – whatever medium suits your brand best, you should always provide something beyond a few free drinks. Depending on your industry, complimentary beverages aren’t the be all and end all in today’s more health-focused society. To really stand out and offer something that makes your team proud of their organisation, look for something special that they’ll be telling friends and family about for weeks to come. Cocktail masterclasses, talent shows, floral crown making workshops, rockeoke, even fire-dancing! The more unique the better.”