4x tips and inspiration for unforgettable online end-of-year events
The end of the year is in sight… and what a year it has been! Whereas last December you still gathered during the annual year-end event to look back at the targets achieved in 2019, enjoyed a sociable drink with colleagues and raised a glowing toast, the situation looks completely different this year. How can you still ensure that oh-so-important connection and togetherness within your organisation during these extraordinary times? By not letting each other Live but online to meet you, but just a little differently!
Indeed, even in an online environment there are countless possibilities to bring your colleagues together, connect and inspire them. With our creativity, market knowledge and extensive network, goMICE can organise your online event in a unique and professional way. This way, you can once again convey your message powerfully this year and experience an unforgettable year-end event together! In this blog, we would be delighted to provide inspiration for your online year-end event.
First of all, are you curious about what you actually need to look out for when organising a successful online event? In This blog we will share a number of valuable tips & tricks with you!
1. Ready, set, go! Interactive team building
Does your organisation normally take part in inspiring team-building sessions on a regular basis to get everyone on the same page or to encourage collaboration between teams? If so, why not consider an interactive online workshop as part of your year-end event! From an online wine tasting led by a professional sommelier, to preparing a Christmas dish under the guidance of a Dutch Michelin-starred chef. Would you prefer a somewhat healthier approach for the final weeks of the year? Then a variety of sporty workshops are also available where exercise is encouraged under the guidance of professional lifestyle coaches, and where participants help each other in teams to achieve their goals. Naturally, this is also an option for the start of the new year! Whether you want to encourage competition, organise a fun afternoon, or bring colleagues closer together, just like with LIVE team-building, there is a suitable format for every objective, with a bespoke touch if desired.
2. Joint Christmas lunch
A number of weeks prior to the planned Christmas lunch, your employees will receive a personalised invitation (matching the chosen theme, if desired). On the day of the Christmas lunch, every attendee will then have a festive Christmas box delivered to their home. The contents of the Christmas box can be put together according to your own wishes; naturally, we are happy to assist you with this. For example, choose various luxury tasting products combined with a personalised gift from your organisation. Or opt for a luxury Christmas tasting session with various savoury and sweet bites and matching wine. The attendees gather in the digital venue, fully in the Christmas spirit, where various digital tables are ready for them to take a seat. Time to catch up over a delicious Christmas lunch! Just as with your live Christmas lunch, we are happy to help you think about further arrangements for speakers, entertainment or thematic communication elements.
3. Online Christmas Market
Experience the unique, cosy atmosphere of a Winter Christmas Market together from behind your computer, smartphone or laptop! Your employees will receive a personalised invitation by post containing the login details for the online Christmas market. Stroll along the various virtual Christmas stalls, take part in one of the challenging online activities and catch up with colleagues over a glass of mulled wine. Finally, collect points at the various Christmas stalls to put together your annual corporate Christmas gift and receive it physically at home! Merry Christmas!
4. Friday afternoon drinks: The X-mas edition
Wrap up the year with an afternoon focused on conviviality, humour, connection and relaxation? Choose a Christmas edition Friday afternoon drinks event! Start the afternoon with a plenary session to kick off the event together. This is followed by an interactive online activity centered around teamwork, fun and achieving a shared goal. Think, for example, of a quiz where well-known singers provide the musical segment and the questions are tailored to your company and wishes, or an online Christmas game focused on humour and competition. Finally, conclude the afternoon with a joint drinks reception using the products from a previously received personalised drinks box.
From live to online in the blink of an eye…. right?
It sounds simple to just set up an online session, given all the experience you have gained over the past six months with online meetings in Zoom, Teams or Webex. However, setting up a powerful (online) event takes a bit more work. How do you ensure your employees show up, stay and take in your message? For instance, there are various tools that offer a much greater sense of experience and interaction than the “standard” tools, while also being able to monitor registration and attendance. Technology is also an even more important element, which certainly should not be underestimated. Naturally, communication about the online event and all the dos and don'ts along the way are important facets for a successful online gathering for both the organiser and the attendee.
Have a unique online event realised by goMICE
Based on your objectives, target audience, message and budget, goMICE can design a suitable programme for your online end-of-year event. We will also work with you to look at how you can keep your employees engaged for the long term, both before and after this online year-end meeting! Especially in these exceptional times.
Curious about the online year-end event possibilities for your organisation or prefer to exchange ideas about an online, hybrid or live event in 2021? We are always happy to think along with you and brainstorm!
Curious for more valuable tips and inspiration for organising powerful online and hybrid events? Then be sure to read our free whitepaper in which we share the most important steps with you and provide tips on technology, platforms, interaction and budgeting! Click here to download our whitepaper.