Mingle all the way: Insider tips to maximise Christmas party bookings this year

When it comes to Christmas bookings, preparing early mid-year is what will make or break the months leading to the festive period. By July, we’re already seeing Christmas party bookings rolling in, and this year, we’re here to help you make sure you are fully prepared to make the most of the silly season.

In this blog, we will share insights and strategies to help you maximise your Christmas party bookings, from creative event planning to effective marketing tactics. Our goal is to provide you with actionable tips and fresh ideas to make your Christmas party packages stand out from the crowd.

Reflect on Past Challenges

The first thing we should always take into account when planning Christmas parties is to think back to previous years and consider the common challenges that you faced when working on Christmas parties and how you overcame them.

One of the biggest challenges is managing clients' expectations over budgets. Doug, Commercial Director at Wise Production, notes that "the organiser for corporate events often has different roles in their company, such as an office manager or executive assistant, so they may not be aware of costs when it comes to putting on events, compared to an event planner, for example." Another challenge is last-minute enquiries. Doug explains, "It is common to see enquiries come in November for Christmas parties, and by that point, many venues are closed off the diary." 

“Plan early! We think of Christmas next year while this year’s Christmas is still happening” - Dean, Head of Sales & Events at Frameless

‍Strategies to Attract and Secure Early Bookings

These are our strategies to attract and secure party bookings so you can get them booked in advance:

Themed Packages:

Develop party packages: that include decor, catering, and entertainment options. Tailored themes can add an extra layer of excitement and exclusivity to your offerings.

Offer customisable packages such as ‘Winter Wonderland’ or ‘Narnia’ to meet specific client needs and preferences, allowing them to choose elements that best fit their vision and budget.

“Clients like one-stop-shop, they like to know exactly what they are paying per head, and that includes food and beverage, venue, theming etc’’ - Dean, Head of Sales & Events at Frameless

Client Testimonials and Case Studies:

Share testimonials and case studies from previous successful Christmas parties to build trust and credibility and make sure it is up to date. By using social proof, you can demonstrate the venue’s ability to deliver memorable events. Highlight specific aspects of the event where your venue matched and exceeded expectation. Remember, positive feedback from past clients can be a powerful tool in convincing new clients to book with you. 

Pro tip: Make sure you are also taking pictures and videos of this year's events to use them as showcases for next year! 

‍Showcase Unique Selling Points

Highlight the venue's unique features such as location, technology, and special amenities. Emphasise what sets your venue apart from the competition. Use high-quality photos and videos to create an appealing visual representation of the venue. Incorporate 3D Studios to walk clients through the space and showcase facilities/features for bespoke packages and requirements.

By implementing these strategies, you can ensure that your venue is fully booked for the Christmas season, allowing you to maximise revenue and deliver unforgettable experiences for your clients. Remember, the key to success is early preparation and proactive marketing. 

Get ahead of the competition and start securing those Christmas party bookings today!

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