As we went into summer, things were starting to look up. With the number of Covid cases declining, events were being scheduled again, and workers started returning to the office. But as we make the turn into fall, things aren’t looking quite as optimistic. Events are once more being canceled, and companies are pushing off the return to the office. 

What does this mean for your holiday events and team-building activities? How can you embrace uncertainty and what can you do to push forward with your plans? In this article, we will answer these questions and provide solutions that will make your event planning activities much easier. 

What Is The Future of Event Planning?

While things aren’t quite as dire as they were this time last year, three types of holiday events are still on the table at this point: live in-person events, virtual events, and hybrid events. 

Live In-person Events Are Not Going Away

Though we had all hoped in-person events would be back in full swing by now, not everyone is entirely ready or comfortable with the idea yet. If you do choose to host an in-person event, consider what extra steps could help people feel more comfortable and keep everyone safe. This may involve providing extra spacing indoors or outdoor venues if this is an option where you live. It’s also important to communicate and upholding mask expectations and sanitation. 

While having the team present in properly socially distanced spaces is fine, it is prudent to plan around the fact that many will still be uncomfortable in a large group setting.

Virtual Events Are Here to Stay

Some companies may choose to forego having a fully in-person holiday celebration again this year, due to varying factors such as comfort level, remote employees, and even convenience. Fortunately, virtual events are an event option that offers just as much fun! Whether you plan to have your team work remotely indefinitely or your team has not set a return-to-the-office date yet, it is important to understand that virtual events are here to stay. 

Now that most people have gotten comfortable with the virtual format, and have experienced the convenience of attending events from anywhere, many would prefer not to give up those benefits.

Virtual Scavenger Hunt

The Future Is Hybrid

With many companies hosting a combination of remote and in-office employees, the future of events is likely going to be the hybrid model. Hybrid events take the best of both worlds and combine them into a single event. Those who are local and are comfortable with attending an event may be there in person, while those who work remote — from across town, the country, or even the world — may join in and feel as much part of the team as those who are there in person. 

Planning Your Next Event: Tips for Event Planners

In the current environment, leaders, office managers, and event planners are struggling to choose the right type of holiday event to organize. With the circumstances changing from week to week, even the best-laid plans can easily be disrupted. 

Here are a few tips for minimizing the hassle and maximizing the benefit to your employees — no matter where they are or how they attend.

1. Embrace the Uncertainty

Planning an event in today’s world can’t be about creating a single timeline and sticking with it. Rather, it should be a process of ongoing consideration. You should have several different options in your back pocket no matter how things might shift or change. Always have a backup plan. 

If you’re planning an in-person event, it’s wise to have a few ideas for how you can pivot, should the pandemic continue to worsen. At the end of the day, the well-being of your team is of the utmost importance. Alternatively, leave open the possibility of adding an in-person element to your virtual events if the circumstances allow it. 

2. Put Your Employees First

At the moment, you may have some or all of your employees back in the office. But keep in mind that there is a big difference between working in a contained cubicle or office, and mingling at a party. 

Even those who are comfortable returning to the office may not feel the same way about attending a company team-building event. Talk to employees to gauge their comfort levels before starting any planning and keep checking in with them as things change. 

You shouldn’t just ask about their comfort for in-person vs. virtual vs. hybrid events. Get their feedback on the best days and times for holiday parties to ensure you plan something that will truly help to boost morale and keep everyone connected. The last thing you want to do is plan an event that will feel like an obligation or burden to your employees.

3. Enlist the Help of the Professionals 

Don’t be afraid to reach out and get help from experts who know how to navigate through the uncertainty of event planning. Hiring a professional event planner or an event planning service like TeamBonding can help take the load off your shoulders. 

With a professional by your side, you don’t need to sweat the small stuff or what feels like big stuff, either. They are familiar with all the little details that make an event special. They will minimize the amount of planning needed on your end and even take care of the setup. Especially in uncertain times like these, their expertise will help you be nimble with backup options, accommodations, and logistics, and quickly implement new strategies if challenges do come along.

For When You Need a Helping Hand

TeamBonding is all about lending you a helping hand when you need it most. This involves taking on all of the challenges and difficulties of planning group events off your plate, so you can get back to doing what you do best. 

They have been around for 25 years, but since February 2020, TeamBonding has perfected the art of bringing people together – regardless of where they are physically. Interested to learn how? Here’s a list of some popular holiday team-building activities and events that TeamBonding has developed for in-person events, virtual, and everything in between.

Activities to Get Your Team Excited for the Holidays

As you begin to plan your 2021 holiday get-togethers, keep these highly engaging TeamBonding options in mind. Not only will they take all the stress of party planning off your shoulders, but will bring unique and exciting experiences for your team that will get them motivated to start 2022 off on a great note.

The Holiday Happy Hour

Kick start the holidays on the right foot with this event hosted by a certified mixologist. We make it easy for everyone to enjoy a cocktail together. TeamBonding will ship each participant everything they need to mix the perfect holiday-themed cocktail. During the event, not only will your team learn how to put it all together, but they’ll also learn fun facts, trivia, tips, and tricks to get everyone in the holiday spirit.

Ultimate Virtual Holiday Party

Looking for the ultimate holiday party experience for your entire team? This package is the way to go. You’ll have a professional host to guide everyone through three different popular festivities that you can choose from ahead of time. Engaging and interactive, there are a wide number of ways to customize your Ultimate Holiday Party. From adding elements such as a virtual Santa and carolers to a mixology session, the options are as limitless as you want to make them. Your team will come away from this party refreshed and renewed — ready to tackle 2022. 

Ice Sculpting

Looking for an in-person event that will get your team talking for years to come? Consider ice sculpting. Your team will be led by an artist who will teach them how to use chisels to create masterpieces. Sorry, no chainsaws here! Whether you try for the company logo or you have the next great artist on your team to create an icy wonder, everyone is sure to have a great time and an unforgettable experience.  

Learn More About TeamBonding

We mentioned just a few of the many team building activities from TeamBonding that will get your team in the mood for the holiday season. Event planning in the middle of a pandemic is a seemingly never-ending list of challenges and changes. So, let the experts guide you through the process of creating memorable experiences that will bring your team closer together — no matter where they are.

Anna Webber

Team Contributor

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