Event venues and organisers are asking the same question – will Christmas Parties return this year?

Story Events has announced that it will be hosting the Christmas Party Show 2021 from 7-8 September at the soon-to-be open Pan Pacific Hotel on Bishopsgate Plaza  see here. This is exciting news and signals a return to normal for Christmas events in 2021.  Sam Gill CEO, Story Events commented “We are grateful for the patience of our many loyal exhibitors over the past 12 months and are excited to have this year’s show at this major new events’ venue, earmarked as one of the most anticipated hotel openings in 2021. We look forward to working in partnership with the Pan Pacific London team and anticipate large visitor attendance and interest from both our agency and corporate audiences alike.”

There is now real cause for optimism for the coming 2021 Christmas Party Season and we should see a huge demand for Christmas parties of all kinds, be it an intimate private lunch or dinner for 20,  or a company Christmas party for 250! Venues in cities all across the UK will once again be offering a range of exciting Corporate Festive Packages.

For many organisations, the Christmas event may be the first time the whole company has been together in the same room for almost two years, and directors may feel that combining a conference or internal awards followed by a lunch is a more suitable return to social events than the usual full- on party format.

With increasing awareness of the work/life balance and the growing company role and responsibility for wellbeing,  we could well see more daytime Christmas events this year,  as people ease themselves back into office life.   This would both reduce alcohol intake and enable employees to get home at a more reasonable hour.  Fridays are likely to be the favoured days for these events and Wednesday, Thursday, Friday will remain the most popular days for evening events.

When it comes to catering at Christmas event, we will not be seeing any buffet queues this year and bowl food and well spaced canapé trays will be the popular choice for stand up events.

For more formal seated events the entertainment is likely to be some sort of after dinner entertainment,  such as a comedian or a performance where guests will remain seated. The once so popular DJ/Disco with dancing could take a little while longer to return.

Whatever the format, one thing we are sure of is that demand will be high and the sooner you secure your Christmas party venue,  the better. We are here to help you to find the perfect solution for your long-awaited event!