Christmas Events Feature

After a hard 12 months of slaving away behind the desk, corporate Christmas functions mark the time to kick off your heels and let off some steam. It is also a time when preparation is paramount.

Business Excellence Awards events director Lisa Maddison says planning a corporate Christmas event is something that should be done with plenty of time to spare.

“You can never plan too early; book a venue, secure sponsors and organise key-note speakers, then to be sure, double check and confirm,” she says.

Maddison’s No.1 tip is to create checklists.

“Checklists are important, especially with little details like music, candles and table decorations, these make all the difference when it comes to planning a memorable Christmas party.”

Another pointer to avoid a corporate Christmas disaster is to think ahead of all the worse case scenarios and make back-up plans accordingly.

Imagine VIP guests not turning up, seating the company directors at the back of the room and the food and drinks coming out late - or worse, not at all.

Poor-preparation is the catalyst for such tragedies and steps must be taken to make sure this does not happen to you.

Maddison warns the parties that go wrong are often more memorable than those that go well, so focus on staying positive and thinking quick on your feet.

“If something goes wrong on the night there is still time to communicate, you need to stay calm and in control, otherwise people around you panic.

“For instance, if a VIP decided not to turn up, find someone else at the event that will fill in,” she says.

For those co-planning a corporate Christmas event with a colleague, staying focused and making sure you’re on the same page is paramount.

“Sometimes things go wrong because another professional was in charge of handling it and you have to step in. In cases such as this, communication is the most important thing,”says Maddison.
“Event and venue staff aren’t mind readers so make sure you communicate with them effectively.”

Often a thankless task and with your office popularity on the line, organising such an event is not for the faint hearted.

To make sure the event is the highlight of everyone’s year Gold Coast Business News features some of the hot spots to host your corporate Christmas party.

GOLD COAST ARTS CENTRE
CELEBRATE the silly season with a comedy Christmas party at the Gold Coast Arts Centre’s popular Comedy in the Basement, kicking off from November 6-December 12.

Whether you’re celebrating with friends or rewarding your staff and co-workers for a year well done, the Arts Centre’s comedy Christmas packages are superbly valued.

Christmas Package One proves that good things come in low-cost packages.

This option includes a comedy ticket, festive roast turkey and honey glazed ham, plum pudding and a one-hour beverage package from 7pm to 8pm.

For those looking to get a little ‘jollier’, the Premium Christmas Package includes the same menu, with a massive four-hour beverage package from 7pm to 11pm.

Multiple-winners of Restaurant and Catering Queensland’s Venue Caterers of the Year, the Gold Coast Arts Centre catering department will provide catering services for all the corporate Christmas packages.

Forget ‘Ho Ho Ho’ and get ready for ‘Ha Ha Ha by booking your corporate Christmas party with the Gold Coast Arts Centre.

GOLD COAST TURF CLUB
FOR punters, horse enthusiasts and party-animals alike, Christmas corporate functions mean one thing – a day at the races.

The Gold Coast Turf Club is well renowned as one of Australia’s premier racecourses holding 58 race meetings per year, racing every Saturday afternoon in paradise.

Situated just five minutes from Surfers Paradise Beach the Gold Coast Turf Club has been in operation for over fifty years.

During this time it has developed the racecourse and its facilities into a large and versatile venue that offers some of the most exciting entertainment to be found in southeast Queensland.

For those looking for a host for end-of-year corporate Christmas functions it is hard to find a more versatile venue than the Gold Coast Turf Club.

The club has a wide range of entertainment areas, boasting 16 bars, bistros, cafes and the popular a-la-carte Skyline Restaurant offering award winning service and uninterrupted views of the winning post.

The Gold Coast Turf Club event professionals also have an array of raceday and non-raceday function packages available across 10 amazing venues and themed events to cater for all tastes.

A special Christmas package is available and includes a sumptuous Christmas buffet, two hour beverage package and
five-hour professional disc jockey with themed lighting.

ROYAL PINES RESORT
Glamorous, exciting and highly entertaining, this years’ Royal Pines Resort Christmas Party is not to be missed.

RACV Royal Pines, one of Queensland’s largest resorts, is situated at the heart of the Gold Coast, midway between the magnificent beaches of Surfers Paradise and the rainforests of the Hinterland.

Set in the resort’s stunning Royal Benowa Ballroom you will enjoy a three-course dinner including a cocktail on arrival, a fine selection of red, white and sparkling wines, local beer and soft drinks and sensational live entertainment from Anna Maria La Spina, Mark Watson & Bang.

The Christmas extravaganza will be the perfect way for you to start the festive season celebrations.

Guests will have the chance to win some magnificent prizes including a chance to win a ‘stimulus prize’ that will pay for the cost of your table.

If you would prefer to book a private Christmas social event Royal Pines Resort has an array of function rooms available and extensive menu options to match.

GOLD COAST CONVENTION AND EXHIBITION CENTRE
FOR the largest and most extravagant combined Christmas party, The Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre (GCCEC) is the place to be.

Clocking up its fifth year, The Centre of Christmas has gained a reputation for being the social event of the year and to celebrate this milestone there is sure to be a surprise or two to amaze and excite you at this year’s event.

There will be lots to celebrate with all the Christmas trimmings, award-winning cuisine, live entertainment by local sensations The Accidents and amazing prizes for you to enjoy with your friends, family and colleagues.

No party is complete without a menu to delight the taste buds. The GCCEC Kitchen of the 21st Century aim to please everyone by serving a delicious seafood buffet direct your table as well as the traditional Christmas dinner favourites such as roast Turkey.

This coupled with the Estate beverage selection of beer, red and white wine, champagne, and soft drinks will ensure a merry evening.

So if you are struggling to put together a Christmas party for your staff, family or friends look no further the Centre of Christmas, a night of roaring laughter, excellent entertainment, and spirited celebration.