Organising a company anniversary is a great way to mark not only the passage of time, but also (and above all) the achievements, challenges and adventures you and your team have shared together. For your employees, celebrating 10, 20, 50, 100 years (or even more) is a reminder of your stability and the trust that your industry and your customers have placed in you over the years. It's an opportunity for them to see the company's history as a continuing one, to which they can add a few more chapters. You've got it: your company anniversary is a must! But how can you make it a truly memorable event?
#1 - Define the objectives of your company anniversary
A company anniversary is an excellent opportunity to reaffirm your organisation's values, cultivate your employees' sense of belonging, celebrate your employees' efforts, honour the highlights of your history, or even unveil or clarify your vision for the future. The important thing is to choose! What aspect of your company's life do you want the event to focus on?
#2 - Set a date and agree a budget
A festive buffet lunch on your own premises will not require the same budget as a residential seminar with transport and accommodation. Nor will it have the same impact on the collective memory Plan a realistic overall budget that you can use in different ways. This will give you a clearer idea of which aspects of the event to prioritise.
And don't forget the more pragmatic aspects of organisation, such as choosing the date! it's up to you to decide which day is best and to inform your employees and/or customers several weeks (or even months) in advance.
Nota bene: being flexible about the date often results in better proposals at more competitive rates.
#3 - Highlight your company's history
Whatever your objective, recounting your history in an official way, highlighting the key moments in your story, can be an excellent introduction. The unifying power of a speech, even a short one, is immense. at different stages of the event, don't hesitate to bring the participants back together to open up to them through inspirational presentations that will create a positive atmosphere and encourage discussion. You can also include little nods to your journey through the choice of theme and activities. A few ideas for illustrations, such as friezes or artistic trombinoscopes, will help to link the history of your company with that of its employees. Offering prizes, linked to seniority or a particular collective effort/achievement, will allow you to give your employees a form of recognition without spending a great deal of money.
#4 - Define the ideal format for your birthday party
You've decided to organise your company anniversary and determined how you want to approach the theoretical aspect of the event? Now it's time to put it into practice by choosing an event format, venue, caterer and unforgettable entertainment that will delight your guests.
Choose a venue suited to your objectives and what you want to showcase
Once you've decided on your objectives, you can concentrate on the ideal venue for your festivities. If the event is taking place on your own premises, you'll need to adapt the space to accommodate the expected number of people without compromising everyone's comfort and safety. If you opt for a dedicated venue, don't hesitate to visit it in advance to get a better idea of what it will be like and talk to the various service providers you will be using. Interior and exterior fittings, environment, audiovisual and sound equipment, lighting effects, buffet location (or other location for meals)... all the details are important. At Whereez, we'll help you make the right choices.
Choose a caterer to match your event
An unforgettable company anniversary also means a quality caterer! Take the time to study several proposals and don't hesitate to be original in your culinary choices. Exotic buffets, tastings, sophisticated brunches, raclette or giant paëlla, food trucks, bistronomic experiences, tapas bars, gourmet stands, molecular cocktails... the possibilities are endless. It all depends on the atmosphere you want to create.
Define those little extras that will stay in the collective memory
Sometimes there's only a small step between a pleasant corporate anniversary that everyone will appreciate and an absolutely unforgettable one. Get out of the ordinary for a special event, a meeting with a special guest, or a one-of-a-kind show.
You could, for example, invite a magician-hypnotist to join in the festivities, organise a life-size TV quiz, take part in a huge team escape game to discover your town in a different way, or even offer creative workshops that make the link with your company's history.
FAQ
Why celebrate your company anniversary?
Organising a company anniversary is a considerable challenge, but one that is well worth the effort! It's an opportunity to celebrate everything that has contributed to your organisation's success over the years. Its culture, its values, but also the people who have given so much of themselves to get where you are today. Express your pride and recognition through festivities that will be remembered for a long time.
How do you organise your company anniversary?
For a successful company anniversary, leave nothing to chance. Start by thinking about your objectives and a theme for your event. Next, consider your budget and possible dates. Finally, choose the catering experience and the activities and entertainment you want to offer your guests. At Whereez, we'll be happy to help you every step of the way.
