In my recent conversations with people organising corporate Christmas events, the general consensus is the majority of people want to do an activity along with their lunch or dinner.  It seems people aren't content anymore to just eat and drink, they require a team bonding activity as well.

 As such, I've come up with some great ideas for activities you can do before or after going to a Functions & Events venue for your delicious Christmas meal:

1. Paddle boarding on Takapuna beach followed by lunch or dinner at The Elephant Wrestler
2. Bowls at the local bowling club followed by lunch or dinner at your local
3. A stunt driving session at Drive Rush in North Harbour Stadium followed by a meal at The Merchant Bar & Kitchen
4. A tennis lesson or inter-company comp followed by a meal and drinks at your local
5. A pub quiz in a private function room while you enjoy your meal
6. Loads more options - just let us know what sort of things you'd like to do

We've got loads of great ideas so all you need to do is contact us and let us do all the hard organisational work for you.  Call Functions & Events today on 09 573 0078 or email info@functionsandevents.co.nz

Get organised for 2012 Christmas and book your Christmas function at Degree with these great Early Bird offers. 

Book and confirm your Christmas function with a deposit before the end of September to receive:

1.  Two complementary platters to greet your guests with upon arrival (for bookings with a minimum spend of $750).

2.  Complementary arrival cocktails for your group, plus a $50 Degree voucher to use on a returning visit (for bookings with a minimum spend of $2,500).

Enquire now info@functionsandevents.co.nz

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Having work social clubs and making the effort to have some fun with your colleagues, is important in creating an enjoyable and cooperative atmosphere at work.  Pub crawls, go karting, quiz nights - those are some pretty standard social club activities that get everyone involved, having fun and getting to know each other.  What about incorporating a cocktail making session and seeing people's creativity flow, enjoying a meal together with entertainment such as a stand up comedian or theatre sports for something a bit different, or create your own quiz specific to your group.

For assistance with ideas for social club get togethers, contact Functions & Events info@functionsandevents.co.nz

You want to make your function one that people will remember.  So why not organise something special for your event.  It could be something way out like a fire dancer or stilt walkers, something fun like a magician, comedian or band or something as simple as speeches and a few awards.  Your guests will appreciate the extra effort and it will give them something to remember your event for.

If you need ideas or help with organising something special, contact us on info@functionsandevents.co.nz for suggestions

Having the right venue for your function can make or break the success of your event.  Here are a few things to think about when choosing a venue:

1.  Guest numbers.  It may sound like an obvious one, but make sure the venue you choose can comfortably accommodate your guests.  If the venue is too small, uncomfortable will be the word of the day; too large and it will be difficult to create a fun and enjoyable atmosphere.

2.  Convenience.  You want your venue of choice to be easy to locate, have plenty of parking and be easy to access.  If you choose a venue that is hidden away and difficult to find, your guests will end up being stressed, late or possibly lost!

3.  Wet weather options.  If your function is being held at a fickle time of year weather wise, ensure your venue has wet weather cover or is a venue where the rain won't impact your event.  Keep in mind the average temperature and make sure there is adequate air conditioning in summer and heating in winter.  It's super hard to concentrate if you're sweating up a storm or chilled to the bone!

4.  Venue Inspection.  The majority of venues will welcome an inspection by their clients as it gives them an opportunity to showcase their site as well as meet their customers and get a thorough understanding of their needs.  By meeting venue staff, it helps you to feel more comfortable that you have chosen the right venue for your function and confident that the event will run smooothly.

5.  Venue Services.  Make sure you have a good understanding of what services the venue provides.  Do they supply food or do you need to organise an external caterer?  Are staff provided with venue hire?  Are security staff included in venue hire?  Are there any restrictions the venue has in place?  For example, some venues have decorative restrictions where you can't attach decorations to walls.  Can you play our own music or does it have to be the house music?  If you have special dietary requirements, can the venue accommodate those or are you allowed to bring your own food?

These points are a small snapshot of things to think about - when organising a function there are a multitude of things to think about!  However, if the basics are covered, the rest is easy!

 

1.    Remove the hassle of searching for a venue - let us know your function requirements and we will find a venue to best suit you.

2.  A variety of venues to suit different occasions - Christmas parties, corporate meetings, presentations, seminars, birthday parties, engagements, anniversaries, product launches and general celebrations, we've got it all covered.

3.  Loyalty Membership - become a valued customer and earn loyalty points for every function you hold at a Functions & Events.co.nz venue.  For every dollar you spend you receive one point, with 8 points being worth $1.  Redeem your points at any time - reward your staff and clients or use your points for your next function.

4.  Relaxed venues with professional service and comfortable surroundings.  Our experienced staff pay the utmost attention to detail to ensure all your requirements are met and your guests have a truly memorable experience.

5.  Extensive selection of menus - we cater formal sit down meals, buffet meals, finger food and canapes as well as our a la carte menus.  Our chefs will work with you to create a menu that will delight and impress with any special dietary requirements catered for.

With those 5 fabulous reasons to book your next function or event at one of our venues, contact us today to arrange viewing of venues or to book your next function.  info@functionsandevents.co.nz or call 573 0078

We all know our staff are what really sells our products or services.  That's why it is important to invest time and effort to ensure they are trained properly.  Too often a waiter will have to run back to the kitchen to confirm what the daily specials are, or a customer service assistant will um and ah about the qualities or advantages of the product they are trying to sell you.  A well thought out and organised training program can change all of that and boost your sales and reputation.  Here at Functions and Events.co.nz we have an inhouse training manager who is dedicated to running training programs for front and back of house staff.  We have noticed an increase in the levels of enthusiasm of staff once they have completed one of our courses and an increase in sales.  With positive results like this we will definitely be continuing with our training!