Opinion piece from Wayne Hill, Emperors Palace

One has to agree that as the year draws to an end, most people cant wait for the holidays to begin. But just before all the corporates (big or small) close their doors, theres always the last minute stress of organising the company year-end function. Not exactly the easiest of tasks; one has to cater for all tastes and interests of the staff, with the stress of transport, catering, interactive activities and accommodation.
To beat the corporate function organising blues, here are a few tips to creating a stress free and memorable year-end event that all will remember:
1. Take the team offsite. Not only does it breakdown hierarchal barriers, but also creates opportunities in discovering hidden creativity, potential and strengths. Fun outings empower staff and create a sense of unity among the team.
2. Make sure your venue is equipped and experienced to manage the whole companys requirements. Emperors Palace for example caters for corporate groups of 8 to 3 000. No request too large, no detail too small, every staff member embraces a shared philosophy to fulfill the dreams of all guests.
3. Once size is determined clearly define the event purpose and objectives. If the purpose is to show the staff how much the company appreciates their hard work, then make sure that this message is clear not only in the invitation, but also with the quality of the food and the venue. Or perhaps the company wants to introduce new customers does the decor, venue and hors duvres provide a good impression?
4. Location, location, location… its not easy to choose a venue which is conveniently located for everyone in the company. It takes a mere 48 minutes to get to Emperors Palace from Pretoria on the toll-free R21 motorway, and the Gautrain will get you safely to O.R Tambo International Airport from either Pretoria or the Northern suburbs. From there its a short hop on the complimentary shuttle to Gautengs number one entertainment hub, the Palace of Dreams.
5. Keep staff engaged with fun activities and top-class entertainment. Spectacular entertainment on offer at Emperors Palace makes the resort the best option for all corporates looking to let their hair down. This year, Londons West End smash hit show, Hurly Burly, has arrived at Emperors Palace for a season of burlesque fun. Gautengs most exciting corporate year-end function, the Supper Theatre Thursday package, includes a three course meal, table dcor, a full cash bar and the sensational Hurly Burly Show for only R550 per person.
Tickets can be booked through Emperors Palace Box Office on (011) 928 1297 / 1213, or the website on www.emperorspalace.com
6. Remember to avoid drinking and driving at all costs. Venues with either a chauffeur service or accommodation should be top of the list. Staff members want to splash-out and enjoy themselves at the end of the year, and what better way than with entertainment combined with accommodation.
A well organise corporate year end function can really show employees how much the organisation appreciates their work and support. Its easy to say thank you on the phone or via email, but to demonstrate appreciation has the most impact.
Last but not lease, remember that a year-end function should excel in three essential ingredients in order to be a success – superb cuisine, impeccable service, and an elegant atmosphere.
Wayne Hill, Emperors Palace General Manager for Hotels and Resort Operations, has many specialties including providing seamless corporate event solutions to the business sector.