The Just OK Holiday Party Tickets

As we approach the holiday season, many of us are likely gearing up for office or work-related holiday parties. While these events can be a great opportunity to relax and enjoy time with colleagues, they can also leave something to be desired. In fact, some might even describe them as "just ok."

This concept of the "just ok" event is not new, however. In fact, it's something that many of us experience in other areas of our lives as well. Consider, for example, going to see a concert. Sometimes the performance may feel lackluster, for one reason or another. It may not have had the same energy or chemistry that you were expecting, leaving you feeling unfulfilled.

So what do these two scenarios have in common? Both a just ok holiday party and a mediocre concert experience often stem from a lack of intentionality or purpose behind the event. Put simply, they were planned without much thought to how they would actually engage attendees, creating an atmosphere that feels just ok at best.

This begs the question — how can we avoid hosting or attending events that fall into this just-okay category? The answer requires a bit of effort and forethought, but it's achievable.

First, consider what your goals are for the event. Do you want everyone to relax and socialize, or are there specific team-building activities that would drive home a message or help build better connections between coworkers? Knowing this upfront can help guide your planning and ensure the event has a clear focus.

Next, think carefully about the logistics involved. Are the location and venue appropriate for the type of event you want to have? Will there be enough food, drinks, and entertainment to keep people engaged? Do you need to worry about transportation logistics, especially if people will be drinking or taking part in later activities?

Finally, engage attendees early on in the planning process to get their feedback on what they're looking forward to or what would make the event more appealing. This will help create a sense of ownership and excitement around the event.

When applied in the context of a holiday party, these strategies can truly transform an event from just okay to amazing. And while it may take a bit of extra effort to pull off, the result is worth it — an enjoyable event that people look forward to attending year after year.