BES Xtras Plus

The holidays are quickly approaching and there is no doubt they are going to be anything but normal.  It is rumored that holiday shopping is going to be quite challenging with toys being difficult to come by and the need to change the menu of holiday meals, simply to include items you are able to find the ingredients to make.  No doubt, stress is going to be high.  What is a good way to relieve stress?  Plan an outing to your local bowling or entertainment center where fun is never in short supply!

Are you and your center ready for the holidays?  Here are a few things to consider as the countdown is on to holiday party planning.

Companies are facing a shortage of employees while the employees they do have are working longer and harder to compensate for the shortage resulting in a decline in motivation.  Many employees are nearing burn out.   As a result, companies are looking for ways to show their appreciation and remember their dedicated workers during the holidays.  Is your center offering multiple programs to fit the new norm for many companies?  Some employers might not be ready to host a corporate wide holiday party this season but this certainly does not mean they do not want to celebrate or show their employees how much they are valued.  Therefore, plan to offer something to fit every employer’s needs.

1. All-inclusive corporate party, as in year’s past will certainly be on the radar for many companies however, there are some modifications that might be necessary, so be prepared. If your program has traditionally offered self-serve buffets, what will the option be this year? 
   1. Some centers are transforming self-serve buffets into staff served ones, complete with sharply dressed, smiling faces that greet each guest as they serve them their food choices.  This personalized interaction can have a positive impact on the experience and might even alter the future of buffets.
   1. Others are equipping the buffet line with gloves that are mandatory to go thru the line.  This option is an alternative if staffing is a problem for the center.  Many centers are placing Plexiglas sneeze guards over the tables to take one more step in the safety of their guests
   1. You might even consider completely transforming buffets into a full service experience in which guests will be served their complete meals, restaurant style.
   1. Another option for meals is a boxed option that is completely contained and sealed for their safety.

However you decide to offer food and beverages for holiday parties, remember to be keenly aware of shortages and transportation issues and have a backup plan in place should these issues occur.  It is highly advised by foodservice providers to start placing orders now for the ingredients, especially if you are planning to offer New Year’s Eve parties with advertised food and beverage, to avoid last minute shortages.

• Some companies simply are not comfortable hosting an event with their entire group, either for safety reasons or perhaps they can’t afford to have that many people out at one time, if they are operating with fewer employees this year.  As a result, smaller, departmental outings are increasing in popularity.  If companies are accustomed to having competition and still wanting to have winners, you can certainly compile statistics from the various parties to select winners that can be announced back at the office or with a Zoom awards party.
• Other options to consider would be to offer gift cards or pre-paid fun vouchers.  This is a great way for employers to show their appreciation and give the employee the benefit of enjoying a little fun with family or friends.  Price pre-paid vouchers the same as all other corporate parties.  This is a great way to expose your center and all your attractions to potential new customes.  To help you get started, download a voucher template here.

Providing “Instaworthy” experiences is easy when you concentrate more on curating a unique, fun filled experience and less on what to charge or how much will you make.  Thrill the customers and the profit will follow.  Beyond the Frame is welcoming Jesse Cole, owner of the premier summer collegiate Coastal Plain baseball league, the Savannah Bananas, to Beyond the Frame Live Tuesday, October 19^th at 3:00 PM to share how he has perfected creating memorable experiences in the baseball world.  Jesse is proof that more emphasis on the experience creates raving fans and profit beyond your wildest imagination.  Listen in to Jessie’s One Minute Boost  Fans First and Profit Will Follow.

When putting party programs in place, remember to utilize features that are appropriate for groups such as Rocky Road Race in which you can create fun, themed event that will be talked about for months.  Or, encourage a little friendly rivalry by trying to conquer your opponent’s territory with HyperSquad or flinging stones at them to destroy their castle with Battle on the Lanes.  BES X offers a variety of options, allowing companies to customize their events to deliver an inclusive and fun experience that can be enjoyed by everyone, no matter if they are an experienced bowler or just a beginner. 

Don’t be afraid to think differently, try new things, do things out of the ordinary.  Avoid the “that’s the way we’ve always done it” mentality.   Ordinary gets ordinary results.  So be extraordinary and expect extraordinary results! Let your “new norm” be more amazing than ever!