Christmas party trends & top event tips with Solution Entertainment

Brad Hampel knows events – unsurprising, after 10 years at the helm of Solution Entertainment. Today we chat to Brad about Christmas party trends, immersive experiences, and the absolutely done-to-death event themes you'll probably encounter this end of year party season.

This Christmas party season, chances are you’ll be heading to more than a few events. With that in mind, don’t let your end of year event be just another stop along the canapé-riddled road to the office holiday shutdown.

One person who probably has even the Venuemob team beat in terms of sheer number of events attended during the year, it’s Solution Entertainment Director Brad Hampel. When you attend, plan and facilitate so many events (like the Rogue One and Beauty and the Beast premieres, or a multitude of spectacular Christmas parties) you learn a thing or two about what makes an event memorable.

This year's big trends

As far as new and interesting Christmas party trends (and general event trends) he’s seen in 2017, Brad immediately names the ‘music festival’ or ‘Coachella’ theme. Solution Entertainment recently worked on a couple of music festival themed events, complete with multiple music stages, and a silent disco tent – they were a huge hit.

The other top trend isn’t so much a theme; the truly noteworthy events are immersive experiences. In Brad’s eyes, an immersive and interactive approach to events (whether a product launch or end of year party), ‘humanises’ the experience.

In the case of the festival-themed event, this meant actually creating a ‘chill zone’. It also meant glitter girls frolicking around dusting glitter on everyone’s faces (and even beards), costume giveaways for guests, a huge lineup of musical acts – and a giant Ferris wheel. 

While an event of that scale isn’t always an option, the main takeaway is that ‘immersive’ events and memorable interactive elements are very much in (and really, really, really fun). 

What’s been done to death?

According to Brad, the top culprits as far as overused themes are easy to pick: the ‘Great Gatsby’ or ‘roaring ‘20s’ theme, and the good ol’ 'circus' theme. Having become the on-trend picks a little while ago, they’ve since been run into the ground with overuse and lacklustre executions.

“Let’s be honest though,” Brad adds, “anything can be interesting if you put a fresh twist on it.”

In the case of the ‘circus’ theme, rather than adding token aerialist to proceedings, why not opt for performers pouring champagne while suspended upside down at the entrance? Champagne on arrival, and a breathtaking, on-theme first impression. Done.

You might not have the budget for the thousands of Swarovsky crystals featured at the Beauty and the Beast premiere, but you can definitely think outside of the box with your next event. 

Top tips for event planners, businesses and party-lovers

According to Brad, clients are more switched on than ever. Thanks to platforms like Pinterest, event planners have great access to resources, industry knowledge, and professional #inspo. That means clients are getting more involved in the creative process, and are able to provide valuable direction for agencies like Solution Entertainment.

No matter how many Pinterest boards you might have however, there are few pieces of advice Brad is adamant planners should to heed.

Be realistic about your budget and expectations

When you have a big budget and a big event, a huge component of your budget will end up being food and beverage. Firstly, ensure the venue is able to quote accurately with all vital information – so you can grab food and beverage costs upfront.

Then, be realistic about what the rest of your budget will get you (of course, that’s the cross value with coming to a company like Solution Entertainment, or using a platform like Venuemob).

Ask the right questions of your venue

Take it from Brad: these may seem basic, but they could save you plenty of time later on.

• Is the venue hire all-inclusive?
• Do we have to pay for security?
• Are we able to bring our own AV?

Favourite venues right now?

In Sydney, it’d have to be The Island. “How often do you get to have a party on a floating pontoon?” says Brad. “That view of Sydney Harbour – amazing!”

And in Melbourne, it’d have to be the new pop-up on Flinders Lane, White Lane. The team at Solution Entertainment would know; they hosted their 10th birthday celebrations at White Lane. A subterranean industrial space, it’s a gorgeous blank canvas and plenty of scope for gorgeous events.

Foolproof advice for choosing entertainment

“It really depends on the client, and their budget. I think that a fusion of old-world and contemporary is always a great move though.”

Examples? AIME saw Solution Entertainment pair two beat boxers with an opera singer. Or instead of the over-done flashmob, why not grab 50 contemporary dancers and pull a curtain across the space as the reveal of a stage? Think big, impactful, and sophisticated.

If your budget is limited to “maybe not 50 contemporary dancers”, the old-meets-new approach can be achieved with a band. Brad names the Mad Hatters as an example – a DJ-based band with sax, trumpets and vocalists.

So. What're you waiting for? It's crunch time, and more than likely your end of year event is just around the corner. If you need to do a last-minute bit of organisation to take it from a 'pretty good event' to 'the best event of the year', then you're armed with what it takes. Go forth, celebrate! 

In need of a last-minute venue for this year? Already planning next year's celebrations? The perfect venue is out there >>