An event to remember

September is a key month in any event bookers calendar as it is the month when organising Christmas parties pops up on the agenda, with many venues launching their packages for the party season.  
   
Venue search
Each year venues are putting increasing thought and energy into creating specific packages that hit the party tick list, including theming, entertainment and amazing menus. However, those in charge of booking the office Christmas celebrations need to look beyond simply selecting the right date and theme; they need to ensure a successful and safe evening is enjoyed by everyone.
   
To narrow what could seem a never-ending venue search, a three letters acronym, AIM (Accredited In Meetings) can help save a great deal of time. The scheme, created in 2007, guarantees the suitability of an event space based on 50 agreed standards and a commitment to a strict code of practice to guarantee that as an operator, the venue is consistent, open, decent and ethical.
   
Therefore AIM accreditation is only awarded to venues that have met, or exceeded, a strict set of criteria including quality of facilities, customer service and compliance with codes of conduct ensuring customers know from the outset the high level of standards that the venues are operating at. The roaring 20s, a dream circus and masked balls are among this year’s AIM Christmas party themes.
   
Quality assurance
Marc Webster, spokesperson for AIM Development Group, comments: “To have an accreditation which highlights a hotel, venue or event supplier’s suitability is of great value for all those involved in the booking and procurement of meetings and events. This is the most important accreditation within the industry and the only UK conference, meetings and events industry standard of product and service quality assurance.
   
“Booking AIM accredited venues to host your Christmas party guarantees that yours will be one that everyone remembers for all the right reasons and ensures that your guests won’t be left with sour festive faces.”

Alton Towers Resort
Alton Towers Resort’s Christmas party nights includes a roaring 20s Christmas ball, the return of the Caribbean Christmas parties, and a more traditional festive gathering in the Secret Garden Restaurant. While guests attending the roaring 20s ball can indulge in the art deco themed ballroom and enjoy chic cocktails, those partaking in the Caribbean party can ditch the winter blues and jet off to a more tropical climate. Cocktails and a steel band are the order of the night for this exotic package. For a traditional celebration the Secret Garden Restaurant package offers a four-course festive feast complete with carol singers.

The Brewery’s Dream Circus
In December 2014, The Brewery will be transformed into the mysterious Dream Circus, where the sublime and surreal will dominate. There are a variety of exclusive and shared corporate Christmas party packages available, which are individually tailored for guests. All‑inclusive packages include a sparkling wine reception, personalised menu, drinks, circus entertainers and a DJ.

The Grand Marquee at Emirates
The football stadium promises a night of ‘indulgence, illusion and intrigue’ with a Venetian street theatre, providing guests with a sumptuous four course dinner amidst the palatial splendour of Venetian masks and classical candelabras. Old Trafford’s authentic entertainment with fabulous vocals, dance and costumes is interwoven with thrilling displays of aerial acrobatics as the dancers tumble from a starlit ceiling.

The Mermaid & Hampton court
The Mermaid’s beautiful River Rooms will be transformed with a ‘Glitz and Glamour’ theme inspired by the eclectic style of the art deco era. Guests will be treated like VIPs for the evening whilst enjoying panoramic views across the Thames. Packages include a drinks reception, a range of catering options provided by Create Food & Party Design, DJ and dancing.
   
Hampton Court Palace will host a series of ‘Celebration of Crowns’ events to mark the 300th anniversary of the Hanoverian accession to the British throne this winter.

Further information
www.mia-uk.org