How to plan a company anniversary that people remember, with minimal effort
Go back to the Latin and a jubilee is a moment of rejoicing. Today the word stands for an exceptional date, usually a round number, that deserves a proper celebration: a tenth wedding anniversary, a 90th birthday or the day your company was founded 30 years ago. If you are wondering how to plan a company anniversary, the first step is remembering who it is for.
Your years in business may be the reason for the party, but you are not only celebrating yourselves. You are showing your staff that you value them, reminding clients that you are there and strengthening your employer branding. Provided, that is, you think through every aspect of the occasion. Here is what to look out for, so the result is happy people and a stronger reputation.
Is there really a reason to celebrate?
Your great-grandfather founded the family business 100 years ago. Would he want you to plan a company anniversary, or would he advise you to keep the budget in the drawer, given ongoing staff shortages, rising living costs and fierce competition? We are fairly sure he would not tell you to save the money. Marking a long run in business pays off in many ways. Planned professionally, it brings you
- stronger team cohesion
- more motivated staff
- long-term loyalty
- existing clients who stay
- new clients
- a boost to your employer branding
- an excellent reputation
It also raises your profile and catches the attention of skilled professionals. Above all, though, an anniversary is the ideal way to say thank you. Celebrate the work of your staff, the loyalty of your clients and the cooperation of your business partners.
Planning: start as early as you can
Compared with events put together at short notice with an event agency, anniversaries have one big advantage. You know exactly when your special date is coming up, so you can start planning your company anniversary early. A coherent concept is everything for a celebration that works from start to finish. Your guests also need to save the date in good time, and your preferred venue needs to still be free. How much time you need depends on the scale, the audience, your sector and the size of your business. In principle, though, you cannot start too early. As a rough guide, one year has proved about right.
Choose a theme
At an anniversary, whoever is celebrating takes centre stage. In your case, that is your company. It is the perfect chance to put its past, present and future in the spotlight. The right theme breaks the ice before the big day and gives the whole event its own character. A few ideas to get you started:
Tied to the occasion:
- The perfect balance of tradition and modernity
- All for one and one for all
Looking ahead:
- This far, and many steps further
- Visionary 30 years ago. Visionary today
With a sense of humour:
- If we can work, we can party
- Life begins at 75
Your guests should be able to identify with your theme, and it should be original enough to stand out from your competitors’ slogans. That way it will stay with everyone involved for a long time.
Doing good: the charitable angle
Sustainability and social responsibility now play a part in deciding business success. So use your company’s birthday to
- donate the raffle proceeds to a charity
- plant trees with your guests
- sign the contract for your own solar installation on stage
- organise volunteering at a social institution
- award scholarships to young talent
Done professionally, a charity project can strengthen your company’s reputation for years to come.
Set the date and find the venue
If your anniversary falls in the Swiss school holidays or over Christmas, consider moving it. Think about your audience when you fix the date, too. For families the event should take place during the day, while weekends are made for music and dancing into the small hours.
The space you need also depends on your guest list. Make a rough estimate of numbers, technical requirements and the budget available, then get quotes from several venues. Compare them on how they cope with a change in the weather, on safety and security, and on how transparent they are. And check the transport links.
The programme: from the host to the music
The more memorable the celebration, the more memorable your name. So choose carefully from the wide range of possible programme items. For example, plan
- a multimedia journey through time if you are a modern IT company
- open days with a look behind the scenes if you are a local service provider
- gala dinners for your staff if you are a family business
- ways to take part online and limited product lines if you run an online shop
Arrange every activity in a sensible order and in line with your chosen theme. After all, you expect Guggenmusik brass bands at the Basel Fasnacht. A classical string trio suits a seated dinner better than a techno DJ. Unusual show elements such as team cooking contests keep the fun and the excitement going.
Finding partners (catering, technology, logistics)
If you want to plan your company anniversary in-house, you need more than people. You need the right know-how, because there is far more to it than ordering a buffet. Stage technology that works smoothly and compliance with official safety standards also shape how your anniversary goes.
Don’t worry, though: memorable events can be organised with minimal effort on your part. Simply hand the concept and delivery to us. With years of live event experience, we offer solutions tailored to you: creative, distinctive and memorable. We bring brands to life and make people happy, whether your company is Swiss or international.
Your anniversary proves that you have run a successful business for years. With the help of Gruber & Ianeselli AG in Zurich, prove that you can also give people a few unforgettable hours.
