Issue link: http://www.insightdigital.biz/i/96377
UPFRONT connections By Amy Spreeman Let's get the party started Holiday celebrations rebound in the New North despite nationwide cutback W hen it comes to celebrating the season, New North companies seem to be recovering from a down economy faster than the national trend. According to the 23rd annual survey of corporate holiday parties, fewer of the nation's businesses held holiday parties in 2011 than in the past 25 years, and it's mostly due to budget considerations. And with Hurricane Sandy devastating the East Coast, 2012 may drive those statistics even lower. But here in Wisconsin, an informal survey of businesses in the New North shows a commitment on the part of employers to making the holidays memorable for those who work hard throughout the year to boost the success of their workplace. Even so, many celebrations have been scaled back or taken in house. "We no longer see real long leadtimes for planning holiday office parties at outside venues," says Joey Reader, president and founder of A-mazing Events, an Appleton-based event planning business. Reader says many corporate clients have adopted a wait-and-see approach before greenlighting the office party. "They're also steering away from open bars and 18 | Insight • D e c e m b e r 2 012 opting instead to issue a small number of beverage tickets, which helps with both cost and liability issues." According to the corporate holiday party survey, which was conducted by global executive search firm Amrop Battalia Winston, holiday parties across the country have been on the decline for the past few seasons. Only 74 percent of the companies polled planned holiday gatherings for their employees, compared with an all-time high of 97 percent in both 1996 and 1997 when the economy was stronger. Wipfli, an accounting firm in Appleton, has scaled back on costs since the recession. But the firm's employees are still treated to dinner and entertainment as a way to recognize and appreciate the team for its hard work. "Our team travels a lot throughout the year, so our holiday gathering is a great way to bring everyone together," says Lori Maki, Wipfli's office coordinator. "This year we are celebrating the holidays with dinner at Victoria's, followed by a concert at the Performing Arts Center." w w w. i n s i g h t o n b u s i n e s s . c o m