Video Story
Watch VideoHoliday party cutbacks
Story By: Jeannette Hynes
Source: KOAA
Forget the five-course meal and 15-piece band.
How about a lunch at the office and a string quartet?
A company party will likely look a bit more basic than in years' past, if the company is having a party at all.
A few weeks ago, the president of the Briarhurst Manor in Manitou Springs noticed a couple of holiday party cancellations.
"There's been a few places we've talked to about, who'd planned on booking, started considering the expense and they said well, we'll have an office party. We'll do it at the office," explained Ken Healey.
He says this year has been slower than in year's past for holiday parties, but he says he tries to fill in the gaps during the week.
"Advertising helps. Emails help. We do a mailing campaign," said Healey.
Other venues are finding, this year, if the company sticks with the party, it gets rid of the extravangance.
The Cheyenne Mountain Resort has come up with an idea for companies who are pinching party pennies. It's called the "Big Little Holiday Celebration" where anyone can buy a ticket, no matter how big or small the company is. Everyone shares the cost of the room, entertainment, and food on the same night.
"It does help the management teams appreciate their staff at a time when there's economic turmoil, otherwise, they might not be able to do it," said Catering Coordinator Dianne Reid.
For $65 a person, you get a five-course meal, live entertainment, and five dollars goes to the Empty Stocking Fund.
It's a way to cut costs, without cutting in on the fun.
