5 Proven Ways to Get Your Picnic Guests to RSVP
One would think that it is common etiquette to RSVP, but many are wondering if the days of the RSVP are long gone. More than not these days those four little letters go unnoticed leaving party hostesses scratching their heads and biting their nails before the big event.
Thankfully, there are several ways that you can encourage your guests to RSVP.
Here are a few tips to make sure that you get the response you need when sending out invites.
1. Send them out on time.
You can’t blame guests for not responding if you send out your invites right before the event. That is why it is important to send them out well in advance. Of course, this time varies by the event type. For company picnics, as soon as you have a date and time, send out a save-the-date. To get the best turnout, at least eight weeks notice is recommended. In addition to invites, post flyers around your workplace and send out reminder e-mails leading up to the event.
2. Utilize an online invitation service.
Online invitations such as Evite are much easier for guest to RSVP to and perfect for company picnics. Facebook events work great too, however not everyone is on that platform. Most of these online services are free, so you can even send them in addition to a paper invite with no extra cost.
3. Provide alternate ways to RSVP.
Instead of just responding by phone, provide e-mail addresses or even a website where guests can RSVP (e-vites make this easy!). You can even include “Text or Call [phone number] to respond.” Many guests might hesitate to text at first, but if it is clearly stated on the invitation then they will find it okay. In a workplace setting, you can even have an RSVP form where they can respond. Remember, the point is to get the responses no matter how they do it.
4. Make the RSVP date prominent and urgent.
On many invitations, the reply date is tiny and in the corner where it is easily overlooked or seems unimportant. Choose to make the date prominent on the invite. It is also a good idea to provide a date as well as a sense of urgency to RSVP’ing. For example, instead of just “Please RSVP” say “Please respond by June 11th so there isn’t a BBQ shortage!” Our brains respond to scarcity, so phrases like this are more likely to get a response.
5. Provide an incentive for those that RSVP early.
People love to win things. Phrases like “The first 25 people to RSVP will win a $25 gift card” or “RSVP by July 8th to get entered into the drawing to win a flat screen TV!” provide a great incentive.
Now that you don’t have any worries about getting your guest to RSVP, it’s time to book your event at Faulkner’s Ranch! Check out our 2018 Picnic Package Flyers, then give us a call today to see how we can make your dream party come true!
Why You Should Have An Annual Company Picnic
Faulkner’s Ranch in Kansas City, Missouri is all about bringing people together and our company picnics are a perfect way to do just that.
Not sure a company picnic is right for your group? We’ve seen them in action and we know just how beneficial they can be for a company. Here are a few reasons company picnics are a must for your business.
Company Picnics Rejuvenate the Workplace
Everyone needs a day off from time to time. A company picnic is the perfect way to get your team outside and remind them what it is that makes your company special. Employees will not only return to work feeling rejuvenated, but they will also have a greater sense of appreciation and newfound motivation for the work they are doing.
Teamwork Makes the Dream Work
We all know how important teamwork is in the workplace. By getting to know their co-workers better, employees are more inclined to ask the right questions and work in a way that makes your company more efficient and enjoyable as a whole.
Company picnics are also a great way to bond with other departments and build an appreciation for all they do. These events give employees the chance to network with people in a variety of different roles throughout the company that they may not have the opportunity to do on a daily basis.
Company Picnics Celebrate Your Successes
Company Picnics are the perfect time to celebrate your employees by showing your appreciation for their work. Handing out awards, acknowledging those who have gone above and beyond, and sharing success stories are the perfect way to do just that. Simple things like door prizes and awards for picnic contests are another way to celebrate your team.
Plus, having your employees all in one place gives different departments a chance to see each other’s successes. Overall, company picnics are a great time celebrate those successes company wide.
Company Picnics Are a Family Affair
Company Picnics are the perfect opportunity to include your employees’ families. At Faulkner’s Ranch there are activities for all ages. From toddlers to grandparents, your guests will have something fun and memorable to take part in. By including these special people, it gives them an added appreciation for their loved one’s career.
Do It Right & Have It for Life
Company picnics are a great way to incorporate tradition into an environment where dynamics are ever-changing. Creating a tradition throughout your workplace is a great way to integrate new team members, while giving longtime employees the chance to celebrate their hard work and success.
In order to keep the tradition alive, it’s crucial to make sure your first company picnic, and every one after that, goes off without a hitch. Faulkner’s Ranch has all the details covered with our various company picnic packages so that all you have to do is sit back, relax and enjoy. Leave it up to our party professionals to ensure that your event is one that your employees will be talking about all year long.
For more information on how you can give your employees a company picnic they’ll never forget, please visit our website or contact Faulkner’s Ranch for more information at (816) 761-5055.
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How to Generate Buzz and Increase Attendance at Your Company Picnic
So you’ve booked your picnic!
You’ve selected your menu, we’ve hired the DJ and the entertainment, and now you’re ready to throw an awesome party. Just one thing is left…now you’ve just got to get your employees there.
So how do you get them to bring their families on their weekend off? Easy! Just follow the tips below for generating buzz for your picnic!
- Teaser E-mails
- As soon as you have a date set, be sure to send out a Save The Date e-mail or postcard. You don’t have to have any details planned. You just want to make sure that they mark that date on their calendar ASAP. Fun Idea: We recently had a client who sent out fun clues and pictures about where the picnic would be until their employees had guessed the location.
- Posters and Flyers E-V-E-R-Y-W-H-E-R-E
- Plaster the breakrooms, cubicles, bathrooms, and any other place you can think of with colorful posters. Make them easy to read and make sure the date is clearly displayed. This is also a good place to include the next tip…
- Promote Your Prizes
- One of the best ways to increase and ensure attendance is to give away some awesome door prizes, raffle prizes, and game prizes. If you are able to, be sure to include a few big ticket items such as a flatscreen TV, paid vacation, etc.
- One of the best ways to increase and ensure attendance is to give away some awesome door prizes, raffle prizes, and game prizes. If you are able to, be sure to include a few big ticket items such as a flatscreen TV, paid vacation, etc.
- Reward RSVP’s
- Recently we had a company give away prizes to the first 35 people that RSVP’d to their company picnic. When they arrived at the picnic they received their “early bird” prize. This is a simple way to make sure that those rsvp’s don’t get put off til the end and start rolling in right away.
- Include the Families
- If you will have lots of families and children at your picnic, make sure that you talk a lot about the activities that they will enjoy (i.e. jumphouses, hayrides, petting farm, face painting, etc.)
- If you will have lots of families and children at your picnic, make sure that you talk a lot about the activities that they will enjoy (i.e. jumphouses, hayrides, petting farm, face painting, etc.)
- Get Your Guest Involved In Big Decisions
- The more involved your employees are in the picnic planning process, the greater a connection that they will have towards it. There are several easy ways that you can do this:
- Have employees vote on a picnic name or theme.
- Create a picnic t-shirt by having employees submit ideas and designs, and then voting on a winner. Shick Company always does a wonderful job with this.
- Have contests that employees can prepare for ahead of time. For example, are you having a Wild Western Theme? Then have a contest for the best dressed! This gets the fun going before they even walk in the door.
- Nominate people for certain activities at your event. For example, if you’re having a dunk tank have employees vote on who they want to be the dunkee.
- Take requests for music ahead of time. An easy way to do this is to ask guests to include a song request with their RSVP.
- The more involved your employees are in the picnic planning process, the greater a connection that they will have towards it. There are several easy ways that you can do this:
If you do these simple things things leading up to your event, you’ll be sure to have a huge turnout!
Ranch Games 101
One of the best things about Faulkner’s Ranch is the variety of activities for guests of all ages. And there are opportunities for EVERYONE to participate no matter what your skill level may be.
Every Picnic Package includes what we call Ranch Recreation. These traditional tailgate games are placed around the property for the enjoyment of all of our guests. Many of the games can be played either as individuals or as teams. We’ve seen some pretty competitive Corn Hole games and intense Jenga challenges here at the Ranch!
Enjoy these activities during your visit:
- Horseshoes
- Hillbilly Golf (Ladder ball)
- Washers
- Giant Jenga
- Duck Races (Don’t worry – the ducks aren’t real ☺)
- Connect Four
- Volleyball
- Corn Hole (Bean Bag toss)
There are also organized games and DJ Games that your company event coordinator may select for your picnic. You might find yourself involved in an epic pie eating contest, tug ‘o war or learn a new skill roping a calf. (Again, don’t worry. The calf won’t get hurt because it’s made of steel!)
Playing at Faulkner’s Ranch is definitely an opportunity to do something out of the ordinary with your friends and co-workers!
To learn about our four super-fun picnic packages and how you can throw an awesome company picnic for your employees, visit our website today!
Bar Budget Know How
One of the most common questions we hear at the Ranch is “How much is the bar going to cost?”
The short answer is “It depends.”
There are dozens of drink calculators and guides online that suggest how much to budget for alcohol at a wedding reception. Those estimates can range from 10-20% of the overall wedding budget. While you wouldn’t dream of asking guests to purchase their meals, hosting a bar is just as important. But the truth is, YOU know YOUR guests best.
Try putting together a simple spreadsheet. First highlight the number of guests who are old enough to drink. Then, in different colors, highlight the number of light, average, and heavy drinkers.
The general rule of thumb is that guests will drink 2-3 drinks in the first hour and 1 drink per hour after that on average. Apply this information to your spreadsheet along with the cost per drink for your venue to determine a cost estimate for the bar. Ask yourselves how much you are willing to spend and consider the following ways to make your budget go further:
- Specify to the bartender whether you will want shots or doubles served. Providing drinks that way can add up quick!
- Provide liquor during a Cocktail Hour only then switch to beer and wine during the reception.
- Offer a limited batch of a Signature Drink. This is also another way to put your personal stamp on your special day.
Apply these ideas and you’ll have everyone raising their glasses to the happy couple!
Picnic Pay-Offs
Ahh, the summer company picnic!
The perfect opportunity for your organization to come together mid-way through the calendar year to celebrate and have fun with your employees and colleagues.
A company picnic is more than just a day of fun though – it also comes with great rewards! That’s right, the benefits of hosting a company picnic last far beyond the day of your event.
Read on to find out what we mean when we say
Your Picnic Will Pay Off!
To see the rewards of hosting a company picnic, just look at the word…
Participation
Work hard, play hard, right?! Picnics allow your employees to participate and engage in fun activities that are good for the soul. They are also a great way for your employee’s families to become involved and family support is one of the keys to having successful employees. In addition to all of this, an annual company picnic gives leaders a chance to show their fun side. There’s nothing like getting a chance to soak your CEO in the dunk tank!
Integration
Integration is an essential reason for hosting a company picnic in today’s business world. Picnics and corporate parties help integrate your company, regardless of your employees’ positions, ranks and departments. The simple conversations and face-to-face connections (sometimes the first meetings ever!) that come from these events create a lasting effect on work relationships.
Commitment and appreciation
Company picnics are the perfect time to recognize your employees by providing them with a fun time. We have seen firsthand how thankful a workforce can be toward picnic staff and service people, and that gratitude stems from the appreciation they have for the bosses and people in charge of signing off on the picnic. This in turn translates to your employees being more committed and appreciative of where they work.
Networking
The better your employees know each other, the easier it may be for them to ask each other the right questions, give understandable feedback, and ultimately streamline certain processes. The more teamwork your company can display, the more efficient you will be as a company, and that in turn saves you money!
Inspire gratitude
The appreciation we witness from employees who attend these events is heartwarming and affirms the purpose of an annual company event. As a result, it encourages loyalty and continued hard work. Company picnics not only boost employees’ morale, but they also rejuvenate employees’ spirit. Plus, they are the perfect place to share great news! Is someone retiring or did you reach a certain milestone within the company? This is the time to celebrate! Company picnics are also the perfect place to make major announcements in ways that the company is growing. Because of these things, employees will leave feeling revived and looking forward to working for a growing company.
Culture
Company picnics are key to establishing the culture of your company. The culture of your company is the character and personality of your organization. It’s what makes your organization unique and is the sum of its values, traditions, beliefs, interactions, behaviors, and attitudes. Hosting an annual company picnic is essential to maintaining and celebrating your company’s culture. The company picnic shows your employees that they are appreciated, celebrated, and will be rewarded for their hard work.
Bonus: As a boss, you’ll feel rewarded too!
There’s a more personal payoff to company picnics that isn’t mentioned as often. Company picnics provide a chance to look around and see hundreds of smiling faces all at the same time and take pride that it wouldn’t have happened without your company. You can take pride in knowing that this day happened because of the group that you put together.
So think twice before you cut the company picnic.
The rewards you get from from hosting this event far outweigh the time and energy it takes to plan it – especially when you have your picnic at Faulkner’s Ranch! Just choose from one of our four picnic packages, select your menu, and we do all the work! Setup, clean-up, orchestrating the fun – you just have to sit back and enjoy watching your employees and colleagues have a wonderful time making memories and building relationships with each other that they will take to work week after week.
5 Reasons Why January is the New December for Holiday Parties
If you’re like most people around this time of year, you’ve probably noticed that your December schedule is already becoming quite full. Between holiday parties, school concerts, shopping for presents, baking, traveling, and more, it can be hard to find a moment of free time during this busy season. That is why many employers are taking part in the popular trend of having their company holiday party AFTER the holidays!
It’s no wonder why they are choosing to do this either.
Here are 5 reasons why January is becoming the new December!
1. It is more convenient for the employees.
It is so much easier to find a free weekend in January than December. Because of this, your employees will appreciate not have to choose between events or other commitments. Plus, it is easier for employees to find babysitters after the busy holiday season when they are in high demand. All of this combined means a bigger turnout!
2. There are more dates to choose from.
There are only so many weekends in December before Christmas. January opens up a whole new slew of choices that don’t conflict with any holidays or travel times.
3. It boosts company morale!
After the bustle of the holidays, January can be a bit of a letdown. The festivities are done, the gifts are unwrapped, the hustle and bustle has come to a stop – now it’s back to the grindstone. Thankfully, a January event helps to add some excitement and fun to the schedule. January events allow your guests to laugh about the holiday stress without being in the middle of it. Everyone can trade stories and talk about their Christmas break without being worried about everything remaining on their to-do list.
4. January parties can easily be mixed with team-building activities.
Bouncing off of #4, January parties can be used to get the team motivated again. Incorporate some fun team-building activities into your event and encourage guests to participate with prizes. These team building activities, plus a chance to socialize outside of the office is a great way for employees to better their relationship with each other.
5. It’s a Great Way to Kick Off A New Quarter
Consider it a pep-rally of sorts! It may be gloomy and cold outside, but January events provide a fun night of motivation to get your team excited about what is in store and enthusiastic about goals for the new year! Plus, you can celebrate all of your accomplishments from the past year!
BONUS – It’s cheaper!
Many discounts are available in January. Plus, it gives you as the employer a chance to look at your year-end books to better decide how much you are able to budget.
It’s not too late to celebrate! January holiday parties are a great way to show your employees that you appreciate all of their hard work and dedication. Give them a night of food, drinks, and fun to reward them for all of their hard work!
Visit our website to find out more details on our super fun holiday party packages or give us a call today to book your exciting January event!
3 Reasons to Book Your Company’s Holiday Party NOW!
Summer is going by fast, then it’s back to school and before you know it, hello holidays! Waiting until December to stress out about your company’s holiday party can cost you. It may seem odd to think about booking a holiday party in this hot Kansas City heat, but NOW is the time. Want to know why? Find out from your party planning experts at Faulkner’s Ranch.
First, Why You NEED a Company Holiday Party
As if eggnog and Christmas cookies aren’t good enough reasons, having work parties are beneficial in boosting the entire office’s morale. Giving employees the opportunity to interact in a non-professional setting helps them connect as friends rather than co-workers.
Keeping the mood light and steering clear of work-related topics can recharge tired batteries and send the elves back to the workshop the next morning with a jolly attitude.
3 Reasons to Book Your Holiday Party NOW:
- The earlier you set the date the better turnout you’ll have. During the busiest time of year, it’s important to have your party details locked in early so guests can plan around it.
- Or try booking your Christmas party for January! This way everyone’s family parties and vacation time are over, and you can give them one last hurrah to kiss the holidays goodbye and kick off the New Year.
- Venues fill up, FAST. And the best ones go first. The early bird catches the worm, so make sure you have a reservation with your venue early or you’ll be stuck having your party out in the snow. (Not ideal.)
The Perfect Venue for Your Company Holiday Party
And speaking of venues, Faulkner’s Ranch is the ultimate place to rock around the Christmas tree at your company celebration. Our spacious banquet barn sits on the 25-acre ranch with plenty of space for parking. You can choose from a variety of holiday party packages ranging from traditional buffets and family friendly Santa photo ops, to casual cocktail holiday mixers.
With more than 60 years of event planning experience under our belt, Faulkner’s Ranch specializes in making your event unforgettable. Contact us today and see for yourself what makes Faulkner’s the best in the business.
5 Reasons to Host Your Company Party This Fall at Faulkner’s
Sure, company parties in the summer are great, but if you missed your summer window there’s still time to book a wonderful event this fall! Whether business is doing great, or employee morale needs a boost, hosting a company picnic or party is a great way to show your employees that you appreciate them.
But did you know that fall at Faulkner’s is one of the best seasons to host corporate events? That’s right! Check out these five reasons why.
Ready to book your company event? Take a look at our brand new Pumpkin Season packages!
1. Pumpkin Season at Faulkner’s Ranch
What could be more festive than a month-long event that provides daily seasonal activities, food and entertainment? Faulkner’s Ranch celebrates Pumpkin Season for the entire month of October, which makes it the perfect venue for your fall company party!
Enjoy the beautiful fall scenery and the pumpkin festivities all October long at Faulkner’s. Contact us today to schedule your next corporate event and make sure it will be a hit!
2. Weather
Kansas City fall weather alone is enough reason to plan a party! Between the changing leaves and the perfect temperature, what more could a party planner ask for? Nature provides a beautiful atmosphere without anyone lifting a finger, and it also provides a fun theme for your party without much effort at all.
3. Fall Food
Whether it is pumpkin spice everything or flavors reminiscent of a Thanksgiving feast, the pure joy that comes from fall-themed foods is unbelievable. Pay special attention to your menu, and guests will never want a party any other time of year!
Faulkner’s offers mouth-watering barbecue, fresh baked pumpkin spice donuts, hot apple cider, and even gourmet s’mores! We also have bar options for those who want to kick up the fun. Just a few more reasons why choosing Faulkner’s makes for a fun and festive fall venue.
4. Availability
Fall is the perfect time for a company party – children are back in school, the holidays haven’t hit yet, and aside from the week of Thanksgiving, families rarely go out of town.
Faulkner’s has tons of opportunities for booking company parties because we allow your party to enjoy the ranch while it’s open to the public! This allows for large groups and is a great way to get your company’s name in the public eye. We offer three unique packages and an on-site manager to ensure your experience is top notch.
Related Read: 5 Quick Tips for Increasing Company Picnic Attendance
5. Fun For Everyone
Fall is great for company parties if for no other reason than it being Human Resources approved! Hosting a harvest party is all-inclusive, no matter a person’s background or beliefs. Also, hosting a company party at Faulkner’s is great for including families. With our wide range of fun activities, we have something for everyone, which makes us the perfect venue for celebrating everyone at your company!
Related Read: 4 Reasons Your Company Needs an Annual Picnic
But wait — It doesn’t stop there. Faulkner’s Ranch also hosts holiday parties! Visit our website today and check out the fun your company could have at Faulkner’s Ranch!
5 Quick Tips for Increasing Company Picnic Attendance
Company picnics can be just what your employees need to boost productivity and morale in the office. But how do you ensure that the whole company is on board? Faulkner’s Ranch has some quick tips on how to increase the attendance – and the benefits – of your next company picnic.
Not sure a company picnic is worth the money? Check out: 4 Reasons Your Company Needs an Annual Picnic
1. Save The Date
One of the first steps to planning a company picnic is choosing a date. Once that date has been chosen, your next step is beginning to spread awareness of your event. Make sure to send a save the date or invitation early on and include all the information they’ll need to plan ahead and get excited, and make sure to include an RSVP email for guests to reply.
Want to go the extra mile? Create a Facebook event to go along with it. This allows you to update attendees of any last minute changes, send out reminders as the date approaches, and continue to generate buzz.
2. Post Flyers Around the Office
Sure, you may have sent out the invites months in advance, but once that invite is out of sight, it also becomes out of your employee’s mind. Keep a consistent design that matches the initial invite, and design a flyer or a poster to hang around the office to make sure they don’t forget.
We suggest posting these in high-traffic areas around your office for everyone to see. This will ensure that every employee remembers the big day, and that the attendance of your picnic will be booming!
Helpful Tip: Get creative and use the theme of your event to get your guests excited
3. Entice With a Prize
Everyone loves to be rewarded, especially when there’s a prize involved! A great way to do this is to reward employees who RSVP. For instance, reward the first 35 employees who RSVP with an early bird prize once they arrive at the event. This not only promotes more people to come to your company picnic, but it makes your life easier dealing with RSVP’s, and also gives them an incentive to show up on the day of the event.
Another way to reward party-goers is with a party favor! This gives employees one more thing to look forward to as well as encourage them to stay until the end of the event.
4. Include Families
Big companies struggle to plan events during work hours, and when company picnics fall during employee’s free time it tends to decrease attendance in a big way. A great way to increase attendance for company picnics that are outside of work hours is to include families.
This will not only boost attendance amongst employees with families, but it adds more meaning to the event, while also reminding them that your company appreciates and values the time they spend at work away from their families and loved ones.
5. Get It Trending
Get your employees involved with your company picnic. Create a hashtag and include it in everything leading up to the event, and use it as a way to track your success and get it trending throughout your company.
Using a hashtag for a company event is also great for the day of the company picnic. Any pictures or videos posted with the hashtag allows employees to access fun memories from the picnic even long after it’s all over.
Related Read: 5 Ways You Can Use Social Media to Boost Event Attendance
Interested in a hosting your company picnic at Faulkner’s Ranch? Check out our company picnic packages, or contact us today to find out more!
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