Top Company Picnic Planning Tips

Company Picnic Planning Tips by Edd Fairman, Wizard of Sorts 1. Choose Easy Food: Most of the traditional picnic food falls into this category but I have been to picnics where the planners thought it would be interesting to thinkoutside the box. This usually just ends up being hard on the guests. You want to choose food that is: A. Easy to Eat: Burgers, Dogs, and other sandwiches come in their own eatable packaging. B. Easy to Store: There is tons of debate about Mayonnaise’s ability to stand up to the hot summer sun. Here is an interesting article about Summer Food Safety Myths: http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/25267057/ns/today-today_health/ C. Easy to Make: Even if you have the food catered, cooking outside, or transporting cooked food or ingredients to the picnic site can be a challenge. Like I said before, most picnic food is popular because it is easy. 2. Choose a convenient Location: Some park areas are so huge finding the right picnic grove can be its own adventure. If you book early, which I highly recommend, you will be able to pick the grove closest to the main entrance to the park. I have entertained at some picnics that have been on the company grounds. This can be very convenient for the employees but you also have to ask yourself, "Are our grounds good for a picnic?" You don't want your co-workers to feel like they have to go to work on their day off. 3. Know the rules: Each park district, and for that matter, your company, has its own rules as to what is allowed and not allowed in picnic areas. Glass bottles are almost universally prohibited. 4. Get Help: If you are lucky enough to have a planning committee, delegate as much as possible. Your job as the committee chairperson is to organize, communicate, and direct. If you are a committee of one, use the resources available. Reach out to friends, colleges, or family members, who have planned an event in the past. Also, use your vendors as resources. If you hire a caterer, they will have plans and tips for you. If you hire an entertainer, they will also be able to help. 5. Have a contingency plan: Since most picnics are planned for outdoors and weather is always unpredictable, a back-up plan is always a good idea. If you plan early (see above) you will be able to pick a picnic grove that has a large pavilion that will accommodate all your guests if it rains. Another possibility is to use your office space as your back up location. Rain dates can be very problematic. Often times, your guests won’t be able to make it to a second date and you will end up losing deposits for caterers, dj’s, etc. 6. Activities: Planning the activities can be the toughest part of planning a picnic. You want things to interest everyone. If you plan early (there it is again) you can pick a picnic grove with an adjacent baseball field and/or playground. Hiring a family friendly entertainer who can entertain all ages can be a great way to get people excited about your picnic. About the Author: Edd Fairman is a comic magician that performs for companies all around the Country. Please visit his website at http://www.wizardofsorts.com. Mention this Tip Sheet and Receive 18% off the quoted price for your Company Picnic.

Great New Resource and eBook

In my constant quest to find all the tips and information I can about Party Planning ideas and tips, once in awhile I run into a really great one. The Party Planning Guru will send you a free 10 day Mini course in party planning ideas! Just pop your email address into the page and you get your first lesson immediately!

I also found a really fun e-book on how to plan an awesome Scavenger Hunt Party. With the warm weather quickly approaching it will be time for all those summer picnics and loads of kids looking for something to do.

7 reasons to have a magician at your next event.

7. Save Money- A magician in comparison to many other forms of entertainment is actually cheaper than most. A band (because it requires many performers) can really become very expensive. Most "speakers" are way over priced because they market almost exclusively to the corporate market.

6. Universal- Magic is loved by people of all ages and social standing. Not everyone loves rock, hip hop, or polka but almost everyone loves magic.

5. Flexible Size- Either a magic show or a walk around magician can fill a stadium or fit in a living room. No only does it fit in different size venues it also fits different styles of parties, different energy levels, and even different noise levels.

4. Customizable- Most magicians, including your author, can customize their show to fit your specific message, theme, or event.

3. Less stress- An experienced magician can help you with planning suggestions, venue recommendations and more.

2. Different- Shake things up with the wonderment that a magician can provide. A DJ, band, or speaker is so blasé.

1. Memorable- Your guests will be talking for a long time about the great time they had at your event. You can make a great impression on your client. When you have someone at your event that can do the impossible, imagine what your client will think of you.

Edd Fairman is a Chicago Magician who does magic for corporate and private parties. He specializes in making you look good through an awesome show, great communication through the booking process, and logistical help.