When it comes to budget cuts one of the first things to go is the Company Holiday Party but with but with Groove Heads Entertainment and The Venue of Scottsdale’s insider event planning tricks, companies can throw a great event that enhances employee moral and even increase sales long after the event. Here are few tips:

1. Use ambient entertainment that promote your company: Whether you are having your office party onsite or off, ambient entertainment gives guest the type of individual attention they want, a gift to take home and even long term company promotional benefits. For example: Groove Heads Entertainment offers interactive green screen entertainment that makes guest on-the-spot music video stars that participants take home. Each show is recorded on a souvenir DVD that has the company’s promotional message printed on it. Every time a guest shows a friend their show DVD, the company is promoted.

2. Look at off peak times – According to the Venue of Scottsdale, lunch or afternoon events or events mid week are usually less expensive. Ask what times are usually discounted.

3. Limit the party to employees and clients only--Although it's fun to invite spouses and family members, it can increase your costs by 40-50%.

4. Use in-house production – According to the Venue of Scottsdale, their clients that host large events can save as much as $8,000 by using their in-house sound and lighting production equipment and services verses bringing it in.

5. Provide your own music – For smaller events consider creating a playlist of holiday music on your iPod and plug it into the venue's sound system.

6. Finger it - when it comes to food— Offering a cocktail style event instead of a formal sit down dinner saves a LOT of money on rentals for flatware, china, linens and glassware. Plus, by offering lots of nice finger foods that require only a napkin or at most a small plate drastically reduce the staff needed for bussing and set up.

7. Cocktail cash- Think about having a cash bar or giving out a designated number of drink tickets to each guest. Once employees use up their tickets, they'll need to pay for additional drinks themselves.

8. Select a venue with an engaging décor that needs little addition decorations-- For example: the Venue of Scottsdale’s European style, cobblestone courtyard, three themed bars, lush VIP lounge and ballroom provides a party ready mix of fun elegance which many use as is.

9. Find a venue with strong ties in the hospitality industry. Well-connected venues can partner with other companies to provide special discounts. In addition, well-connected companies are more aware of industry trends and will make sure that your employees are getting the most for your money this year.

Groove Heads Entertainment, LLC, based in Mesa, Arizona, provides green screen entertainment, teambuilding activities, AV production and event photography services nationwide. For more information about Groove Heads visit www.grooveheads.com or call (602) 402-6306.

For over a decade, the Venue of Scottsdale’s, located in the Heart of Old Town Scottsdale AZ, 29,000 sq. ft., multilevel special event and live concert facility provides creative in-house event designers, catering experts and production engineers that transform any type of gathering into a stunning celebration. To take a tour of the Venue visit www.venueofscottsdale.com or call (480) 945-6475.