As some of you know – I am the Events Manager at a Manhattan restaurant. It is my job to “sell” the restaurant to corporate and tour groups – and coordinate all large parties. I have been doing this job at various NYC restaurants for almost 15 years.
And in 15 years, I have NEVER had such a slow December. December is the month for corporate holiday parties – and this year I have booked exactly ONE. That’s right … one holiday party – and it’s a small one at that.
It has literally become politically incorrect for companies (even profitable ones) to spend money on holiday parties. With so many people out of work, and some of the biggest financial firms (many of which are based here in NYC) having to be bailed out – companies aren’t willing to spend money publicly on something as “frivolous” as a holiday party.
Two years ago I had eight large parties (and numerous small ones) – with clients such as Goldman Sachs, Morgan Stanley, and the accounting firm Deloitte. This year? My one and only client is a small publishing company … owned by a Jewish family.
This is a shame. First of all – bitch all you want about your boring company Christmas Party – but it’s still usually an opportunity to see your co-workers in another environment and let off some steam. It's also an opportunity to get the hot guy in accounting drunk and possibly naked. After all, there are very few negatives when you're talking about free food and booze – especially in this economy.
And in 15 years, I have NEVER had such a slow December. December is the month for corporate holiday parties – and this year I have booked exactly ONE. That’s right … one holiday party – and it’s a small one at that.
It has literally become politically incorrect for companies (even profitable ones) to spend money on holiday parties. With so many people out of work, and some of the biggest financial firms (many of which are based here in NYC) having to be bailed out – companies aren’t willing to spend money publicly on something as “frivolous” as a holiday party.
Two years ago I had eight large parties (and numerous small ones) – with clients such as Goldman Sachs, Morgan Stanley, and the accounting firm Deloitte. This year? My one and only client is a small publishing company … owned by a Jewish family.
This is a shame. First of all – bitch all you want about your boring company Christmas Party – but it’s still usually an opportunity to see your co-workers in another environment and let off some steam. It's also an opportunity to get the hot guy in accounting drunk and possibly naked. After all, there are very few negatives when you're talking about free food and booze – especially in this economy.
And speaking of this economy, when companies DON’T throw holiday parties the economic effects are felt by people like me. Not to mention the bartenders, waiters and cute busboys who rely on the gratuities from these parties to spend on their families. It is going to be quite a lean Christmas for all of us – and I feel like I somehow let down the staff by not being able to bring in more business.
I just hope this negative stigma toward corporate parties isn’t around next December – because it really sucks. And if you work at a company and are the decision-maker regarding your holiday event next year – do SOMETHING. A dinner or even a happy hour at a bar will give those of us in the service industry a much needed boost during the holidays.
