Bringing company lunches and dinners forward: The new trend that is gaining ground

The Christmas season has always been synonymous with company lunches and dinners. However, in recent years a new trend has emerged that is revolutionising the way companies plan these events: bringing the celebrations forward to October and November. This increasingly popular strategy not only makes it easier to organise corporate events, but also improves the employee experience and ensures a more relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere.

By moving the date forward, companies not only avoid the stress of the busy holiday season, but also take advantage of the flexibility and cost advantages that these months leading up to it offer. This innovative approach can completely change the way your company organises its celebrations, ensuring greater attendance and enthusiasm from your team. Below, from Vincci Hotels we show you how this paradigm shift can benefit your organisation.

Escaping from overcrowded agendas

December is known to be one of the busiest months of the year, both on a personal and professional level. In the workplace, companies are wrapping up projects, reviewing annual goals, and designing strategies for the following year. This brings a considerable workload for employees, who must also deal with personal commitments such as Christmas shopping, family dinners, and get-togethers with friends. This combination can be overwhelming and directly affects the availability and enthusiasm with which employees attend corporate events in December.



Bringing the celebration forward to the months of October or November It offers a respite. During these months, employees' schedules are usually less packed and the atmosphere in the office is more relaxed, as the stress of the end of the year has not yet reached its peak. Employees have more flexibility to attend the company lunch or dinner and do so with a more positive attitude, which creates a more cheerful and participative atmosphere. In addition, since it is not the middle of the holiday season, employees can see the event as an opportunity to disconnect from daily work and enjoy a unique experience with their colleagues.

Another advantage is that by holding the event before December, employees feel more connected and engaged to the company. These types of celebrations outside of the Christmas season reinforce the sense of belonging and allow the team to close the year with energy and motivation.

Greater flexibility and options at your fingertips

The high demand for venues and suppliers during the month of December is one of the main obstacles when it comes to organising a corporate event. Restaurants, hotels and other event spaces are often booked months in advance, which considerably limits options and forces companies to adjust to the remaining availability, often paying higher prices due to the high season.

Choosing to bring the celebration forward to October or November opens up a range of opportunities that are practically unattainable in December. During these months, the offer of spaces is much wider, which makes it easier to choose a place that fits the specific needs of the company and the type of event you want to organise. In addition, prices are usually more competitive, which allows access to better services without having to compromise the budget.

Another important advantage is flexibility in planning. By not being conditioned by the high demand of the Christmas season, companies can customise the event with more freedom. This includes everything from choosing a special menu that fits the tastes and preferences of the team, to organising additional activities that complement the experience, such as team building dynamics or themed experiences that strengthen team spirit. In short, bringing the celebration forward allows you to design a tailor-made event, where every detail can be carefully planned to ensure that it is a memorable experience.

Unhurried preparations

Organising an event in December means competing with the pressure and rush that characterises the end of the year. Companies are focused on closing the year, meeting pending objectives and planning for the following year, which leaves little room to devote the necessary time and attention to organising a corporate celebration. This can lead to preparations being made in a hurry and important aspects such as decoration, choosing the menu or planning the activities being neglected.

By moving the event date forward to October or November, companies gain valuable time to organise the event without the stress of December. With more time to plan, it is possible to take care of every detail and ensure that everything is up to the team's expectations. In addition, having more time allows for better coordination with suppliers, ensuring the availability of high-quality services, such as catering, live music or professional photographers.

This advance planning also makes it easier to personalise the event. For example, you can design décor that reflects the company’s identity and values, or choose a menu that suits employee preferences, including vegetarian or gluten-free options. With more time, companies can ensure that the event is an authentic and well-organised experience, where every aspect is aligned with the company’s goals and ethos.

Impact on team productivity and motivation



One of the most important aspects of organising a company dinner or lunch is its impact on employee productivity and motivation. In December, when year-end stress is at its highest, the corporate celebrations can become an additional chore in an already overcrowded schedule. This can negatively affect the atmosphere of the event, turning it into a commitment rather than an opportunity for enjoyment and connection.

Moving the celebration forward to October or November completely changes the dynamic. By organising the event at a time of year when employees are not under as much pressure, a space for relaxation and genuine enjoyment is created. Employees can disconnect from the work routine for a moment, which helps reduce accumulated stress and allows them to recharge for the final months of the year.

This respite has a direct impact on productivity. Employees who feel valued and who have the opportunity to share a relaxed moment with their colleagues usually return to work with a more positive and motivated attitude. In addition, these events help to strengthen the bonds between team members, which improves communication and the work environment in general.

A Growing Trend

More and more companies are adopting this new trend, recognizing the multiple advantages of bringing forward their corporate celebrations. This strategy not only guarantees a more efficient and less stressful organisation, but also provides a more pleasant and personalised experience for employees.

At Vincci Hotels, we have a wide range of MICE spaces and services in our establishments. ready to make your corporate event an unforgettable experience. We offer flexible and personalised solutions, with spaces ranging from meeting rooms equipped with the latest technology to terraces and restaurants perfect for gala dinners or outdoor cocktails.

This year, we invite you to break the rules and discover the benefits of bringing forward your corporate event. Plan your event in advance, take advantage of the benefits of holding it in October or November, and offer your team a unique experience that they will remember all year long. At Vincci Hotels, we make sure to take care of every detail so that you can enjoy an event that lives up to your expectations and the efforts of your team.

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