This is the time of year when you can get everyone together from the gym to mix, mingle and celebrate the season! Bring family, friends, and neighbors – everyone is welcome!
So where should you host the party – your gym? A local brewery? Let’s discuss some Pros and Cons.
A Holiday Party at Your Gym
Cons:
Stressful and Increased Liability:
Just seeing those two words next to each other makes me nervous! You are responsible for every single thing that goes down until every member arrives at their home. Did you know that if you charge anything for your in-house Party then you are liable for anything that happens at the party AND on the way home? Read more here from Vaughn Vernon.
Alcohol:
My Commander in the army used to do a safety brief before every weekend. He said in his country twang: “nothing good comes from alcohol.” Let’s add, “Nothing good comes from alcohol at the gym.” Things get crazy, people start talking about CrossFit because that’s all we talk about, and suddenly Drunken Daisy gets hurt trying to PR her snatch in heels.
Clean Up:
Owners dread cleaning already. After the party, your gym reminds you of some house party in college. Good luck with clean up, especially the dried up paleo pizza on the mats.
Pros:
Potluck:
It is easy, cheap, and fun. Everyone gets to bring something they enjoy and they get to share.
Homeland:
Lets face it, a CrossFit gym is like everyone’s second home. We love being there, it’s comfortable, and we’re more relaxed in our natural element. Why not invite people in, show off your home, and celebrate how awesome it is! Plus everyone knows how to get to and from the gym; there’s no need to send out directions.
Holiday Party at a Venue
Cons:
Cost:
Usually you have to pay for a venue, whether it is the reservation, food or a drink bill. That may not fit into your budget.
Location:
Some of you members may live near the gym but may not live anywhere near the venue you pick.
Pros:
Cost:
Yep it is a pro too. You can provide it all for your members: the food, the drinks, the location. It is like a one-stop shop. Splurge, have fun, and reward yourself for having an awesome community. You could also charge per head if needed to cover a pricey venue.
Venue:
They provide it all: entertainment, food, drinks, and best of all… you are not liable for anything. You don’t need to worry about a crock pot not heating up, or running out of water. Another top seller for going to a venue: no clean up for you! You hang out with your friends, eat and drink, dance…and then go home. No late night cleaning, no paleo pizza on the floor, nada!
*I have done both options: party at the gym and party at a local establishment. While the party at our gym was a blast, after renting out a local venue; I vote for going outside the box always. It is a lot less stress for me as the owner and I even get to kick back.
Whichever option you choose, have fun, celebrate with your community, and always have designated drivers.
This post was written by Lindsey Marcelli, co-owner of CrossFit Eminence with her husband Kris.