Year-end events have long been synonymous with a good ol’ party and consuming copious amounts of food and drink. While these traditional gatherings can serve a purpose, more and more businesses are recognising that these events have the potential to be so much more.
Onwaba Gonyora, Director at Brahman Hills, an award-winning destination venue in the KZN Midlands, believes that year-end functions are filled with untapped potential. She says, “Companies invest significant resources into these annual events. With planning, this investment can yield incredible returns. Instead of just throwing a party, businesses can create immersive experiences that celebrate their team’s achievements while simultaneously fostering personal growth and professional development. It’s about maximising the value of every rand spent.”
Gonyora adds that when it comes to creating a year-end function with more meaning and purpose, it’s important to look at creating experiences that resonate long after the event is over.
She offers five ways to elevate your year-end event into a memorable experience that builds strong relationships and fosters personal growth and development:
1. Choose a multifaceted venue: Select a venue that offers more than just great food and atmosphere. For instance, Brahman Hills boasts 26 international award-winning garden rooms and is set within the 1,000-hectare Blue Crane Nature Reserve. This expansive natural setting provides a serene backdrop for reflection on the year’s achievements and allows employees to connect with nature, promoting relaxation and rejuvenation as they prepare for the coming year.
2. Rewards and Recognition: “Babies cry for it, grown men die for it – recognition!” That’s why every year-end function should include an awards ceremony. For top achievers, consider offering a night’s stay or a weekend away. Brahman Hills, for example, provides luxurious bed and breakfast accommodations catering to various budgets, making it an incredible reward for outstanding performance.
3. Engaging Team-Building Activities: Make your year-end function more than just a party. Use it as a key opportunity to grow your people and build trust within teams. Brahman Hills offers an exhilarating experience with our full-scale obstacle course, complete with a zipline, and tailormade for team building and excitement at your event.
4. Interactive Experiences: Enhance your celebration with engaging activities that allow your employees to learn and create memories together. Consider options like wine or whiskey tasting sessions, a ‘sip and paint’ experience where participants can unleash their creativity, or guided garden and sculpture walks (like those offered at Brahman Hills). These interactive experiences not only entertain but also provide opportunities for team bonding and personal growth in a relaxed setting.
5. Give Back: Consider using your year-end celebration as an opportunity to make a positive impact on a local community. For example, Brahman Hills supports multiple Early Childhood Development (ECD) centres through the Nonprofit Organisation, The Unlimited Child. You can spend the morning giving a local crèche a mini makeover before heading to Brahman Hills for the awards and celebration. Many of these centres need a good paint job or repairs to buildings and facilities. This hands-on approach to giving back is not only fulfilling but also reinforces the importance of investing in South Africa’s future. This activity will ensure that you end the year on a meaningful and impactful note.
“At Brahman Hills, we believe that every event – whether a wedding, conference or year-end function is an opportunity to foster stronger relationships, make lasting memories and leave an enduring legacy — not just for your business, but for the people and communities you serve” Gonyora concludes.