How to Host a Professional Happy Hour for Your Austin Team

How to Host a Professional Happy Hour for Your Austin Team

Are you looking to take your team's happy hour game to the next level? As an Austin-based premium alcohol delivery service, we know a thing or two about elevating corporate events and creating unforgettable experiences. Whether you're planning a casual after-work gathering or a more formal team-building affair, a thoughtfully curated happy hour can work wonders for boosting morale and strengthening workplace relationships.

In this guide, we'll share our top tips for hosting a professional happy hour that will have your colleagues raving. From finding the perfect Austin venue to crafting a crowd-pleasing beverage menu, we'll cover all the details to ensure your event is a resounding success.

Choose the Right Venue

The venue can make or break your happy hour, so it's essential to select a space that fits your team's vibe and your event's needs. Here are a few top-notch options in Austin to consider:

When evaluating venues, consider the guest count, available amenities, and overall vibe. A lively spot like Mohawk might be perfect for a casual happy hour, while the elegant Fairmont Austin could set the tone for a more formal affair. Don't forget to factor in accessibility, parking, and any necessary A/V equipment.

Curate a Crowd-Pleasing Beverage Menu

No happy hour is complete without an impressive selection of drinks. Work with the venue or a local catering service like Party On Delivery to craft a thoughtful menu that caters to all tastes. Here are some ideas to get you started:

• Signature cocktails featuring local Austin spirits like Deep Eddy Vodka or Treaty Oak Distilling
• A diverse selection of local craft beers from breweries like Austin Beerworks and Jester King Brewery
• High-quality wines, both by the glass and bottle, from Texas vineyards like Duchman Family Winery and Pedernales Cellars
• Non-alcoholic options like specialty mocktails, infused seltzers, and artisanal sodas

Be sure to include a variety of price points and offer both alcoholic and non-alcoholic choices to accommodate all your guests. Don't forget to provide water and light snacks to help pace the drinking.

Plan Engaging Activities

While mingling and networking are essential for a successful happy hour, it's also a good idea to have a few planned activities to keep your team engaged. Here are some ideas that work well for corporate events:

• Trivia or team-building games
• Interactive demos or workshops (e.g., cocktail-making class, office chair yoga)
• Photo booth or other photo opportunities
• Raffle or prize giveaways

Depending on the size of your group, you may want to hire an event coordinator or entertainment company to facilitate the activities. This can help ensure the flow of the event runs smoothly and everyone has a good time.

Promote the Event

Once you've nailed down the details, it's time to get the word out! Promote your happy hour through internal channels like email, Slack, and company calendars. Consider creating an eye-catching flyer or graphic to share on social media and encourage your team to spread the word.

For a more formal feel, you could even send out digital invitations through a platform like Evite or Paperless Post. This can help build anticipation and ensure a solid head count.

Prioritize Safety and Logistics

As you're planning your happy hour, don't forget about the practical considerations. Work with the venue and your catering partner to ensure the event is well-staffed, with bartenders, servers, and a designated point of contact.

You'll also want to have a plan in place for transportation, whether that's coordinating rideshare pickups, arranging for a Longhorn Charter Bus to shuttle guests, or offering an Uber/Lyft promo code.

Safety should be a top priority, so consider providing water and snacks, limiting drink tickets or offering non-alcoholic alternatives, and having a designated sober driver or transportation plan in place.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How early should I start planning my happy hour?

A: For a corporate happy hour, it's generally a good idea to start planning 4-6 weeks in advance. This will give you enough time to secure your venue, finalize the event details, and promote it effectively to your team.

Q: Can I host a happy hour at my office?

A: Absolutely! Hosting a happy hour in your office can be a great way to create a more casual, intimate atmosphere for your team. Just be sure to clear it with building management, ensure you have the appropriate space and amenities, and consider any potential noise or other concerns.

Q: Do I need to provide food at a happy hour?

A: While not strictly required, offering light snacks and appetizers is generally a good idea for a happy hour. This helps pace the drinking and ensures your guests don't get too hungry. Work with your venue or catering partner to choose crowd-pleasing options that complement your beverage menu.

Q: How can I make my happy hour more sustainable?

A: There are several eco-friendly steps you can take to make your happy hour more sustainable, such as using reusable or compostable serving ware, offering local and organic food and beverage options, and providing recycling stations. You can also consider offsetting the event's carbon footprint by working with a company like Terrapass.

Conclusion

By following these tips, you'll be well on your way to hosting a professional, memorable happy hour that will leave your Austin team feeling appreciated and energized. Explore our corporate happy hour services to discover how Party On Delivery can handle the planning, premium beverage delivery, and professional bar setup for your next team-building event. Cheers to bringing your team together!