Ideas for Employee Awards Dinner Programs

Employee award dinners are great for company morale, but there is often the conundrum of how to make the event exciting and fun.  It is possible to host a dinner party that is interesting, enjoyable and still easy on the company budget.  Great award dinners will keep employees working hard toward the next one.

• Give funny awards in addition to serious ones.  For example, give an award for best car or most likely to leave early.  These awards can alleviate some of the seriousness of award dinners and make people laugh.  Smiling, joking and a sense of humor all put people in good mood.


• Consider hiring a DJ to play music at the dinner party instead of using a stereo.  Guests will be able to request favorite songs, and music can set the mood for a great time.  DJs are relatively inexpensive, especially when compared to live bands.


• Cut costs by asking every employee to bring a dish, like in a potluck dinner.  The food will be a topic of conversation that does not focus on work.  There will also be more variety than if you had the party catered.  Have a signup sheet in the office to prevent repeat dishes.


• Add a little live entertainment by hiring a magician or a comedian.  Watching an impressive magic show is fun, even for adults.  A comedian will lighten the mood and get everyone laughing.  By introducing the entertainment after dinner, you will avoid boring moments and give everyone reason to stick around.


• Give away prizes in addition to the awards by holding a raffle drawing.  The raffle can either be free to participate in, or you can collect money to be donated to a good cause.  Gift cards and baskets full of goodies make cheap prizes that will be appreciated.


• Provide interactive entertainment by encouraging guests to participate in game shows, such as a version of Family Feud or Wheel of Fortune.  Offer small prizes for the winners and consolation prizes for everyone who participates.