Although the holidays have come and gone, we’re still reflecting on the magic of the season. Angela Keller Pelc, CMP, manager of convention events, shares with us how our Private Events department was able to create a little holiday magic for one of their clients and share the fun ofHoliday Nights in Greenfield Village in a whole new way!

We recently hosted a second-annual event for Oakwood Healthcare Foundation, which wanted to offer a different kind of thank you to their major supporters – but not just for the adults to enjoy. Many groups are incorporating families into their appreciation or incentive events, and rather than hosting something swanky for employees and spouses (which, of course, we can also do!), groups like this one are looking to provide a fun and memorable experience that includes the kids, too.

Luckily, we can handle this type of volume and a family audience with several fun options – and we thought this would be a perfect fit for Holiday Nights in Greenfield Village!

Approximately 600 guests of all ages joined thousands of other visitors in enjoying the lantern-lit paths, live entertainment, costumed presenters and Model T rides of Holiday Nights – but with a special twist.

To give them a more personalized experience, we arranged a private reception area in our State Street Lunch Stand inside Greenfield Village to serve as a warming station and location to enjoy special treats just for them, including hot cocoa, cookies, s’mores kits and more.

The building also served as a gathering place so that Oakwood could connect with their guests – soon, people who were strangers just hours before were able to recognize and greet each other along the festive streets of Greenfield Village. What a wonderful family event in the spirit of the holidays!

This was quite a fun event for the foundation’s family and their guests, and this special Holiday Nights experience is just one small part of what our Private Events department does every day for our clients. When working with different organizations in hosting their special events, we can offer many different options according to their event needs, goals and objectives, allowing our client to shine for their peers and other stakeholders.

Would you rather attend a more family-friendly event such as this, or a more formal celebration? What do you think are the pros and cons of both?