The year-end party is no longer just a traditional Christmas dinner. It’s a highlight that motivates employees, celebrates achievements, and strengthens team culture. In this interview, Vera Germann, Project Manager at Habegger, shares insights into planning and executing modern end-of-year-events – and reveals what really makes a celebration memorable for everyone.
Vera brings nearly 20 years of experience in the events industry and works at Habegger in a hybrid role. On one hand, she coordinates projects for major international companies in the French- and German-speaking regions of Switzerland, including clients in the watch, FMCG, medical and pharmaceutical sectors. On the other hand, she structures background processes in Habegger’s central project platform, researches venues, catering partners and event ideas, and ensures that all trades are aligned for a pitch. This combination of strategic oversight and operational experience forms the foundation for unforgettable end-of-year-events.
An end-of-year-event isn’t just a Christmas dinner – it can be anything, from festive and elegant to creative and unconventional.
What matters is that the celebration closes the year, acknowledges achievements, and shows employees that they are valued. Every year, numerous Christmas and end-of-year events take place in our partner venues. International companies, in particular, turn to us to celebrate their teams in a creative, inclusive, and engaging way.
While traditional Christmas parties can feel stiff and formal, modern end-of-year events stand out for their flexibility and neutrality. Religion or politics play no role. Instead, the focus is on a coherent experience that includes all employees, regardless of personal preferences.
Many companies still call it a “Christmas party,” but in reality, it’s an end-of-year celebration. We plan events that can be festive or wild – the main goal is to create emotion and team cohesion, says Vera.
A modern end-of-year event thrives on technical sophistication. Lighting and video effects create unique atmospheres. For one of our regular clients in 2025, we implemented the theme “Under the Sea”. While decoration was important, most of the budget went into technology – the result: employees really felt as if they were underwater. Technology creates wow moments and unforgettable memories, explains Vera.
End-of-Year Event with the theme “Under the Sea”
Planning often begins months in advance, especially for large companies with international offices. One-off events can be arranged at short notice, but for recurring clients, Vera recommends early planning to secure the best venues, artists, and technical solutions.
Challenges inevitably arise – from tight December schedules to material availability and staffing. Vera emphasises: We overcome these challenges with structure, experience, and a strong network, ensuring the event runs smoothly.
Plan early: Starting too late risks fully booked venues and missing highlights.
Budget realistically: This allows the optimal combination of artists, technology, and decoration.
Choose the right theme: The venue and concept should match the company culture and excite the team.
When is a Christmas dinner enough, and when should you organise a full end-of-year event? Sandhya and Malik share practical tips for companies of all sizes – from entire workforces to individual departments.
Want to learn how we plan end-of-year events that delight employees and strengthen teams? Get in touch – we provide tailored advice and share exclusive insights from our past projects. All references are strictly confidential to protect our clients’ privacy.
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