How to deliver a low alcohol (or no alcohol) Christmas Party?

As someone who has delivered Australia’s largest sober dance parties with great success and attended many alcohol-free, wellness-oriented events over the years, I have had a unique perspective on what's possible and how to create the magic without the booze.  

What really surprised me when I first delivered sober events is how high-energy they became.  There really was no compromise in the party.  The events were designed to help people let go and give permission to play; once they overcome those initial inhibitions, the energy naturally builds.  A natural high is achieved by releasing happy chemicals through dance, music, play, and collective joy.  

But it's fair to say it's one thing to create a public event and attract people open to an alcohol-free experience, and another to engage the breadth of people within a company to accept no booze.  

Which begs the question of how to at least ensure a moderate consumption of alcohol to minimise risk?  Or if there is a mandate for no alcohol - how do you facilitate the fun and connection?

Alcohol has always been the social lubricant at company events - it's expected and often ingrained in a company's culture.  But younger generations are trending towards not drinking alcohol, and research shows they are looking for experiences and are motivated by the purpose of the organisation.

Here are the key approaches to achieving a low-alcohol consumption event without compromising fun and connection, and while catering to our younger audiences.

Create a high-experience event that people naturally participate in.

Let's be honest, most events you're seated being presented to and left hanging for a drink at the end of the day to let your hair down.  Curating an event journey which naturally engages and connects people helps break the need for alcohol.  Participation is key.  Leave no room for boredom.  When someone’s involved in an activity or working with others to create an outcome, they are simply not thinking about the drink.  How can you facilitate the fun, connection and self-expression?   We have plenty of ideas.  

Yes, but how do we warm up the party?

One thing I have seen that naturally gets the party started is a well-activated theme which inspires costuming.   Costuming helps break the fear of judgment and, in itself, becomes an icebreaker.  It also gives permission for play and encourages self-expression.    The theme activation, by creating an immersive experience that makes people feel as if they are entering another world, is also key to creating a space where people can step into their alter ego.  

Storytelling in the lead-up to bring the theme to life, with prizes for best-dressed, is a great way to build excitement and encourage people to think creatively about their costumes.  

The musical journey and the build-up through the night are vital ingredients, along with dance facilitators and performers, to get people dancing.  

Need us to create the most mind-blowing themed party that will blow the roof off?  We simply love wildly creative activations!

Create an inspiring alcohol free bar with a range that excites people

Too often, alcohol free options are limited to a token alcohol free beer or wine.  Which is a missed opportunity, given the incredible range of alcohol-free options available that taste like the real thing (ok, maybe not red wine - yet).   Plus, there are many alternatives that give you a lift, like cacao-based drinks.  

What if you had a full range of alcohol-free beers, wines, and cocktails?   A bar that helps bring the theme to life.   This would encourage taste testing to replace alcohol drinks and be an option to help people moderate.  Where they can still have a drink in hand that looks like an alcoholic drink.   And those who choose to be alcohol-free will be cheering. 

Purpose as the foundation for engagement

Being able to actively engage your people in the organisation's purpose through your event experience and bring this to life in a meaningful way is a powerful way to connect people cross-functionally.  How can staff actively participate in the storytelling of impact or an activity they participate in which raises funds for your cause partner?   When people are genuinely engaged in why they are there, there is less of an itch - oh, I need a drink.  

Get buy-in up front and set the intention for the experience you want to create.

I recently heard of a story in which HR simply removed the alcohol and delivered a standard event, which went down like a lead balloon.   With any given culture, there is only so far you can take people before you risk disappointment.  How you engage with your staff up front is important for gathering input and managing expectations.  

Removing alcohol could be a catalyst for thinking about how you build in wellness, fun and purpose.  If you're taking something away that people like, how can you replace it with a much better experience that people can get excited about?  A survey is always a great way to get collective input so you can report back on the consensus and take people on the journey.

You could always bring me in for an inspiring talk on my story of creating some seriously epic parties - sans alcohol, to set the scene of what we could co-create.  Take a sneak peek here.

Hopefully, this article has been inspiring.  And if any of this feels too much or daunting to execute.  That's why we are here as your event creatives to co-create the vision and execute it for you.