Sony Pictures Entertainment is not among the companies drastically scaling back their corporate holiday parties this year, although it has made some tweaks. Thursday's party for 4,000 employees—and no additional guests—will have a new format. "We have moved our holiday party this year from a large tent on one of our parking lots to the studio's Main Street location," Sony Pictures Entertainment senior vice president of administrative services Lucienne Hassler said. "Though it will be smaller in scale, it allows us to take advantage of our existing event space, and we believe it will still be just as festive and enjoyable for our employees." Precision Event Group will produce, design, and manage the party on the lot.
"It's a little bit more of a logistical and production challenge—it's seven different areas, with the goal to distinguish and create distinct areas with lighting, linen, and entertainment," Precision's Jason Wanderer said. Precision will use color-blocked linens and lighting to create a different look in each of the distinct areas, with each also offering its own entertainment option—for instance karaoke, or a DJ with dance floor and disco ball.
The Rita Hayworth dining room is being set as a piano bar, and another location will feature acoustic jazz and blues performers. Four bands will perform on a main stage, where top execs will also lead the group in a toast, and employees will get to participate in a raffle. All the offerings "allow for people to relax with friends or get more involved with an activity like karaoke as they prefer," Wanderer said. ShowPro will handle lighting; Wolfgang Puck will cater; and Classic will supply the rentals.
