With the holiday season approaching, demand for corporate in-person parties in Calgary is on the rise.
From vendors to banquet halls, businesses that rely on the busy Christmas season are booking solidly.
Allison Estay operates Out Of Our Heads Productions. The company is based in Calgary and hosts game shows, trivia, and team building exercises across Canada.
Over the past two years, she has had to pivot to online events, but the nature of her business makes it different from hosting in-person parties.
“Last year I thought my business was over,” said Estey. “I thought this was it. I started looking for a new career and everything.”
But in 2022, her calendar will be filled with three events a day until mid-December.
“This year is a record year,” said Estay. “It’s crazy. Everyone just wants to bond and get together and have fun.”
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COVID continues to cancel Calgary corporate Christmas parties
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COVID continues to cancel Calgary corporate Christmas parties
The number of reservations for banquet halls has also increased dramatically.
Gabriela Fierro is the Front of Host Manager at Empire Banquet Hall in Northeast Calgary.
She says the business has a budget again and a desire to host full-scale events.
“We are very happy to be back in business again,” said Fierro. “It’s great to see people happy again. They’re dancing and having fun. It’s back to normal.”
No COVID Worries
Both Estay and Fierro say few clients ask about COVID or health policies when booking.
“No one asked me about COVID protocols,” Estay explained. but not worn by the guests themselves.”
With government policies not being implemented, Fierro says it’s up to individuals to choose the level of protection they’re comfortable with.
“Some people choose to wear masks, but most people don’t want to,” Fierro said. “They don’t talk about (COVID). I feel like they just want to forget it.”
Health services expert Lorian Hardcastle has led her to hope that more in-person events held over the holidays will lead to more cases of COVID and other illnesses. said.
“I think it is unlikely that the government will resume COVID-related measures,” Hardcastle said. I think we need to listen.”
Hardcastle adds that he hopes some private companies will reinstate the rule for employees concerned about absenteeism.
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