How to plan Christmas in a sporting venue

As event planners look to add something a little different to a Christmas party, sport can often be the perfect addition. From football and rugby to horse racing, Abigail Elkins, senior sales conference and events executive at Ascot Racecourse, shares why a sporting event is perfect for networking and team-building.

Planning an event at any time of year can be challenging, particularly around Christmas when time is pressing, resource often thin on the ground and budgets tight as the year draws to a close. However, sporting venues can offer a practical and excellent value solution, whether booking far in advance or at short notice.

Heritage and history
Keeping delegates engaged for the duration of an event is important but can also be a challenge if it’s taking place in an environment that is lacking visually. Sporting venues often have their own story or history behind them which creates an environment that is stimulating and memorable.

Iconic views
The nature of a sporting venue places visibility high up on the list of requirements and they often provide incredible views, whether that’s architecturally or location-based. By taking delegates out of an everyday space you encourage and motivate people to be innovative and creative too.

“By taking delegates out of an everyday space you encourage and motivate people to be innovative and creative too.”

Flexible spaces
Gone are the days of keeping delegates cooped up in a single space for a whole day. Due to the variety available in a stadium or sporting venue, you can be creative when planning an event to provide people with a range of experiences that break up the day.

Outdoor space
Sporting venues are often fortunate to have a vast amount of outdoor space, which provides almost limitless options when it comes to events. Having a choice of hardstanding ground and lawns and a range of indoor and outdoor spaces, an event can be tailored dependant on a huge variety of factors from ease of access to wet weather options, which is essential when contending with the British weather.

Best of both worlds
Many clients are now looking for balance when it comes to events, recognising that variety will often get better results. Sporting venues offer the best of both worlds by being able to hold a conference or event, followed by horse racing or a rugby match, which allows delegates to relax and network.