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Some companies spending more on parties

December 13, 2010

The Washington Post

 Some companies spending more onparties

 

By Danielle Douglas
Monday, December 13, 2010; 13

Around this time last year,Christopher N. Otway, director of sales and catering at the Marriott WardmanPark in the District, had a handful of holiday parties lined up.

Many of the hotel's regulars shiedaway from their annual shindigs during continued economic uncertainty. Otwaysuspects, however, that the decisions had more to do with perception thanbudgets, amid backlash against lavish corporate events.

Now that the economic climate haswarmed somewhat and public scrutiny has cooled, holiday bookings at the Wardmanare up 60 percent.

"People were trying to get afeel for the economy," Otway said. "And at this point, some companiesfeel they need to have these parties just to say, 'Thank you for sticking withus through the tough times.'(TM)"

Hotels and restaurants around theWashington area are reporting an upswing in bookings for holiday parties asemployers shake off the doldrums of the recession.

A number of companies last yearreduced spending on holiday celebrations or canceled them altogether, in lightof layoffs, buyouts and other cost-cutting measures. Employers may be bringingback the festivities, but they remain largely conservative in their planning.

Some companies, for instance, areopting for buffet-style receptions rather than sit-down dinners. Instead ofoffering an endless supply alcohol, firms are ponying up for the first drinkand providing a cash bar thereafter. Holiday parties can run anywhere from$1,000 to $100,000 and some companies are still vigilant in keeping down costs.

Lynne Breaux, president of theRestaurant Association Metropolitan Washington, said while restaurateurs arereporting a rise in bookings, some have said the amount being spent per partyis fairly flat. "You want to do a nice party, but certainly people arebeing much more circumspect," she said.

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