How to emcee a year end virtual celebration for your team

This morning I emcee'd not one but TWO year-end team events...before 9am Eastern time!

After 4 hours of facilitation, for two very different teams…here’s are 3 nuggets of wisdom based on what I saw these team leaders to and what I did as their emcee:

Team 1: Tech team for a major B2C and B2B tech brand, with participants based across EMEA. The event was 3 hours long - typically a long time for a virtual gathering, but it was effective!

Team 2: People & Culture team based across US + UK. Their gathering was 90 minutes and I joined them for half of the time.

1. You have more impact when you personalize the event for YOUR team.

*What's it look like?

- Team 2 recorded a "best moments of the year" video with submissions from colleagues. They did a great job of editing the video *tightly* to keep it punchy and interesting.
- Incorporate inside jokes. Team 1 made avatars of the team, printed them on socks and aprons, and sent them round to everyone. Their team even has an internal nickname: The CSG Rockstars.
- Team 2 sent me pronunciations of everyone's names in advance. As a result, I came in as an emcee who seemed to already know everyone. Pronunciation is more important than we sometimes think! Plan ahead so you get it right!

2. People have more fun when it’s super INTERACTIVE.

*What's that look like?

- Keep remarks from any 1 person <4 minutes long. Senior leaders, I'm looking at you! 😉
- Hire an emcee to ensure that conversation flows. (That's where I come in.) Team 1 had multiple activities - an escape room and a pancake toss. I served as a consistent, lighthearted voice that made connections and asked questions throughout.
- I invited both teams to build the playlist for their session when they entered the Zoom room. People get so excited when their song comes on!

3. People share a laugh when you incorporate SURPRISE.

*What's that look like?

- Team 1 had an unboxing with goodies inside.
- Team 2 had an awards ceremony.
- As an emcee, I incorporated moments of surprise. I led "Get to Know Your Team Trivia" for both groups, which is designed around guessing and surprise and laughter.

As we schedule year end gatherings, these are important design elements to keep in mind. People are busy, schedules are tight….if we’re going to ask colleagues to come to a meeting, let’s make sure it’s both valuable and enjoyable!