Planning Your Team Banquet This Season? Follow These Tips.
Nothing puts a punctuation mark on a fun season like a team banquet. These end-of-year events bring athletes and families together to celebrate the wins, the lessons, and the memories made over months of competition. If you’re hosting a youth or high school sports team banquet, here are just a few ways to balance fun, budget, and the true meaning of team sports for a memorable evening.
1. Start with a Plan
Every sports banquet typically focuses on a few components, though it may change depending on the size of your squad or the age of the athletes. High school sports banquets honor departing seniors, while younger clubs and organizations place added emphasis on welcoming new participants. Put your priorities in place and create an agenda that meets your needs; here are a few ideas:
Introduce or thank coaches, volunteers, and key contributors
Hand out merit-based awards, such as most-improved, best teammate, and best student
Ask coaches or players to summarize the season or celebrate one or two big wins
Communicate information for the off-season and next season, such as sign-up dates
2. Engage the Parents
Parents put considerable time, effort, and money into youth sports, and they’re also critical for providing additional team support by volunteering or fundraising. Take the time to thank engaged parents and clearly explain the many ways all parents can help. For example, if a busy mom or dad can’t attend every practice, they may be able to help maintain the team’s social media page or submit scores to the local paper.
3. Choose a Great Team Banquet Venue
Select a space that’s conducive to great discussion and socializing. Indoor/outdoor event spaces are ideal for younger sports teams; kids love playing outside before and after the more structured portions of the evening. An indoor option also provides a convenient power supply for a sound system and avoids weather-related issues. We happen to know just the place!
4. Keep It Fun
The best team banquets balance speaking time, great food, and simply spending time in each other’s company. Leave plenty of space for students and parents to interact, reminisce, and connect.
Make Memories Last with Venue Blue
Venue Blue is owned and operated by Discovery Pier, a Traverse City non-profit dedicated to forging a deeper connection between area residents and the Great Lakes. We’re proud to host team sports banquets and offer families a beautiful, natural setting to make lasting memories with their children. Book your banquet by the bay; get in touch.