Holiday Party Coordination

Planning a holiday party isn’t just about picking out decorations or sending fancy invitations. It’s about ensuring every employee, including those with disabilities, can participate comfortably and enjoy the celebration. From making sure invitations are accessible to creating truly optional events, there are simple but impactful ways to make everyone feel included. When we don’t think through digital and physical accessibility, we unintentionally exclude people before the event even begins. Ever received an invitation that’s a fancy PDF? Imagine trying to navigate that with a screen reader. Or think about how flashing lights can turn a festive environment into a risk for people with epilepsy. Want to create a holiday party that celebrates everyone? Consider adding a quiet zone, keeping decorations sensory-friendly, and checking that your venue layout supports mobility needs. And remember, “optional” should actually mean optional, without career implications or social pressure. Let’s commit to making this holiday season inclusive. Check out the article for actionable steps to ensure your holiday gatherings are accessible for all. #Inclusion #Accessibility #HolidayParty #CorporateCulture #DiversityandInclusion https://lnkd.in/e2RQkD-Y

My favourite God is here. He’ll impart Wisdom, wealth and abundance. Ganesh Chaturthi is a #Celebration of #Community, #Sustainability, and #Learning Ganesh Chaturthi, a vibrant festival honoring Lord Ganesha, is not just a time for devotion, but also an opportunity for community building, environmental consciousness, and extensive learning. This year, let's come together to make our celebrations more eco-friendly and meaningful! Community Project: Grass and Ganesh Join hands with your neighbors, friends, and family to create a beautiful, eco-friendly Ganesha idol using natural materials like clay, cow dung, and grass. This community project promotes teamwork, creativity, and a connection with nature. Eco-Friendly Ways: 1. Use #natural materials : Instead of plaster of Paris, opt for clay, cow dung, or coconut husk to create your Ganesha idol. 2. Avoid #plastic : Refrain from using plastic decorations, flowers, or accessories. 3. Go #green : Use natural flowers, leaves, and branches to decorate your idol and surroundings. 4. Conserve #water : Use minimal water for immersion and consider using a bucket or tank instead of a lake or river. Extensive Learnings: 1. Environmental #awareness : Learn about the impact of our actions on the environment and take steps towards sustainability. 2. Community #bonding : Strengthen relationships with your community through collaborative efforts. 3. Cultural #significance : Understand the history and significance of Ganesh Chaturthi and its relevance in modern times. 4. Creative #expression: Explore your creativity through eco-friendly decorations, music, and art. Let's Celebrate Responsibly! As we welcome Lord Ganesha into our homes, let's also embrace the values of community, sustainability, and learning. Together, we can make a difference and create a more eco-friendly, harmonious world. I will celebrate it as a community event. How about you? #GaneshChaturthi #EcoFriendly #CommunityFirst #Sustainability #Learning #FestivalVibes #GoGreen

Influencer marketing has been a go-to strategy for engaging #holiday shoppers in 2024. So how did brands stand out in a crowded #creator market? Here are five learnings for brands from #creatormarketing campaigns we have executed at TERRITORY Influence (Bertelsmann Group) over the last weeks: 1. Don’t expect exclusivity with #creators over the holiday season. The holidays are a busy time for #influencers, with packed schedules and inboxes full of offers. Rather than pushing for exclusivity, focus on how your brand can stand out within their #socialmedia feed. Provide them with the best possible brief, creative freedom and materials to help tell an authentic story about your product. 2. Add a messaging blast to your campaign. Many influencers now expand their reach by including #email options alongside sponsored posts, making it an effective addition to holiday campaigns. 3. Bring back the old-school home party. An influencer hosting a cozy holiday party at home, featuring your brand in a real-life, relatable setting, can make a lasting impact. A holiday baking session with your #food brand or a festive cocktail night featuring your ingredients can resonate with both guests and the influencer's audience. 4. Lean into hacks and dupes. Influencers love sharing #content that offers real value, and showcasing how your brand helps people save money or stretch their budget will resonate with their audience. Be clear in your influencer brief by sharing creative ideas or examples of how your product fits into the hacks or dupes category. 5. Lean into Recipes, Tablescapes and DIY. People are constantly looking for fresh ideas, whether it’s fun new appetizers or creative holiday decor, and they often turn to #influencers for that inspiration. If your brand fits into the food, home decor or DIY space, now’s the time to partner with influencers to create visually appealing, shareable content. The holidays are a great time to reach consumers with #influencerMarketing—but with so much happening, it’s even more important to plan your approach carefully and connect with a trustworthy agency partner (such as TERRITORY Influence) well in advance. Typically #influencers are fully booked by the end of summer, so do reach out to our experts in Q2 to start planning your 2025 holiday campaign.

How Hinduism Promote Environmental Awareness Hindu festivals actively promote environmental awareness by integrating nature reverence, sustainable practices, and community education into their celebrations. Hindu traditions celebrate Earth Day by expressing deep reverence for nature, seeing the Earth as Bhudevi or Prithvi Ma (Mother Earth), and emphasizing the interconnectedness of all life. समुद्रवसने देवि पर्वतस्तनमण्डले । विष्णुपत्नि नमस्तुभ्यं पादस्पर्शं क्षमस्वमे ॥ Nature Reverence and Biodiversity Many festivals honor elements of nature and wildlife, teaching respect and protection for biodiversity. For example, Nag Panchami celebrates snakes, highlighting their ecological role, while festivals like Govardhan Puja and Ganesh Chaturthi honor cows and elephants, reinforcing the importance of coexistence with animals and conservation of species. Eco-Friendly Rituals Traditional rituals use natural materials such as clay lamps (diyas), flowers, leaves, and organic colors instead of plastics or chemicals. Festivals like Ganesh Chaturthi increasingly use clay Vigraha and natural dyes, reducing water and soil pollution. Tree worship is central to festivals like Tulsi Vivah and Vat Purnima, encouraging the planting and protection of trees as symbols of ecological balance. Community Education and Action Festivals are platforms for spreading environmental messages. Workshops and community events teach eco-friendly practices, such as proper waste disposal, recycling, and the use of biodegradable materials. Initiatives like eco-friendly idol contests and green festival campaigns inspire communities to adopt sustainable habits, blending tradition with environmental responsibility. Underlying Philosophy Hindu teachings emphasize the interconnectedness of all life and the duty (dharma) to protect nature. Principles like ahimsa (non-violence) and aparigraha (non-possessiveness) encourage minimal harm and responsible consumption, aligning festival practices with sustainability. Specific Hindu Rituals Related to Nature Tree Worship; Sacred trees like Peepal, Banyan, Neem, and Tulsi are regularly worshipped. Festivals like Vat Savitri and Vriksha Puja are dedicated to tree worship. The Tulsi plant is worshipped daily in many homes, and special rituals like Tulsi Vivah celebrate its significance. Rituals include watering the roots, tying sacred threads, offering flowers and lamps, and reciting mantras such as “Om Vrikshaaya Namah”. Rudraksha and Bilva leaves are offered to Shiva, and specific flowers are used in deity worship according to tradition. These rituals reflect the Hindu belief in the divinity of all natural elements and foster a deep sense of environmental stewardship and gratitude. #Earthday #Environment #Bhudevi #Prithvi #Mata #Hinduism

𝗔 𝗰𝗼𝗹𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗳𝘂𝗹, 𝗷𝗼𝘆𝗳𝘂𝗹 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘀𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝗛𝗼𝗹𝗶 Holi, the festival of colours, is a beloved celebration in India and around the world. It symbolises the arrival of spring. With a little bit of mindfulness and some simple changes, we can celebrate Holi in a more eco-friendly manner, while still embracing the festive spirit. 1. Choose Nature's Palette: Swap out synthetic colours for certified, natural raw ingredients. They're kinder to the skin and ... to the planet! 2. Strongly consider saying No to balloons & single-use plastic bags - these may appear fun for a moment but can cause injuries and add to plastic waste. Let's get creative with eco-friendly options that are safer and reusable. 3. Lay out eco-friendly cutlery: If hosting a Holi party, opt for reusable, metal, or food-safe bamboo-based cutlery over disposable ones. It's a small change with a meaningful environmental impact. 4. Gift thoughtfully: Consider choosing gifts that are good for the recipient and the environment. 5. Conserve Water: Let's be mindful of our water usage and try a water-friendly Holi or limit the use of water to a minimum. Every drop saved counts! Perhaps, measure water consumption and bring about a % reduction in water used for water play this year ...? Celebrating Holi can be both fun and sustainable - with some creativity and mindfulness! I am so inspired by the youth around me being especially aware and articulate about having a tonne of fun while also keeping an eye on their water consumption. Wishing everyone a vibrant, joyful, and mindful Holi! #india #celebration #happiness #sustainability #impact #climatechange

I do this weird thing… I mix accessibility with luxury. Everyone else in the events and weddings world thinks inclusion means lowering the bar, ticking compliance boxes, or doing the bare minimum to “get by.” But I… ✨ Walk into 5-star venues with the eye of an access consultant. ✨ Pair champagne receptions with wheelchair-friendly layouts. ✨ Design guest journeys that work for a bride with sensory sensitivities and her nan with a mobility aid. Most people think luxury and accessibility are opposites. I know they’re actually soulmates. This works because… When you combine accessibility with excellence, EVERY guest feels like a VIP. And here’s the kicker: businesses make more money when more people can say yes to what they’re offering. So yes, it’s weird that I’ll talk about the Purple Pound in the same breath as canapés and champagne towers. But that weirdness is the reason my clients stand out, sell out, and sleep at night knowing they’ve nailed inclusion. If you love this weird approach, where accessibility is the ultimate luxury, we should talk. #InclusiveEvents #AccessibleLuxury #EventProfs #AccessibilityMatters #PurplePound #LuxuryEvents #InclusiveWeddings #RepresentationMatters #AccessibleDesign #HospitalityIndustry #EventStrategy Photo credit Amanda Hutchinson

𝗜𝘁’𝘀 𝗧𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗧𝗶𝗺𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗬𝗲𝗮𝗿 – 𝗔 𝗥𝗲𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿 𝘁𝗼 𝗠𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗸𝗽𝗹𝗮𝗰𝗲 𝗖𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗯𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗜𝗻𝗰𝗹𝘂𝘀𝗶𝘃𝗲  With December and January upon us, many organizations are gearing up to celebrate the past year's achievements and welcome the new one. These gatherings are an opportunity to connect, reflect, and build a sense of camaraderie. But as you plan these festivities, it’s crucial to remember that not everyone experiences celebrations the same way. Ensuring these events are inclusive and considerate of all colleagues is not just thoughtful—it’s necessary.  Here are a few key considerations to remember as you create spaces where everyone feels comfortable, respected and can join in the celebrations—on their own terms.  1. 𝗥𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿, 𝗡𝗼𝘁 𝗘𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘆𝗼𝗻𝗲 𝗗𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗸𝘀 𝗔𝗹𝗰𝗼𝗵𝗼𝗹.   Not all celebrations need champagne. Some colleagues may avoid alcohol for personal, religious, or health reasons. Be sure to offer non-alcoholic options like festive mocktails, sparkling water, or spiced cider to keep everyone included. 2. 𝗕𝗲 𝗠𝗶𝗻𝗱𝗳𝘂𝗹 𝗼𝗳 𝗡𝗲𝘂𝗿𝗼𝗱𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗴𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲.   For neurodivergent individuals, traditional parties with loud music, flashing lights, or crowds can feel overwhelming. Consider adding quiet areas or planning events that don’t rely on overstimulating environments. 3. 𝗥𝗲𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗸 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗱𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗚𝗲𝘀𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲𝘀 𝗟𝗶𝗸𝗲 𝗡𝗲𝘄 𝗬𝗲𝗮𝗿’𝘀 𝗞𝗶𝘀𝘀𝗲𝘀 𝗼𝗿 𝗛𝘂𝗴𝘀.   New Year’s kisses or end-of-year hugs might seem harmless to some but can be uncomfortable for others. Always prioritize consent and don’t assume physical gestures are welcome. Traditions like mistletoe should never justify uninvited contact. Workplace celebrations should remain safe and respectful, free from pressure to engage in physical gestures. Consider alternatives like writing positive notes to coworkers or sharing a group toast to the new year. 4. 𝗕𝗲 𝗧𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵𝘁𝗳𝘂𝗹 𝗔𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗖𝘂𝗹𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗮𝗹 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗛𝗼𝗹𝗶𝗱𝗮𝘆 𝗗𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗶𝘁𝘆.   Not everyone celebrates the same way—or even the same holidays. Avoid focusing your event on one tradition or theme. Instead, choose a universal concept like “celebrating the team” or “marking our achievements.” This way, everyone feels included and comfortable. Workplace celebrations should be a joyful time for everyone, not a source of stress, discomfort, or exclusion. By planning events that recognize and respect your colleagues' diverse identities, preferences, and needs, we can foster environments where everyone feels valued and included.  After all, the best celebrations are where everyone feels welcome to be themselves. How does your organization ensure inclusivity during its celebrations? Share your thoughts—I’d love to hear them.  #diversity #inclusion #culture #neurodiversity #leadership

There’s something magical about December - the crisp weather, hot chocolate by the window, twinkling lights, the aroma of freshly baked goodies, Christmas movies on Netflix (because why not?), and the joy of loved ones visiting (my sister’s here this year!). It’s my most favorite time of the year. But as I sit here sipping my hot chocolate, a thought lingers: Are Christmas trees sustainable? Every year, millions of us put up trees - some real, some artificial, all adding to the festive cheer. But what happens after the magic fades, when the holiday season ends, and real life takes over? Let’s talk facts: 🎄 Artificial Trees: Most are made of PVC, a non-recyclable plastic that’s harmful to the environment. While they last longer, they need to be reused for at least 10 years to offset their carbon footprint. 🎄 Real Trees: Biodegradable but often grown on monoculture farms that require significant water and pesticide usage. After the holidays, many end up in landfills, releasing methane as they decompose. 🎄 The Sustainable Option: Consider a potted Christmas tree! Rent or buy one, keep it alive in your home for the season, and then return it to a nursery or replant it outdoors. It’s a choice that truly keeps on giving. 💡 The Environmental Impact: A fake tree has a carbon footprint of about 40 kg CO2 if used for six years. A real tree, when properly recycled, has a footprint of around 3.5 kg CO2. Potted trees, especially when reused year after year, have the smallest environmental impact. This year, as we deck the halls and enjoy our favorite festive movies, let’s ask ourselves: What kind of holiday legacy are we leaving behind? Your Turn: What’s your take on sustainable holiday traditions? Have you tried a potted Christmas tree or other eco-friendly ideas? Let’s share and inspire each other this festive season! 🌟🎁 #Christmas #Sustainability #EcoFriendlyLiving #GreenHolidays

🎬 F1 x Disney: Mickey’s Going Racing in 2026 (Yes, Really) Formula 1 and The Walt Disney Company have just announced a global collaboration launching in 2026, and yes, Mickey Mouse is officially joining the grid. This isn’t PR fluff. It’s data-driven and strategic fan-building. It’s a global collaboration centred around content, merchandise, and live experiences, built to spark early affinity with the sport’s youngest audiences. And no, sadly, Pluto won’t be behind the wheel. Yet. These two global brands are creating fresh pathways to reach younger audiences and reshape Formula 1 as a broader entertainment platform. It’s a smart move at the right time, and the signs have been building: ♦️ the LEGO Group F1 race: A playful digital stunt that became one of F1’s most-watched activations, proving the appetite for creative entry points. ♦️ Disney’s global expansion: Its first branded attraction in the Middle East is set to open on Yas Island through a new deal with Miral, just steps from the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix circuit. ♦️ ESPN’s role in F1’s U.S. growth: Owned by Disney, ESPN helped drive a 10.5% viewership increase in 2024. This new collaboration builds on that synergy across content, broadcast, and storytelling. Entertainment and sport collaborations aren't entirely new, but few brands pull them off at this level. Consider: ♦️ Disney & Pixar Animation Studios x National Football League (NFL): In 2023, Disney+ and ESPN+ aired Toy Story Funday Football, a real-time animated broadcast of an NFL game set in Andy’s Room. It reimagined live sport to hook younger audiences using familiar characters and tech. ♦️ Warner Bros. Discovery x National Basketball Association (NBA): Not just Space Jam. Warner Bros. has brought Looney Tunes and DC into real NBA games through merch, in-arena activations, and digital content, transforming basketball into a live IP playground. This Disney x F1 move might be the most full-throttle example yet, targeting pre-teens through a global, multi-platform rollout. In an era where memes and mobile games introduce kids to sports before they watch a single race, collaborations like these aren’t optional. They’re survival strategy. What does this mean for the industry? 🎯 For sports properties: Collaborating with well-known characters and worlds is now a serious growth lever. It builds family pathways into sport, not just now, but over the next two decades. 📽️ For entertainment brands: Characters no longer live on screens alone. They’ve become part of the emotional fabric of live sport. 🧠 For strategists: This is brand-building at its most immersive. As I keep saying, sponsorship today is about crafting experiences that travel across platforms and deepen emotional relevance. We’re past surface-level exposure. Now it’s about owning fan relationships from day one. Welcome to the era of fandom pipelines. I'm curious to hear your thoughts. Is this a smart move or just smart optics? Let me know 👇

We’ve spent decades removing friction for guests. Maybe that’s now becoming a problem. Hospitality has been obsessed with “frictionless” service, streamlined check-ins, and polished efficiency. But here’s the catch: when everything is easy, nothing is memorable. Gen Z and younger luxury travelers are tired of skating across glossy surfaces. They crave meaning, stories, and belonging, and meaning often comes with a little effort. Cultural brands already get this. Bon Iver’s album launch sent fans smoked salmon with a poet’s insert, a candle that smelled like a winter cabin, and an app guiding them to intimate listening parties. Many entry points, each a breadcrumb leading you deeper. Some hotels are rewriting this playbook. Aman Tokyo’s tea ceremony is an intentionally slow, ritualized welcome. It’s not convenient, but that’s the point. The friction makes it sacred, and guests leave with a story that outlasts any room amenity. — 5 Ways to Design Joyful Friction in Hospitality 1. Name your rituals. Stop hiding magic behind generic labels. “Turndown service” becomes “Night Script.” The “welcome drink” becomes “The First Pour.” Language signals intention and gives small moments emotional weight. 2. Multi-sensory storytelling kits. Borrow from cultural launches: On arrival, offer a mini city-scent candle, a handwritten poem from a local artist, and a ticket to an intimate lobby performance. Guests engage through touch, scent, and story, each doorway into your brand narrative. 3. Ask, then delight. Have guests complete a three-question “mood card” pre-arrival. Match it with a curated in-room surprise, a book, cocktail, or soundtrack. Effort makes them feel seen (backed by the IKEA effect: effort increases attachment). 4. Create scarcity with care. Design one-hour windows of magic: a nightly martini ritual, a chef’s table for four, or a password-protected dessert. Scarcity raises perceived value while making participation feel earned. 5. Ladder your story over time. Instead of trying to impress all at once, let the brand unfold: Visit 1: A custom coaster. Visit 2: A staff pin unlocking a library room. Visit 3: A seat at the chef’s counter. Each stay deepens their connection and drives return intent. "When everything is effortless, nothing is extraordinary." — Why This Works Choice overload studies prove curated experiences are more satisfying than endless options: - The scarcity principle shows limited access elevates perceived worth. - The IKEA effect reveals guests value what they invest in. Luxury travelers aren’t chasing convenience anymore. They want layered experiences that feel personal, not packaged. — Final Thoughts Hotels that dare to introduce meaningful friction don’t feel cold or inaccessible; they feel alive. Because in hospitality, perfection isn’t about smoothing every edge. It’s about designing edges worth touching. #LuxuryHospitality #GuestExperience #BrandStorytelling #ExperienceDesign #EmotionalDesign