Beyond the Buffet: Fun Interactive Activities for Summer Events Summer is the perfect season to get people moving, mingling, and making memories. Whether you're planning a corporate picnic, nonprofit fundraiser, family reunion, graduation celebration, wedding reception, or community event, incorporating interactive activities can transform an ordinary gathering into an unforgettable experience.
At The Venue at Lenoir City, we host a wide variety of events throughout the year, and one trend that continues to grow in popularity is providing experiences that encourage guests to participate, rather than simply attend. If you're looking to elevate your summer event, here are some fun and engaging activity ideas to consider. Lawn Games for All Ages Classic lawn games never go out of style. They're easy to understand, encourage friendly competition, and provide entertainment for guests who may not enjoy dancing or structured activities. Popular options include:
Interactive Food Stations Food can be entertainment, too! Instead of offering a traditional buffet, consider creating stations where guests customize their own creations. Some suggestions include:
Photo Booths and Selfie Stations Guests love sharing photos from events. Create a dedicated area that encourages social media-worthy pictures. Options include:
Friendly Competition Activities A little competition can energize an event and encourage networking. Some ideas are:
Outdoor Movie Nights For evening events, transform your celebration into a summer movie experience. Simply provide:
Live Entertainment with Audience Participation Instead of simply hiring entertainment to perform, look for acts that involve guests. Examples include:
Creative Make-and-Take Stations Guests enjoy leaving with something they created themselves. Popular options include:
Memory-Making Stations Sometimes the most meaningful activities are the simplest. Ideas include:
Choosing the Right Activities The best activities align with the purpose of your event while encouraging guests to connect with one another. When selecting interactive elements, consider your guest demographics, the event goals available space, budget, and event duration. Of course, it’s always wise to plan weather contingencies. Summer events offer a unique opportunity to create experiences that guests will remember long after the season ends. By incorporating interactive activities, you can increase engagement, encourage networking, create lasting memories, and elevate the overall event experience. At The Venue at Lenoir City, we've seen firsthand how interactive experiences bring people together and create lasting memories. As you plan your next summer event, think beyond the traditional schedule and look for opportunities to get your guests involved, engaged, and having FUN!
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Why You Should Book Your Holiday Party NOW! It happens every year. Someone reaches out in late October hoping to book the perfect December Friday night for their company Christmas party…only to discover that most prime dates were reserved months earlier. We just hate to disappoint a client when their preferred date is no longer available!
From corporate celebrations and nonprofit banquets to family gatherings and employee appreciation dinners, the holiday season is one of the busiest times of the year for event venues. So, the earlier you begin planning your Christmas party or holiday celebration, the smoother and less stressful the entire process becomes. Holiday Dates Disappear Faster Than You Think The most requested holiday party dates are typically Thursday and Friday evenings in December, Saturdays between Thanksgiving and Christmas, and dates immediately after Thanksgiving. Many companies and organizations begin securing their holiday dates during the summer (some even reserve dates a full year in advance). Waiting until fall can mean limited date availability, fewer vendor options (especially when it comes to catering), and perhaps even higher pricing from entertainment and rental companies. All these factors can cause more stress trying to coordinate details quickly. If your organization has a preferred date, booking early gives you the best chance of securing exactly what you want, when you want it. Early Planning Gives You More Budget Control One of the biggest misconceptions about holiday events is that waiting somehow saves money. In reality, last-minute planning often creates additional expenses. For example, booking early helps you lock in current venue pricing and spread-out deposits and payments. It affords you time to compare catering and entertainment options, avoid rush fees, and even reduce expensive last-minute changes. Being an early-bird also allows your planning team time to prioritize where to spend money for the greatest guest impact. They might consider upgraded décor; interactive entertainment like trivia, karaoke or 360 photo systems; specialty food stations; or enhanced AV production. Vendors Book Up Quickly Too The venue is only one piece of the holiday party puzzle. Popular holiday vendors often fill their calendars early, especially:
Employees and Guests Appreciate Advance Notice For most people, the holiday season is already packed with family gatherings, school programs, and travel. Add shopping and end-of-year work deadlines on top of that, and it can be difficult to select a date that works for all your desired attendees. Sending out “save the date” information early significantly improves attendance. Guests are far more likely to prioritize your event when they can plan around it in advance. Advance notice is especially important for corporate employee & client parties, nonprofit donor & volunteer appreciation events, family reunions, and social celebrations. The Best Holiday Events Feel Intentional, Not Rushed The most successful holiday parties usually have one thing in common: Thoughtful planning. When clients have time to plan ahead, they’re able to focus on logistics, such as the event flow, food & beverage selections, seating arrangements, and event timing. Having plenty of planning time can also improve the guest experience through more personalized details, branding opportunities, and even interactive elements. Extra planning time transforms an event from “just another dinner” into a memorable experience guests genuinely enjoy. Tips to Make Holiday Party Planning Easier 1. Secure Your Date First Before finalizing every detail, lock in the venue and date. Once the date is secured, everything else becomes easier to coordinate. 2. Estimate Guest Count Early Even a rough estimate helps determine:
3. Decide on Your Event Style Will your event be:
4. Consider Weekday Options Monday through Thursday events can sometimes offer:
5. Think Beyond Traditional Dinner Events Modern holiday parties often include:
6. Don’t Wait to Send Invitations Holiday calendars fill quickly. Sending invitations or save-the-dates early helps maximize attendance and minimizes RSVP stress later. Book Now! The holiday season should be exciting, not stressful. Booking your Christmas party or holiday celebration early provides more flexibility, more choices, better organization, and a much smoother planning experience overall. It allows your team to focus less on scrambling for availability and more on creating an event your guests will truly remember. Key Differences Between Planners, Decorators, and CoordinatorsWhen clients start planning an event, there is often confusion over who actually does what. Terms like event planner, event decorator, and event coordinator are often used interchangeably. In reality, these roles are equally important, but very different. If you’re hosting an event (especially at a professional venue like ours with in-house staff), knowing the distinction can save you time, stress, and even money.  Event Planner: The Big Picture Strategist
An event planner is your start-to-finish guide. They’re involved from the earliest idea all the way through execution. What they typically handle:
The Venue at Lenoir City’s planners take great pride and have a high level of responsibility for exceeding their clients’ expectations. Roughly 90% of our events partner with a Venue planner to accomplish their goals. Clients’ confidence in our planners is evidenced by 70%+ of our business being comprised of repeat clients. One benefit of having in-house planners is that we are familiar with the ins and outs of our facility, its rules & guidelines, staff, and other key components critical to ensuring a successful event. We’ve seen what works and what does not and can advise accordingly. Of course, we always welcome outside planners to the team as well. We are happy to provide referrals for professional planners or talk with someone you have in mind to see if they will be a good fit to deliver on your expectations in our facility, working within our guidelines and in partnership with our staff. Event Decorator: The Visual Experience Creator An event decorator (sometimes called an event designer) focuses on how your event looks and feels. What they typically handle:
A good decorator is not only extraordinarily creative, he/she understands the importance of proper setup and teardown times and coordinates those with the venue in advance. He or she must also have a grasp of special requirements, such as equipment that pull a lot of power or florals requiring refrigeration, and ensure those are addressed long before arrival the facility. A healthy respect for the host facility (walls, surfaces, fixtures, etc.) and its staff is also key. Proactive communication between the decorator and venue helps ensure a smooth experience and those “wow” moments upon first view (instead of being distracted due to putting out fires). Event Coordinator: The Day-Of Quarterback An event coordinator is focused on execution, especially on the day of the event. What they typically handle:
Do You Need All Three? Not always, but here’s a simple guideline:
Why RSPVs Matter...a LOT! If there’s one thing venues and event planners quietly wish every host understood, it’s this: RSVPs are not a formality; rather, they are the foundation of your entire event.
Whether you’re planning a wedding, corporate gala, fundraiser, or social celebration, your RSVP list directly impacts everything from staffing and set-up, to food, safety, and the overall guest experience. At the venue level, we see firsthand what happens when RSVPs aren’t prioritized, and how less stressful things are on the host when they’re done right. So, here are some of the important reasons that RSVPs matter and ideas about how to actually get your guests to respond. WHY RSVPs ARE SO CRITICAL 1. Seating, Floorplans & Flow Your final guest count determines so many important logistics, such as table layouts and spacing, dance floor size, aisle width and accessibility, and traffic flow for bars, buffets, and entrances. When guest counts fluctuate at the last minute, the entire layout can be thrown off. A room designed for 120 feels quite different when 165 show up (or when only 85 actually attend). 2. Catering & Bar Service Food and beverage cost is one of the largest event expenses. It is also one of the least flexible. Caterers order ingredients based on your final count, which is why they typically require a guaranteed guest count at least 14 days prior to an event. Staff (servers, bartenders, etc.) is then scheduled accordingly. Even rental items (plates, glassware, linens) are ordered in advance to ensure availability and timely delivery. Underestimating means running out. Overestimating means wasted money. 3. Staffing & Service Quality Venues and vendors staff your event based on your RSVP numbers as well. The Venue at Lenoir City typically staffs one attendant per 50 guests, plus two floaters (depending upon the type of event and level of service needed). If more guests than expected arrive, that could mean a less pleasant experience for your guests in the form of longer bar lines, slower food service, and over-extended staff. If fewer guests than expected arrive, you’ve likely overpaid for labor you didn’t need. Accurate RSVPs keep service smooth and professional and improve the overall guest experience. 4. Safety & Compliance From a venue standpoint, this is a big one. We operate within fire code occupancy limits, parking capacity, and emergency planning requirements. Unexpected guests can easily push events over safe or legal limits. 5. Budget Control Every additional guest affects costs such as catering, rentals, centerpieces, favors, printed materials, etc.. A solid RSVP list is critical to effectively managing your event budget. WHY GUESTS DON'T RSVP (AND WHAT YOU'RE UP AGAINST) Understanding the problem helps you fix it. Guests might simply forget or be waiting on their work schedule to publish. Others might assume “you know they’re coming.” Still others simply might not want to tell you “No,” or find the RSVP process too complication. Translation: If it’s not easy and urgent, it won’t get done. HOW TO GET GUESTS TO ACTUALLY RSVP 1. Set a Clear (and Early) Deadline Don’t bury the date.
2. Make It Ridiculously Easy The fewer the number of steps, the better. The best RSVP options are typically:
3. Use Multiple Reminder Touchpoints People need nudges! In addition to sending an initial invitation, send a reminder 2-3 weeks out, with a final reminder 3-5 days before the deadline. These can be sent via email, text, or even social media. 4. Be Direct (It Works!) Be polite but be clear! Instead of “I hope you can make it” try “Please RSVP by [date] so we can finalize seating and catering.” Guests respond better when they understand there’s a real reason. 5. Give a “Why” This is huge and often overlooked. You can tell your guests, “We’re finalizing meal counts” or “Seating is limited.” You can even go so far as to inform them “We’re planning personalized place settings.” When people know their response matters, they’re more likely to act. 6. Assign a Point Person For larger events, designate someone (a planner, host, or family member) to track and follow up on invitations. This not only saves you time and aggravation, but it helps prevent missed responses, duplicate assumption, and last-minute chaos. 7. Expect (and Plan for) a Buffer Even with perfect planning, some guests will no-show, while others will inevitably show up unannounced. A good rule of thumb is to plan a 3-5% buffer. So, if you have 100 solid RSVPs, plan for 103-105. Remember though…guesswork should never replace RSVPs! RSVPs ARE A PRIORITY From our experience, the most successful events treat the management of RSVPs as a priority, not an afterthought. When hosts (or their designated point person) stay on top of responses, events run smoother, guests feel more comfortable, vendors perform better because they aren't putting our fires, and costs are controlled. Unfortunately, when RSVPs are not a priority, it shows in the execution of the event. RSVPs aren’t just about counting heads. They help create the best possible experience for every guest in the room. From a venue perspective, a well-managed RSVP list is the difference between a seamless, polished event and a stressful, reactive one. If you want your event to run effortlessly, start with one simple goal: Do everything you can to get the guest count right. Everything else depends on it. Event and Meeting Planners: What They Really Look for in a Venue and Why Decor and dance floor by Era Events. Choosing the right venue is one of the most important decisions an event or meeting planner must make. The venue affects everything from logistics and attendee experience to the overall success of the event. Whether planning a conference, expo, corporate meeting, fundraiser, or even a wedding, planners look for venues that combine flexibility, reliability, and professional support. Herein are the most important factors planners consider when selecting an event venue. Flexible Event Spaces Event planners need venues that can accommodate different types of setups and activities. Venues that offer multiple room configurations or adaptable layouts make it easier to host the smallest to the largest events. Our flexible indoor and outdoor spaces allow planners to configure banquets, dances, trade shows, and breakout rooms. Having multiple spaces and a large table inventory means we can accommodate a variety of setups, such a banquet style (60” or 72” round tables), classroom style (regular 8’ tables or “skinny” classroom tables), cocktail or reception style (some seating interspersed with cocktail tables that can be set as high-tops, or lowered for seating up for 4 guests). Theater style, U-shape, and crescent seating (rounds with no backs to screens) are additional options. Any single setup or combination of styles (if there are multiple spaces) is possible. Our professional event planners will even provide a to-scale floorplan layout of your space(s) during the planning process to help you envision the transformation. Beyond logistics, planners often seek intangible features as well, such as cleanliness, comfort & warmth, attractive décor, flexible lighting, adequate restrooms, and a general sense of hospitality. All of these factors help create memorable experiences. Convenient Location and Accessibility A well-located venue can significantly improve attendance and overall event satisfaction, so location plays a major role in venue selection. Planners prefer venues that are easy for guests, vendors, and staff to reach. The Venue is conveniently located near interstates 75 and 40 at the intersection of US-70 (Kingston Pike) and Creekwood Park Boulevard. Our location and size make us the ideal, convenient Middle East Tennessee location for events planning to host attendees from throughout the region. Other related features The Venue offers are convenient and ample parking with proper, easy to read signage for overflow areas). We even work with the local police department to assist with ingress and egress for large events to minimize backups on the main road. Also important are proximity to hotels and restaurants, and easy access to major roads and airports. As an example of above-and-beyond service, the Venue has even developed partnerships with area hotels, offering Venue clients discounted rates outside of peak booking times (such as UT football games). The Venue is accessible to all guests, as it is ADA, OSHA, and TOSHA compliant. There are no stairs and our flooring seamlessly transitions from marble tiles, hardwood, and short carpet tiles. If an event will attract many disabled attendees, we have the ability to extend our handicapped parking area and can even assign staff to ensure it is utilized by those with the proper handicapped insignia. Reliable Technology and Infrastructure Modern events rely heavily on technology. Meeting planners in particular want venues that can support presentations, hybrid live/streaming events, and even performances. One of the most important factors in the realm of technology is a dependable Internet connection. The Venue is fortunate to be able to provide its clients with reliable, fiber-based connections (Wi-Fi and/or Ethernet). There are also 21 Wi-Fi hotspots both inside and outside the building, ensuring free connectivity everywhere on the property. Audio-visual capabilities also play an extremely important role in many successful events. Whether it is to present a day’s worth of Powerpoints during a workshop, or projecting a photo slideshow at a wedding reception, very few events use no AV at all. The Venue has recessed laser projectors in each of its rooms, and well as built-in commercial video displays in the pre-function (Fireside Concourse) area. Wireless hand-held and headset microphones, built-in Bose commercial speakers, floor table-top mic stands, and videoconferencing hardware are a few of the AV amenities we offer. Sufficient electrical access for exhibitors and vendors is also important. In fact, with laptops being the most common way to take notes, some groups even ask for power at each attendee’s table, or, for charging stations to be set throughout the room. Some power needs – such as for a large band or high-end DJ - are especially critical. So, in addition to ample wall outlets throughout the rooms (which are on one circuit), each space has floor boxes with 6 double outlets, each on its own circuit for those power-heavy needs. Clear Pricing and Policies Budget planning is a crucial part of event management. Venues that provide transparent pricing, clear contracts, and straightforward policies are much easier for planners to work with. They also alleviate unexpected surprises when it comes time to pay the bill. For maximum flexibility and choice, we offer both all-inclusive packages and a la carte pricing. We are always happy to quote an event both ways so that clients can compare the options. The Venue recently changed to a new event software that allows for all of the above. Proposals, agreements, and banquet event orders are easy for the client to understand and can even include live add-on selections to get a feeling for how different decisions (décor, food, etc.) impact the bottom line. Since costs and expectations are clearly outlined, planners can confidently recommend The Venue to clients and stakeholders. Access to Ancillary Services Limited-service venues where a staff member or owner shows up, lets you in, leaves you to DIY everything, and comes back to lock up when the event is finished, have their place in the venue industry. There is certainly plenty of need for such spaces, especially for those planners who enjoy DIYing. The Venue at Lenoir City is a full-service venue, meaning we offer everything from planning assistance, food & beverage services (including partnerships with some amazing Preferred Caterers), service staff, décor, and assistance with a variety of third-party services. We even have a process to allow outside caterers, giving the client full control over choices. Professional and Responsive Staff When planning an event, the venue itself is important, but the people behind the venue can make an even bigger difference. A professional venue staff brings experience, organization, and problem-solving skills that help ensure events run smoothly from start to finish. Experienced staff who communicate clearly and respond quickly help planners anticipate challenges and solve problems before they become major issues. For event and meeting planners, working with a knowledgeable venue team can significantly reduce stress while improving the overall experience for guests. Our team has worked successfully with a wide variety of events. So much so, that we have an average digital platform rating of 4.8 with over three hundred reviews. Our experience allows us to anticipate needs and avoid common issues before they become problems. We understand timing, room flow, vendor coordination, and guest management, which helps planners feel confident their event is in capable hands. Our planners are experts in the physical space we manage. We know how to set up rooms efficiently, arrange seating for different event styles, and manage transitions between event segments. Our knowledge helps planners choose the best room layouts, ensure smooth guest movement through the space, coordinate vendor load-in and load-out, and keep events running on schedule, among other tasks. This efficiency can save planners hours of work and prevent day-of-event complications. A well-trained venue team contributes directly to the guest experience. Staff members help guests find their way, assist vendors, manage event timing, and maintain a welcoming environment. When operations run smoothly behind the scenes, guests can focus on enjoying the event. Perhaps the greatest benefit of working with a professional venue staff is the sense of partnership it creates. Event planners know they have a knowledgeable team supporting them every step of the way. Instead of handling every detail alone, planners gain experienced collaborators who understand the venue, the logistics, and the goal of creating a successful event. The Right Venue Makes All the Difference The Venue at Lenoir City serves every market: Corporate & business; private & social; and non-profit, governmental, educational, & association. We staff designated planners for each market, so they are experts in their areas. The best event venues provide more than just space. They offer flexibility, reliable infrastructure, experienced staff, and an atmosphere that enhances every event. When these elements come together, planners can focus on creating a successful and memorable experience for their guests instead of worrying about the venue. Little Guests, Big Impact Children can bring joy, spontaneity, and unforgettable moments to a wedding day. They can also bring logistical challenges and uncomfortable moments. From our side of the event world, we’ve seen it all. From flower girls having unfortunate potty accidents and toddlers helping themselves to every food item containing red dye, to the occasional ring bearer who likes to climb newly planted trees and the tiny tot who gets run over by adults on the dance floor.
If you’re deciding whether (and how) to include kids at your wedding, here is some practical advice from a venue perspective to help your day run smoothly. Decide Early: Adults-Only or Family-Friendly? The first and most crucial step is clarity. As a venue, one of the biggest challenges we see is last-minute confusion about whether children are invited. This affects seating counts, catering, staffing, and even fire code capacity. The other issue we frequently encounter is long events (6-8 hours) where children are expected to both behave and entertain themselves, frequently out of the parent’s or guardian’s eyesight. Of course, guests of any age are always welcome at The Venue (unless a client specifically disallows children based on the type of event). We do, however, have some policies regarding youth at events, the most important of which is that children under thirteen must always have adult supervision. Failure to do so not only puts Venue staff in an awkward position because - to keep children safe and property undamaged - they turn into babysitters by default, but it also results in loss of the client’s damage deposit. Venue Tip:
Consider Your Space & Layout Some venues naturally lend themselves to children being present. Others require more planning. From a facility standpoint, here’s what we look at:
Talk to Your Caterer About Kid-Friendly Options From a catering standpoint, children change the flow of service. Kids eat faster (or not at all), spill more often, and may not enjoy plated, multi-course meals. If you’re hosting families, consider offering a simplified children’s meal option. Another suggestion is to offer an earlier meal service for kids, perhaps with a fun, supervised game or activity planned for them while the adults eat. Smaller portion sizes are also an option. These strategies can help your timeline stay on track and reduce waste, as well as keeping all guests comfortable and happy. Create a “Kid Zone” When there are multiple children attending, the most successful weddings and events usually include intentional planning specifically for the kids. Ideas that work well from our experience:
Plan for the Ceremony Ceremonies are where emotions (and volume levels) can peak. We’ve seen beautiful, heart-melting moments, as well as very loud, very unexpected interruptions. As a venue, we always appreciate couples who plan for flexibility rather than perfection. To reduce stress, you might consider eating families with young children toward the back or aisle so they can easily step out if needed. You might also keep the ceremony meaningful, but concise. Lastly, consider reserving a quiet space away from the ceremony where parents can wrangle the little ones during energy bursts (or outbursts!). Budget & Staffing Considerations From an operational standpoint, children can affect staffing ratios, linen and other rental counts, security and liability considerations, and clean-up time. This doesn’t mean “don’t invite kids.” It simply means that you’d be wise to factor them into your planning. A well-planned, family-friendly wedding feels seamless. A last-minute, knee-jerk adjustment feels chaotic. Remember the Bigger Picture From a venue’s perspective, children often create some of the most memorable moments of the day, with spontaneous laughter, candid dance floor magic, and heartfelt joy. But they also require thoughtful planning. If your dream wedding includes the next generation celebrating alongside you, build the day with intention. If you envision a sophisticated evening focused on adult conversation and dancing, that’s perfectly appropriate too. The most successful weddings aren’t about whether kids attend. They are about clear communication, thoughtful coordination, and aligning your guest experience with your vision. And when that alignment happens? Every guest, no matter their age, feels welcome. Avoiding Craft Show and Expo Scammers If you participate in craft shows and expos, you likely already know that scammers actively target vendors and event organizers. Why? Usually because of the nature of the events, meaning people get excited, so they sign up and pay quickly. Here’s how to spot some red flags...
“I’m the Vendor Coordinator” (But They’re Not) One of the most common scams:
2. “Urgent” Pressure Tactics Scammers create artificial urgency:
3. Payment Methods That Can’t Be Reversed Be cautious if they ask for:
4. You Didn’t Apply But You “Got Approved” This one is common. You get a message saying:
5. Fake Versions of Real Events Scammers clone legitimate events. Unfortunately, we’ve seen this happen before. For example, they may impersonate well-known expos like:
Many scam messages:
If you’re unsure:
Ask yourself:
Event Trends to Watch in 2026 As we step into 2026, the buzz inside convention centers across the globe is louder, brighter, and more innovative than ever. From cutting-edge technology to reimagined attendee experiences, the landscape of events is shifting in exciting ways. Here’s a closer look at the trends that are shaping the future of in-person gatherings.
Hybrid and Flexible Event Formats Are Here to Stay No longer a buzzword, hybrid events have become an expectation, not just an option. In 2026, attendees want the flexibility to participate either in person or virtually. Event organizers are integrating advanced streaming, interactive virtual platforms, and seamless networking tools so that remote attendees feel just as connected as those onsite. Immersive Tech Takes Center Stage Technology is no longer an add-on; it’s part of the experience. From expos utilizing augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) to AI-driven matchmaking tools and smart lanyards, the convention environment is becoming a playground for innovation. Planners are implementing AI recommendations for sessions and things like networking and dining. These tech elements enhance and encourage engagement and make each event more memorable. Personalization Enhances Every Experience Attendees now expect experiences tailored to their interests. Thanks to data insights and mobile event apps, organizers can deliver customized agendas, targeted content, and personal recommendations that make every participant feel seen and valued. Think of personalized schedules based on interests or past activity, geo-targeted push notifications for nearby sessions or exhibitor deals, and even customized swag boxes instead of one-size-fits-all giveaways. When attendees feel the event was “built for them,” engagement and satisfaction rise. Well-Being and Comfort Are Priority #1 Wellness is no longer an afterthought. It’s becoming integrated into the event experience. Attendees want spaces where they can recharge, de-stress, and take meaningful breaks during long days of programming. Consider quiet zones, meditation or gentle movement sessions, and healthy food options with dietary labels. Prioritizing mental and physical well-being creates happier, healthier attendees. High-Impact Content and Purpose-Driven Programming Events in 2026 are about more than networking and product launches; they’re about purpose. Attendees seek inspiration, thought leadership, and meaningful conversations. Trends include community service or philanthropy opportunities during events and event content that addresses global challenges and forward-thinking solutions. Event content that resonates with real-world issues fosters deeper engagement and connection. Networking Gets a High-Tech Upgrade Networking remains a top driver for event participation, but the ways people connect are evolving. AI matches based on professional interests, speed networking with dynamic prompts, and facilitated small-group discussions that drive real conversations are bringing people together with intention. Networking is no longer only spontaneous. It’s smart, intentional, and more therefore, more effective. Whether you’re planning your next major conference or simply curious about what’s next in the world of live events, one thing is clear: The future of gatherings is vibrant, adaptive, and full of possibility. Let’s make 2026 the year of unforgettable experiences! A Year in Review - Meet Our StaffOur team hosted 143 events in 2025. These included everything from weddings, engagement parties, anniversary celebrations, birthdays & graduation parties, to galas, award celebrations, employee annual meetings, fundraisers, casino nights, and Christmas parties. Of course, we also hosted numerous conferences & workshops, meetings, expos & craft fairs, and even a holiday concert and a gun collector's show!
We've been blessed since we opened in December of 2016 to have outstanding teams of individuals who truly care about The Venue, it's clients, and each other. The result are hundreds of 5-star reviews throughout various social media platforms and dozens of thank-you notes from elated clients. We'd love to host you and YOUR team in 2026. Our location at the junction of I-75 and I-40 in Middle East Tennessee makes us a convenient location for groups coming from throughout the region. So whether you're in Knoxville, Farragut, Oak Ridge, Pigeon Forge or Kingston, The Venue at Lenoir City is the perfect choice for your next event! Engaging Activities Your Christmas Party Guests Will LoveThis year’s Christmas party can be about more than food, decorations, and speeches. It is an opportunity to create shared memories and future stories. As a venue that welcomes holiday events of every style and size, we’ve seen firsthand which activities spark laughter, bring people together, and keep the energy level high all night long. We’re happy to share some ideas to make your party feel unforgettable.  1. Build-Your-Own Hot Cocoa or Coffee Bar
There’s something downright cozy and comforting about a station that pulls guests in and keeps them coming back for more. You can use an actual “bar” for fun or just decorate a long table to stage your station. To avoid crowding, we suggest placing your Cocoa Bar away from entryways or other areas that might impede good foot-traffic flow (we can help you choose the perfect spot!). Load the station with toppings such as peppermint sticks, crushed candy canes, white & milk chocolate curls, marshmallows, cinnamon & nutmeg dusters, and flavored syrups. Whatever you do, don’t forget the whipped cream! 2. Christmas Cookie Decorating Bar A second food-based option you can’t go wrong with is a Cookie Decorating Bar. But be prepared to have guests decorate a cookie, eat a cookie, then decorate another one! Trust us…it happens every time! We recommend using shortbread or sugar cookies partnered with festive icings in piping bags. For more fun and creativity, add some toppings bowls (sprinkles, sanding sugar, crushed peppermint, chocolate shavings, etc.). Don’t forget the to-go boxes for guests to take home their extras. The Venue will help you design a bar with easy clean-up in mind, as colored icing always finds a way to stray! 3. Holiday Mixology Class The third (and some might say “best”) food-related activity: Let guests learn to shake, stir, and garnish their own signature holiday cocktail. In keeping with the holiday theme, you might try spiced cranberry margaritas, gingerbread espresso martinis, or pomegranate rosemary spritzes. There are plenty of options for mocktails with festive garnishes as well. We’re happy to help create efficient bar setups to keep lines short but still fun and interactive. 4. Christmas Karaoke Corner Those margaritas or martinis may (or may not) be required to tolerate some of the Karaoke-ists in your group, but nothing bonds people together like belting out “Jingle Bells.” Planning is easy, as most of the resources required are The Venue’s responsibility, not yours! A stage with a festively decorated backdrop and a karaoke machine or a sound system with background instrumental music (easily obtained from a service such as Spotify or Pandora) are all that's required. But, you can amp up the fun by having a “naughty or nice” song jar for guests to draw from. You can even offer prizes for the best (or worst!) holiday performances. 5. Ornament Crafting Station Ornament crafting isn’t just for the little ones! Creating a keepsake ornament is one of the most unexpectedly popular activities for kids and adults alike. Set-up wise, round tables tend to work best for crafting, as they allow more elbow room and decrease the risk of spills. There are several directions you can take this activity. Opt for clear ornaments that guests can fill with faux snow, glitter, or tiny seasonal trinkets. Or choose a more traditional route with wooden ornaments and painting supplies. You can even supply ribbons and calligraphy tags to allow for ornament personalization. 6. Interactive Photo Vignettes While not a new or unusual idea, a photo station is always a hit. But instead of a standard photo booth, consider creating themed “mini sets” throughout The Venue. Guests will love a cozy fireplace scene (easy to create with The Venue’s double-sided fireplace feature), a Santa’s Workshop with tool benches and oversized toys, a winter ski lift complete with plaid blankets and prop skis, or even a retro Christmas living room featuring vintage décor. Having multiple stations also helps with crowd flow, since they naturally spread guests around the entire event space instead of creating one long photo line. 7. Holiday Trivia or Game Show Hour Games are the perfect solution for corporate groups or families who love a little friendly competition. For example, you can feature team trivia rounds with Christmas movies and song categories. How about a “Name that Holiday Tune” showdown? Perhaps most fun (or “funny,” as the case may be) are silly Minute-to-Win-It challenges guaranteed to generate hilarity. There are numerous easy to use trivia and gaming apps with social options available, such as “Kahoot!” and “Sporcle.” Don’t worry…we’ll even help you arrange seating so that every team can clearly see the screen or host. 8. Live Wreath or Garland Making Workshop Like the popular Flower Bars featured at baby and bridal showers, your guests can enjoy a hands-on, beautifully fragrant activity that doubles as a take-home gift. Simply supply the wreath material (cedar, pine, magnolia, eucalyptus, etc.) and an assortment of ribbons, pinecones, dried oranges, cinnamon sticks, sparkly picks, and even seasonal ornaments. The more natural your items, the more likely the finished product will fill the air with sentimental nostalgic fragrances. Should you choose to go this route, let The Venue know in advance. These workshops require more table space (and sometimes a great vendor to do the heavy lifting). 9. “Santa’s Secret Tasks” Scavenger Hunt Keep your guests busy by creating “missions” to complete throughout the evening. For example, have them find an ornament with their name on it, snap a photo by the tallest Christmas tree in the building (hint: ours is in the front lobby!), and track down the host wearing a Santa hat. Scavenger hunts naturally encourage guests to explore The Venue, which is perfect if you’re utilizing multiple spaces and want them to spread out to ensure a casual flow of foot-traffic. 10. Charity Give-Back Station Guests always remember and appreciate a meaningful, heart-centered activity that embodies the spirit of the season. Suggest your guests bring assorted hygiene items and assemble blessing bags to donate to a local charity. Have the materials to write cards for nursing home residents, deployed service members, or children from the local Boys & Girls Club. Perhaps plan a bring-a-toy donation wall that can double as a photo background. Or work with your local food bank to arrange a canned food drive as part of your event. The Venue is happy to provide you with contact information for local nonprofit organizations who would benefit from any of these activities. Bring Your Christmas Party to Life With Thoughtful Experiences As a venue, we love helping hosts create not just a party, but a truly engaging holiday experience. Whether you prefer a cozy night of cookie decorating or a full-blown activity-filled celebration, we can help you plan layouts, source materials, coordinate vendors, and design interactive zones that fit your group’s size and style. Ready to start planning? We’re here to turn your Christmas celebration into the most memorable one yet! |
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