• Bring Oktoberfest to your next meeting Fall is right around the corner and with that comes the holiday season. Whoop! But before we get too far ahead, there is one distinct phenomenon worth discussing. It evolved in October of 1810 from the wedding of Princess Theresa of Saxe-Hildburghausen and Crown Prince Ludwig of Bavaria in Munich, Germany. The locals participated in their five-day bash in front of the city gates and decided they wanted to let loose like that every year. So, BAM- Oktoberfest was born! Today, Oktoberfest has evolved into a 16-18 day celebration starting in September and ending the first week of October. It is notable all over the world, but most famously in Munich. The Mayor taps into the first keg followed by all in attendance raising their beer mugs shouting, ‘prost’! (Cheers!) |
First off, in Milwaukee, WI, the Bavarian Bierhaus hosts their very own midwest version of Oktoberfest over a multitude of upcoming weekends; Sept. 15-16, Sept. 22-23, Sept. 29-30, and October 6-7.
There will be great food, hot entertainment, and the option to rent out the Pavilion. This is perfect for parties or corporate events of up to 100 people and will include admission to the event. Talk about the best of both worlds, you can host your meeting while giving your attendees an adventure they won’t forget.
Secondly, hosting your meeting at a local brewery like, Dark Horse Brewery in Marshall, MI, is never a bad idea. They have a VIP loft, which can comfortably seat 50 people and as they say, “Where the cool kids hang.” In this loft your attendees can watch the beer they are drinking be made. Dark Horse Nation is their featured German beer giving the Oktoberfest feel.
Lastly, a pop-up pub for the win! It can’t get much simpler than popping up in your outdoor space, or anywhere for that matter, and meeting away. For those who are unfamiliar with what exactly a pop-up pub is, it is an inflatable building designed to look like an Old Irish Pub. They can usually hold from 30 to 70 people. The larger pop-up pubs have frames inside allowing you to add your own additional lighting and even a tv for that true pub sense.
Just remember, Oktoberfest isn’t only about the beer, the food served and environment are equally important. To keep it manageable, have plenty of sausage, pretzels, and sauerkraut on hand and your attendees will be more than satisfied. To top your event off, decorate with the traditional colors of blue and white, play German music, have Bavarian outfits for people to pose in, and fireworks to end the celebration with.
After a day of meetings and activities, you’ll all be yelling, “Ziggy Zaggy Ziggy Zaggy Oi, Oi, Oi,” and talking about the experience long after October.