Tips for Hosting an End of the Season Awards Banquet

Tips for Hosting an End of the Season Awards Banquet

As another season comes to a close, it's time to celebrate your athletes and their accomplishments on and off the field.

Most end of the season sports banquets follow a pretty standard formula. Usually held in the auditorium, gymnasium, or cafeteria, the celebration includes awards, speeches, and a lot of bored parents.

From backyard get-togethers to community barbeques, many athletic departments are taking a fresh look at the traditional sports banquet.

Here are some tips for putting together an end of the season banquet that coaches, parents, and athletes won't forget.

 

Tips for Hosting an End of the Season Sports Banquet

It isn't easy hosting a sports banquet. From putting together a banquet schedule, organizing a potluck, and keeping athletes engaged, you'll have a lot on your plate.

Check out these end of season awards ideas and tips for planning an organized, well-run, and interesting end of the season sports banquet.

1. Break Things Up

Organizing a traditional sports banquet might seem like the easiest solution. You can gather everybody in one place, hand out the awards, and do it all with minimal expense.

But these banquets can be slow and difficult to get through. Some families might even leave before it's over.

To break things up and keep it interesting, try splitting up into multiple banquets. Whether it's divided by athletic department, team, or subdivision within a team, you'll have more time to celebrate the athletes' individual accomplishments.

2. Change the Location

Instead of going to a school gymnasium or restaurant, you can make things more interesting by thinking outside the box for this season's venue.

Here are some team parties ideas:

  • Outdoor cookout. Have your banquet at a local park or the beach so you can enjoy the fresh air. This option will give you plenty of space for outdoor games, food, and celebration.
  • Community venues. Look for indoor venues with community centers, gymnasiums, or rock climbing walls. This can be a great place to bring people together.
  • Inside games. Take your team to play laser tag, go bowling, or try your hand at an escape room. If there's something easy and accessible in the area, it can make a fun end-of-season outing with plenty of food and fun.
  • Stay at home. You don't have to somewhere fancy to have a good banquet. Ask team parents to see if anybody would be willing to host it at their house. A simple, fun, and local gathering is all it takes to have a successful end-of-season celebration.

3. Keep It Simple

When in doubt, start small and work your way up.

Try to add something new every year to make your end of the season banquet better and better.

You can include meaningful moments like a video of the team's accomplishments, a powerpoint slide for each athlete, speeches from the coach, gifts for graduating seniors, or a guest speaker.

4. Focus on the Individual

Regardless of how you feel about the participation trophy trend, it's important that your celebration recognizes every athlete.

Whether it's giving positive awards that go beyond athletic performance or giving every student a medal recognizing their achievements, be sure that every athlete walks out of the banquet with something commemorating their time on the team.

Don't forget the players that work behind the scenes--like team managers, assistants, or scorekeepers.

 

The Bottom Line

If you're looking to give your end of the season sports banquet an upgrade, it's important to ask yourself:

What do players and parents like or dislike about our traditional sports banquet? How can the process become more meaningful and engaging for the athletes?

Looking for the perfect trophy or medal for your banquet? Contact us today for the design and delivery of all the awards that your team might need.