Many large employers today plan annual appreciation events for their employees and families. It’s a great way to say thank you for their hard work and commitment. These employers are often choosing big amusement parks for the event venue. Whether it’s Six Flags, Coney Island, Kings Island or Disneyland, they all have their pros and cons. Here are a few things to consider when planning your next event…AKA the way YOU are saying thank you to your employees.

Let’s start with the Pros.

• Most amusement parks are well-established and marketed, so guests will know what to expect.

• Big thrill rides keep your more daring employees entertained.

• Amusement parks offer a variety of options for younger children.

• These events are easy to plan. You buy “X” number of tickets and you’re done (well…most of the time).

Here are some Cons to think about.

• Unless you are buying out the park for the day (which usually means BIG bucks!) your group is mixed in with hundreds or thousands of other patrons. You lose the ability to have your employees engage with one another, which is the point of these events.

• Employees need to spend money out of their own wallets. Although you might be covering the cost of the ticket, there are usually other expenses involved including parking fees, playing arcade games or buying concessions and other food and beverage items outside of the meal that’s included.

• There is typically a window of time for the meal portion of the event. Your guests may have access to the park all day but usually there is a specific time when the food is served. So, if you miss that time slot, you’re out of luck.

• Think about the last time you went to an amusement park. I bet you recall a significant part of your day standing in line waiting…and waiting…and waiting.

• Amusement parks are not for everybody. Unless you have kids or are a thrill seeker, the setting may not appeal to you. There isn’t much to do for folks that just want to kick back and relax.

• It’s not a unique event. Chances are this is not the only time your guests have been or will go to the chosen amusement park. If it’s been around for a while and is in close proximity, they’ve probably been there, done that.

When considering HOW to say “THANK YOU” to the people that matter the most in your company, the employees, always consider what would be most meaningful to them. Your show of appreciation needn’t cost more or take more of your time than it currently does. It’s usually the small things that matter the most!