As the holidays approach, groups of friends, coworkers, and families are already making plans for their big night out. Whether they’re looking to celebrate the end of the year, enjoy a pre–New Year’s Eve bash, or simply escape the holiday chaos for a few hours, your bar or venue could be the one they choose — if they know you’re ready for them.
The person organizing that night out — whether it’s the friend who plans everything, the office manager rounding up the team, or the parent pulling together a family celebration — wants a simple, fun, and reliable place to host their crew. Your job? Make it effortless for them to pick your spot.
Today, I’ll share 3 Quick Ways to Turn Your Bar or Venue Into Celebration Central so you can fill your tables, keep your staff busy, and end the year with great energy — and even better revenue.
#1 – Tell People Exactly What You Offer
This might sound simple, but it’s one of the biggest missed opportunities in the industry. People can’t book what they don’t know exists.
If you want group organizers to choose your place, tell them exactly what makes your bar or venue special. Do you host live music or feature a DJ on weekends? Do you have a private room, a rooftop deck, or an outdoor patio with heaters? Can you offer VIP bottle service, custom menus, or a dedicated area for large groups?
Think about it like this: if you had 20 seconds in an elevator with a potential guest, what would you say to make your venue stand out from every other place in town? That’s the message that should be on your website, in your social posts, and even in your Google Business Profile.
Most bars and entertainment venues have far more to offer than what’s listed online. Take a quick look at your website right now — does it highlight what makes your space ideal for groups? Does it showcase photos of your event setups or list your entertainment schedule? If not, that’s where to start.
The clearer and more inviting your message, the faster you’ll turn casual browsers into committed guests.
#2 – Win Over the Group Organizer
Every packed bar on a Friday night starts with one person: the group organizer. They’re the friend who always picks the spot, the office manager coordinating a team night out, or the one who somehow becomes the “planner” for every social circle. If you capture their attention, you don’t just win one customer — you win their entire network.
Think about it — if one organizer brings ten friends, and those ten have an amazing time, you’ve just gained a room full of future regulars and social media advocates. That’s the kind of exposure you can’t buy.
Your job as a bar or venue owner is to make that group organizer say, “This is the place.” To do that, ask yourself:
- Why should they choose your venue over the dozens of others nearby?
- What would make them look good for choosing you?
- How can you make it effortless for them to plan a fun, smooth experience?
Maybe it’s your easy booking process, your responsive communication, your creative cocktail menu, or your friendly vibe that makes everyone feel like a VIP. Whatever your edge over the competition is, call it out — on your website, in your Google listing, and across social media.
Group organizers aren’t looking for perfection; they’re looking for confidence. When you show them that your venue is organized, fun, and ready to host their group without the stress, you make their job easy — and that makes you the obvious choice.
#3 – Make the Group Organizer the Hero
When someone takes on the role of planning a night out — especially for New Year’s Eve or a big holiday celebration — they’re not just looking for a good time. They’re looking to make their friends happy. Your goal as a bar or venue is to make that organizer look like the hero of the group — the one who “knows a guy,” found the perfect place, and delivered an unforgettable night.
So how can you help them do that? Give them something exclusive — something they can’t get just by walking in the door. Maybe it’s:
- A VIP table or bottle service that makes their group feel like insiders.
- A complimentary round of drinks or appetizers when they book early.
- Reserved seating with a view of the band or countdown clock.
- Early access tickets or “invite-only” pricing for your New Year’s Eve bash.
It doesn’t have to cost much — it just has to feel special. When the organizer gets something that feels like a “secret perk,” they’ll proudly tell their group, “I got us something awesome.” That confidence turns into enthusiasm, which turns into a packed room and a great night for everyone.
And here’s the best part — the organizer becomes your biggest promoter. They’ll post photos, tag your venue, and tell everyone they know how easy and fun it was to book with you.
When you make the group organizer feel appreciated and empowered, they’ll make sure the whole group shows up — and they’ll come back again next time.
Let EnRoute® Help You Become the Go-To Spot for Celebrations
The holiday season and New Year’s Eve are the biggest opportunities of the year for bars and entertainment venues to attract new groups — but only if people know how easy and fun it is to celebrate with you.
At EnRoute, we help you make that happen. Our tools and team make it effortless for guests to find you, fall in love with your vibe, and organize their group night out — without the chaos. We help you update your Google Business Profile, showcase your group-friendly options on your website, and make it simple for organizers to say “yes.”
Whether you want to feature a private event, bottle service, or your big New Year’s Eve bash, EnRoute helps you tell your story clearly, capture attention, and fill your venue with guests who are excited to celebrate.
Don’t let another holiday season pass you by — turn party-seekers into paying guests and make your venue the place to celebrate.
