Corporate Event Fosters Inclusivity with NA Options

Zero Proof Insights: Elevating Corporate Events with NA Options

Written by Cate Faulkner

A Corporate Call: Embracing NA Options

We were filled with a sense of purpose when a major corporation’s global headquarters contacted us with this message: "Hi! We have our Employee Appreciation Day coming up, and we usually host a happy hour in the afternoon. Lately, many employees have been asking for more NA options beyond the random sodas stashed in the storage closet. We were really impressed by what you did at MNblockchain and would love for you to join our event, which will have 185 attendees."

Setting the Stage

Fast forward through our enthusiastic agreement, a generous price, and extensive prep work—fine-tuning recipes, batching mixers at our commercial kitchen, gathering supplies, and orchestrating the bar. Now, envision us at our well-arranged station.

Mobile Bar’s Retro Approach: Lagging Behind the Movement

Ten feet away was the local mobile bartending company, Liquidmotion, serving alcohol, water and soda pop. Anchored in a bygone era, there were several large liquor bottles, a modest selection of beer and wine, and several 12-packs of sugary, name-brand sodas still in their brightly colored grocery store cardboard packaging. In contrast to our offerings, their bar highlighted the stagnation that still prevails in the realm of adult beverage choices at events. This lack of variety seemed almost defiant in the face of growing health consciousness and increasing demand for NA options. And on their website it says this, “MOCKTAIL BARTENDER - LiquidMotion offers non alcoholic cocktail lists for people underage”. Fortunately, the bartenders at this event were cordial and reassured us that our presence had no impact on their earnings.

Unexpected Last Minute Privacy Request

The event took place in an elegant, sunlit, plant-filled, multistory lobby. We were thrilled by the venue's aesthetic potential and already anticipated the photos we were about to acquire. Minutes before the event started, the stern-faced executive said to us, "Our company prioritizes security and privacy. You may not photograph our employees' faces or our corporate logo." What? Well, that's intel we could've used earlier; our photographer, Bree McGhee, suddenly looked downcast. As you can see from the pictures, she adapted, capturing only people's backs and not full faces. Upon reflection, I don't think it was about privacy. I think it had to do with alcohol consumption and photographing those who were drinking alcohol. If it had been a corporate rule of some sort, it would've come up several weeks prior when I had written in the email that we would bring a photographer to the venue. Regardless, moving forward, we'll certainly discuss photo opportunities before planning any future events. Consider it one more lesson learned.

Employee Reactions: Diverse Perspectives

As employees began to fill the room, it was immediately apparent they were anticipating our presence; interest in our offerings soared, as marked by our lengthy line. Within the corporate milieu, attitudes toward nonalcoholic options vary significantly. One employee conveyed apprehension about even suggesting NA alternatives at company events, concerned that such a request could lead management to erroneously conclude she has a drinking issue. In stark contrast, a vice president who was in town from an international office expressed genuine surprise at the caliber of the NA cocktail served. He admitted that he and his wife had felt obliged to drink alcohol during their stay, leaving them fatigued. These diverse perspectives highlight the disconnect between event planners' assumptions about employee preferences and their actual desires.

Rethinking Corporate Events: Prioritizing Employee Well-Being

As we surveyed the room, filled with employees visibly enjoying themselves, it struck us: a corporation's success hinges on the well-being and productivity of its workforce. Despite this critical dependency, many still host alcohol-laden gatherings, presumably to meet perceived employee preferences. This glaring discrepancy calls for an urgent paradigm shift toward more inclusive, health-conscious NA options across all corporate settings.

Teamwork Makes the Dream Work

In closing, our heartfelt gratitude goes to our fellow ZPC members and friends, Vince LaPelusa, Fresh Steeps and Ashley Schutte Piccadilly Pours. Their support was instrumental in enabling the rich dialogues with employees and contributing to the event's success. Fortunately, they enjoyed the whole experience as much as we did.