Early Year Event Guide: Start Planning For Q1 Next Year
Written by Ed Moore – Red Blaze Sales & Marketing Manager
As the year winds down and the festive season approaches, most people turn their attention to wrapping up projects, setting budgets, and taking some well-earned rest. But for event organisers and corporate planners, this period marks the start of something entirely different, anticipation and preparation for the year ahead.
At our agency, the final months of the year are a time to look forward, not just back. The start of a new year brings with it an energetic calendar of corporate gatherings, retreats, awards, and hospitality experiences that set the tone for business in the months ahead.
With just 60 days to go until 2026, now is the time to start planning. Venues are booking up, travel costs are changing, and availability windows are narrowing. Whether you are preparing for your annual corporate retreat, launching your year with a company kick off, rewarding top performers with an incentive trip, or hosting a gala dinner to celebrate success, anticipating early year events can make the difference between a good event and a great one.
In this blog, we will explore the key event types that dominate early 2026, from January through to March, and why early planning is crucial for maximising impact, securing value, and setting the right tone for the year ahead.
Corporate Retreats
Corporate retreats have become a cornerstone of modern business culture. They provide a chance for teams to step away from their day-to-day work and reconnect, recharge, and realign. These gatherings typically bring together leadership teams, departments, or sometimes entire companies, offering a mix of strategic discussion, skill building workshops, and social bonding in a relaxed setting.
Who attends? Depending on the company’s goals, attendees can range from senior executives and management teams to wider departmental groups or even cross functional teams looking to strengthen collaboration.
Why Early Year Retreats Work Best
While retreats can happen at any time of year, early in the calendar, particularly January and February, presents a golden opportunity. Budgets have just been refreshed, employees return from the holidays with renewed energy, and teams are eager to connect and align around shared goals for the year ahead.
From a practical perspective, early year retreats make strong business sense. Venue availability is typically better after the busy festive season, and many hospitality providers offer attractive off-peak rates. This means companies can often access higher end locations or extended programmes within the same budget that might only cover a shorter experience later in the year.
The quieter business period in January also means fewer scheduling conflicts. Employees are generally more available, which allows for greater participation and engagement. It is the perfect moment to reflect on the previous year, discuss priorities, and set intentions for the months ahead, all while investing in your team’s wellbeing and cohesion.
Simply put, a well organised retreat early in the year can re energise teams and create the alignment that drives performance for the rest of 2026.
Kick Off Events
If the corporate retreat is about reflection and bonding, the kick-off event is about direction and drive. A company kick off, also known as a sales or annual kick off, is typically an internal event held at the beginning of the year, designed to set objectives, communicate strategy, and inspire teams to hit the ground running.
Who attends? Usually, kick offs bring together entire teams, sales, marketing, leadership, and support functions, for one focused purpose, launching the new year’s business plan.
Why January Is The Perfect Time
January is naturally the moment for new beginnings. After closing out the previous year, it is when businesses set new goals and rally their teams around shared ambitions. A well-planned kick-off event in January allows leadership to communicate these priorities clearly, celebrate recent achievements, and motivate everyone for the challenges ahead.
From an organisational perspective, early planning is essential. Venues that cater to large corporate gatherings book up quickly, especially for January dates, so securing your location early ensures flexibility and cost efficiency. Budgets also go further early in the year before the peak spring conference season hits, allowing for better staging, production, and engagement tools within the same spend.
Beyond logistics, the emotional timing of a January kick off cannot be overstated. Employees are refreshed after the holidays, eager for clarity and connection, and ready to be inspired. It is an invaluable moment to reinforce company culture and provide the momentum that drives the rest of the year.
When executed well, a kick-off event becomes more than a meeting, it is a shared experience that sparks alignment, motivation, and belonging.
Corporate Hospitality
Corporate hospitality is one of the most versatile tools in an event organiser’s toolkit. It spans a broad spectrum, from private boxes at sporting events and exclusive concert experiences to intimate private dining and cultural showcases. The purpose, however, is always the same, to build relationships, reward loyalty, and create memorable moments that strengthen connections.
Early 2026 Hospitality Highlights
The start of 2026 brings a range of exciting opportunities in the hospitality calendar. In sport, the Premier League returns in full swing, the Six Nations Rugby Championship kicks off in February, and several high-profile tennis and motorsport events attract global attention. For businesses seeking cultural or entertainment-based experiences, London’s West End continues to thrive with blockbuster shows, while major artists are already announcing early year tours across Europe, perfect for a company corporate event.
Private dining and exclusive hospitality suites also remain popular options in the early months. After the festive rush, venues are often more flexible with bookings, allowing event planners to curate tailored experiences for clients, partners, or high performing staff.
Why Early Year Hospitality Matters
From a business standpoint, early year hospitality is a smart investment. It helps sustain relationships built over the previous year, offers a strong start to client engagement, and positions your brand front of mind when decision makers are setting their own priorities.
It is also a great way to stand out. While many companies wait until summer to host hospitality events, those who engage earlier benefit from higher availability, competitive pricing, and less scheduling overlap.
Award Shows & GALA Dinners
Award shows and gala dinners are some of the most glamorous and emotionally rewarding events on the corporate calendar. They combine celebration, recognition, and entertainment in one elegant package, perfect for recognising achievements, rewarding excellence, and bringing teams together in style.
Who attends? Typically, these events bring together employees, partners, and sometimes clients or stakeholders, depending on the nature of the awards. They are formal yet celebratory occasions that provide a chance to look back on the past year’s success while setting the tone for what is ahead.
Why Host Early In The Year?
Many organisations choose to host their awards and gala dinners early in the year, often January or February, for a few key reasons. Firstly, it is a symbolic way to close the chapter on the previous year and start the new one on a high note. Secondly, venue and supplier availability are generally better before the spring event season peaks, and catering and production costs can be more favourable.
From a morale perspective, these events play a crucial role. Recognising team and individual performance in a high-quality setting boosts motivation and engagement, ensuring employees feel valued as the company embarks on a new year. It also injects energy and optimism into the organisation, a powerful way to refresh after the holidays and head into 2026 with confidence.
Early planning here is essential. Securing your preferred venue, entertainment, and production partners before the year end rush ensures a seamless, standout event that reflects your brand’s professionalism and attention to detail.
Incentive Travel
Group and incentive travel remains one of the most powerful motivators in business, a reward that combines experience, recognition, and exclusivity. These trips are typically offered to top performers, sales teams, or key partners, giving them an unforgettable journey that also strengthens loyalty and motivation.
Why March Is The Sweet Spot
While incentive trips can take place throughout the year, early spring, particularly March, offers a unique advantage. It is what the travel industry calls a shoulder month, a period between peak and off-peak seasons. This brings several key benefits:
- Better rates: Airfare, accommodation, and activities often come at lower prices compared to summer months
- Higher availability: Destinations and venues are less crowded, making it easier to secure premium experiences
- Ideal weather: Many destinations in Europe, the Middle East, and Asia begin to show early signs of good weather, perfect for outdoor activities and scenic excursions
- Less disruption: Teams are typically less tied up in major business cycles compared to the second or fourth quarter, making scheduling easier
From an event management perspective, March is a dream month for incentive programmes. It allows teams to reward success from the previous year while inspiring continued performance for the year ahead. Plus, it offers an opportunity to travel before the busier (and more expensive) summer period begins.
Whether it is a luxury resort in the Algarve, a wellness retreat in the Alps, or a cultural adventure in Marrakech, early year incentive travel delivers maximum impact at optimal value.
Time To Start Planning!
With just 60 days until 2026, now is the time to start planning. The first quarter of the year is packed with opportunities for connection, recognition, and inspiration, but only for those who prepare early. From intimate retreats and motivational kick offs to grand gala dinners and unforgettable incentive trips, every event sets a tone, tells a story, and strengthens the culture of your organisation.
By planning ahead, you secure the best venues, optimise your budget, and ensure every detail aligns perfectly with your goals. More importantly, you give your teams, clients, and partners something to look forward to, a moment to connect, celebrate, and start the new year with momentum.
If you are ready to make 2026 your most engaging year yet, our team would love to help. Get in touch with us today to start planning your early year events, because the countdown to success has already begun.
