After two years of abstinence, D.C.’s top employers are hosting holiday celebrations again and shelling out for interactive experiences.Washington is a cutthroat talent market. Despite broader shakiness in the economy, bosses in a position to do so are eager to keep up morale this year and make sure their people feel appreciated.Ron and Sara Bonjean, hosts of one of Washington’s most legendary
, put their personal bash on pause again this year. But Ron’s public affairs firm Rokk Solutions hired a DJ for their company soirée at Yardbird.Zoom fatigue has pushed the C-suite to ditch virtual or even hybrid options in favor of fully immersive in-person parties, says Tiffany Balmer of The DC Event Planner.
Rachael Glaws, who runs RGI events + public relations, tells Axios she’s planned about two dozen holiday parties — most with six-figure budgets. Companies are spending about the same amount as they were pre-pandemic, she says. But they’re prioritizing activities and branded merch, with less focus on decor.Magicians