Professionals Share Their Regrettable Office Holiday Party Moments to Win a Party Re-Do
Embassy Suites Hotels today announced the winners of its recent Office Holiday Party Regrets essay contest. Customers and the general public around the country were invited to share their most embarrassing office holiday party stories for a chance to win one of three "re-do" office parties courtesy of the upscale all-suites hotel chain.
"My company has not had a Christmas party in two years so I am thrilled to have a chance to make-good on my embarrassing moment and host a party do-over for everyone to enjoy," said winner Maria Braswell, of Atlanta, GA, whose story about a car rolling into the restaurant hosting her company's holiday party clearly seemed worthy of a do-over. Joining Maria as grand prize winners are Frank Galinsky of Kansas City, MO, and Janet Kruse of Portland, OR. These three winners beat out nearly 100 other office holiday party tales of woe. Entries showcased a plethora of party fouls, from stories of extreme karaoke to anecdotes of accidentally badmouthing the boss – or worse, the boss's wife.
The Embassy Suites Hotels contest ran online November 11 through December 4 and required each entrant to share their biggest "Office Holiday Party No-No" in 300 words or less on Embassy Suites Hotels' BusinessBalance.com website. The contest landing page features a festive array of office holiday party resources, including tongue-in-cheek, downloadable office-themed party décor and guideline "dos and don'ts" of yuletide mixing and mingling for professionals. Following the contest, a panel of Embassy Suites judges selected the grand prize winners based on the following key criteria: humor, awkwardness of the regrettable experience and the extent to which the entry fit the office holiday party contest theme as determined by perceived potential career damage. The three grand prize winners will receive a complimentary holiday party for his or her team at a local Embassy Suites property – this time without the embarrassment.
"Embassy Suites wanted to bring back the office holiday party fun this holiday season," says John Lee, vice president of Brand Marketing for Embassy Suites Hotels. "Whether at office holiday parties or on the road during business travel, Embassy Suites looks to help professionals accomplish the smoothest, most successful business experiences possible -- from our complimentary cooked-to-order breakfast to kick-start your morning to our complimentary nightly Manager's Reception* where guests can unwind after a long day."
Consumers entered the contest at BusinessBalance.com, a website where road warriors can find information and resources to help them achieve balance on the road. Here, business travelers can find tips and tools about how to best survive their business trips and avoid future blunders.
The grand-prize winning stories can be found at www.businessbalance.com/holidaycontest.
The Winning Office Holiday Party No-Nos:
- Maria Braswell – Atlanta, GA: "Several years back, the restaurant I worked at had a holiday party for its employees and their guests. I had brought a guest who lived about thirty minutes away, so when he was ready to head home, he turned on the car to warm it up. In the meantime, he stepped out to hug me goodbye and we were chatting away. The car was manual and apparently when he got in, he accidentally put the car in reverse and didn't realize it. Before we even had time to react, his car was rolling down the parking lot in reverse toward the restaurant. The car went through the wall and ended up in the main dining room of the restaurant. It seemed like the entire fire and police department came out when they got the call. Thankfully, no one was hurt, but needless to say, my boss was not thrilled, and I have since never brought guests to company events!"
- Frank Galinsky – Kansas City, MO: "After enjoying myself at our office holiday party, I was feeling very tired and had to go outside and lay down in the back seat of a co-worker's car. Turns out it was my boss's car and he didn't realize I was asleep in the back seat until he had driven all the way home! So, I went inside to call a cab, much to his wife's disapproval!"
- Janet Kruse – Portland, OR: "I was pregnant at our office party when I met my boss's wife for the first time. She looked very pregnant too, so I said, "When is your due date?" Her answer was delivered with plenty of Frosty the Snowman chill: "I'm not pregnant."
About Embassy Suites Hotels
Founded in 1984, Embassy Suites Hotels defines the upscale, all-suite segment and today has 203 hotels, with an additional 46 in the pipeline. With spacious two-room suites, engaging team members and an inviting atrium environment, guests are allowed to put their feet up and feel right at home. To learn more, visit www.embassysuites.com.
About Hilton Worldwide
Hilton Worldwide is the leading global hospitality company, spanning the lodging sector from luxurious full-service hotels and resorts to extended-stay suites and mid-priced hotels. For 90 years, Hilton Worldwide has been offering business and leisure travelers the finest in accommodations, service, amenities and value. The company is dedicated to continuing its tradition of providing exceptional guest experiences across its global brands. Our brands are comprised of more than 3,400 hotels in 79 countries and include Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts, Conrad Hotels & Resorts, Hilton, Doubletree, Embassy Suites Hotels, Hilton Garden Inn, Hampton Inn & Suites, Homewood Suites by Hilton, Home2 Suites by Hilton and Hilton Grand Vacations. The company also manages the world-class guest reward program Hilton HHonors®.
For more information about the company, please visit www.hiltonworldwide.com.
*Service of alcohol subject to state and local laws. Must be of legal drinking age.
Contacts:
Embassy Suites Hotels Brand Public Relations
Maggie Giddens,
703-883-5346
Maggie.Giddens@hilton.com
or
Emanate
Kathryn
Zambito, 212-805-8010
Kathryn.Zambito@emanatepr.com