Events organisation

Professional after-work: our tips for a successful event

One of the ways to boost team spirit in a company is to organise a professional after-work event.

In this article, our Atypiic experts share their top tips for organising a successful event that is both appropriate and runs smoothly. We are, of course, at your disposal to tailor each proposal to your needs. Inspired by Anglo-Saxon practices, this user-friendly concept was established in France in the early 2010s as a distinctive HR tool.

Whether at the end of a study day, after a seminar, or to celebrate a success, this hybrid format allows you to escape the confines of a formal setting while retaining the essentials: coming together in a different way, exchanging ideas, and getting to know each other better. On our events platform, we offer suitable hotel venues for company after-work events: bars with reserved areas, private rooms, catering, entertainment and accommodation.

Our listed hotels do not organise after-work events independently, but as part of a wider business event package. Follow our advice for an enjoyable company after-work event.

Published: 06-01-2026

Why organise a company after-work event?

Creating or strengthening team spirit

An after-work event is just as suitable for an in-house gathering as it is for a meeting with customers or partners. It provides an opportunity for people to come together and exchange ideas, facilitating discussions with individuals who are usually less accessible due to their level of responsibility or busy schedules. The more relaxed context undoubtedly helps to overcome stress, shyness and reserve.

Promoting dialogue and social interaction

This more relaxed format encourages informal discussions, even among the most reserved individuals. It encourages spontaneous conversation, helps people to understand each other better and enables them to build relationships in person, rather than through screens, emails, text messages or video conferences.

Unblocking situations and creating opportunities

With our busy work schedules, we don’t always have the time to talk things over calmly. An after-work event provides an opportunity to revisit a misunderstood point, share a sudden idea, or simply adjust a perception. It’s also a chance to start a project or generate business opportunities in a more relaxed setting.

Introducing a human touch to business events

For all these reasons, a professional after-work event is an essential part of any company retreat programme. It adds a real touch of conviviality to the day. However, it is sometimes omitted from training days due to time or budget constraints. What a pity, as this moment is never superfluous. Skipping it is a bit like giving up dessert after a good meal. The interaction ends too quickly and the experience loses its warmth and memorability.

Organising a company after-work event

What is the best format for your professional after-work?

An express format for short days

Is your event short and starting early? Try a before-work event: an energising breakfast, discussion workshop and/or gentle activity to start your day. It’s less festive than an after-work event, but just as effective for onboarding or subsequent brainstorming sessions. It’s up to you to select the activity that best suits your needs and objectives!

A retreat offering a complete experience

During a company retreat, you have the luxury of time to enjoy a real moment of relaxation, whether you choose an after-work or a before-work activity, or both! Depending on the time, the package and the atmosphere you’re looking for, you can choose from a bar, a room, a restaurant or a more unusual venue, such as a library or a cinema-lounge. You can choose to include entertainment and dinner, or an evening at leisure to follow. It’s up to you to create the perfect mix to strengthen team spirit, or you can trust us to help you do it.

What are the constraints and issues to be aware of?

The right venue, in the right format

Yes, you need to hire a venue at Atypiic to organise a company after-work, whether to make the bar area private (if the layout allows), hire an adjoining event space or one that can be made private in one of our restaurants, or a meeting room refurbished for the occasion (lounge atmosphere, relaxed furniture, appropriate lighting, etc.). Some venues also have unusual spaces, such as a library, terrace, rooftop, cinema lounge or lounge, that can be converted or are already set up for after-work events. The choice will depend on the desired atmosphere and the number of participants.

Technical equipment to consider

WiFi, screen, projector, microphone, etc. can be installed on request, even in more unusual and informal spaces. Useful if you’re planning an interactive event, a team-building moment or a public speaking session.

The right catering option

From simple aperitifs and cocktails to buffets, tapas, barbecues and platters, alcoholic and non-alcoholic cocktails, and fixed-price or bespoke options, there are many possible solutions.

Quotes and simplified logistics

Our teams will send you a clear estimate based on your choices: venue, entertainment, catering, evening aftermath. All on a single, simple and transparent quote. And don’t forget to check out our special offers : some of our partner hotels may include an after-work reception in the course of the year, subject to certain conditions, for all event bookings.

What are the entertainment options for a successful company after-work party?

Theme evenings

Looking for a good time together? Why not try a game of petanque on the edge of the forest at the Best Western Plus L’Orée Paris Sud, an interactive Kahoot-style quiz with prizes to be won at the Mercure Paris Boulogne, or a musical blind test or karaoke in the cinema lounge area or the Atelier at the Mercure Chantilly? For a memorable atmosphere, add a DJ set or a live concert on the terrace, rooftop, or in front of the illuminated indoor swimming pool at the Mercure Maintenon.

Interactive workshops

A place for creativity and the senses: cocktail workshops (with or without alcohol), mixology and cheese and wine tastings at the A l’Epicerie restaurants, which boast the world’s largest cheese cloches. There are also games of skill and an express escape game. These short, unifying formats are a great way to relax and challenge yourself.

A soft approach to team building

From collaborative games and interactive frescoes to observation riddles and mini rallies in a hotel, these light-hearted activities are a great way to strengthen bonds and relieve pressure!

After-work + dinner: the winning formula

Enjoy a friendly aperitif followed by a buffet, barbecue, raclette, fondue or tapas – the ultimate in conviviality! Some hotels like the Mercure Compiègne Sud even have a bar with a live cooking show. With so many options, why not save the team-building activities for the next day?

Company after-work: maximise the impact of your business events

As you can imagine, a company after-work event is about more than just an impromptu aperitif. It is a strategic HR and sales tool. Internally, it breaks down barriers and fosters relationships. For customers, it provides an opportunity to present an offer in a warm and engaging atmosphere. At Atypiic, we can help you organise your business after-work event, taking care of everything from the venue to the content. Our hotel teams’ expertise will optimise your (good) time.

Organising a company after-work event

Top 4 venues for your end-of-year company event

Discover all our venues

a large building is reflected in a body of water

an aerial view of a golf course with a large building in the background

a large swimming pool surrounded by chairs and umbrellas

a patio area with umbrellas and chairs and a bar

a table with a bottle of rose wine on it

a restaurant with tables and chairs and a green ceiling

the word monet is on the wall of a building

a conference room with round tables and black chairs

a buffet table with a sign that says welcome

Mercure Chantilly

Vineuil-Saint-Firmin (60 500 ), Hauts-de-France

200 rooms - 176 twins

21 meeting rooms - 300 max. people

300 seats

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a row of cars are parked in front of a large building

a large building with a roof that is covered in shingles

a living room with a couch and a vase of pampas grass

a restaurant with a fire pit in front of it

a hotel room with a large bed and a flat screen tv

Best Western Plus L’Orée Paris Sud

Saulx-les-Chartreux (91 160 ), Île-de-France

60 rooms - 43 twins

8 meeting rooms - 250 people max

200 seats

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a large white building with a red roof and accessible parking

three framed paintings hang on a wall above a couch

a large indoor swimming pool with a red wall

a bar with a painting of trees on the ceiling

a dining room with a painting of trees on the wall

a display case in a restaurant has a glass dome over it

a hotel room with a large bed and a chair

a conference room with a long table and chairs

Mercure Maintenon

Maintenon (28 130 ), Centre-Val de Loire

78 rooms - 62 twins

7 meeting rooms - 190 max. people

190 seats

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a large building with the word hotel on it

a large swimming pool with a life preserver on it

a restaurant with tables and chairs and a bar

a large auditorium with red seats and a podium

a restaurant with green chairs and a blue wall

a mercure hotel room with two beds and a red chair

a conference room with black chairs and a projector

Mercure Paris Boulogne

Boulogne-Billancourt (92 100 ), Île-de-France

191 rooms - 100 twins

12 meeting rooms - 180 max. people

200 seats

Special Offer: Corporate Upgrade

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View all Atypiic hotels

Choose from one of our multi-brand hotels and enjoy a memorable sports team-building experience, with a variety of activities, comfortable accommodation and turnkey or customised quotes for the perfect experience.