Our firm will soon reach its 15th anniversary. How best to celebrate?

[engine]

Fifteen years ago we had an idea to start our business. Our tenth anniversary went past so quick we didn't have time to notice and, consequently, did nothing but go down the pub. However, this time we'd like to celebrate somehow.

We'd like to thank our staff and suppliers that have worked with us. We'd also like to thank our clients, past and present.

For example, we thought of offering our past clients a special birthday deal of prices based upon fifteen years ago (only those things that have gone up in price since, of course), such as one month's worth of work at the price of 15-years ago.

We thought of getting a fifteenth anniversary card (and e-card), too.

The problem is, an anniversay is only relevent to those celebrating it, why would anyone else be interested? The true answer is that they wouldn't. So, we have to offer them something.

What would you do?

Sensible suggestions, please, as we've already has a number of crazy ones from the team.

[Shak]

engine,

Fistly may I congatulate you on 15 years of business, bet you have seen some good and bad times.

Personally I would be looking to give a gift to all my clients/suppliers, something like a nice "quality" pen or similar.

however the problem arises that most of the business relationships that I am involved in, work because of my clients/suppliers staff, NOT the directors or senior management.

the people at the bottom of the ladder, are the 1s that need thanking etc etc, as they are the "make" or "break" people.

just a thought, sorry if its not helpful.

Shak

[vibgyor79]

Sensible suggestions, please, as we've already has a number of crazy ones from the team.

Aw.. Shucks! ;)

[1Lit]

Congratulations. It is a VERY big deal to have been around for 15 years. I'm sure you've been through some tough times :)

Well done!

[Kimberly]

WOW! BIG TIME PARTY! Lots of entertainment. Congratulations!

[NFFC]

>What would you do?

I'd forget about the clients, treat the staff and owners maybe a weekend in New York or something. Fifteen years is a huge milestone for a business, having said that maybe some of the clients think you have been around much longer?

[EquityMind]

I would definately send out some sort of PR announcement to handle the clients, perhaps even a newswire so that it's picked up by publications, you will be surprised, some of your clientele may actually send YOU congratulatory perks. I agree with NFFC and would treat the employees who helped you get there to a nice weekend...personally I'd take Las Vegas...lots of places to get into trouble there. :)

[Robert Charlton]

Congratulations on the 15 years. That's a long time.

What's the weather going to be like? A few years back, an ad agency I sometimes work with put up an open-sided tent at the local county fair... had tables and chairs, a great buffet, and drinks... and it was a great, low key mixer. The event still stands out in my memory as especially nice.

You could probably have an open house if you can't find a county fair.

[Robert Charlton]

PS to the above... They sent out invitations, of course, and admission to the tent was more or less invitation only.

[anallawalla]

Congrats on the milestone. I think the 15-YO pricing is a winner, particularly if you can get some free press or TV coverage, e.g. local firm beats the odds. It will get you a few customers who might not have looked at you and you get a chance to show them your customer service.