Does your company have an upcoming anniversary? Not sure when or how to start planning? We’ve covered the “5 P’s” that can make your anniversary a memorable success – read about it in our post “What Makes a Company Anniversary Memorable? The 5 P’s!” However, whether you’re planning for a corporate, hospital, or association anniversary, there are also 5 Big Mistakes you’ll want to avoid:

1. 1. Omit a leader in your recognitions—especially if they or family is still alive
   2. Leave only 4 months’ time for your planning
   3. Fail to have a contingency plan for an outdoor celebration
   4. Fail to appreciate the inspiration that past history and past leaders bring to an anniversary commemoration
   5. Ignore the opportunity to communicate your accomplishments and acknowledge your people

One Of A Kind personalized, custom-made art can help you avoid these 5 mistakes by showcasing your history, leaders, mission and accomplishments in an extraordinary, meaningful way. We transform your photos and memorabilia into museum-quality art to communicate your corporate story at your celebration, in your lobby, and digitally on your website. Celebrate your past and present, and create a lasting legacy to be enjoyed for future generations! For free professional advice as you plan your anniversary, contact Donna Rome: 301.495.3361 x 102 or [email protected].

1. Omit a leader in your recognitions—especially if they or family is still alive

It’s important to recognize all of a company’s leaders. An anniversary is the perfect opportunity to express your appreciation for their contributions to the company’s success. Reach out to founders, founders’ families, longtime leaders and their families, to acknowledge them at an anniversary celebration.

One Of A Kind 3-dimensional anniversary art offers the perfect solution for leader recognition. Include leadership group photos or portrait heads in the art. Or engrave in metalwork the names or signatures of distinguished leaders. For the exceptional leaders, a personalized award makes for the perfect display in an office or home.

2. Leave only 4 months’ time for your planning

Time will be an important factor in your planning. Give yourself the gift of time and start early! This is one of the most fun, gratifying projects you’ll ever work on—and more so when it’s not a crisis situation. It takes time to go through boxes and drawers to discover archival material that give a celebration more meaning. It’s never too soon to begin planning for an anniversary, designating a leader, sending out a call for memorabilia, and developing consensus on priorities.

3. Fail to have a contingency plan for an outdoor celebration

Weather is unpredictable, so it’s always a good idea to have a contingency plan in place if you’re planning an outdoor celebration. Whether it’s setting up tents or having an indoor venue reserved as a backup, make sure your event has the ability to weather the storm!

Another plus to commissioning a One Of A Kind collage for your anniversary: the art is portable! It can be set up anywhere. So if you have to move your event location due to weather, the art can easily move with you.

4. Fail to appreciate the inspiration that history and past leaders bring to an anniversary commemoration

Your company today was built on the story and people of the past. It’s important to recognize your history and use it as a platform to show what you’re building towards into the future. Your history reflects success, and the longevity builds trust with customers. Using your anniversary as a tool to commemorate your past story and leaders can strengthen your brand and relationships with your community.

5. Ignore the opportunity to communicate your accomplishments and acknowledge your people

A company is only as good as its people, and an anniversary offers the ideal opportunity to thank your employees for their contributions. You can cast a broad net in expressing thanks to all who have contributed to your company’s success.

Milestone anniversaries are an exciting, unique opportunity. For a free anniversary consultation, contact Donna Rome at [email protected] or 301.495.3361 x 102. We’ll send you an Anniversary Planning Guide along with brochures and examples.