Is the holiday party dead?

Photo: Getty Images

At BCS Communications in Kansas City, a small staff works year-round to provide advertising, public relations and marketing plans to clients. But on one night each December, the office is jammed elbow-to-elbow with employees, spouses, clients, vendors, bartenders, musicians and a celebrity impersonator.

“We have had a party every year since we started the company 12 years ago,” said Leigh Ann Cleaver, a partner in the business. “We do it as a way to say thanks to everyone and celebrate what we have accomplished. Building relationships is a huge part of it. We have gotten projects and assignments from the party, but that’s not the focus. We want our clients to know they are important to us.”