[Part of the AMA Milwaukee Marketing Advice Column Series]

[Q:] I work for a software company, and we are getting ready to do a huge product release. I need some ideas on a good way to celebrate.

[A:] Wow! What an exciting time at your company. Your industry has one of the best track records for over-the-top release parties. Keep in mind that your real objective here is to celebrate the people that made this happen. Employee engagement is key to keeping the momentum after the launch ‘hangover’ has passed. Here are a few things you can do.

• A company meeting having the CEO or president recognize the effort is gracious.
• T-shirts or some other “I survived” type of memento go a long way – doubly so if they have the signatures of everyone who worked on the project.
• Internal version release posters (collect them all!) including the logo, mission, software name and version and everyone’s’ signatures who worked on the project.
• Lastly, give out fun awards to key project members, like most caffeine consumed while working on the project or ‘best bug zapper’ for your best troubleshooter.

By recognizing not only the event but also the people that made it happen, you’ll put yourself on a trajectory for the success of this release and many to come!