A Night to Remember: Hosting Optima Office’s Holiday Party at The Hangars
On a crisp December evening in 2024, The Hangars transformed into a festive wonderland to host an unforgettable holiday party for the employees of Optima Office. As San Diego’s premier event venue, we pride ourselves on creating tailored, memorable experiences, and this celebration was no exception. With twinkling lights, seasonal décor, and a vibrant atmosphere, we welcomed Optima Office’s dedicated team of fractional CFOs, accountants, HR professionals, and support staff for a night of camaraderie, appreciation, and holiday cheer. Here’s a detailed look at how we brought this special event to life for one of the West Coast’s most dynamic companies.
Setting the Stage at The Hangars
Located in the heart of San Diego, The Hangars is known for its versatile, modern spaces that seamlessly blend sophistication with flexibility. For Optima Office’s holiday party, we utilized our expansive indoor-outdoor layout to create a multi-dimensional experience. The event kicked off in our sleek indoor lounge, where guests were greeted with the warm glow of holiday lights strung across the high ceilings and a custom welcome sign reading, “Optima Office Holiday Celebration 2024.”
The Hangars’ state-of-the-art sound system filled the air with a curated playlist of holiday classics and upbeat tunes, setting the tone for a night of celebration. Our team worked closely with Optima Office’s event planners to ensure every detail reflected their company’s values: professionalism, teamwork, and a commitment to excellence.
A Guest List of Talent and Heart
Optima Office, founded in 2018 by industry visionary Jennifer Barnes, is a powerhouse of outsourced accounting, fractional CFO services, and HR support, serving nearly 300 companies across the United States, with a strong focus on the West Coast. Their team is a diverse group of professionals; bookkeepers, controllers, CFOs, HR managers, and more; who bring expertise, dedication, and a personal touch to their clients’ success. This holiday party was a chance to honor their hard work and celebrate the culture of flexibility, growth, and community that defines Optima Office.
The attendees included a mix of on-site and remote employees, many of whom had traveled to San Diego for the occasion. From seasoned executives like Jennifer Barnes herself to rising stars like Kevin, recently promoted to Assistant Controller, the room buzzed with energy and pride. We also spotted Jilian Dimitt, SPHR, SHRM-SCP, Optima’s VP of Human Resources, mingling with team members and sharing laughs over the year’s achievements. It was clear that this wasn’t just a party—it was a family reunion for a team that thrives on collaboration and mutual support.
A Feast Fit for the Season
No holiday party is complete without exceptional food and drink, and The Hangars delivered a culinary experience that delighted every palate. Partnering with one of our trusted local catering partners, we designed a menu that blended festive flavors with Optima Office’s preference for variety and quality.
To keep the spirits flowing, our full-service bar offered signature holiday cocktails like the “Optima Office Old Fashioned” (a nod to their financial expertise with a twist of bourbon and orange zest) and a sparkling cranberry spritz for a lighter option. Non-alcoholic choices, including a spiced apple cider, ensured everyone could toast to the season.
Entertainment and Team-Building, Optima Style
Optima Office’s team is known for their balance of hard work and fun, so we crafted an evening that reflected their dynamic spirit. The Hangars’ event team coordinated a lineup of activities to keep the energy high and the connections strong
The highlight of the evening was a heartfelt speech from Jennifer Barnes, who thanked her team for their unwavering commitment to clients and each other. She shared a few standout moments from 2024, including Optima’s recognition as a Top Workplace and their continued growth in supporting businesses nationwide. The room erupted in applause, a testament to the tight-knit culture she’s built.
Why The Hangars Was the Perfect Fit
Optima Office chose The Hangars for this event because of our reputation for seamless execution and personalized service; qualities that align with their own mission. Our venue’s flexibility allowed us to accommodate their 100+ attendees comfortably, with ample space for dining, dancing, and networking. Our in-house AV capabilities ensured crystal-clear sound for speeches and music, while our dedicated event staff handled every detail, from setup to cleanup, so Optima’s team could simply enjoy the night.
The outdoor patio, a favorite feature among guests, provided a refreshing contrast to the indoor festivities, letting attendees stargaze between bites of dessert. It was the kind of night that showcased The Hangars’ ability to elevate any occasion, whether it’s a corporate gala, a wedding, or, in this case, a holiday party for a team that’s redefining business support services.
A Celebration of Success and Connection
As the night wound down, guests lingered over final drinks and swapped stories of the year’s triumphs; new clients won, complex financials untangled, and HR challenges conquered. The Hangars’ team watched with pride as Optima Office’s employees left with smiles, holiday gift bags in hand (filled with local San Diego treats and Optima-branded goodies), and memories of a night well spent.
Hosting Optima Office’s holiday party was an honor for us at The Hangars. Their team’s energy, professionalism, and warmth made it a joy to create an event that reflected their unique spirit. We’re already looking forward to welcoming them back—or any company looking to celebrate their people in style.
Ready to plan your own unforgettable event? Contact The Hangars today to explore how we can bring your vision to life, just like we did for Optima Office. Happy holidays from our team to yours!