Plan the year in the best way
5
my reading
Jan 19, 2026
When during the year is it really best to start planning this year's events, trips, and activities?
For many, the calendar fills up faster than expected, and what seems far off in the future often turns out to be booked earlier than you think. At the same time, it is hard to know when it's time to act – and what actually needs to be addressed right now.
That is why we have developed our annual wheel. A support that shows when it is smartest to start planning different types of activities, so that you get better oversight, greater freedom of choice, and a calmer execution.
You don't need to have everything ready from the start. On the contrary. The annual wheel is designed to help you know when it is the right time to take the first step, whether it concerns a finalized decision or an early idea.
Read on and see how the year is best planned.
January–March
Start planning for:
-Summer festivities (May–August)
-Conferences & client events in spring
-Smaller trips & incentives throughout the year
👉 The year's most important planning period.
This is where direction and ambition are turned into concrete plans. You secure popular dates well in advance and create a clear structure for the year's events and trips.
April–June
Start planning for:
-Kickoff and internal events after summer
-Conferences & client events in autumn
-Christmas festivities & annual events
⚠️ Important information regarding Christmas parties:
For larger groups, these should be booked even earlier – preferably already during Q1.
The availability of larger venues is limited, and attractive dates disappear quickly.
July
Planning & inspiration
-Lay the foundation for the rest of the year and the next year
-Prepare for larger trips and long-term arrangements
A calm period that is perfect for strategic discussions – without time pressure.
August–September
Start planning for:
-Smaller events and activities later in the year
-Larger international trips (6–12 months in advance)
👉 After summer, demand increases rapidly.
For trips, this is an optimal starting point for good foresight.
October–November
Start planning for:
-Kickoffs after the turn of the year (January–February next year)
-Conferences & client events in spring
-Larger trips & incentives
This is the key period to secure trips with the best options.
December
Evaluate the year and set the direction for the next:
-Summarize completed events and trips
-Incorporate lessons learned into upcoming planning
-Create a clear overview for the next year
👉 The goal is to enter the new year with a shared understanding and a clear plan.
How to use the annual wheel
Think of the annual wheel as a guiding support – not a rulebook. All organizations are different, but by having the right timing in planning, you will get:
-Greater flexibility in dates, venues, and arrangements
-Better control over budget and content
-Less stress and fewer last-minute compromises
The earlier the dialogue starts, the more we can help – even if the plans are still loose or in the idea stage.
Do you want to take the next step?
If you want help creating an annual wheel tailored to your business, your goals, and your way of working, we would be happy to sit down together and go through the year.
It can be anything from a comprehensive planning discussion to a more concrete annual wheel that provides you with a clear structure for events, trips, and internal activities, completely adapted to your needs and your calendar.
