Planning on hosting a corporate event? No matter the purpose or size of the event, it is sure to cause a fair amount of stress and anxiety as there is a huge amount to arrange and there will be a lot of pressure to impress. This will be multiplied exponentially if you do not have much experience event planning, but fear not as there is a lot of helpful information out there that can help to reduce stress whilst also ensuring that the event is a big success and reflects positively on you. Read on for ten handy tips for planning a corporate event.
1. Identify the purpose
Before any of the planning begins you first need to fully understand the purpose of the event and what the goal is. This will help you to plan a successful event which will achieve the goals and resonate with the audience.
2. Confirm the details
You should then get the basic information that you need to start planning. This will include how many people are expected, who is invited and the date. Once a date is confirmed you can start looking for the perfect location, another vital aspect, as noted below.
3. Pick a suitable location
It is important to select the right location that is appropriate for the type of event you are hosting, as, after all, you are showcasing your company and hosting potential customers, and first impressions count. A memorable, suitable location can be key to the event’s success. It should be somewhere that is easy to reach for everyone and fit for the purpose of the event.
4. Select a dress code
Next, you should decide on a dress code for the event, and this will depend on the purpose. If you want people to dress up smart, you will need to let them know in advance so that they can arrange tuxedos, plus size party cocktail dresses and other suitable attire.
5. Food & drink
No event is complete without food and drink, so make sure that this is arranged when you know how many people are attending. If it is a party, ensure that there are alcoholic and non-alcoholic and vegetarian and non-vegetarian options available for all.
6. Send invitations early
Once you have a guest list, you will want to send out the invitations, and this should be done as early as possible. Be sure to include all the relevant information and make it easy for them to RSVP. Confirming numbers at least 2 weeks before the event is advised so you can plan accordingly and allow for the numbers, food and drink wise, for example. The last thing you want is to have a chaotic, disorganized event with not enough food or drink, for example.
7. Entertainment
If you are hosting a party, you may also want to arrange some form of entertainment whether it is a live band or a DJ. This can make a huge difference and encourage people to relax and enjoy themselves.
8. Planning professionals
If you are struggling to plan the event or you simply want it to be the best it possibly can be then you may want to use the services of corporate event planning specialists who can organize fun events which achieve your specific goals.
9. Welcome guests
Corporate events can make some people feel uncomfortable, but you can avoid this by being warm, friendly and welcoming from the start.
10. Enjoy it
Finally, do your best to enjoy the event. This can be challenging when you are the host, but you also need to be able to relax and enjoy the fruits of your labor.
Planning a corporate event can be a huge task and one which causes a great deal of stress, but the above tips should help anyone to plan a fun, valuable and memorable event.
