Planning a corporate event that is informative yet is enjoyable for those in attendance can be a daunting task.
Not until the actual planning and execution does one realize there are many moving parts to consider. While there are countless steps from start to finish, these 5 tips will put any event on the right track.
Planning
Creating a detailed plan, establishing a reasonable timeline, and setting goals are the first steps in throwing a successful corporate event. Writing out a plan will keep everyone on the same page and help catch aspects that may otherwise be overlooked.
Budgeting
This is probably the first issue people consider in regards to corporate event planning. In order to properly allocate funds, you must first have a realistic understanding of the costs of each feature of the event. Randomly assigning a budget without the proper knowledge or research can cause deficits in one area and overages in others. Making a list that includes all your expenses, such as corporate entertainment, decor, venue, food, etc. and getting quotes is key to setting proper budgets for each category.
Venue
Choosing the right venue sets the tone for your entire event. Be sure to visit the venue in person. Pictures can be deceiving and it is hard to envision scale and overall atmosphere from photographs. Perhaps the biggest factor in choosing a venue is finding one that is big enough to seat attendees comfortably during meetings, breakout sessions, dining and so on. Cramming too many people into a small space is a sure fire way to make people uncomfortable and cranky. On the flip side, choosing a venue that is oversized can create feelings of detachment leading to attendees becoming uninterested.
Program
The whole reason for the event. Whatever message you are trying to portray, be sure not to overload guests by planning overly long sessions. Those in attendance will become bored and start to lose focus, defeating the purpose of all your planning. Appropriately breaking up meetings with breaks and activities that allow people to get out of their seats will keep people sharp and attentive.
Entertainment
This is something many people planning corporate events do not even consider. This often overlooked portion of the event has the power to re-energize the crowd by breaking up a long day of meetings or send attendees off excited about your company and what they have learned by placing it at the end of the event. Booking exciting and unique corporate event entertainment is the difference between creating a one of a kind experience or a forgettable one.
If you follow these simple tips, you should be on your way to throwing a successful corporate event.
