, you can get various and amazing results. Use it to start the day and people will be pumped to see what else you have in store. Mid day entertainment is a great way to break up the day. You can even close with it to send people off talking about what a great event you threw!<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n
![\"Corporate](\"http:\/\/www.timdecker.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/08\/corporate_event_planning_checklist.jpg\" "\\"Corporate")
\n<\/b><\/p>\nChapter 2: Corporate Event Planning Checklist<\/h2>\n
<\/p>\n
While those simple tips are a great start, holding a great corporate event is all in the details. As previously mentioned, checklists are a great way to keep things in order and to make sure any aspect big or small is not forgotten. Having all tasks in one place will help keep stress levels to a minimum and help keep the planning process running smoothly. Use this checklist as a guideline, adding in things unique to your event and removing those that do not apply. Corporate event planning is much easier when everything is fully organized.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n
[ ] Select a date and time that doesn\u2019t conflict with any other events.<\/span><\/p>\n[ ]\u00a0Decide on a concept and or theme for the corporate event.<\/span><\/p>\n[ ]\u00a0Plan your budget. Getting various estimates will help to create reasonable budget.<\/span><\/p>\n[ ]\u00a0Gather up your sponsors.<\/span><\/p>\n[ ]\u00a0Get an accurate attendance count as this will be essential to the rest of the planning.<\/span><\/p>\n[ ]\u00a0Book your venue after doing a walk through. Taking care to choose one that has: <\/span><\/p>\n\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 [ ]\u00a0main session room<\/span><\/p>\n\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 [ ]\u00a0break out rooms<\/span><\/p>\n\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 [ ]\u00a0meal room<\/span><\/p>\n[ ]\u00a0Choose a committee of people you trust to help plan the corporate event.<\/span><\/p>\n[ ]\u00a0Reserve a block of accommodations if this is taking place out of town.<\/span><\/p>\n[ ]\u00a0Decide on your menu, giving consideration to those with dietary restrictions.<\/span><\/p>\n\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 [ ]\u00a0Plan for the daily meals you will be providing, which is typically breakfast and lunch.<\/span><\/p>\n\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 [ ]\u00a0Plan on providing refreshments and snacks throughout the event<\/span><\/p>\n\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 [ ]\u00a0Choose a menu for any special events like an awards dinner.<\/span><\/p>\n[ ]\u00a0Book off site activities, such as a golf outing or tickets to a show. Be sure to ask about group discounts.<\/span><\/p>\n[ ]\u00a0Gather any supplies needed for team building activities.<\/span><\/p>\n[ ]\u00a0Pick out whatever decor you may need, particularly for the corporate awards dinner. <\/span><\/p>\n\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 [ ]\u00a0Flowers<\/span><\/p>\n\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 [ ]\u00a0Linens<\/span><\/p>\n\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 [ ]\u00a0Draping<\/span><\/p>\n\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 [ ]\u00a0Decide how you want to incorporate branding into the decor.<\/span><\/p>\n[ ]\u00a0Create a list of AV needs. This includes, but is not limited to:<\/span><\/p>\n\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 [ ]\u00a0sound system<\/span><\/p>\n\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 [ ]\u00a0microphones<\/span><\/p>\n\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 [ ]\u00a0lighting<\/span><\/p>\n\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 [ ]\u00a0projectors<\/span><\/p>\n\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 [ ]\u00a0stage and podium<\/span><\/p>\n[ ]\u00a0Make use of to do lists.<\/span><\/p>\n[ ]\u00a0Create timelines for the meetings and sessions.<\/span><\/p>\n[ ]\u00a0Book keynote and guest speakers.<\/span><\/p>\n[ ]\u00a0Hire corporate entertainment and be sure to accommodate any rider requirements.<\/span><\/p>\n[ ]\u00a0Hire outside vendors, such as:<\/span><\/p>\n\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 [ ]\u00a0Photographer<\/span><\/p>\n\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 [ ]\u00a0Videographer<\/span><\/p>\n\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 [ ]\u00a0AV crew<\/span><\/p>\n[ ]\u00a0Account for all printing needs.<\/span><\/p>\n\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 [ ]\u00a0Invitations<\/span><\/p>\n\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 [ ]\u00a0Badges<\/span><\/p>\n\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 [ ]\u00a0Banners and signs<\/span><\/p>\n\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 [ ]\u00a0Programs<\/span><\/p>\n\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 [ ]\u00a0Registration paperwork<\/span><\/p>\n[ ]\u00a0Buy any awards and prizes you will need.<\/span><\/p>\n\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 [ ]\u00a0Plaques and trophies<\/span><\/p>\n\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 [ ]\u00a0Attendee gifts <\/span><\/p>\n\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 [ ]\u00a0Raffle prizes<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n
Hopefully this list will get you started in the right direction and get you thinking about aspects of your event that may have been otherwise overlooked. <\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n
![\"Corporate](\"http:\/\/www.timdecker.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/08\/corporate_event_planning_budget_planning.jpg\" "\\"Corporate")
\n<\/b><\/p>\nChapter 3: Budget Planning<\/h3>\n
<\/p>\n
Many of the items listed on the corporate event planning checklist will also appear on your budgeting sheet. Having an accurate list of anticipated expenses is crucial in avoiding overages and in preventing skimping in areas that could have benefited from extra budget. Corporate event planning is much easier when you have a realistic idea of all your potential expenses.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n
Venue Rental<\/b><\/p>\n\n- Breakout rooms- meeting rooms, ballrooms for awards dinners, etc.<\/span><\/li>\n
- Parking<\/span><\/li>\n
- Deposits<\/span><\/li>\n
- Permits\/licenses<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
<\/p>\n
Catering<\/b><\/p>\n\n- Food and Drinks<\/span><\/li>\n
- Serving Staff <\/span><\/li>\n
- Bartenders<\/span><\/li>\n
- Gratuities<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
<\/p>\n
Audiovisual <\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n\n- Microphones<\/span><\/li>\n
- Sound system<\/span><\/li>\n
- Projectors<\/span><\/li>\n
- Screens<\/span><\/li>\n
- Wifi<\/span><\/li>\n
- Special lighting<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
<\/p>\n
Decor<\/b><\/p>\n\n- Centerpieces <\/span><\/li>\n
- Thematic elements<\/span><\/li>\n
- Backdrops<\/span><\/li>\n
- Floral arrangements<\/span><\/li>\n
- Pipe and drape<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
<\/p>\n
Rentals<\/b><\/p>\n\n- Tables<\/span><\/li>\n
- Chairs <\/span><\/li>\n
- Linens <\/span><\/li>\n
- Stages<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
<\/p>\n
Activities<\/b><\/p>\n\n- Group activities such team building exercises<\/span><\/li>\n
- Group appreciation activities like tickets to a show<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
<\/p>\n
Transportation<\/b><\/p>\n\n- Costs incurred traveling to and from venue during planning stages<\/span><\/li>\n
- Airport shuttle<\/span><\/li>\n
- Airfare and car rentals, depending on extent you are covering for attendees..<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
<\/p>\n
Entertainment\/Speakers<\/b><\/p>\n\n- Performer rate<\/span><\/li>\n
- Transportation<\/span><\/li>\n
- Lodging<\/span><\/li>\n
- and any specifics requested by entertainer such as food or special equipment.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
<\/p>\n
Outside Vendors<\/b><\/p>\n\n- Photographers<\/span><\/li>\n
- Videographers<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
<\/p>\n
Giveaways<\/b><\/p>\n\n- Awards<\/span><\/li>\n
- Game and door prizes<\/span><\/li>\n
- Company gift<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
<\/p>\n
Marketing\/Printing<\/b><\/p>\n\n- Invitations<\/span><\/li>\n
- Programs <\/span><\/li>\n
- Signage<\/span><\/li>\n
- Badges<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
<\/p>\n
Event planner fees<\/b><\/p>\n\n- This may end up being a percent of your overall budget or a flat fee.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
<\/p>\n
Miscellaneous<\/b><\/p>\n\n- Things like office supplies and items that don’t fit into any particular category.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
<\/p>\n
Unplanned expenses<\/b><\/p>\n\n- Set aside a portion of funds for any overages and unforeseen circumstances.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
<\/p>\n
This list is a great starting point for corporate event planning, but as with the previous list add or remove items as needed to fit your event. \u00a0Once you have given it some careful thought and have a thorough list created, consider making a spreadsheet to stay organized. Your spreadsheet should at include things such as the name of the item, an item description, amount needed, projected cost, and the actual cost in the end. Having all this information in one spot will not only make things easier for you, but it will make it easier to share with your planning team.<\/span><\/p>\n
![\"Corporate](\"http:\/\/www.timdecker.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/08\/corporate_event_planning_ultimate_guide-1024x1024.jpg\")
<\/p>\n