What do you get when you mix fun, laughter, style, and excitement with corporate events?
You get an A+ for planning, and your colleagues leave with a memorable evening. Everyone is a winner!
Unfortunately, event planning can be tricky. You must organize catering, music, venues, and more to ensure the night runs smoothly. And only one error can cast a shadow on your hard work.
On the flip side, your colleagues will praise you for how amazing the night went. Additionally, people will be confident enough to turn to you in the future for any other events.
Luckily, that will happen if you keep reading our extensive event planning guide!
1. Make a Thorough Budget
No matter how well the evening goes, you can not judge it as a success if you go over budget.
In the U.S., the average price of a ten-person corporate event starts at around $3600 for a half-day event. It will cost you between $10,600 and $18,000 for a full day with 100 participants.
Even if you receive the amount for an average event, it is still challenging to stay within budget. One hiccup and you might fall off track.
The most significant factor that adds to the cost of the evening is the number of guests. Figure out how many people are likely to attend and round up to the nearest ten in case a few extra people turn up.
It is a clever idea to over-budget everything you book. Round up the costs, and use it as a contingency for any last-minute changes. If everything goes to plan, the project will be under the budget, and your superiors will be more than happy.
2. Embrace a Theme for the Evening
There are plenty of reasons to embrace a theme for the evening. But, the two most important reasons are that it makes your life easier and more enjoyable for guests.
Even with a theme, it can still be a stylish and elegant evening. Host a classy casino, prom, or jazz night, and the audience will arrive looking like a million dollars.
However, there are endless themes to choose from if you want a more carefree, laid-back night.
Some of the most popular are the following:
- Summer BBQ
- Winter Wonderland
- Luau
- Decades evening (60s,70s,80s)
- Hollywood
- Sports day
- Mask party
Whatever you decide, the theme should reflect your brand.
3. Choose the Right Venue for Your Firm
Choosing an inappropriate venue is the quickest way to a disappointing event. Therefore there are plenty of things to consider before you hand over money.
First and foremost, the corporate event venue must be easily accessible to the guest list. People shouldn’t have to go out of their way for an albeit fun but work-related affair.
Proximity to the workplace is the first thing that comes to mind. Although it is a factor to consider, it is not the only one.
Think about how people will get there. Are there trains, buses, or other public transport options available nearby? Also, is it within a reasonable distance for a taxi and is there enough parking outside if people drive?
Another critical issue to consider is the size of the area.
By now, you should have a rough idea of how many guests will attend. But don’t forget the extra space needed for food stalls and entertainment. Otherwise, people might be too close for comfort and constantly bump shoulders with other guests during the evening.
If you are in the Salt Lake City region, you are in luck. You don’t have to look far for an event venue that can cater to any corporate event.
4. Promote and Advertise Your Corporate Events
You must explain all the details if you want people to turn up at the event. Otherwise, it is going to be a lonely evening.
You will be surprised how many avoid and decide to skip this crucial step. First-timers might concentrate too much on the details of the evening. On the other hand, others might not understand the significance of the affair.
We live in a world of technology and modern convenience. This is ideal for an event planner.
You can message each person through email and send updates throughout the period. Setting up a social media group will advertise your event while creating excitement.
The best part is that these online marketing tools are free to use. Therefore, you do not have to dip into your budget.
5. Don’t Forget About Catering
Ask people what they are most looking forward to during the evening, and most will say the food. Before you consider your options, make sure you have an answer to the questions below to help determine which food is best for the event.
- What time does the event occur (breakfast, lunch, dinner)?
- Do people have special diet requirements?
- Does the food fit in with the theme of the evening?
- Sitdown or buffet?
These are all crucial elements to consider before you contact any cater.
Special dietary requirements are arguably the most significant factors to consider. Not only can it disappoint guests, but it could also make them ill if they are allergic to a product.
It is common for a corporate event to offer a wide range of cuisine. Whether people are vegans or lactose intolerant, there will be a food option for everyone.
If you want to go the extra mile for your guests, ask for food samples before handing over the contract.
Plan Your Corporate Events Today
Hosting corporate events gains trust and puts a positive light on your business. So it is no wonder many companies plan to host one this year.
You can also take advantage of all the opportunities it brings to your business. After reading our event planning guide, you know five insider tips to make the most of your evening.
So, it is time to get to work and find a venue to hire before it is too late.
