Trying to host a successful corporate event requires confidence, organization, and ingenuity. You need to set clear desired outcomes and prepare an event designed to fulfill them. A corporate event can be the perfect opportunity to network with others in the industry, connect with your colleagues, inspire new recruits, or even reward team members for a job well done. Use this guide to help you plan your upcoming corporate event.
Clarify the Purpose of the Event
Trying to cram too many purposes into a single event will distract from any real cause. For example, attempting to inform customers about a new product launch while also encouraging recruitment muddies both messages. Focus on your main goal and wait to host a separate event for any other business.
Book an Appropriate Venue
Where you choose to host your event will dictate the tone of the occasion. Think about how you want your attendees to feel and what atmosphere you want to create. Do you want guests to feel energized, educated, and inspired? Look for a venue that compliments the purpose of your event so you don’t have to work so hard to emphasize the point in other ways. For example, a team reward at a sterile office won’t encourage the laidback, rejuvenating mood you’re hoping for, whereas a luxury hotel or restaurant is more likely to do the trick.
Provide Catering and Facilities
If you are planning any kind of corporate event, you need to provide food, drink, and essential facilities to your attendees. Know in advance how many people you expect to show up so you can ensure plenty of resources for everyone. It doesn’t take long to organize personalized catering for private parties when you know where to look. The more you can tell your caterers about the event, the better it will be. Think about the time of day, the duration of the event, and possible dietary restrictions.
Select Suitable Content
Depending on the purpose of your corporate event, you may need to supply your attendees with relevant content. This might come in the form of qualified speakers on a particular topic, live entertainment, or selected media to share with your guests. Use the intended outcomes of your event to guide choices on what content to include. Do you want to create a relaxing environment where colleagues are rewarded for their hard work, or do you want to inspire new recruits to feel passionate about their new team? There are so many reasons you could be hosting this corporate event, so make sure the content is closely related to its purpose.
Follow Up Afterwards
Although your event may be over, you can still take steps to elevate it. Even the simple act of requesting feedback can make a positive impression on an attendee. Accept what guests have to say and take note of areas for future improvement. Surveys are a great method of gathering feedback to use at your next event. It is also worthwhile finding out what guests found successful so you know which aspects should be repeated.
