5 Tips to Make Your Corporate Event a Success
If you want your business to grow, you need to be able to build lasting relationships. One way to do that is to host corporate events.
See, a corporate event can provide a personal way to build loyalty with your target audience. As great as social media engagement is, it can’t replace the connections made through in-person communication.
The big question is: how do you plan a corporate event? If you’re struggling to answer that, these five simple tips will get you started.
1. Define Event Goals
Your first step should be to define what you want to accomplish with your event. Once you’ve identified your goals, you’ll have a general idea of what kind of event will resonate with your target audience.
Next, decide on how many guests you’ll invite. In general, it’s much better to have too many guests than too few. Having empty seats and uneaten snacks is a waste of money and a bad look for any small business owner.
2. Set a Realistic Budget
Before determining what kind of event you’ll produce, you’ll need to set your budget. Decide how much you want to spend, then be ready to add 10% more. That way, you’ll have a cushion for unexpected expenses.
Once you set your budget, think about where you’ll allocate it. For best results, ensure you don’t go for style over substance. For instance, it’s more important to have a skilled tech crew than fancy decorations.
3. Choose a Theme
Not sure how to present the event to your guests? If so, quick tip: opt for something interactive rather than watching speakers all day. The idea is to try to differentiate your event from similar ones in your industry.
Beyond that, put your guests in the right situations for networking. That can include anything from client panels to roundtables about corporate functions. A successful event should be both interesting and educational.
4. Decide on the Location
Once you’ve planned your event, you’ll need to find a venue that brings it to life. Look for corporate event venues that have a vibrant yet relaxed atmosphere, such as most of the ones linked here.
If you’re on a tight budget, consider holding the event at a less popular time. Also, involve the local vendors as much as you can. Giving them a chance to do some networking is a great way to support the local community.
5. Plan the Logistics
Finally, create a detailed agenda on how the day will go. Identify and contract the event specialists, such as caterers and decorators. Book the speakers and presenters capable of conveying your ideas and goals effectively.
Again, find a balance between giving your guests freedom and keeping them engaged. You don’t want to jam-pack the schedule, but there needs to be enough variety to keep people interested.
More on Planning Corporate Events
The bottom line: corporate events aren’t easy to organize. Whether you’re hosting an employee training session or a big product launch, event planning will take some research. The above guide is a good starting point!
Want to find the right speaker for your next corporate event? Keep checking out our business content!
