How to host the perfect corporate event
Corporate events are a great way to bring your team closer together and build a strong network with other companies in the industry.
They have become particularly important in the past-pandemic world, after almost two years of remote working. Nowadays, in-person interactions are valuable, and hosting a corporate event is the perfect way to gather your employees and clients in one place.
How to host a great corporate event
As simple as it sounds, hosting a corporate event can be difficult. There are several things to organize if you want the event to be as successful as possible.
Here are some key steps to take when you’re hosting a corporate event or business show for your employees, clients, and stakeholders.
Identify your budget
Corporate events can be costly, especially if you’re inviting a lot of people. The first step of your planning process should be determining your total budget and the amount that you have available for each area of the event.
Create a spreadsheet or use event management software to break down your total budget into categories. You’ll need to budget for furniture and equipment, invitations, marketing, and camera crew if you want to capture the event on video.
Identifying your budget makes the rest of the planning process much simpler. Make sure you set aside a small portion of the budget as an emergency fund in case something goes wrong.
Purchase furniture and equipment
Depending on the type of corporate event you’re hosting and where you’re hosting it, you’ll need specific furniture and equipment. Generally, you’ll need an event table and chairs for corporate events, as well as promotional materials.
For outdoor events, consider getting gazebos or umbrellas to protect your guests from the elements. You might also need outdoor lighting if your event is going to run into the late evening.
If you plan on capturing your event on video to post clips on your website or social media channels, you will need filming equipment too.
Invite your guests and promote the event
Once you have planned the logistics of your event, you can start sending out invites to your employees, clients, shareholders, and professionals from other companies within the industry. Sending your invitations electronically will be easier, cheaper, and quicker than traditional paper invites.
Make sure to include the event date, time, and location on the invites. Remind your guests to respond if they are or aren’t able to make it to the event so that you can gauge numbers.
As soon as your invites have been sent, you can start promoting your event. Promotion might seem unnecessary if you’re already inviting your desired guests but it’s essential to get the word out there about your event.
The more awareness you build for the event, the more people will learn about your business. Plus, you might get some additional guests through your promotion, some of whom could be potential sponsors or high-up corporate professionals.
