One of the hardest events for most people to plan is a corporate event. Even smaller events, for less than a couple hundred people, can be a real challenge if you are not a professional party planner. However, here are fifteen tips you can use to make your corporate party or corporate event a success:
Tip #1 Always take the time to plan ahead. If you will be renting a special venue you need to secure it as far in advance as possible. Some places can book up even a year in advance. By finding your venue early and putting down a deposit, you can ensure that you get the venue that you want.
Tip #2 When planning a corporate event, set a very strict working budget and make sure that you have extra cash for the unexpected expenses. You can be sure that every event will have some unexpected expenses; it's simply part of planning an event.
Tip #3 If you have contracts, agreements, lists, or seating charts, make sure you keep extra copies of them in case they are misplaced or lost. Copying them is very simple and quick and can really save you later on if you lose your plans.
Tip #4 Make sure you send out your invitations at least 3 to 4 weeks ahead of your event. In addition, make sure that you ask your guests to RSVP so that you know how many people will be attending.
Tip #5 If you are creating a seating chart for your event, you can either set it up randomly or work with someone else in your company to come up with the best possible scenario.
Tip #6 If you want good attendance at your event, it is a good idea to schedule it earlier in the week or a long way away from any major holidays. People tend to vacation over holidays and often have plans on weekends, making Friday and Saturday bad days to have a business function.
Tip #7 It is important to know when to use a theme and when not to. A child's birthday party is an appropriate time to use a theme, while a corporate event requires less of a theme and more plain elegance than anything else.
Tip #8 When you are having a business event, keep the music mellow and stick to something that everyone can enjoy.
Tip #9 If you will need equipment such as microphones, projectors, speakers, a video camera, etc., make a list of the things you will need and make sure that you have someone on site who can fix any technical problems which may come up during the event.
Tip #10 When you are planning an event, especially a large event, make emergency and contingency plans in case of disaster, illness, or any other emergency.
Tip #11 It is important to take into account the special accommodations which will be needed by any disabled attendees. If you do not know what someone will need, simply ask them. They will be happy that you cared enough to ask and understand that you didn't have any other way to get the information.
Tip #12 When you need entertainment for your event, make sure it is appropriate and does not contain offending content. Magicians are always great choices for corporate events because they can bring laughter and amazement to the event without offending anyone in the crowd. Whatever kind of entertainment you choose, make sure to get references from other companies.
Tip #13 If your event will be longer than two hours, your guests will expect to eat a snack at minimum. You should have a meal if your event is longer than four hours. At all times, you should at least have water and coffee available to your guests.
Tip #14 Communication is a major key to the success of an event. If you are using vendors, make sure they have very clear and specific instructions of what you expect of them.
Tip #15 Whenever you plan an event, make sure you take things like transportation, parking, etc. into consideration. The last thing you want is for your guests to have to walk a long way to the event or to miss the event completely because they couldn't find a place to park.
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