How to Host a Successful Event

Whatever the type of event - briefing, corporate meeting, team building or a private party - it needs expert event management to ensure the message is successfully conveyed. Events can vary in size from small business breakfasts to large award ceremonies attended by thousands. If you need an event planning, you'll need the help of a successful event management company.

Firstly, you'll need to ask yourself what the event is for, is it to make money, to introduce new clients to a new business or to promote a brand? There are certain protocols to follow for certain events. If it's a business briefing, a breakfast meeting would work well, but if it's a surprise party it wouldn't work well at breakfast time. The day you choose for your event is vital in attracting the right kind of people you want there. Mondays are usually out of the question as people are usually recovering from their weekend and want to relax. Friday evenings are the start of the weekend and people would prefer not to attend a work-related event in their personal time. Mid-week work-related events usually fare well - people will be more likely to attend during these days. You should also check for other events that are happening around the same time as yours. If you are planning an event for a product launch and inviting celebrities to promote the product, you can't clash with other celebrity events that will get more attention. An evening at the BRITs does not contend with a product launch when celebrities and business-people are concerned.

The location of your event is vital in attracting people, you need a venue that is close to the city/town and easily accessible. The beautiful Victorian mansion in the countryside may be the perfect venue but if attendees are going to struggle getting there, your turnout won't be impressive. People are busy and don't have time to rush around finding transport after work. If the perfect venue is a little out the way, organising transport links to and from the location is a way to attract more people. But it is advised to keep the location close to the main hub of the city.

The theme of your event must be relevant to the type of event it is. A product launch theme should reflect the product. For example, if you are launching a new alcoholic drink then why not find somewhere with a bar and a nightclub feel? Offering a free drink or even a free bar, if you can get sponsorship, will keep the attendees at your event. Who can turn down a free drink? If you are hosting a corporate meeting, or a venue for interviews, then keep the theme formal and professional - offer a boardroom setting with tea, coffee and water. The theme must be relevant for the event to be a success.

Finally, and most importantly, you have to make sure your message is perceived correctly and understood by your attendees. The whole reason for the event is the message you want to convey, it's all well and good hosting a glamorous event but if the message hasn't been received, the event will not have been worth your time and money.