Are you aware that there are 32.6 million businesses in America? If you’re in charge of operating one of them, you want to do everything you can to build a better work culture. And if you’re hosting business events and parties, you don’t want to be overwhelmed by the planning process.
Read on to find a simple guide to planning corporate events!
Pinpoint the Purpose of Your Event
When you plan an event, start by knowing its focus. Are you hoping to wine and dine people to hit fundraising goals? Or are you hosting a meeting to review budgetary projections?
A high-stakes meeting may require a more formal tone. Using a hotel conference center or board room could be the most appropriate approach. But for a retreat, you may want to choose a more relaxed venue and keep the vibe lighter.
Figure Out Your Budget
Before you get too carried away with planning, establish a budget. The last thing you want to do is break the bank by planning business events.
Some larger conferences may attract thousands of people. For these, you’ll need to account for reserving a larger venue for social or business events, hiring big-name speakers, and providing enough food. You may also need to arrange a shuttle service to and from a conference hotel.
For any event, you should budget for marketing materials and branded swag. You can charge an event registration fee to help offset costs.
Know the Theme and Audience
Understanding your target audience will be a vital step in event planning. Corporate meetings may focus on high-level employees. But celebratory galas or conferences may include company family members and larger groups.
For example, you may want to hire a magician for a family-friendly event. Alternatively, you may benefit from securing a big-name speaker in the field to deliver a keynote address.
Create an Event Planning Timeline
Don’t try to tackle everything yourself. Ideally, you’ll have a planning committee or team who can pitch in and help. For instance, ask one person to secure the venue and another to handle catering or decorations.
Make an online checklist that can be accessible to everyone. Set clear deadlines and hold standing meetings to ensure your event planning is moving along smoothly.
Market Your Event
You may be planning business events targeting individuals outside of your office. Whether hosting an internal holiday party or a regional business conference, you need to market it effectively.
Hire a graphic designer to create a slick poster design you can share on social media and through email blasts. Use professional photography to capture images of key stakeholders who will be involved. Send personal invitations, too, to encourage better attendance.
Plan Better Corporate Events
With the right system, you can simplify the process of planning corporate events. Determine your event’s theme and purpose, and then map out a budget. Finally, create a timeline so you have everything ready to go in time. When you need more ideas to grow your business, check back for more new and informative articles!
