In the workplace we’re used to challenges – but how do you handle a task that takes you completely out of your comfort zone? Planning a corporate event is one such challenge.
From organising the catering to fine tuning the logistics, there are a number of things to consider ahead of an event. In this post, we’ll provide actionable tips and ideas to help your event go off without a hitch, as well as ensuring you give attendees a day to remember.
Start early
Corporate events come in all shapes and sizes. From team building days to sit down dinners with your clients, knowing your audience and their availability will be a key factor in planning a successful event. Much of the stress that comes with corporate event planning is down to there simply not being enough time to get everything done. Starting the preparation early will lessen the stress as the event date draws closer – and it’s a good idea to have a checklist to work from as you go.
Start by making a list of everything you need to do to execute a successful corporate event. You can assign provisional dates to each task, ensuring that each part of the planning process is completed in enough time. Remember, whether it’s hiring an entertainer, picking an activity or securing a venue, people and places book up fast – so the sooner you can get the big things ticked off your list, the better.
Don’t be afraid to delegate
Trusting someone else with important tasks can be a difficult thing to do – but being able to delegate will be your saving grace during a busy event planning period. Whether it’s tasking someone with pinning down the perfect venue or getting your team on board to help with perfecting the guest list, sharing the workload means you’ll be able to concentrate on getting the job done.
Working full time while planning a corporate event means you’re unlikely to have as much resource to pour into the planning as you’d like – and this is why it’s crucial to get more hands on deck. By bringing in other members of the team, you’ll not only have more time to focus on your full time job, but your event will benefit from the expertise and knowledge of several people.
Make the most of social media
Social media channels will be one of your greatest resources when it comes to planning your event. From tweeting out location details to posting photos after the event, you can use your social media channels to promote an event and gain interest from other businesses. Social media guarantees mass reach with zero cost – meaning you can keep attendees updated with any changes without eating into your event budget.
If your corporate event is solely for employees of your business, use your social media platforms to market your company – showing that there’s more to your business than just the service you provide. Scheduling tweets and Facebook posts ahead of time means you don’t have to worry about regularly updating your accounts – and post-event, you can ask for feedback to help you ensure your next corporate event is an even bigger success.
If you’re thinking about your next event and are looking for some tips to get you started, check out this ultimate event planning guide today.
Jamie Turner combines eight years’ experience as a professional musician with his passion and knowledge for event planning to lead Actual Music. He has extensive experience in performance (keys & guitar), composition and production.
