Corporate events so often turn into boring occasions that are instantly forgotten by the guests. But you don’t want yours to end up this way. Rather than hosting yet another dull and forgettable event, aim to create an impression on your guests so that they will be talking about it for weeks to come.
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Corporate event planning tips:
Start with the Invitations
Start by creating personalized invitations rather than mailing out generic invites. Spend the time adding a personal handwritten message to each one, and this will go a long way to making your guests feel special before they have even arrived. Try to do this even if you are inviting hundreds of guests. Take some ideas from Pinterest if you are having trouble thinking of something.
Pick a Theme
Spend time choosing a theme for the event. Try to think of something unique and memorable that is still relevant to your brand. An interesting theme can help to add excitement and intrigue to an otherwise bland event.
Choose the Perfect Venue
What type of event will this be? Will your guests be more impressed by a historic venue or a new and ultra-hip venue? Spend time choosing the perfect venue because it will have a big impact on the success of the event. Make sure there is enough space for everyone, but don’t choose somewhere that is too big because it could end up looking empty.
Add the Wow Factor
How is your event going to be different? How will you make it stand out from the other corporate events and make sure people remember it months later? It’s time to plan something special, something new and different. It could be a show, music, artwork, ice sculptures, or anything that is slightly out of the ordinary and will get conversation going.
Make Sure You Have Enough Food and Drink
Even the best events can be ruined if people go home feeling they have not eaten well. You don’t need to go over the top, but do make sure you plan the right amount of food and drink, and don’t be stingy. Take food requirements into account in advance, and choose a menu that is diverse, interesting and delicious.
Make Your Guests Feel Special
Do something different and slightly unexpected to make your guests feel special. While guests will expect to eat and drink well, you can surprise them with little touches. Gifts are a great way to do this. Think up some unusual gift ideas that will be appreciated. Quirky gifts like a chocolate pizza could go down well, for example. Try to make it something your guests are not expecting and that they will therefore remember for longer.
Keep Everyone Involved
Try to think up some low-key ways to get your guests to participate. Don’t force them into games or activities that they may not feel comfortable with, but provide the option. For example, have a fun photo both and costumes, provide a large wall to write messages on, set up some video games, or hire an F1 simulator. There are some more great tips at SmallBizTrends, so take a look to get some more ideas.
Be an Enthusiastic Host
Show your enthusiasm throughout the event and this will rub off on your guests. Make a real effort to make everyone feel welcome, and this will go a long way to making your event a success.
Start Planning the Perfect Event
Think of your corporate event as part of your brand experience. Plan it very carefully and spend a lot of time getting the details right. You don’t want to go to all that trouble and expenditure for an average event that everyone will forget about, so make sure you put in the effort to making your event special and memorable.
Philip Ahn is a Chocolatier based in Nottingham UK. He Specialises in manufacturing chocolate bars such as pralines, truffles and marzipan for companies under ‘private label, own brand’. Martin is privileged to be working with some of the biggest and smallest names in the industry. He enjoys sharing his ideas and insights online.
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