Corporate Event Planning

Planning a corporate event that is informative yet is enjoyable for those in attendance can be a daunting task. Not until the actual planning and execution does one realize just how many moving parts there are to consider. This corporate event planning guide will advise on many of the topics you will need to be familiar with for your next corporate event. It will provide you with checklists, as well as tips and tricks you can use to throw a flawless corporate event. First up are some general tips to get you started in the right direction.

 

Develop a plan.

It should be detailed and include things like timelines, goals, and checklists. This is a sure fire way to make sure everyone involved is on the same page. This will prevent important tasks from being forgotten and everyone will be aware of what stage in the planning and execution process the event is in at all times.

 

Create a realistic budget.

Budgeting is one of the first and most important aspects when it comes to throwing a corporate event. In order to create a budget that makes sense for your company, create a list of every single thing you will need to purchase for the event. This would include everything from the venue, to flowers, to entertainment. Get multiple quotes so you can set a budget based on real world numbers.

 

Find the perfect venue.

Odds are you are planning an event that will take place outside of the office. Once you have decided whether to throw the event in your home base city or even in another state entirely, you will need to find a venue to meet all your event needs. Think about whether you would like the whole event in one location or maybe have all the meetings in one place and an awards dinner in another. Once you have done your research and found a location that will seemingly meet all your needs, be sure to visit in person to make sure everything is as it was represented.

 

Create a program not to be missed.

Find ways to deliver information to those in attendance in new and inspiring ways. Hire guest speakers and entertainment to break the days of meeting of monotony. You have an important message, so make sure people stay focused by keeping sessions to appropriate lengths and include breaks and activities that will allow people to get out of their seats. You do not want information you are sharing to go in one ear and out the other because of boredom.

 

Speaking of entertainment…

Many people do not realize the value of hiring entertainment at corporate events. Depending on where in the day you strategically place the entertainment, you can get various and amazing results. Use it to start the day and people will be pumped to see what else you have in store. Mid day entertainment is a great way to break up the day. You can even close with it to send people off talking about what a great event you threw!

 

Chapter 2: Corporate Event Planning Checklist

 

While those simple tips are a great start, holding a great corporate event is all in the details. As previously mentioned, checklists are a great way to keep things in order and to make sure any aspect big or small is not forgotten. Having all tasks in one place will help keep stress levels to a minimum and help keep the planning process running smoothly. Use this checklist as a guideline, adding in things unique to your event and removing those that do not apply. Corporate event planning is much easier when everything is fully organized.

 

[ ] Select a date and time that doesn’t conflict with any other events.

[ ] Decide on a concept and or theme for the corporate event.

[ ] Plan your budget. Getting various estimates will help to create reasonable budget.

[ ] Gather up your sponsors.

[ ] Get an accurate attendance count as this will be essential to the rest of the planning.

[ ] Book your venue after doing a walk through. Taking care to choose one that has:

        [ ] main session room

        [ ] break out rooms

        [ ] meal room

[ ] Choose a committee of people you trust to help plan the corporate event.

[ ] Reserve a block of accommodations if this is taking place out of town.

[ ] Decide on your menu, giving consideration to those with dietary restrictions.

        [ ] Plan for the daily meals you will be providing, which is typically breakfast and lunch.

        [ ] Plan on providing refreshments and snacks throughout the event

        [ ] Choose a menu for any special events like an awards dinner.

[ ] Book off site activities, such as a golf outing or tickets to a show. Be sure to ask about group discounts.

[ ] Gather any supplies needed for team building activities.

[ ] Pick out whatever decor you may need, particularly for the corporate awards dinner.

        [ ] Flowers

        [ ] Linens

        [ ] Draping

        [ ] Decide how you want to incorporate branding into the decor.

[ ] Create a list of AV needs. This includes, but is not limited to:

        [ ] sound system

        [ ] microphones

        [ ] lighting

        [ ] projectors

        [ ] stage and podium

[ ] Make use of to do lists.

[ ] Create timelines for the meetings and sessions.

[ ] Book keynote and guest speakers.

[ ] Hire corporate entertainment and be sure to accommodate any rider requirements.

[ ] Hire outside vendors, such as:

        [ ] Photographer

        [ ] Videographer

        [ ] AV crew

[ ] Account for all printing needs.

        [ ] Invitations

        [ ] Badges

        [ ] Banners and signs

        [ ] Programs

        [ ] Registration paperwork

[ ] Buy any awards and prizes you will need.

        [ ] Plaques and trophies

        [ ] Attendee gifts

        [ ] Raffle prizes

 

Hopefully this list will get you started in the right direction and get you thinking about aspects of your event that may have been otherwise overlooked.

 

Chapter 3: Budget Planning

 

Many of the items listed on the corporate event planning checklist will also appear on your budgeting sheet. Having an accurate list of anticipated expenses is crucial in avoiding overages and in preventing skimping in areas that could have benefited from extra budget. Corporate event planning is much easier when you have a realistic idea of all your potential expenses.

 

Venue Rental

• Breakout rooms- meeting rooms, ballrooms for awards dinners, etc.
• Parking
• Deposits
• Permits/licenses

 

Catering

• Food and Drinks
• Serving Staff
• Bartenders
• Gratuities

 

Audiovisual  

• Microphones
• Sound system
• Projectors
• Screens
• Wifi
• Special lighting

 

Decor

• Centerpieces
• Thematic elements
• Backdrops
• Floral arrangements
• Pipe and drape

 

Rentals

• Tables
• Chairs
• Linens
• Stages

 

Activities

• Group activities such team building exercises
• Group appreciation activities like tickets to a show

 

Transportation

• Costs incurred traveling to and from venue during planning stages
• Airport shuttle
• Airfare and car rentals, depending on extent you are covering for attendees..

 

Entertainment/Speakers

• Performer rate
• Transportation
• Lodging
• and any specifics requested by entertainer such as food or special equipment.

 

Outside Vendors

• Photographers
• Videographers

 

Giveaways

• Awards
• Game and door prizes
• Company gift

 

Marketing/Printing

• Invitations
• Programs
• Signage
• Badges

 

Event planner fees

• This may end up being a percent of your overall budget or a flat fee.

 

Miscellaneous

• Things like office supplies and items that don’t fit into any particular category.

 

Unplanned expenses

• Set aside a portion of funds for any overages and unforeseen circumstances.

 

This list is a great starting point for corporate event planning, but as with the previous list add or remove items as needed to fit your event.  Once you have given it some careful thought and have a thorough list created, consider making a spreadsheet to stay organized. Your spreadsheet should at include things such as the name of the item, an item description, amount needed, projected cost, and the actual cost in the end. Having all this information in one spot will not only make things easier for you, but it will make it easier to share with your planning team.

 

Chapter 4: Selecting a City

 

Many corporate events are held in the city the company is based out of. However for various reasons, there are times the company may choose to hold the event in another state altogether. Maybe their brand is nationwide and attendees will be coming from all over. Perhaps, the company just wants to choose a fun location as a reward for employees. Whatever the reason, choosing a great city doesn’t have to be hard.  There are some amazing areas to choose from that will offer what you need in the way of venues, accommodations, and activities. Here are a few cities to consider when planning your next corporate event.

 

• Orlando, FL-  245 hotels, 73,714 rooms, average room cost $108/night, 2,115,982 sq ft  total event space, activities: Walt Disney World, Universal Studios, malls and outlet shopping

 

• Las Vegas, NV- 168 hotels, 137,050 rooms, average room cost $92,  2,961,000 sq ft total event space, activities: 76 casinos, Fremont Street Experience, countless shows and exhibits

 

• Washington DC- 115 hotels, 28,403 rooms, average room cost $200, 1,117,989 sq ft total event space, activities: 75 museums, White House & monuments, National Zoo

 

• Chicago, IL- 125 hotels, 39,682 rooms, average room cost $174, 1,567,991 sq ft total event space, activities: Shedd Aquarium, museums, theater shows, Millenium Park

 

• Phoenix & Scottsdale, AZ- 209 hotels, 37,216 rooms, average room cost $109, 2,144,976 sq ft total event space, activities: Grand canyon, hundreds of golf courses, sightseeing

 

• Atlanta, GA- 167 hotels, 36,911 rooms, average room cost $133, 1,741,980 sq ft total event space, activities: Georgia Aquarium, Zoo Atlanta, World of Coca Cola

 

• San Diego, CA- 188 hotels, 34,026 rooms, average room cost $139, 1,612,980 sq ft total event space, activities: San Diego Zoo, Balboa Park museums, various beaches

 

• New York, NY-  336 hotels, 79,470 rooms, average room cost $246, 1,551,952 sq ft total event space, activities: Broadway shows, Statue of Liberty, Central Park, Times Square

 

• Dallas/Ft. Worth, TX- 232 hotels, 38,194 rooms, average room cost $121, 1,673,961 sq ft total event space, activities: various museums, sporting events, Dallas Zoo

 

• Miami/Ft. Lauderdale, FL- 173 hotels, 30,853 rooms, average room cost $124, 1,365,981 sq ft total event space, activities: South Beach, Zoo Miami, Everglades airboat ride

 

There are cities not listed that would also make for a great corporate event destination. Here is a great resource by cvent that provides detailed information about the top 50 meeting destinations.

 

Chapter 5: Venue Selection

 

Once you know what city you will hold your corporate event in, next comes the daunting task of selecting a venue. If you would would like a place that is essentially a one stop shop, a hotel would be your best bet. A hotel will be able to provide you with ballrooms, meeting rooms, accommodations, as well as amenities and activities. Other great options for larger events with the need for many breakout room options would be a convention center or a conference center.  All three of these options should be able to easily meet your corporate event needs. After venue selection, corporate event planning usually gets easier. Most times the venue is able to assist with some of the key event elements.

 

If you are holding a smaller event, looking for someplace unique, or just wanting a separate location for part of the event , like say for an awards ceremony, there are definitely some fun options out there. Think outside the box and look to places such as museums, zoos, stadiums, art galleries, wineries, and rooftop venues to get the wow factor you are looking for.

 

When you find a venue you love, it is crucial to make sure that they will be able to accommodate all your needs and requests. The most obvious thing you need to do is walk through the venue. Make sure it looks just as it was represented in brochures and online.

 

Check that they have the space to accommodate all your attendees. You need to pick a place that doesn’t feel cramped, yet is not too oversized as to make people feel disconnected.

 

Go over the facilities and amenities. Are there enough bathrooms? Will parking be an issue? Does everything look clean?

 

Be sure the venue can meet all of your audiovisual needs. Do they provide microphones, a sound system, projectors, screens, and lighting? Will they provide staff to set up and run these things?

 

Once it is determined that they can meet all your needs be sure to get it all in writing and book it as soon as possible. Waiting too long to lock in a venue can be a huge corporate event planning mistake. The most desirable locations will fill up quickly!

 

Chapter 6: Successful Corporate Meetings

 

Corporate event sessions and  meetings can accomplish a great deal. They are a way to discuss new ideas, team build, solve problems, set goals, and so much more. They are a necessary part of running a business, but if not done correctly can be a waste of time and money. However, if done correctly, people can leave feeling productive and ready to get to work.

 

Meeting should have a clearly defined purpose.

Don’t waste everyone’s time. Know exactly what you want to discuss and have all your thoughts and materials gathered well before the day of the meeting. Have a written agenda prepared to help the group stay on topic and to make the best use of time. The arrangement of your agenda depends on you knowing your employees. One school of thought is to start with most important information first while people are the most alert and interactive, while others prefer to keep the most important discussions for the end of the meeting so you get the smaller, less time consuming issues over with beforehand. Know your group and plan accordingly.

 

Make people aware of the agenda before the meeting.

Sharing your planned outline for each meeting will allow those who will be in attendance to think the topics over. This will ensure that they come prepared to discuss and share ideas.  In turn, these meetings will be sure to run more smoothly and get everyone out of there in a more timely matter. Consider using social media as a way for your group to discuss and brainstorm before the actual event.

 

Create a realistic timeline.

Making a schedule and sticking to it is important, but can be tricky.  The first step is to have a realistic idea of how long topics will take to discuss and plan accordingly. Also, remember it is your job to keep attendees on track. Corporate event planning does not stop once all the details are worked out. Be sure to steer people back on topic when things get too far off in order to keep to your timeline. Remember to schedule breaks into your timeline, as well. Running your meeting too long will cause people to lose focus. Consider having breaks every 45 minutes or so, even if for just 5 minutes to stretch. Obviously, schedule longer breaks for lunch, giving them enough time to eat and leave the room for a change of scenery and fresh air.

 

Use visuals aides.

Incorporating things like charts, videos, and slides will help to get your points across more easily. Discussions are great, but visual aides help to burn the information into attendees minds. These aides also help those who are more visual learners to absorb the information and keep up in the meeting. Incorporating new technology whenever possible is a great way to keep employees interested. One fun example would be creating an app for your meeting. People could access your agenda and timeline through the app and be instantly notified of any changes.

 

Only invite people essential to the topics at hand.

This is just another simple way to save time and energy. It is pointless to have people in attendance that having nothing to do with what is being discussed. They will obviously be bored and may be a distraction to the others in attendance.  By inviting the minimum amount of people needed, your meetings will be much more efficient and those not needed in the meetings can put their time to better use.

 

Throwing corporate events can be expensive and time consuming, all the more reason you want to run them as efficiently as possible. Hopefully these tips will help you to get in there, discuss important issues, and get out without wasting any of your or your employees time and money.

 

Another part of a successful corporate event meeting is being able to present your message in a way that sticks by thinking outside the box. Using exciting new methods and ideas will take your event to the next level. Here are some way that can be accomplished.

 

• Use non traditional means to share information. It doesn’t always have to be power point presentations. instead try using props, telling stories, playing games, and showing videos. Allow time for discussion and collaborations.

 

• Create a theme. Choosing an idea to revolve your event around can give it focus and allow you to throw in some fun elements.

 

• Hire a great corporate entertainer.  This is a fun way to show your appreciation to those in attendance. By setting aside time for everyone to just have a great time will make your event truly memorable.

 

• Incorporate giveaways and door prizes. Smaller gifts can be a great opportunity for branding, while larger gifts be incorporated into raffles and team building prizes.

 

• Provide some meals and snacks. Supplying food will be greatly appreciated and keep people upbeat and energized.

 

• Use social media to promote your event ahead of time. It can also be used during the event by having people share photos and ideas. Maybe even consider creating a hashtag. A photo booth is a great way to get people posting pictures online.

 

• Research new ways to team build to avoid the typical awkward activities. Encourage teamwork and camaraderie with things that will spark their interest like a salsa making contest or blind folded beer tasting.

 

Staying on top of the current trends is the key to throwing a modern and enjoyable event. Following even just a few of those tips will help keep your corporate event fresh and your message relevant from year to year.

 

Chapter 7: Hiring a Keynote Speaker

Most corporate events will have at least one keynote speaker address the crowd. Many times multiple speakers are needed and this can be accomplished by having members of the corporate office, such as the CEO, speak and then hiring a single professional speaker to come in and wow everyone.

 

Taking advantage of in house speakers is a great way to address workplace topics without wasting a dime of your budget. Department Heads are a great option because they are down in the field where the action is and understand the ropes of the business and the needs of the employees. CEO’s and other upper management are the perfect people to present things like current sales numbers and thank everyone for all their hard work, but when you really need to make an impact hiring an outside keynote speaker may be just the thing.

 

Sometimes it’s hard for people to see the value in investing in a keynote speaker when they have many well spoken, informed individuals within the company. The first thing to understand is that a professional speaker speaks for a living, whereas a department head duties may include things like paperwork, calculating sales numbers, and interacting with clients. While they may know the ins and outs of the business, a keynote speaker knows how to motivate a crowd. People are more inclined to listen to a new face and hearing an outsider’s perspective can be an eye opener.

 

There are many topics a speaker can cover. Some examples include Change, Branding, Innovation, Teamwork, Creativity, Leadership, Growth, Productivity, and general Motivation/Inspiration.  Having an idea of the message you want to portray to attendees will guide you in choosing a suitable topic for your corporate event.

 

Hiring a keynote or motivational speaker can also have many benefits, including but not limited to:

 

• Increasing productivity
• Renewing passion in the workplace
• Encouraging new ideas
• Setting attainable goals
• Reinforcing objectives
• Inspiring creativity
• Overcoming challenges

 

Now, these benefits can only happen if you find the right keynote speaker. This can be a tricky task since there are many speakers out there who may not have the impact you are looking for. To get your search going in the right direction look for an individual who has a good story, relevant subject matter to discuss, and an infectious personality. Other worthy traits to look for:

 

• Sense of Humor
• Humble
• Natural Leader
• Confidence
• Unique Presentation
• Authentic
• Inspirational
• Entertaining

 

Once you are sure that you want to hire a keynote speaker, what is the next step? The first thing you should do is an establish a budget. The budget should include not only the speakers fee, but lodging, travel, and any miscellaneous expenses. You will also need to consider the cost for requirements laid out in the speakers rider such as staging, lights, and AV equipment.

 

Hopefully at this point you already have an idea about the message you would like to portray at the corporate event, so deciding on a purpose for the speaker shouldn’t be too difficult.  Some purposes include to educate attendees about a subject, motivate the crowd, promote change and awareness, or strictly to entertain. Once you find the perfect speaker, having great communication is key. Relay any relevant information to them so they can tailor the experience to your guests. They will most likely ask all the important questions, but they may need to know things like demographics, your company’s mission, major competitors, strengths, weaknesses and objective of the event.
Don’t overlook the importance of keynote speakers. Find the right one and attendees will tackle their work with newfound excitement. Corporate events are about more than just sales presentations, they are also about motivating, encouraging, and rewarding and finding a great speaker can help you do just that!

 

Chapter 8: Booking Entertainment

 

Is having entertainment at a corporate event important? Absolutely! Hiring an entertainer is one of those things that many people see as an unnecessary expense, but that could not be further from the truth. Choosing the right act can take your event from run of the mill to exceptional! Here are some of the things corporate entertainment can do for your event.

 

It breaks up the day.  Probably the most obvious reason to have corporate event entertainment is that it has the power to re-energize the crowd by breaking up a long day of meetings. Attendees will appreciate the chance to relax, rest their brains, and just have a good time before getting back to work again.

 

It’s fun! Entertainment makes people happy. Happy people are more productive. Simple as that.

 

It increases morale and company loyalty. Showing appreciation to current clients or staff by providing them with entertainment shows them how much they are valued. This in turn will create a bond between your company and attendees.

 

Makes a great segway.  You can use a great corporate entertainer to segway into special guest introductions or to make a big announcement.  The act will build up the excitement for the big moment.

 

It can be a great way to incorporate your logo or corporate message.  While you don’t want to weigh down the entertainment with too many work related overtones, you can easily find subtle ways to tie your message into the act.

 

Boosts attendance.  People will look forward to attending your corporate event year after year if you always have amazing entertainment for them enjoy.

 

You can end the night with a bang!  You can also use corporate entertainment to end the event on a high note.  It can be a great way to have people leave the event feeling energized and motivated.

 

It will imprint the memory of your event on their minds.  It’s not pie charts and graphs that will imprint the event in their memories, but the fact that you thought enough of them to provide them with an enjoyable experience through great corporate entertainment.

 

It will impress guests and ensure that the event is talked about.  The more memorable something is, the more people will talk about it. And of course, the more people talk about your company’s message the better!

 

Having corporate entertainment is a must have when planning a corporate event. The benefits are endless and the outcome will be nothing but positive when you book the right act. Speed painter Tim Decker is a perfect example of fusing entertainment with your company’s message. His fast paced performance art set to music will wow your crowd, but can be tailored to fit the needs of the event.  Whether you are launching a product, need a fun way to introduce your CEO, or just want straight up entertainment as a break from meetings, Tim Decker will definitely inspire your crowd! This part of corporate event planning is easy if you find the right entertainer.

 

 

Chapter 9: What to consider when hiring entertainment

 

Once you know that you will hire a corporate entertainer, you must make the necessary considerations to choose the right act. The most important thing is to book as soon as possible to get the entertainment you want. The best acts book up well in advance. Choose an act that is highly interactive and will make a connection with the crowd. Here are some other things to think about.

 

Budget– Create the entertainment budget once you have contacted actual performers and have a realistic idea of rates. Get the best act you can afford. Saving a few dollars is not worth getting a subpar act who in turn will make you look bad. Budget keeps coming up as it is one of the most important factors to corporate event planning.

 

Demographics– Choose an act that will fit the demographics of those in attendance. Consider things like location, age, and gender. Do your best to find an act that will be able to entertain the group as a whole instead of just one specific demographic.

 

Set Up– More than likely the corporate entertainer you hire will be able to advise you on the best layout for their performance. The key is to make sure everyone will be able to see the stage and that their views are not obscured by centerpieces and other decor. You are paying good money for entertainment, so make sure everyone can enjoy it!

 

Show Length– Most corporate entertainers will recommend a show that is under 45 minutes. Even the best acts can get old if drug out. Events requesting longer performances may end up disappointed as many times the act will only end up adding filler and not giving their best show.  

 

Whatever you do, be sure to do your research and give it the consideration it deserves.

When corporate event planning you must consider things from the attendee point of view. Will the event you are planning keep their attention and make for a worthwhile experience? You are spending a lot of money on the overall event. It must be memorable!

 

 

Chapter 10: When to Incorporate Entertainment

So, you have decided to book a corporate entertainer for your next company meeting…now you need to decide the best time slot to place it in. There are many options throughout the length of any meeting. You need to think about your goals or the message you want to send in order to find the best placement for your company. Here are some options to consider for your next corporate event or company meeting.

 

Beginning–  Best option if you want to wake everyone up and begin with a bang!

 

Having amazing corporate entertainment during your opening session has the power to set the tone of the entire event. This is the perfect time to place entertainment if you want those in attendance to perk up and pay attention. You will send the message that this will not be just an ordinary meeting. People will leave the opening session pumped and ready to see what else you have to offer.

 

Transitions–  Looking for a fun way to smoothly move from one topic to the next?

 

Booking an entertainer can be a great way to segway from one part of the meeting to the next. It can be used to introduce a special guest speaker or an important member of your company like the CEO. You can even consider using the entertainment to reveal a big announcement. An amazing entertainer like Tim Decker will build up the excitement for the big moment with his high energy speed painting performance and can incorporate his oversized works of art into introduction and reveals.

 

After Lunch–  Perfect timing to choose if you’re looking to break up the monotony of meetings.

 

This is a great time for entertainment if you just want to help attendees relax and have fun before it’s time to get back into the company meeting. When you provide entertainment simply for entertainments sake, bonds are strengthened between your company and those in attendance. Guest will definitely appreciate the chance to laugh and kick back after being cooped up for half the day.

 

Awards Dinner– A great option to thank everyone for their hard work!

 

Another great opportunity to provide entertainment just for the fun of it. The night of an awards dinner is all about showing your appreciation for everyone’s time and effort and rewarding those who have excelled. What better way to say thanks than with stand out entertainment? This blog also shares tips to throwing a successful corporate awards dinner.

 

End–  To send everyone off on a high note, place entertainment at the end of the meetings.

 

Choosing to entertain after all the hard work is done is a great way to have people leave the event feeling motivated and good about the company.  Also, since it will be the last thing they see, it will be fresh on their mind and will help them to remember the entire event in a positive way.

 

Remember, there is no right or wrong time to place your entertainment. Just give some consideration as to the outcome you desire and you can’t go wrong! No matter which timing you choose, the fact that you thought enough of those in attendance to hire corporate entertainment will be greatly appreciated.

 

 

Chapter 11: New Ideas to Try

 

The key to corporate event planning is to keep the event fresh. In order to keep your corporate event fresh from year to year, you need to incorporate new and exciting ideas. These ideas are the little “extras” separate from the entertainment and decor that will really make your event pop. Some of these will be a  better fit for the meeting portions of the corporate event, while others will be better suited something like an awards or farewell dinner. Here are some things you may like to consider including in your next event.

 

Photo Booths– Let’s face it…people love having their pictures taken. So photo booths are always a hit! Provide fun props for everyone to pose with. You can even find a way for the props to tie into your message. Don’t forget to encourage attendees to tag you on social media and consider creating a hashtag to see all the posts in one spot.

 

Stilt Walker– People are always amazed at the skills of a stilt walker towering many feet above their heads. They are a fun addition to an event while guests are mingling and also make for great photo opportunities.

 

Dessert Food Truck– Many events send those in attendance away with a little treat like cupcakes, cookies, or candy.  Consider bring in a fun food truck so guests can pick out a sweet of their choice as they leave the event.

 

Live Twitter Feed– There are many apps out there that will allow you to project tweets that use your event’s hashtag onto a wall or screen. A great app for this is livetweetapp. This is a really fun way to share people’s thoughts and photos right on the spot. It definitely encourages people to post about your event so they can find their post on the display.

 

Living Tables– These make a fun first impression as people arrive and mingle during cocktail hour. There are living tables to match virtually any theme you can think of. From simply costumed to match your event colors to extravagant get ups like Marilyn Monroe and Lady Gaga.

 

Red Carpet Entrance– Let people arrive and walk into the venue feeling like stars. Have “paparazzi” snapping photos as they walk the red carpet. It can be a lot of fun and the photos can make great keepsakes from the event.

 

Living Statues– Another fun aspect that can be tailored to match just about any theme and work great during a cocktail hour.  Living statues also make for a great photo op.

 

Charging Stations– Since people will most likely be using devices like smartphones and tablets during the daily sessions, it can be really helpful to have areas where they can recharge. Many times outlets are limited at venues, so charging stations will be greatly appreciated.

 

Green Screen Walls– Yet, another opportunity for photos, but this time guests can be placed anywhere in the world using green screen technology. Give guests an array of fun choices or choose a background that suits your theme.

 

Performance Bartender– Hiring bartenders that serve guests with flair is an exciting surprise for those in attendance. People will be delighted as bartenders flip, spin, and throw bottles to make their favorite drinks.

 

Cigar Bar– If you are throwing an event with outdoor space, a cigar bar is always a hit. You can even look into having someone teach them to roll their own cigars! However, this only works if you have a space where non smokers don’t have to be bothered.

 

 

Chapter 12: Overall Event Theme Ideas

 

Choosing a theme for your corporate event doesn’t have to be difficult if you know the message you want to portray. Many corporate events are spread out over the course of days and the theme has the power to set the tone for the entire event. What do you want to accomplish from your corporate event planning? Do you want to inspire change, teamwork, or growth? Use the below theme suggestions to help decide which direction you would like to take your corporate event planning.

 

Agents of Change: Perfect theme if you want to encourage people to step up and make a difference in the company. Encourages them to make changes that will better the workplace, community, and themselves. It also emphasizes that one person has the power to influence change for the better.

 

Beyond all Limits:  Tell  your employees not to let anything get in their way. Show them that there is no limit to greatness. This is a great way to encourage people to shatter any limitations put on them.

 

Breaking Barriers: If your company is facing challenges, this could be just the theme needed to give everyone the confidence they need to overcome them.  Help them see that just because there is a wall in your way, there will always be a way to go around, over, or through it.

 

Challenge Yourself: People tend to get comfortable in their positions and stop striving for bigger and better things. Ignite the fire and get them excited and passionate about their place in life. Inspire them to constantly set new goals for themselves and never top trying to achieve them.

 

Commitment to Excellence: If you want everyone in the room to commit to doing their very best every single time this is a great way to say it. Many times we get into the habit of doing just enough to get the job done.  Help them to take pride in their work and commit to being excellent!

 

Evolving with our business: This theme works great to encourage attendees to adapt as aspects of doing business change. That could be anything from incorporating more technology to expanding to a new demographic.  Whatever direction your company is going, help prepare people to keep up and evolve with it.

 

Growing your business: This theme is great for businesses both big and small. It could work well for a company looking to inspire people to take things to the next level.

 

Higher, Faster, Stronger: This is a really high impact theme encouraging people to aim higher and push harder than they ever have.  This is a great way to get the point across that you can always do better than the time before.

 

It starts with us: A profound way to get everyone working together as a group, this theme could apply to so many scenarios. What starts with us? Change, Growth, Success…the list goes on and on, but the bottom line is is begins with the individual working as part of a team.

 

Waves of change: A successful business is one where people are willing and able to change as needed. If you are is making some major changes in order to improve your business, use this theme to help people embrace what is coming.

 

Journey to the top: Maybe you have had a record breaking year or you hope to next year, either way this theme is a great way to go over what you are currently doing and what you plan to do to keep moving up.

 

Leading the Pack: Who doesn’t want to be the best at what they do? Most people want to do great things but they may need a little encouragement from time to time. Use this theme to give them the tools and positivity they need to lead the pack.

 

Play to Win:  A great theme to inspire a little healthy competition. This may be against coworkers, another company, or simply the individual themselves. Encourage them to always give everything they have. After all, why are you in the race if not to win it?

 

Portraits of Success: An amazing way to share all the high points your business has had over the past year. Being able to share the success of people, products, and methods is a great to inspire further success.

 

Sharing Solutions: The best way to address problems is to come together and share ideas. Use this theme when you are looking to brainstorm ways to improve certain aspects within the company. The more we share the more likely we are to come up with amazing solutions.

 

Shoot for the Stars:Get people to aim big and push boundaries with this theme. Urge them to never set limitations on their thoughts and abilities.

 

There are literally hundreds of themes that can be used when corporate event planning. Be creative but most of all keep it fun.

 

Chapter 13: Team Building

 

Team building activities are a great way to get a group of people to take pride in what they have achieved by working together. Businesses thrive only when everyone can work as a team to achieve a common goal. Providing activities in which attendees can exercise those skills will greatly benefit your company. Here are just a few of the reasons why team building activities are an important part of corporate event planning.

 

• People will practice collaborating and sharing ideas.

 

• They will learn about new ideas and techniques from others

 

• Team building helps to break down pre-existing prejudices and hierarchies.

 

• Not only encourages, but forces communication; a key component of any successful business.

 

• Puts a spotlight on individual strengths.

 

• Teaches people to seek help in areas of weakness to produce the best results.

 

• Explores deeper thinking and problem solving.

 

• Getting people up and moving is a great method to reduce stress and anxiety.

 

In order for your company to reap the benefits of team building exercises, you must first find an activity that is fun and modern. Be careful not to choose something that will make anyone with certain physical limitations feel uncomfortable or put people on display with a public performance. The best activities encourage people to work together, but do not put them in an uncomfortable situation involving violation of personal space or dignity. That will only have the opposite effect of what your are going for. Think outside the box and find something other than the dreaded trust fall. Find an exercise that truly resonates the message you are trying to get across.  Some fun ideas to consider…

 

Salsa Making Contest– Uses discussion, problem solving, and trial and error to come up with a winning product as a team.

 

Minute to Win it Challenges– Emphasizes each individual’s strength and shows how each strength comes together to achieve a goal.

 

Cake Decorating Competition– Stimulates creativity, collaboration, and compromise in order to create a masterpiece.

 

Scavenger Hunt– Forces people to analyze information and come up with strategies as a group to get where they need to be.

 

Volunteer Work– Many studies have shown that working together towards a selfless goal creates a bonding experience and a sense of pride.

 

The bottom line is team building activities should leave participants feeling proud, strong, and tighter as a unit. No one should leave feeling awkward and uncomfortable. When done right communication is increased and teamwork prevails!

 

Chapter 14: Branding at your Event

 

Finding ways to brand at a corporate event without being cheesy or pushy can be a difficult thing. While it is a great place to create brand awareness and emphasize your message, you want to do it in a way that is subtle yet effective. The best branding is imprinting on attendees brains without them even realizing it. Here are some ways you can accomplish that with your corporate event planning.

 

Decor– Immediately people think of putting their logo on any and everything when it comes to the decor. Instead, try decorating the room with your company’s colors. Save your logo for when it will make the most impact and find a way to present it in a unique way like with an ice sculpture or a custom gobo light.

 

Giveaways– Sometimes handing out items with your company’s name on it works, especially if it is an actual product that your company produces. Other times it may be better to give away a nice quality gift, even if it does not have your logo on it. When people are given something of good quality and usefulness they will always remember who gave it to them. Above all else, do not bother with giveaways if they are going to be cheap or impractical so those words are never associated with your brand.

 

Social Media– Make your presence known online by creating things such as a facebook event page or event hashtag.  This will allow attendees to share photos, thoughts, and opinions which will in turn result in a free branding opportunity for your company.

 

Food and Drinks– A classic idea is incorporating your logo onto sweets like cupcakes and cookies, but a unique idea would be creating a custom signature drink for your event. Maybe it will be the color of your logo or perhaps a cool name reflecting something about your business. It’s definitely the most fun way to be on people’s minds all night!

 

Team Building–  This method works especially well if your company is one that produces a physical product. For example, a business that produces cheese could have a pizza making contest or a beer distributer could have a blindfolded game of beer guessing. Not only will this encourage team work, but it will also facilitate familiarity with the brand and its products.

 

Entertainment– This is a great way to brand indirectly by booking an amazing corporate entertainer. When you impress attendees with a great act, you brand will benefit by association. Many acts can also find a more direct way to incorporate your brand or message should you so desire.

 

People are bombarded with overt advertising and self promotion, so it is extremely necessary to come up with new bold ways to catch their attention. Let those ideas guide you and prompt you to think outside the box when branding at your next corporate event.

 

Chapter 15: Healthier Corporate Event Tips

 

A key to corporate event planning is to follow the trends. One of the biggest corporate event planning trends this year is offering healthier options at meal times. When throwing your next corporate event or company meeting, remember that more and more attendees are looking for choices that won’t hurt their waistlines.

 

Having healthier foods available will not only please the health conscience, it can also have an immediate positive impact on those at your event. Here are some of the ways “good for you” food can affect those in attendance.

 

• When people eat better, they are in a better mood. People just feel good about themselves when they make good choices.

 

• Balanced meals provide the fuel needed to get through a long day.  Healthy food provides steady levels of energy and help avoid the dreaded mid day slump.

 

• Eating well has been proven to improve thinking and focus. Sharper minds will obviously accomplish more.

 

A lot of the foods considered unhealthy may seem like a fun choice for your event, but they can very quickly cause some negative side effects, such as these:

 

• Meals that are higher in fat lead to poor memory retention and lower levels of concentration.

 

• Unhealthy foods can cause immediate physical responses, such as indigestion and heartburn.

 

• Eating poorly effects serotonin production resulting in feelings of depression, anger, and tension.

 

• Blood sugar levels can also be affected, which can cause people to feel sluggish.

 

Along with the immediate effects of poor diet, there are many long term effects that can affect your company. According to the 2011 Gallup Poll, $153 billion a year is lost in productivity in the U.S due to diet related illnesses such as heart disease and diabetes, among many others. When unhealthy eating leads to obesity, the workplace can be harmed in the following ways:

 

• Increase in amount of days missed from work. More sick days are taken than those with healthy lifestyles.

 

• Increase in amount of workers’ compensation claims.

 

• Increased healthcare costs due to a growing number of ailments directly related to poor diet.

 

It isn’t too late to implement changes. You can help set your employees up for success by following some of these simple tips for a healthier event.

 

• Serve drinks that are low in added sugar such as water, fruit juice, unsweetened tea, and coffee.

 

• If serving alcoholic beverages, offer options that are low in calories. This would include drinks like champagne, wine, and lite beer.

 

• When choosing snacks for breaks, avoid those that are high in salt. Some great choices are pretzels, baked chips, and popcorn.

 

• Fresh fruit and raw veggies are great snack choices when you want to avoid processed food.

 

• Include as many whole grains as possible. From the bagels at breakfast to the rolls at dinner, the more whole grains the better.

 

• Stay away from fried foods. Instead opt to have food baked, broiled, grilled, and even steamed.

 

• Avoid entrees served in creamy and cheesy sauces. Tomato based sauces are a much healthier choice.

 

• For the main course, consider serving lean proteins such as fish, turkey and chicken breast. Make it skinless for an even healthier meal.

 

• Always have a vegetarian option available.

 

• Serve meals on smaller plates. It gives the illusion of bigger portions, allowing people to realize they are full before they over eat.

 

• Provide mini desserts. Samples sizes of cake, pies, and cookies will allow guests to indulge their sweet tooth with overdoing it.

 

In a world with a growing obesity rate and poor health, it is now more important than ever to eat healthier. As a growing number of people become aware of the effects of their poor diet, they are actively looking for healthy alternatives. So, why not lead by example at your next company meeting or corporate event? Companies benefit both in the short term and long term when their employees eat better.

 

 

Chapter 16: Making your Event Eco Friendly

 

Along with becoming more health conscience, people are also becoming more aware of the impact humans are having on the environment. As a result the trend in throwing “green” corporate events is growing. When corporate event planning there are many things that you can do to reduce waste. Here are some ideas to get you started.

 

Send digital invitations when possible.  This will obviously save paper that would have otherwise just ended up in the trash anyways.

 

Use recycled paper. If sending a digital invite will not work for you, recycled paper is a great alternate option. Also, for handouts and other other printing needs, be sure to use both sides of the paper whenever possible.

 

Present your information electronically. Skip the handouts and use options like slides and videos to share your information.

 

Use a digital agenda. Creating things like to do lists, timelines, and agendas on your computer is a great way to eliminate paper waste and makes for an efficient way to make changes and share the information with colleagues.

 

Have attendees register online. Yet another way to conserve paper. It is also more efficient and allows for a more accurate count.

 

Choose a “green” venue. Now a days many venues hold green certifications and have received awards for their efforts. Inquire with the venue about what steps they take to help the environment.

 

Try decorating with potted plants instead of flowers. The room will still look wonderful, but people will be able to take the potted plants home.

 

Consider renting the decor. Many events are decorated with items that will be used only one time then thrown away. Eliminate that waste by renting. This makes perfect sense since you will most likely change the theme from year to year.

 

Utilize natural lighting when possible. When that is not a possibility, led lights are a great option since they use less energy than typical light bulbs.

 

Provide pitchers of water instead bottles of water. You could literally go through thousands of bottles during one corporate event alone! That’s a lot of unnecessary waste. Conserve water by not pre filling glasses. Let people pour as needed.

 

Choose a catered buffet. This allows people to only take what they want and you can donate the leftovers. Food always gets wasted with pre plated meals.

 

Create a menu using local, organic foods. This will provide your guests with healthy meal options all while supporting the local community.

 

Serve food on reusable dishes. Avoid using things like paper plates and paper napkins.  Using glass dishes and cloth napkins is much more environmentally friendly. If you must use disposable dinnerware, be sure to choose ones that are biodegradable

 

Arrange to have recycling receptacles available.  This will make it easier for attendees to join in your green efforts. People want to do their part, so make it easy for them!

 

Limit the need for transportation. Do this by choosing a central location and suggest people carpool or hire a shuttle service. If this is an out of town event, hold it at the same location as the accommodations so that no transportation is needed each day.

 

Donate leftover items. Don’t let uneaten food and unused decor go to waste. There will always be someone who can put them to good use.

 

Give out green gifts to attendees. There are many fun options out there like wine glasses and journals made out of recycled material.

 

Even incorporating just a few of these things into your corporate event planning can make a big difference. Attendees will be proud to associate with a company that goes above and beyond to create a more eco friendly event.

 

 

Chapter 17: Corporate Gifting Ideas

 

Corporate gifting is a great branding opportunity and a fun way to show appreciation. The key is finding something practical so that they will actually use it, but you also want a gift the receivers will be excited about.  Deciding on a gift for a large group of people can be a daunting task when corporate event planning, since you need to choose something people with varying interests would enjoy.

 

Technology based – There is no way to go wrong with a tech based gift. Every person owns some form of technology be it a smart phone, laptop, ipad, etc., so accessories and tools for these items will always be a big hit.

 

• Charging station- allows charging of multiple devices at the same time, perfect for home or office.

 

• Portable power bank- backup power source for cell phones and tablets. Comes in handy when working or traveling without access to outlets

 

• Touchscreen gloves- A good winter gift that allows people to leave gloves on while using smartphones in cold weather.

 

• Waterproof cell phone bag- compatible with any model of phone. Perfect summer gift for protecting phone at pool and beach.

 

• Portable speakers- Small speakers to allow them to play music out loud in any setting.

 

• Cable organizer- Traveling nowadays means toting along wires and plugs for your phone, laptop, tablet, ipod, camera, and the list goes on. This gift will keep all cables together and neatly organized.

 

Eco friendly – As people are becoming more environmentally conscious, eco friendly gifts are great options. They allow people to feel like they are doing their part, while still enjoying a unique gift. This is a great option if your company is personally making efforts to go green. Some items to consider:

 

• Journals made out of recycled materials

 

• Wine glasses made out of salvaged bottles.

 

• Eco travel mugs that look like carry out coffee shop cups, but are reusable and great for the environment.

 

Food and drink–  People love to eat and drink, so you can’t really go wrong giving out corporate gifts from this category!

 

• Wine picnic tote- a nice, totally non work related gift is always a hit!  

 

• Gourmet Chocolates- Self explanatory. Everyone loves chocolate.

 

• Local Treats- Send everyone home with something the area is famous for.

 

Classic with a twist–  Take run of the mill gifts and make them new!

 

• Instead of a travel mug, try water bottles with built in filters. They can be used at home, the office, the gym, when traveling…the list is endless.

 

• Try swapping out classic cheap looking tote bags, for something more useful like a nice garment bag or toiletry bag.

 

• If you are considering giving out smaller trinkets like pens, maybe instead try something like flash drives or smartphone holders.

 

Outside the box- If you really want a unique corporate gift, that’s where Speed Painter Tim Decker comes in.  Not only will his high impact speed painting show amaze and entertain, he offers many gifting options.  Not only can you gift the actual paintings created before your very eyes, Tim can also create custom portraits to give to CEO’s, top clients, honorees, or anyone you have in mind for that matter. To gift on a larger scale, order prints of a performance piece for those in attendance. Magnets of the same work are also available. A gift of this nature is memorable in itself, but it also offers an amazing branding opportunity since it will be hanging in the recipient’s home and seen daily.

 

Whatever you decide to give, just make sure it is something the majority of people will actually use. The last thing you want to do is spend money on something attendees leave behind.  This happens at endless corporate events.  People leave and there are tables full of mugs, pens, and other items people were not excited to take home. Put some thought into it so you don’t waste money!

 

 

Chapter 18: Corporate Event Dinner

 

The Corporate event dinner is usually the part people most look forward to. Usually it means that all the hard work is finally completed and now it is time to relax. Whether this is an awards dinner or just a farewell/thanks for coming dinner, it is definitely something you want to go off without a hitch. Of course, there are many, many things to consider when corporate event planning for a corporate dinner, such as the menu and decor which were already touched upon, but for this particular portion the focus will be on aspects unique to only the dinner.

 

Awards: Deciding who to reward and what to give them is a tricky task. The people being recognized should have truly accomplished something great. This isn’t a situation where everyone needs a prize. If people are getting patted on the back for doing very minimal, what will motivate them to work harder? The best way to choose recipients is set out the guidelines for the award long before the event. For example, rewarding someone for having the highest sales is open and shut, with no room for interpretation.  Once you have decided who is receiving the accolades you must decide what to award them. A common, lower cost option is a plaque or trophy. Obviously they do the job, but they may not be the best way to show appreciation especially if the recipient doesn’t have an office to display them in. Consider options like trips, cash prizes, or electronics. Also consider awarding prime parking spots, bigger offices, and other things that will make their work life more enjoyable.

 

Themes:  Giving the evening a theme may result in a little extra work, but it can also be a whole lot of fun. The options are virtually endless when it come to theming a corporate awards dinner, but here are some to get your brainstorming started.

 

• Las Vegas– The night would include game tables such blackjack, poker, and a roulette wheel. A common color scheme would be red, black, and white. You can consider a buffet style dinner similar to ones found in casinos. And don’t forget to add in fun extras like showgirls passing out hors devours or bartenders dressed as dealers.

 

• Willy Wonka– They key here would be to decorate with as many sweets as you possibly can! A candy buffet is a must, as is fun, bright colors. This theme will bring out your guests inner child.

 

• Outer Space– Create the feel of the night sky using twinkling lights as stars. Decor should be modern, futuristic even.  Think mini solar system center pieces, servers in space suits, and living statues dressed as martians.

 

• Mardi Gras– Keep it classy by decorating with with shades of purple and gold. Masks are a must, though you must decide if people should come with their own or if you will provide them as a giveaway. For the menu serve some up some classic New Orleans style fair. Create centerpieces out of feathers in traditional Mardi Gras colors.

 

• Roaring 20’s– The setting should have a soft, romantic feel utilizing things like feathers and faux pearls. Guests can sip champagne handed to them by flappers while listening to upbeat jazz numbers.

 

• Hollywood– For this you will need a red carpet entrance and a cool branded backdrop for photo ops as they enter. Have the paparazzi shouting people names and snapping photos to complete the atmosphere. This is a time where trophies would actually make perfect awards.

 

• Luau– This is a fun, yet more casual way to celebrate. Welcome guests with leis and ukulele music. Serve brightly colored tropical drinks and create centerpieces out of beautiful flowers. Strolling hula girls during cocktail will be a huge hit.

 

• Around the world– Give your event an international feel by representing various parts of the world. One of the best ways to do this is by creating food stations to represent multiple parts of the globe…chinese, italian, american, greek, etc.

 

Just have fun with it. This is the part of corporate event that doesn’t necessarily need to fit into certain guidelines or instill a certain message. The possibilities for themes are endless.

 

Program Length: Be mindful of the timeline. Limit the amount of speeches, so guest can just relax and have a great time. Whatever the reason for the dinner, whether it be a thank you or a job well done, the underlying thing to remember is you are trying to show your appreciation by showing guests a good time. A good time is not hours of speeches. Having an emcee is a great way to keep the program on track and keep speakers within their time constraints.

 

Entertainment: If there is ever an appropriate time for entertainment it is at a corporate awards dinner. Hiring entertainment with no motive other than to allow people to be entertained is one of the best things you can do. A great act will leave people buzzing and talking about the event long after they are gone.  But, don’t wait until the last minute to book your act. The best corporate entertainers schedules tend to fill up early.

 

Remember, this event is all about the hard work of the people in attendance. Make sure the night is fun, light hearted, and upbeat. Get all the nitty gritty out of the way during the meetings and reserve this night strictly for a good time!

 

 

Chapter 19: In Summary

 

Here are the things you need to remember when corporate event planning:

 

Don’t wait until the last minute to start corporate event planning. Start early! How else will you get first crack at choice entertainment, venues, and dates. Remember if you like something, many other will like it too.

 

Do visit the venue before booking. This is your chance to make sure everything is as was presented to you.  Make sure the spaces will work for your crowd and check the quality of products and amenities. Make sure all your questions are answered.

 

Don’t underestimate the importance of corporate event planning checklists, to do lists, and any other lists. You will never be able to remember everything. These lists will keep you organized and will make sure all involved are on the same page.

 

Do enlist help. The best use of your time is not handling every single little task. Having people who can help do things like make phone calls, gather supplies, quote vendors will make your life a whole lot easier. Be sure to choose capable individuals you can trust to work unsupervised.

 

Don’t divvy out specific budgets until you have quotes. Until you have planned many events and are familiar with what costs what you should put out feelers for the cost of things like venue, entertainment, and food. Your budget will make a lot more sense once you have a realistic expectation of how far the money will go.

 

Do give careful consideration to the date of the event. Avoid major holidays, events, and prime vacation periods.  This will not only save you money, but it will also result in a higher attendance.

 

Don’t forget to allow enough time to set up and break down the event. While you may think you are saving money by booking less time, you will only make yourself frazzled. The event should be ready to go well before people start to arrive. And no matter how hard you may try, events tend to run behind schedule so a little leeway to clean up at the close of the event will go a long way.

 

Do hire fresh speakers from year to year. Give attendees something to look forward by bringing in speakers with a new perspective. Booking the same speaker from the previous year is not the best way to inspire your crowd.

 

Don’t go theme crazy! While themes are great fun and can be an amazing way to tie a message together, you must be careful not to go overboard when corporate event planning. Incorporating decor and food into the theme is great, but if an aspect here or there does not directly fit the theme, it’s ok!

 

Do hold the event outside of the workplace. If your budget allows for the event to be held elsewhere then take the opportunity. Stepping into a new environment helps people clear their heads and come up with fresh ideas.

 

Don’t bombard attendees with speeches for hours on end. Be sure to allow for breaks to snack, stretch, and use the restroom. Meeting can be broken up with games, team building activities, and dialogue to keep people focused.

 

Do consider your audiovisual needs. Make a list of everything you will need to pull off the event; wifi, projectors, screens, microphones, speakers, etc.. Think about who will be speaking and what methods will be used to present the information.

 

Do not communicate with just one method. Powerpoint presentations still have a time and place, but there so many alternatives out there to mix things up. Consider using infographics, videos, apps, games, and props to present information.

 

Do hire corporate entertainment. Since you can plug it in virtually anywhere, it would be a shame to omit. It has the power to get people pumped for whatever you have in store and have them excited for the following year!

 

Don’t use cheap, useless items as gifts and giveaways. Give attendees things they actually want and will use. Technology related gifts are a no brainer this day and age. Avoid things like pens and notepads which will most likely end up in the trash.

 

Do give the layout of the room a lot of thought. Poor room setup is one of the most overlooked part of corporate event planning and can create a disconnect between speakers and guests. Be sure everyone is in view of the speaker and that there is not a large gap between them and the crowd.

 

Don’t choose a venue that is not equipped to handle your needs. Have all your requirements laid out and be sure to get everything in writing. Corporate event planning is much easier when the venue can help with some of the tasks including AV, staging, and lighting.

 

Do choose a city that has it all. When you can find a city to hold your event that has plenty of hotels, activities, and plenty of event space why go anywhere else?

 

Don’t skip the use of social media. Facebook and twitter are great ways to be current and in touch with employees. It is also a great method for them to come together and share ideas and collaborate.

 

Do use new and improved team building activities. Skip the trust fall and research modern ways to build morale and camaraderie without discomfort and dread.

 

Don’t brand in the typical, obvious ways. Seek ways to get your brand in peoples minds by being creative instead of pushy.

 

Do provide some meals and snacks while meeting are in session. Not only will it be greatly appreciated, it is essential to keeping energy up.

 

Don’t forget about the healthy meal options. Many people are looking for healthier choices and avoiding junk food will also avoid a midday slump.

 

Do your part to be eco friendly. Nowadays there are so many ways to go green. Most venues will be willing to work with you to make your corporate event as eco friendly as possible.

 

Hope this helps get you on the right track to corporate event planning. Remember have fun and give the guests and experience they will not forget.