Location can make or break a corporate event. The right location will encourage employees to attend (and stay) at the event, which is exactly what you should aim to accomplish as a host. On the other hand, the wrong location can make it difficult for employees to find and lower their overall enjoyment.
Don’t: Choose The First Venue
Let me rephrase this statement: don’t choose the first venue without scouting other sites. Spend some time calling around and checking out other prospective venue locations. You don’t have to make a final decision during your initial visit, so shop around to find the place that’s best suited for your particular event. Who knows, you may find a venue that’s larger and more accommodating at half the price of your original choice.
Don’t: Overlook Accessibility
Don’t overlook the importance of choosing a venue that’s easily accessible to employees. If employees are forced to drive through some obscure part of town, some of them may choose to spend their evening at home. A corporate venue should be located a reasonable driving distance along the main roads.
Unless you intend to set up transportation, a good rule of thumb is to choose a venue that’s within 30-60 minutes driving distance from the workplace.
Do: Consider Technical Aspects
What type of technical commodities (if any) does the venue offer? In today’s constantly connected world, there’s a growing need for venues with WiFi, charging stations, laptop desks, etc. Granted, corporate events are usually intended for employees to step away from their normal work setting, but having the option to check your email and perform other tasks will make the venue just a little more enjoyable.
Some venues will even offer on-site technical support, which is another plus. Why would you need technical support at a corporate event? Well, there are dozens of activities that may call for the need of a “professional,” such as public speaking, playing movies or slideshow presentations, lighting, special effects, etc.
Do: Have a Backup Plan (For Outdoor Events)
There are several advantages to throwing a corporate event outdoors, such as the increased space in which employees can move around; the ability to play softball, kickball and other “outdoorsy” sports; and they generally cost less than indoor events. But if you plan on hosting an outdoor event, make sure you have a backup plan ready in case the weather turns south.
