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Corporate Event Ideas Corporate Event Planning General

Corporate Event Planning: 5 Company Meeting Ideas You Need to Try

Corporate Event Planning: Company Meeting Ideas

Corporate Event Planning: Company Meeting Ideas

Company meetings and corporate events can accomplish a great deal. They’re a way to discuss new ideas, team build, problem solve, and so much more. Company meetings are a necessary part of running a business, but are sometimes viewed as a waste of time and money. However, if done correctly, people can leave these meetings feeling productive and ready to get to work.

So, how can you accomplish this?

◾ A company meeting should have a clearly defined purpose.

Don’t waste everybody’s time. Know exactly what you want to discuss and have all your thoughts and materials gathered well before the opening day of the corporate event. 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 fit in the smaller, less time consuming issues beforehand. Know your group and plan accordingly.

Being realistic about timelines, budget, and agenda is a big part of planning a company meeting. Check out 5 ways to accomplish that and more!Click to Tweet

◾ Make people aware of the agendas before the meetings begin.

Sharing your planned outlines for the meetings 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, the meeting will run more smoothly and get everyone out of there in a more timely manner. Another helpful company meeting idea is to use social media as a way for your group to discuss and brainstorm before the actual event. Creating closed groups or event pages are a great way to do this.

◾ Create a realistic timeline for the company meeting.

An important part of corporate event planning is making a schedule and sticking to, but it 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. 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 it’s just for a 5 minute 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.

Corporate Event Planning: Company Meeting Ideas◾ Use visuals aides to enhance key company meeting ideas and topics.

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 using an app for your meeting. People could access your agenda and timeline through the app and be instantly notified of any changes.

 ◾ Consider hiring corporate entertainment for your meeting or event.

When planning longer running meetings and corporate events, bringing in corporate entertainment can be a great way to bring energy levels up. Opening sessions, closing sessions, and appreciation/awards dinners are all great times to include this element. This is one of those company meeting ideas that is often overlooked, but can have a huge impact on the atmosphere and openness of attendees.

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Throwing corporate events and/or company meetings 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.

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Corporate Event Ideas Corporate Event Planning

Corporate Event Planning: 5 Ways to Take Your Coporate Event to the Next Level

Corporate Event Planning: 5 Corporate Event Ideas

No one wants their corporate event to be boring and uninspiring, but it can be hard to come up with new ideas year after year.

Constantly finding new ways to motivate, teach, and convey your vision to those in attendance is no easy task. So, here are five tips to help you make this year’s event stand out from years past.

1. Take advantage of social media and technology.

Encourage attendees to use Twitter, Instagram, or Facebook to post their thoughts and photos from the event. Create a hashtag for the event that allows your employees or clients to interact online. If you really want to be ahead of current trends, create an app for your event. Those in attendance can see the events schedules, learn about speakers or entertainment, get news and updates, and connect directly with your social media platforms.

2. Present information in new ways.

Change up the way you present information throughout the event. You’ll put people to sleep if you plan to just stand in the front of the room and lecture all day. Ideas include creating short videos to supplement what you are saying, setting aside time for dialogue and collaboration instead of a one sided presentation, using infographics to drive facts and statistics home, and even simple slideshows. Try using props, playing games, telling stories. There are many alternatives to using numerous PowerPoint presentations and the best corporate event ideas are cutting edge.

3. Use food to keep the spirits and energy high.

Fed people are happy people. Having drinks and snacks available throughout the day boosts morale and when people’s stomachs aren’t growling they can stay focused.  The same can be said for providing actual meals. Even if it’s as simple as pastries for breakfast or sandwiches for lunch, attendees will appreciate the gesture and it will save them time and money. If you want to try something fun and unique, consider hiring food trucks instead of a standard buffet.

4. Use giveaways to brand and excite attendees.

Yes, giveaways are an excellent way to brand yourself, but to be effective they must be something that people are excited about and will actually use. The days of pens and mugs are behind us. Technology based gifts are a great way to go. One great idea is external battery chargers. People can keep use it to keep their smartphones charged during long days of sessions, but it will come in handy long after your event is over. They can keep it for years, hence resulting in successful branding.

5. Hire one of a kind entertainment when corporate event planning. 
Rewarding those in attendance by hiring a fun corporate entertainer is a must if you want your event to be memorable. This is just another way to show appreciation and keep morale high. Set aside time purely for entertainment. It doesn’t have to directly connect to your company or message, just let everyone escape from meetings for a bit to loosen up and have some fun!

 
Corporate Event Planning: Corporate event ideas for entertainment

Sometimes you can even combine the entertainment with the giveaway. Hiring Tim Decker Speed Painter can do just that. His high energy performance will leave attendees in awe as legendary icons appear before their eyes in minutes!  The original portraits are then raffled off to attendees as a fun surprise. You can also consider purchasing prints of a performance piece as an unexpected giveaway!

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Don’t be afraid to think outside the box while corporate event planning. Trying new ideas will take your event to the next level and keep attendees talking about it until next year’s corporate event!

Tired of throwing the same stale corporate event year after year? Take a look at 5 ways you can take your event to the next level.Click to Tweet

 

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Corporate Event Ideas Corporate Event Planning

Corporate Event Planning: 10 Reasons to Hold a Corporate Event in Orlando

Orlando Convention Center - Orlando is one of the best cities for corporate events.

Corporate Event Planning: Orlando is one the best cities for corporate events. (Orlando, FL skyline)

 

Have you narrowed your search for a corporate event location to the sunshine state?

While beaches, sun, and theme parks appeal to just about anyone, Orlando has a lot more to offer when it comes to corporate event planning. Here are just some of the reasons you should hold your next corporate event in Orlando, FL.

 

1. Orlando is easy to access, making it one of the best cities for corporate events.

The most accessible airport to Orlando, FL is the Orlando International Airport (MCO). It provides nonstop service for more than 100 cities around the world, 76 of those cities being within the United States. This equates to over 40 airlines providing over 800 flights a day in and out of Orlando. Once in Orlando, renting a car is a breeze and many hotels offer shuttle service between the Orlando International Airport and major theme parks. You will have no problem getting guests to and from your corporate event in Orlando, FL!

2. It’s one of the most budget friendly cities to throw an event.
Orlando is one the most affordable destinations in the country making it one of the best cities for corporate events. The average cost of a hotel room is very reasonable at just over $100 per night and with over 450 hotels to choose from, there will be accommodations to fit any budget.  Orlando is also known for lower airfares and affordable meal options. There are endless restaurants to choose from and the average person spends just under $35 per day on meals. These are really important things to consider when accounting for budget during the corporate event planning phase.

3. Orlando has large amounts of meeting space available. 

Orlando is home to the 2nd largest convention center in the country, the Orange County Convention Center, which boasts over 2 million square feet of space. Many of the hotel options will allow you to plan for lodging, meeting space, and activities all in once place. And with over 118,000 rooms throughout the city of Orlando, there is plenty of space to accommodate all of your guests.

4. You can find an array of unique corporate event spaces. 

Best cities for corporate events: OrlandoThere are so many venue options when corporate event planning in Orlando. Besides the convention center and hotel ballrooms, there are also plenty of museums, theme parks, and endless outdoor locations to choose from. Even when holding your core event at the convention center, it is so easy to choose a fun place nearby to hold an awards ceremony or customer appreciation dinner.

5. Increase attendance with an appealing location.

Orlando, FL is one of the most popular vacation destinations in the country. So, by holding your corporate event in a city that people love, you can increase your attendance numbers. You can create an event people will actually be excited to attend! This is due, in part, to the amazing year round weather. The winters are especially nice in Orlando and holding your corporate event there during that time can make for a pleasant break from the cold. The beautiful palm trees don’t hurt your cause either!

6. Show appreciation to attendees by choosing a duel purpose location like Orlando.

There are not many destinations for corporate events that can make you feel like you are on a tropical vacation! That alone is reason enough to hold an event in Orlando. It is a great opportunity to say thank you to employees or clients by hosting a rewards or incentive based corporate event in Orlando.

7. Orlando offers so much for attendees to do!

The one thing Orlando is definitely not lacking in, is things to do. Whether you are looking for group activities for corporate event attendees or just things for them to do on their free time, you can’t beat the abundance of options Orlando has to offer. Major theme parks include Disney World, Universal Studios, and Seaworld. Several beaches are within driving distance and for shopping, there are several malls and outlets in the area.

8. It’s a convenient location for world class corporate event entertainment.

Some of the best corporate event entertainers are based near the Orlando, FL area and for those flying in it will be an easy in and out with no worries about flight availability. One such act to consider is Speed Painter Tim Decker. His high energy show infuses music, comedy, and art as he whips up oversized portraits of legendary icons in a matter of minutes!

Between accessibility, affordability, and sheer volume of meeting space, Orlando is one of the best cities for corporate events.Click to Tweet

9. There are countless opportunities for team building activities.

There are some unique team building options available, as well. Orlando has many places that not only provide a fun, unique experience, but also encourage teamwork and critical thinking. Some places to consider include Whirly Dome, The Great Escape Room, The Orlando Rowing Club, and Go Game Scavanger Hunts.

10. Orlando is a leader in the hospitality industry.

Over 10 million meeting attendees pass through the city of Orlando per year and tourism is the city’s largest industry. If you should need the help, there are endless meeting and event planners that can assist you with your plans, as well. You can rest assured that your event will go smoothly since Orlando residents are pros when it comes to the hospitality industry.

When considering a destination for your next corporate event be sure to keep Orlando, FL in mind. It is essentially a one shop stop for corporate events allowing guests to stay, work, and play all in one location. This makes the corporate event planning process so much easier. You cannot go wrong choosing Orlando. It truly is one of the best cities for corporate events!

 

 

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Corporate Event Ideas Corporate Event Planning

Corporate Event Planning: Promoting Events with Social Media

Corporate Event Planning: 10 ways to promote your corporate event with social media

These days, 70% of internet users are on social media and that number is continuously growing. While email marketing continues to be a valuable way to share information, it is essential that a company accommodate growing trends, i.e., social media, while corporate event planning. Social media is a great, inexpensive way to promote your corporate event in a relatable manner.

Here are some things to keep in mind when promoting your events via social media.

1. Use hashtags.

Hashtags can accomplish a number of things. Do a little research and find out which hashtags are relevant to the corporate event you’re planning. To get started, look into words relating to the general event market, phrases about the city in which the corporate event is being held, and industry-specific words. This is a great way to get people unrelated to the event to discover you. You should also make your own event hashtag, but be sure to keep it short and unique. Choose wisely and you can reuse it at future corporate events. It will allow guests a chance to look back at past events.

Never underestimate the power of social media when it comes to event promotion! Click to Tweet

2. Incorporate photos.

According to WebDam, posts that include a photo yield a 650% higher engagement rate on social media.  In a time where our feeds are overcrowded, producing relevant and eye-catching content is the best way to get users to stop scrolling and check out what you have to say.

3. Be responsive.

It’s very important to be interactive on social media. Being responsive builds a sense of trust in your brand. You want people to feel like they can come to you with concerns, feedback, and questions concerning your corporate event or company in general.

4. Create an event page.

Building an event page on Facebook is a great way to gauge who is interested in coming to your corporate event. You can also use sites such as Linkedin and Eventbrite to create event pages, but Facebook still generates the most users and interest. Once the event page is created, look into doing some targeted ads. You can generate ads that are as specific as you’d like, zeroing in on particular cities, ages, and interests.

Corporate Event Planning: How to promote your event via social media5. Post on multiple social media accounts.

Every social media platform is different and each attracts a unique audience. Promote across all social media accounts that your company utilizes to increase the ways your event can be shared.

6. Share at peak times. 

A quick search will provide you with information such as the best days and times to post, as well as how often you should post according to the platform. This information will be very valuable when it comes to sharing details about your corporate event on social media.

7. Make a highlight reel.

Share highlights from the year before to drum up excitement. Using photos, videos, and testimonials to show how successful previous corporate events were is the perfect way to get people interested in your upcoming event. When sharing photos from previous years, be sure to tag those who are in them. It’s a great way to get interactions.

8. Share content about your speakers and entertainment.

Use graphics to share information about special guests in unique ways. For example, create images with photos of your speakers that include their most relevant quotes or share promo videos of the corporate entertainment you hired for the event. You can do this while in the midst of corporate event planning to boost excitement.

9. Share sneak peeks of the corporate event planning process.

When you are having trouble thinking of content to share about your corporate event, try posting some behind the scenes footage. Showing snippets of the decor, giveaways, or even the menu can help to build anticipation for the event.

10. Have a website to back up your social media presence.

Social media is a great way for people to see the more personal side of a company or event. However, it is still very important to have a  clear, detailed website for people to learn more details about your corporate event. The site should be a one-stop shop to find out the who, what, when, and why.

The bottom line is more than 88% of organizations use social media for marketing in some way. So, if you’re not…you’re already behind! Social media is not only an asset, but it has become crucial to corporate event planning in the modern day. It would be silly not to take advantage of the free marketing and relationship building social media provides, no matter what your budget is.

88% of organizations use social media for marketing in some way. So... if you're not, you’re already behind!Click to Tweet
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Corporate Entertainment Corporate Event Ideas Corporate Event Planning

5 Tips for Choosing a DJ For your Corporate Event

corporate event dj

corporate event djMusic adds a fun new element to traditional corporate events, allowing attendees to kick back and enjoy themselves just a little more.

What scenarios call for a corporate dj? Corporate awards banquets or corporate holiday parties are great examples of when a dj may be needed.

While you can always connect your iPod to the venue’s built-in stereo system, or plug a stereo into the wall outlet, nothing compares to the sound of a professional disc jockey. The right dj knows how to read the room and can adjust accordingly on the fly.

If you think a hiring a dj can take your corporate event to the next level, here are five things you should consider:

 

1. Find a DJ with previous experience.

As with most service providers, you should check the past experience of a DJ before hiring them for your corporate event. Some DJs perform most of their work at weddings and Bar Mitzvahs. Others may focus on birthday parties. Ideally, you want to choose someone who’s experienced with corporate events. The unique atmosphere may otherwise prove challenging for someone who’s inexperienced.

2. Get an understanding of the DJ’s style.

Each and every DJ has their own unique style, so find one that’s tailored to the vibe you wish to portray. You can usually get a pretty good idea of a DJs style by browsing their website. Look for song samples, experience, education, testimonials, etc.

3. Make sure the DJ provides a backup plan.

Regardless of what DJ tells you, there’s always the possibility of him or her becoming ill on the day of your corporate event. Instead of having a lively venue, attendees will be forced to endure the dead silence. Ask prospective DJs what happens in the event they are ill. A reputable DJ will have a backup ready to take his or her place. This will ensure the act goes on even without their presence.

4. Get details about the DJ’s equipment.

When choosing a DJ for your corporate event, find out whether or not they use their own equipment. If a DJ relies on the venue’s stereo setup, you’ll need to check with the venue to make sure it’s ready to go. Choosing a DJ with their own equipment really is the best option since in house systems are typically poor quality.

5. Check out reviews on various sites.

Nowadays, service providers like DJs are reviewed on multiple sites. Google and Yelp are great starting points. Reading what people have to say will give you the most realistic idea of what to expect in terms of quality and reliability.

Hiring a DJ for your corporate event, in addition to the planned program and corporate entertainment, is a great way to bring the excitement up a notch.  When used during an awards dinner or wrap up party, attendees will know it’s time to let loose! They’ll definitely appreciate the much needed break!

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Corporate Event Ideas

How To Stay Organized When Planning a Corporate Event

organization-01

Planning a major corporate event can be a stressful process. Among other things, you must locate a venue, plan a guest list, book the necessary hotel rooms, arrange transportation, hire entertainment, and purchase a catering service. When you find yourself micromanaging each and every task, you may overlook critical elements of the event.

Begin Planning Early

Don’t wait until the last minute to plan your corporate event. Procrastinating will only make planning more chaotic and stressful. By planning ahead, you’ll have more time to confirm appointments, verify guest lists, and get all of your ducks in order so to speak.

Now for the million-dollar question: when should I start planning my corporate event? There’s a really no easy answer to this question, as each and every event is different. Generally speaking, though, the earlier your begin, the better. This doesn’t necessarily mean you have to start booking hotel rooms and flights, but you can still lay out a rough draft of the itinerary.

Evernote

Take advantage of your smartphone’s capabilities by downloading some productivity apps. Evernote is one of the most popular productivity apps, boasting a 4.6 star rating out of 1 million plus reviews on Google Play. This free app allows you to create notes, organize your notes and files with tags, share files with other users, create agendas, manage your business expenses, and arrange travel, all of which will prove helpful when planning a corporate event.

See belief for the official description of Evernote:

“Write notes of all types, from short lists to lengthy research, and access them on any device. Collect web articles, handwritten notes, and photos to keep all the details in one place. Find your work quickly with Evernote’s powerful search”

Google Search

Another app that will help you stay organized is Google Search. Contrary to what some people may believe, Google Search isn’t used strictly for “googling” keywords. The Mountain View company has revamped this app to perform a wide variety of tasks, such as reminding you of appointments, delivering directions to meet those appointments, display traffic reports related to your commute, and even provide updates on your favorite sports team.

Google Search comes pre-installed on all Android devices. If you’re an Apple user, you can download the iOS version by clicking here.

Day Planner

Even with all of the fancy smartphone apps now available, nothing beats a good old fashioned day planner. It will allow you to quickly jot down important dates, addresses, phone numbers, or any other information associated with your upcoming event.

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Corporate Entertainment Corporate Event Ideas Employee Motivation

How To Motivate Your Workforce With The Right Event

Photoxpress_3403145

Lack of motivation is a major (and costly) problem in today’s workplace. When employees go through their daily routine without truly applying themselves, it often results in lower productivity, diminished business-to-client relationships, higher employee turnover rates, and even higher rates of work-related injury/illness. Employers can prevent such problems while subsequently motivating their workforce, by hosting the right event.

Can a Corporate Event Really Motivate Employees?

Corporate events allow employees to let loose and enjoy themselves in an environment that’s outside their normal workplace. Far too many companies force their workers to remain cooped up inside the office 365 days a day. Showing up to work day after day can become monotonous, which ultimately triggers a lack of motivation. But a corporate event gives employees the opportunity to break away from this tiresome routine, reinvigorating them with a newfound desire to excel while on the job.

Many employers are under the assumption that money is the biggest motivator in the workplace (e.g. increased pay, bonus checks, stock options). However, several studies have shown that employees crave recognition and appreciation more than monetary gifts.

Choose a Venue Outside The Workplace

If you want to host an corporate event for the purpose of motivating employees, you should do so outside the workplace. Yes, it’s usually cheaper (and easier) to host an event inside the office; all it takes is a couple 2-liter bottles of soda and some snacks and you’re good to go! Unfortunately, this type of on-the-fly event doesn’t have the same beneficial effect on employees.

Does this mean you have to choose a venue located on the other side of town? Not necessarily, as something as simple as a mid-day picnic in the local park allows workers to enjoy time away from their normal work setting. Being in an unfamiliar environment impacts people on a very visceral level, and this is oftentimes enough to motivate workers to excel. The bottom line is that you want to choose a venue outside the workplace.

Tips To Motivate Employees at Your Corporate Event:

  • Choose corporate event speakers/entertainers wisely. You don’t want someone rambling on about dull topics for hours on end — this is a surefire way to send employees heading out the door.
  • Make it fun by thinking outside the box. Make your corporate event unique by including fun games and activities.
  • Gain feedback from your employees. Was the party a hit or a dud? By gathering feedback from your employees, you can make changes to improve your next corporate event.
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