Read about some of the major considerations for planning a successful corporate event — especially if you are planning for a large corporation.
Planning a corporate event can be a daunting task, but establishing all the relevant information will help us to tailor your corporate event to your exact needs.
What is the reason for your corporate event? Is it to bring different teams together to bond through teambuilding, reinforce a company message, launch a new product or service, hold skills workshops, or to reward your employees with a fun day out? Once the reason is clear we can then work out venues and events that suit your requirements.
How many delegates will be attending? Whether it’s a handful of employees attending an on-site team building event or a thousand-strong conference, we can handle the sourcing and booking of venues, hotels and conference centres.
Who is invited? Is the event just for employees or can they bring their partners along? Would you like to invite clients and potential customers? Once you have decided who your corporate event is for, you can work out when the best time to stage it will be. Working around clients schedules and factoring in your own calendar, along with other potential issues such as school holidays.
Consider logistics? Do you want a venue nearby or would you prefer to visit a different city or country even? Do you have delegates coming from overseas or different parts of the country who will require overnight accommodation? A venue with convenient parking or close proximity to rail or tube networks may need to be considered.
Is there a theme? Will you require your venue to be decorated a certain way? Will you be inviting guest speakers, after-dinner talkers, or entertainment such as live music or a DJ.
Is there a dress code? Your delegates need to know if they are required to wear casual clothes, work attire or black tie?
What do you want the delegates to get out of your corporate event? Is it going to be purely professional or do you want a fun and informal element to your event?
What equipment will you need? Sound and lighting equipment for speakers, whiteboards and pens for workshops, overhead projectors and screens, extra seating and tables?
What are your catering needs? Will you want on-site catering: a buffet or light refreshments? For larger events would you prefer outside caterers or a restaurant booking?
Do you want to merchandise your event? Goodie bags or stationery with company logo, different coloured t-shirts for team building events, or rewards and prizes.
Consider Timing. Make sure that your event doesn’t clash with anything local that may disrupt travel plans, accommodation etc. such as the Olympic Games or other major sporting event. Ensure that your event isn’t held at the same time as another similar industry event or in the same locality as another large corporate event. Give your delegates plenty of notice of your event date so they can plan accordingly.
At Accolade Corporate Events we like to be proactive. As an evolving company we are constantly looking for innovative and creative ways to deliver corporate events to our clients. By developing new concepts and continually monitoring new trends we are able to offer something different and cater for any requirements – no matter how unconventional or challenging. Our experienced, passionate team thrive on meeting and exceeding our clients’ expectations.
Thanks for reading our article! Did you know that Accolade Corporate Events is a leading provider of corporate event planning in the UK? Be sure to check out our website for more information on how we can help you plan your own corporate events!
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