Planning A Corporate Event

Event planning is a nightmare at best.  From a child’s birthday party for a dozen kids to a business reception hosting a thousand guests in formal attire, the expectations and planning process remain the same.  The guests expect to have a good time and be entertained.  The host expects everything to go smoothly and for the guests to walk away with memories of a delightful time.  Easy, right?

With planning, it is possible.  Patience and planning are the keys to that delightful time.  And while the prospect of planning an event, however big or small, can be daunting, the task is perfectly achievable if you are will to take the time and effort necessary to pulling it off.  An event does not happen overnight and will not happen without careful planning.

For the business owner, an event can be anything from a reception to a seminar.  Part of planning an event involves making sure that all the details are covered.  Every facet of the event needs to be into account, considered, and a course of action mapped out.  For all intents and purposes, planning an event is very much like running your business.  Without an action plan, you will not succeed.
 
So where do you begin when planning an event, whether it’s one for your employees or one that is more public to promote your business?  The first and most important step is not to panic at the prospect of putting on the event.  Then decide who the event is for and what business purpose the event serves, such as bringing attention to your company or rewarding customer loyalty.

The next step is to make a list and start figuring out all the things you need to get done, such as finding a venue, planning a menu, hiring staff, and looking for corporate party favors.

• Once you establish the who and why of an event, the venue becomes much easier.  You can choose a place to hold your event that will fit both your guests and your purpose.  The scope of the event plays a huge role in venue.
• Be ready to change your plans.  Maybe your chosen date coincides with another event that many of your guests are invited to.  Or perhaps your chosen venue has a flood.  Just remember that Murphy’s Law is always in force and be prepared to adapt.
• Stick to your budget.  Do not break the bank to give ridiculously expensive party favors or to invite more guests. You still have a business to run when the event is over.  You may want to consider getting event sponsors to help shoulder some of the expense.
• Any business event needs marketing.  Even an in-house event needs marketing.  Why should invitees show up?  Any business event is a great opportunity to highlight your company.  Look for any opportunity to do so.  Put a banner outside.  Buy personalized corporate party favors.  And don’t forget the impact of social media.
• Delegate.  You cannot do this on your own.  Take that list of details, split it up, and get some help.  Have someone else make that banner or order those party favors. 
• Keep on top of things. It may feel like micromanaging, but keep in touch with the venue and vendors and all your help to make sure things are on track.  Events fail when planners assume things are getting done and do not follow-up.
• Have a contingency plan.  That details list you made?  Imagine all the what-ifs that could go on with that list and make a plan for each.  

 
If you would like to order personalized chocolate bar as party favors, the author of this article suggests Chocolate Favor World.