The best Corporate Hospitality events and why…..

The best corporate client entertaining events are those that match the client’s interests, whilst also representing the right level of hospitality for the seniority of the guests being invited. 

The Six Nations Rugby Internationals at Twickenham, Murrayfield, Cardiff and elsewhere are a great favourite across many industry sectors. City lawyers, bankers, accountancy and finance firms all target Rugby as a great way of entertaining their important business clients, but so do many IT clients, construction, retail and Pharmaceutical companies. There are several levels of hospitality available from Tickets only, through to a full day in a corporate box or restaurant overlooking the pitch.

Golf days and tournaments are another big favourite especially with financial institutions and the motor industry. Guests tend to get far more out of the day when playing rather than watching and it gives hosts about 4 hours of close contact with their most important customers. Golf is easy to vary the level of cost and numbers involved, proportionate to the seniority of the guest list.

Horse racing has made a big resurgence in recent years with meetings such as the Grand National, the Derby, Royal Ascot and Cheltenham all attracting huge crowds of racing oficianado’s as well as everyday punters and enthusiasts. The beauty of horse racing is that there are courses right across the UK, Europe and parts of the rest of the world. It’s as big a hit in Kentucky as it is in Dubai. Clients can choose a simple day at Newbury, Haydock Park or York or spend a little more and take a box at Ascot or the Prix de L’Arc de Triompfe at Chantilly.

Wimbledon and The Queens Club tournament form the jewels in the crown of the English Summer tennis season, with Wimbledon probably the highlight in many companies entertainment programme. This is really an event for C level guests based on exclusivity. Now that there is a roof on Centre court, play is guaranteed and the court that should be chosen. Another day that is ideal for really getting to know your very top customers and perhaps their partners too.

The Summer season also includes Polo at Guards Club, near Virginia Water, Cricket at Lords, Old Trafford, Trent bridge and other test match venues, Henley Royal regatta and the Henley Music festival following. The British Grand prix with Lewis Hamilton’s success has become another huge event although I think the best hospitality day you can have is Palmer Promosport’s drive day. It’s pricey but you get to drive state of the art racing cars on performance circuits, with expert tuition. Not only do you feel completely exhilarated when you leave but you will have had an experience to last a lifetime. It’s brilliant.

During the winter months there is theatre and cinema to keep everyone entertained. A private group at Hamilton or Les Miserables is always a winner and it’s easy to hire a Curzon cinema for a private screening of the latest Bond movie or Star Wars. Just add food and a couple of Jedi warriors to complete the evening.

Which leaves football. Choose any club in the country and almost any game outside of the FA Cup final and you’ll be able to take guests for a weekend or perhaps evening game of your choice. The Premier league’s top teams such as Manchester United, Chelsea, Liverpool and Tottenham will always have the better facilities and some of the better games, but it’s always a favourite, even at a local club. You might want to check who your customers support first! Not many Manchester City fans would want to go to a game at Manchester United.

Hi, I’m Neil Warren and I have had the pleasure of arranging and attending corporate hospitality events for over 25 years. During this time and now we have delivered some amazing experiences for our clients and their important guests. Just recently we had customers at a private party after the Monaco Grand Prix and we sailed on the Thames for the Queens Diamond Jubilee. We can deliver exceptional events for you and your business partners anywhere in the world.