A corporate event can be anything from an awards banquet, a product introduction, announcement of a merger, a gala casino night, or a conference or seminar that requires registration tables and attendee packages for distribution. Whatever type of meeting there are many requirements in common. But, consider these tips for a social event:
1) Remember, "corporate" usually means a committee or committees responsible for all details. This whole process requires extreme patience for approval to go through channels.
2) Definitely make sure a budget figure is known up front. Of course, make sure you know the exact process needed to have access to that budget!
3) An event for an employee & spouses should be planned with the understanding that employees want to impress their invited husbands, wives, and dates.
4) Keep the female attendee in mind when planning the colors, sounds, smells, tastes of the event. Impress the women in attendance and the men will usually be happy, too.
5) Again, keep the ladies in mind. Most want an excuse to dress up and you should cater to their desires first. Although some men may protest initially, most will welcome the opportunity to dress to impress.
6) At the start of the event give plenty of time for mingling, talking, and gossiping. Give time for everyone who wants one to get a drink at the bar and to walk about, greet each other, and make introductions.
7) Create various stations of food with different cuisine that people can easily access, walk around, and sample.
8) A dance floor is always welcome for setting the mood for fun and relaxation.
9) Make the awarding of plaques short, as well as speeches by VIP's, and put this near the beginning of the evening.
10) If you have games--take into consideration the range of ages.
11) Employees will appreciate the event if they are not required to tip everywhere. They want to come to a company evening where everything is pre-paid. They will resent company management as not being properly appreciative of them if they have to tip servers, bartenders, and valets just to make it through the evening.
12) A corporate event, even though formal, should not be "stiff". You want people to relax and enjoy themselves. Consider a really good comedian prepared with some "inside" jokes about your company. Or a celebrity impersonator, such as "Bill Clinton" to deliver a "keynote" address to your crowd. An excellent entertainer who can get people laughing hysterically ensures the memorability of your corporate event.
