We get it – organizing a corporate event isn’t easy. Whether your business is large or small, being active in your industry, engaging with your team, and staying in front of your customers are all critical to success. Corporate events are a great way to foster community within your organization or with your customers. When it comes to corporate event planning, every business is different. Corporate events run the gamut from seminars, conferences, trade shows, appreciation events, holiday parties, incentive programs, board meetings, team-building events, team member training, product launches, to many more. One thing we know for sure – a lot of planning is involved in this process. That’s why we made these tips to help ease the stress of organizing your next corporate event.

Know Your Basics: Start Simple

Since there are so many things that go into planning a corporate event, start simple. What is your primary objective? Once you’ve discovered your objective, then you can start getting an idea of who, what, when, where, why, and how many. Does all of this align with your budget and your objective? Check with key stakeholders to make sure they agree. Set the mold for your event, then add in the details later.

Select an Appropriate Venue

You must select a venue that accommodates the guests. Is there enough room? Will the venue go with the atmosphere you want to create for the event? Will food be catered on-site? Do you want it to be outside? Does your venue accommodate your A/V needs, have ample parking, etc.? Do you need to consider the privacy of the space if your event is covering sensitive topics or “trade secrets”? Make sure you tour the space before committing, and request all of the details.

Choose a Varied Menu

Let’s face it – the food can make or break an event. Choose a catering company that has many food options. Keep in mind your guests’ diets, the time of day, and how attentive you need them to be. Do you want guests eating while a speaker is talking, or do you need them to pay closer attention? Make sure you accommodate your guests to the fullest potential.

Advertise and Market Your Event

Don’t let your guests forget about your event! Many businesses skip over this step, but it is very important. Send reminder emails to ensure the event will be at the forefront of their minds. Don’t be afraid to make a Facebook group for the event. Create buzz early in the process so your guests will be excited before they even attend, and send important reminders they will need to keep in mind for the day of.

Assess and Follow Up

While you’re still daydreaming about the success of your event, don’t forget to follow-up! Thank your guests for attending. Ask your colleagues what they liked and disliked about the event. Again, don’t forget to follow up with key stakeholders and get their insights! Take an objective look at how everything went so you can plan for the next one!

You may feel a lot of pressure when planning a corporate event since there’s so many people to please – your boss, your boss’ boss, your peers and all the other attendants – but following these simple steps will help ease the overwhelm and set the stage for an engaging corporate event. In no time, you’ll be a corporate event planning pro!