Whether it’s a conference, product launch or party, you’ll no doubt want your next corporate event to run smoothly and to showcase your company at its very best. There’s an art to planning occasions like these, and it takes plenty of planning to make sure they impress. To help you achieve the results you’re after, here’s a brief guide to preparing for business events.
Set a spending limit
The first thing you’ll need to do is set your spending limit. This will help you to determine how ambitious you can be in your planning and where you may need to make savings. Depending on the type of event you’re organising, you might need to budget for everything from venue hire to entertainment, food, promotional material and more. Careful financial planning can ensure you don’t run out of money before you’ve finished putting your preparations in place.
Bring in a big name
If you want your event to really stand out and make people take notice, it helps to bring in a big name. This will give the occasion added impact and help to create a buzz. For example, if you’re gearing up to stage a conference and you want to give proceedings a polished, professional edge, you could enlist the help of a highly regarded and talented conference facilitator. Perhaps a renowned journalist like Andrew Neil or Jeremy Paxman would represent the perfect choice. Meanwhile, if it’s a party you’re preparing for, you could wow your guests by welcoming well-known singers or bands to the stage. From pop icons like Lionel Richie to vocalists such as Katherine Jenkins, there’s no shortage of talent to choose from. If you’re looking for inspiration for your event, you can visit websites like www.nmplive.co.uk, which specialise in providing conference facilitators, speakers, presenters and entertainers for events.
Choose the best possible venue
Your choice of venue could make or break your event. The place you select must be conveniently situated and have good transport links, and it must also be a suitable size, fall within your budget and offer all the equipment and services you need. Before you commit to booking somewhere, make sure you’re aware of all the details of the arrangement. For example, find out whether catering services are provided as part of the package or you have to arrange for an outside caterer. Also, check if you are responsible for providing and putting up your own decorations or the venue will do this for you.
Plan your programme carefully
Getting the timings of these events spot on can be a challenge. If you arrange too little to fill the day, there will be periods of slack time when nothing’s happening, or proceedings will draw to a close too early. On the flip side, if you try to cram too much into your schedule, you could end up rushing and overrunning. This is why it pays off to plan your programme carefully. Make sure there is a little flexibility in your schedule too. For example, if a speech lasts for longer than you had anticipated, you may be able to get your timings back on track by shortening a break period.
Spread the word
Last but not least, make sure you spread the word. No conference, product launch, party or other corporate event can be a success if people fail to show up. To maximise attendance, send your invites out early and make sure you remind people as the day draws closer.
