Strategic corporate event planning can advance business objectives and foster stronger relationships with key stakeholders. But as both your business’ reputation and bottom line are at stake, it’s crucial to tread carefully during the planning stage.

In this post, we’re covering six key things to consider when planning a corporate event.

Objectives

When it comes to corporate event planning, keeping your objective at the forefront of every stage is key to a successful outcome. Before diving into the details, take a moment to think about what you’re trying to achieve. Are you aiming to boost team morale or secure a favourable deal from a lucrative business partnership?

Once you’ve determined your overarching objective, weave it into every subsequent decision you make. This includes your guest list, budget, venue, and catering choices. By ensuring that each aspect of your event aligns with your ultimate goal, you’ll be well on your way to planning a corporate event that truly delivers.

Budget

While a successful corporate event can pay enormous dividends, it’s only worth investing what you think a positive outcome would be worth.  

If you’re trying to get a lucrative new client onside, it’s time to spend up big. On the other hand, if you’re schmoozing a small operator, you should probably opt for something more low key.

And remember: even the most well-planned event may fail to achieve its overarching objective. Therefore, only spend what you’re prepared to lose.

Attendees

Make a shortlist of attendees—the emphasis here is on “short.”  The fewer attendees, the more extravagant you can make the event while still coming in under budget. It pays to trim the fat.

However, egos run rife in the corporate world, so be careful not to offend anyone important by leaving them off the list. If you want to get an influential executive on side who isn’t strictly relevant to the event, it’s often worth inviting them anyway.

Once the list is finalised, send an email with a digital invite that syncs to your attendee’s preferred calendar app—think Microsoft Outlook, iCloud Calendar, or Google Calendar.

And don’t dally. The sooner you send out your invites, the more likely the key players will be able to attend.

Venue

When it comes to corporate event planning, the venue you choose can make or break the success of your event. Once you have a confirmed budget and guest list, it’s time to start your search. Start by selecting a location that’s convenient for all attendees. After all, time is money, and no busy professional wants to waste it stuck in transit. To really make an impression, consider hiring a professional events management company that can offer a door-to-door transfer service.

Remember to keep your objectives in mind when selecting a venue. For high-value client negotiations, opt for an upscale restaurant. Extended workshops would be better suited to a conference hall, while celebratory affairs would be perfect at a winery or brewery.

It’s also worth considering tax incentives that could make lavish gala dinners and awards ceremonies more financially viable. Don’t hesitate to have a chat with your office finance guru for more information. By carefully selecting your venue, you can set the stage for a successful corporate event that achieves your objectives.

Catering & Alcohol

If you’re wining and dining a lucrative client, think about their preferred type of cuisine. A modest understanding of company culture goes a long way. And save the business spiel until everyone’s had a chance to eat. No good deals get made on an empty stomach.

Avoid going overboard with alcohol—think tipsy rather than roaring drunk. Pre-defined drinks packages help keep your guests well-lubricated without wreaking havoc on your bottom line.

Book Your Corporate Event with Kiff & Culture

Let Kiff & Culture take the hassle out of organising your next corporate event.

We offer a door-to-door transfer service between the top restaurants, wineries, distilleries, and breweries in Southeast Queensland and Northern NSW.  Competitive food and beverage packages from our hand-picked providers ensure great value for money and eliminate overspend.

To spice up the occasion, we can throw in a quick side trip to some of the region’s most spectacular natural sites.

We offer pre-defined tours in Brisbane, the Gold Coast, Byron, Tamborine Mountain, and Tweed Heads, or we can create a fully customised itinerary from scratch.