Planning the Perfect Corporate Event

manchester unitedAs business becomes increasingly competitive the whole idea of corporate entertainment is becoming more important than ever. Taking good care of clients and building a good ‘out of work’ relationship with them is almost as essential as delivering good work. If you’ve been put in charge of corporate entertainment for a big client then here are just a couple of things to bear in mind before you start organizing an event.

Firstly, like any other project, it’s really important to do your research and find out as much as you can about what your client likes and doesn’t like. There’s no point organizing what you think will be a wonderful night out with tickets to the opera if you then discover that your client is not much of a culture vulture and would really rather a night at the dog track with a big slap up meal. If you want to make sure it’s a surprise then find out from someone who works with him or her and see if you can get any hints that way.

Secondly, be organized and don’t leave anything to chance or the event could end up being a disaster. If you are planning a big dinner followed by drinks in a bar somewhere make sure you phone ahead and see if you can reserve an area so that you and your clients can sit in comfort. If you want to do something fun, take them all bowling then see if you can find a bowling alley with a private entertainment room that you can hire out for the whole evening. If you know your client loves football then it might be a good idea to buy seasonal hospitality or a season ticket at a club so you know you’ll always have tickets to the game.

Finally, don’t be afraid to unwind and enjoy yourself, but don’t go overboard with the alcohol. If your client wants to get steaming drunk then that’s totally their business but it won’t look great if you have to be bundled into a taxi before the night is over. A few drinks should help everyone relax and make the occasion less formal, so you can talk business if you need to but in a less pressure environment. A few too many can ruin the evening and undo all the good work that was put in beforehand.

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4 thoughts on “Planning the Perfect Corporate Event

  1. Good post. I’ve never been in a role like this, but it makes complete sense. I’d imagine that having to be put in the taxi at the end of the night because your knock down drunk isn’t a good idea as you say. 🙂

    1. @ John – Hahaha I know what you mean. Thankfully that has never happened to me. Been to a few corp events and I have seen some people make a real a$$ out of themselves by drinking too much.

  2. Definitely research research research! I’ve never had to plan a corporate event, but great post 🙂

    1. @ Michelle – Thanks. I have planned a small corporate event and I have been to a few. I think they are always a bit awkward at first until you can really feel the people out. Once you can feel them out it is easier to open up.

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