7 Elements That Make for a Great Corporate Party
There’s a lot of advice online about how difficult it is to plan a corporate party. Breaking event planning down into a handful of clear tasks helps you stay focused and pull off a great event.
With how common corporate events have become, the opportunity to stand out comes down to getting these fundamentals right:
1. Vision
Start with a clear purpose and vision for the event. Define the goals and objectives clearly by consulting thoroughly with your client, and keep notes on every conversation with vendors and your client so you can refer back to them later.
2. Budget
Build a budget around your client’s expectations and the event’s core requirements. Think through everything, including:
- Promotion and marketing costs
- Venue rental
- Security, if needed
- Catering and alcohol
- Printing costs for flyers, name badges, booklets, and similar materials
- Speaker or special guest fees, and possibly their travel costs
- Table styling, such as centerpieces
- Entertainment fees or payments to other third-party vendors, such as a photographer
- Event insurance, if needed
3. Venue
When choosing the venue, think about size and location. Make sure it’s easy for guests to reach and has enough space to comfortably fit everyone. For outdoor venues, plan for the possibility of bad weather and have a backup location ready.
4. Timeline
A detailed timeline needs to be created and shared with every vendor. Following the schedule closely is what keeps the event running smoothly. Things to include on your timeline:
- Venue set-up (decor, vendor arrival time, etc.)
- Guest arrival
- Cocktail and dinner service times
- Speaker or presentation times
- Closing remarks
- Clean-up
- Any other details unique to the event
5. Decor
Once you understand your client’s vision, you can develop the right theme for their event. Use your client’s ideas, and research current tablescapes and color combinations that fit their theme. Give guests an experience to remember by including special touches and details that will stay in their minds for a long time.
6. Catering
Never cut corners on food when planning a corporate event. Leave enough room in the budget for quality food that’s presented well. If the event includes dinner, offer a variety of options beyond red meat, such as chicken, fish, and vegetarian dishes. Even if you’re only serving appetizers and cocktails, make sure there are enough options to suit different tastes.
7. Entertainment & Vendors
Entertainment can make or break an event. Make sure the music fits the theme of the party, and confirm with your client whether they prefer a live band or a DJ, listening to a sample of their performance before booking. If it fits the budget and scope of the event, additional vendors, like photographers or caricature artists, can add extra fun and give guests something tangible to take home as a keepsake.
Planning a corporate party in Bangkok? Get in touch with Magma Event Bangkok to start planning.