Throwing a great corporate event takes lots of planning and preparation. Here are 7 event planning tips to refer to during the planning process.
About 80% of marketers generate sales through event marketing. In fact, over 50% of business leaders say event marketing drives greater ROI than any other marketing channel.
Meanwhile, 98% of consumers feel more inclined to purchase a product or service after attending a related event.
Throwing an amazing business event can set your business up for success!
Hosting a great corporate event requires time, planning, and preparation, though. Not sure where to start? Here are the seven tips you need to succeed.
With these tips, you can plan an event people will remember for years to come. You can maintain brand awareness and recognition with ease.
Don’t wait to start planning! Get started with these seven easy tips today.
1. Establish Your Goals
In order to plan an event and set yourself up for success, it’s important to consider your goals. Establishing your goals ahead of time will keep your team focused. You can determine specific details for your corporate event with your goals in mind.
Without a goal, however, your event planning team might lack the direction they need.
Make sure your goals are SMART:
- Specific
- Measurable
- Attainable
- Results-Driven
- Timely
For example, maybe you want to generate 1,000 pre-orders for a new product by the end of your business event. Maybe your goals involve boosting brand awareness, your credibility, or direct sales instead.
Other goals can include:
- Signaling a shift in your corporate culture
- Winning positive PR
- Shocking your competitors
- Convincing future employees to work for your firm
- Showing customers you’re innovative
Once you establish your goals, set key performance indicators (KPIs) for each one. Your KPIs will help you measure your progress.
Then, determine what tactics you’ll use to accomplish each goal.
For example, you might want to build a buzz before launching a new product. Consider creating a trailer before unveiling the new product. Maybe you want to plan product demos during the event.
If you want to establish your credibility this year, take time to consider which keynote speaker you’ll invite.
Setting your goals ahead of time will keep your event planning on track.
2. Find the Right Speaker
Finding the right keynote speaker can help you draw in more attendees. Sometimes, however, it’s a struggle to find the right speaker with your audience in mind.
Consider working with a professional team for the help you need. You can discuss your event, goals, and target audience. Then, you can find an exclusive speaker capable of making your event unforgettable.
You can start your search for the right keynote speaker here.
3. Find the Right Venue
There are over 250 convention centers throughout the US. Meanwhile, over 30% of the largest conventions in the country host over 2,500 attendees. Only 6% had fewer than 200 guests.
Picking the right venue for your business event is essential. You can change almost anything else (food, decorations, entertainment) beforehand. Changing the venue at the last minute, however, could prove difficult.
Instead, make sure to find the right venue before anything else. Otherwise, you might struggle to find a replacement venue late in the game.
There are a few challenges you might experience when reviewing each venue.
For example, you don’t want to choose a venue that offers too much space. If your guests don’t fill the room, your event could look like a failure.
However, you don’t want too little space, either. Otherwise, your corporate event will look cramped. People will think you didn’t plan the event well, either.
Make sure the venue doesn’t run events back-to-back. Otherwise, you won’t have a lot of time to set up for your own event.
Find the perfect venue with your needs and goals in mind.
4. Time It Right
Timing is everything! While planning your corporate event, make sure to look at a calendar. Try to choose a date that doesn’t clash with any holidays or important events.
Otherwise, your guests might already have plans. You might struggle to fill your venue as a result.
Timing your event properly will also give you a chance to prepare and market the event. Otherwise, you might feel rushed.
5. Establish Your Budget
Gather a team to help you plan and execute the event. Make sure one person takes ownership and manages the details. Then, give every member of your team a list of responsibilities.
Taking the time to plan your event with a team can ensure you don’t neglect anything.
Make a list of what you need. Include everything from the PA system to chairs, napkins, and clipboards. Consider how much manpower you’ll need, too.
Once you determine what you need, you can better determine your budget. You might need to scale back your plans. Otherwise, consider finding a sponsor for the event.
You can also partner with a complementary business and split the costs of the event.
6. Start Marketing
It’s important to start marketing your event as soon as possible. Otherwise, you might struggle to fill the venue.
First, create an event page on your website. Include a description of the event, including any keynote speaker bios and photos. Make sure to add an eye-catching “Register Now” button to the page, too.
Discuss what print materials you want to create for the event as well. For example, you might want to create a brochure or flyers.
You can also use email marketing to draw attendees. Otherwise, develop a social media marketing strategy. Give people a behind-the-scenes look into the event planning process, too.
Send a press release out as well. You can build a buzz and draw more people to your event.
7. Wow Your Audience
If you want to create a memorable corporate event, you need a way to wow your audience. Find a wow factor that can set your business apart from the rest.
For example, you might want to consider:
- Surprise performers
- Surprise keynote speakers
- A high-tech stunt
Make sure the wow factor you chose suits your brand and target audience.
Set for Success: 7 Effective Tips for Planning a Great Corporate Event
Planning a corporate event doesn’t have to feel stressful. Instead, keep these seven tips in mind. With these tips and a plan, you can host a wow-worthy event for your business.
Need help finding the right keynote speaker for your upcoming business event? We can help.
Contact our team today to get started.
