If you feel like the competition for corporate events is becoming stiffer, that’s because it is. With all the new products and services being launched, the number of corporate events taking place has significantly increased. However, that doesn’t mean that planning a successful event is impossible. When you have everything it takes to host a good event, you’ll do well. But how exactly do you make sure nothing slips through the cracks? Follow this corporate event planning checklist and you’ll have nothing to worry about.
Clearly-defined goals
A list of clearly defined goals is something you simply can’t host a corporate event without. Well, you can but it probably won’t do anything to help your business get noticed or make more sales. Start by thinking about what you want to achieve and writing it down. Once you do that, it’s time to come up with ways you want to achieve it. For example, if you aim at getting more followers on Facebook and Twitter, you can think of ways to mention social media at your event and give your attendees a reason to click on that “follow” button right away.
A rough budget
Planning a corporate event isn’t cheap. If you want the entire affair to be a success, you have to put some money into it. Not knowing how much money you’re working with can turn into a real problem, especially if you end up spending more than you have. That’s why it’s a good idea to create a rough budget before you start and keep track of how much you’ve spent during the planning process. Just remember to set some money on the side in case an unexpected expense emerges.
Product promotion ideas
No matter what your goals for the event are, using the opportunity to promote your business or a new product you offer is a must. After all, people who’ve shown up are interested in what you have to say and there’s no reason why you shouldn’t try to connect with them. Let’s say you’re hosting an event to honor an important business partner. You can still design an exhibition display and give your attendees a chance to take a better look at your product. Also, don’t forget to put your logo on everything from invitations to buffet table signs.
Beautiful invitations
Sending invitations is more personal than just announcing your event on social media, meaning that more people will show up if they get invited. Whether you decide to send email invitations or print real ones, getting the design right can do wonders for your event. There are companies that specialize in graphic design and turning to one of them is a great way to ensure your invitations rock. As the date gets nearer, consider sending reminders just to ensure nobody forgets about it.
A carefully-designed timeline
It may seem like you have all the time in the world to ensure your attendees have fun and help you achieve the goals you’ve set for your event. In reality, these events usually end too fast and unless you have a carefully-designed timeline you can follow, you won’t be able to complete all your objectives. If you plan to give a speech or officially unveil a new product, it’s important to know exactly when you’re going to do it and have your entire team synchronized before it’s time to do so.
Final thoughts
Increased corporate event competition indeed is a big challenge many business owners face. Follow this checklist and you can be certain people will choose your event over someone else’s. If the event ends up being a success, they’ll turn into loyal followers of your brand.