Dos and Don’ts of Planning a Corporate Event

Corporate events are a large part of corporate culture that can decide how people feel working at their current jobs.  Although it’s a lot of work and can feel thankless at times: if you do this right, you can expect a huge payoff including food and drinks in your plan.

These are the top dos and don’ts of planning a corporate event and how to make sure you do it right!

Do: Plan an Interesting Event

Why are you throwing this event?  Is it to celebrate an incredible quarter of profits?  Is it a holiday party to show the employees that the company is thankful to have them?  Although it can be fun to throw an event just randomly to show appreciation, it’s better to have a set theme so that employees don’t feel like they’re having something sprung on them (i.e., getting fired or having to deal with new training).

Consider hiring entertainment, like fun celebrity impersonators, to ensure that everyone gets a chance to have fun and laugh while they’re at the event.  

Don’t: Forget to Include Food and Drinks.

Even if this event is just for a couple of hours, it’s a good idea to include food and drinks in your plan!  This will help people feel more comfortable and put them in a better mood before you discuss whatever needs to be discussed at the event.  This also gives you the chance to show goodwill at the event. 

Try to put out a questionnaire early so anyone with food allergies or dietary restrictions can let you know far ahead of time.  Plan dishes around these as well so that nobody has to feel left out.

Do: Set a Loose Itinerary 

Although it would be nice if everything went according to plan, no event goes without a hitch.  Set an itinerary that’s flexible and able to be changed by ten to fifteen minutes on a whim.  This will ensure that you don’t have to skip portions or that nobody is cut off halfway through what they need to say.

Don’t: Try to Do This Last Minute.

The worst thing a corporate event can be is rushed.  Do everything you can to avoid rushing and planning this event last minute.  The best time for planning is at least a couple of months out to ensure you can get catering and entertainment scheduled.

Do: Talk to Supervisors or Managers if You’re Unsure

There will be moments in party planning where you won’t be sure if you’re making the right choices.  Whether this is about the food, the budget, or the timing: it’s okay to be careful and avoid stepping on toes.  If you’re unsure, talk to whoever is above you in the chain of command to clarify.  Although you shouldn’t go to them for every single decision (or they’d be the one planning the event), you shouldn’t be afraid to ask for guidance.

An Event Can Sink or Swim Based on the Planning

Whether you’re planning a huge event or something for a company with only five employees, it’s important to be thorough and do your best.  Follow these dos and don’ts to make sure you throw the perfect event.