Corporate Event Planning Tips and Ideas
In the post-pandemic era of virtual meetings and remote work, business and organizational leaders realize the value of person-to-person interaction and connection. Whether it’s a corporate retreat, team building, or bringing industry leaders together, corporate events are back, and the bar is higher than ever.
Get more out of your next event by putting extra thought into engaging attendees, finding the right venue, and having clear objectives to guide discussion.
Planning An Impactful Corporate Event: Start with Purpose
Why? Now more than ever, team members want—and deserve—a clear rationale for corporate events. They want to know who’s attending, who isn’t, and what role the event will have in shaping future operations or the direction of the organization. Instead of answering with a statement, build the why into every facet of the event, from the right venue to providing an inclusive setting.
1. Define Purpose and Goals
There are many reasons to host a corporate event, but deciding the reason for this event will ultimately determine who needs to be there and where to host the event. Work with your event planning team to define a clear, concise purpose for the gathering, such as:
To celebrate a successful year
To introduce new leadership
To set organizational goals for the year ahead
To launch a new product
From there, define what success looks like. Create a list of desired outcomes closely connected to your primary purpose. For example, if you’re launching a new service or product, your goal might be to collect a few initial orders, distribution agreements, or contact information from new prospective vendors.
2. Know Your Audience
With a purpose and goal, you’re ready to create a guest list. Knowing your audience will make the event valuable for your team and also add value to attendees by giving them an opportunity to make new connections. Be deliberate with your audience; think of people you genuinely want to bring together from different departments in your organization, outside vendors, or industry personalities who add insight to every interaction they’re involved in.
3. Choose Your Venue
No two venues are alike, and every venue impacts the tone and tenor of the event for attendees. Think how different a discussion might be in a stodgy hotel conference room or on the shores of Lake Michigan. Don’t underestimate the impact a natural, inspirational environment can have on the level of dialogue; the best ideas from novel experiences and stimuli.
4. Create the Agenda
Give your event a defined schedule and shape that revolves around the core purpose. Whether you include guest speakers, divide into breakout sessions, or focus on social interaction, attendees will appreciate a set agenda so they feel prepared. Remember, their time is valuable; balance including relevant content with the freedom to step back, think, and contribute at their own pace.
5. Get Feedback
After the event, deliver a survey to attendees to determine what went well and what needs work before the next gathering. These surveys show you value attendee input and will ultimately improve future events based on real-world feedback, not gut feelings. Encourage attendees to be honest and take the time to discuss survey results with your team with a post-event debrief.
The Venue Might Be the Easiest Part
Venue Blue is an ideal setting for your next corporate event. It's a perfect setting for big ideas and close connections with ample capacity in our pavilion and over 4,000 feet of pier-front on West Grand Traverse Bay. Set your next corporate event apart; learn more about venue availability and book your event today.