| Organising a corporate event involves a huge amount | | | | researching and contacting corporate event |
| of planning and work. It is common practice to hire a | | | | companies. |
| corporate event company to handle the majority of | | | | A Google search for "corporate event company" will |
| the work for you. | | | | give you a long list of potential companies. Take a |
| When looking for a corporate event company it is | | | | look at their websites, see what they specialise in, |
| important you decide on the type of event you | | | | read any testimonials they may have and make a list |
| want to host, the location of the event and how | | | | of the ones that you think will manage your event |
| many people will likely attend. That will allow you to | | | | best. |
| choose the right company with the right expertise. | | | | Those companies should have experience in |
| Is your event: | | | | organising events of the type, location and size you |
| - An exhibition | | | | have in mind. This is where testimonials will be |
| - A conference | | | | especially useful. Successfully organised events on |
| - A seminar | | | | behalf of well-known, blue chip companies will give |
| - A party | | | | you the confidence that this event management |
| - An awards dinner | | | | company can do the same for you. |
| - A product launch | | | | A corporate event company should be able to |
| - A charity fundraiser | | | | provide venue finding, catering, lighting, décor, |
| - A press day | | | | entertainment including band or disco and any other |
| - A staff party | | | | musical entertainment, audio/visual equipment, |
| All of these and more can be handled by a good | | | | marquee hire, drinks and hire of bars, photography |
| events company but some specialise in specific types | | | | and video services, all necessary event staff and |
| of events. | | | | even florists, security, transport, valet parking, hotel |
| Do you want to host the event: | | | | reservations and invitations. |
| - At your offices | | | | Once you have your list - three to five companies |
| - At a hotel | | | | should be enough - contact each of the companies |
| - In a bar | | | | and invite them to discuss your requirements and |
| - Outdoors | | | | provide a quote. |
| - In a marquee | | | | Meet them in person so you can judge how well you |
| - At a specialist type of venue | | | | will work together in the planning of your event so |
| - Abroad | | | | that on the day you can concentrate on your guests |
| Is your event for: | | | | and not worry about the event itself. |
| - Your staff | | | | The corporate event company you eventually |
| - Your customers and clients | | | | choose will require an upfront fee on booking |
| - Prospective customers and clients | | | | confirmation (usually around 10% with further |
| - The local community | | | | payments due as the event gets closer) as they will |
| - The press | | | | incur costs right from the start. |
| - Any combination of the above! | | | | They will begin using suppliers who will require upfront |
| You will also have to have a budget in mind. An | | | | payment themselves, so don't think this is unusual. |
| events management company will be able to advise | | | | The chosen corporate events company will work |
| you on what you can and can't achieve with your | | | | within the budget you set anyway and ensure your |
| budget and then you can adjust accordingly to | | | | event goes to plan so you can sit back, relax and |
| ensure you organise the event properly. | | | | enjoy the day. |
| Once you've made these decisions you can begin | | | | |