Hosting a business event will require a number of variables to be managed simultaneously. Even the most thorough of planners might have a vendor flake out which is why it is important to have backups in mind. The best business event will incorporate current clients and individuals that you wish to become clients of. The professionals at a business that possess decision-making powers or the final say or recommendation need to be invited. Even if the invitation is declined, the effort counts and the RSVP to the event could change. Schedule conflicts occur from time to time but if the event is important, most invitees will attend. Below are details to manage to ensure hosting your next top business event goes smoothly.
Indoor Or Outdoor: Will The Weather Cooperate?
Finding a venue for a corporate event is far easier when there are both indoor and outdoor options. Certain locations cannot have outdoor events for parts of the year due to being far too hot or cold. Even in comfortable temperatures, nobody wants to be at an event where you are stuck in the rain. Hybrid environments can be the perfect fit as allergies can also come into play for some attendees. Getting in-depth forecasts can also be important as commercial tent rental can be an option for outdoor spaces. Weather APIs can be used to develop top weather apps which can give you a great idea of how nature will cooperate. Top apps will include details like humidity levels and even temperature for an extended period. Historical data can also be viewed if you want to see what a certain date was like in years passed.
The perfect venue could provide everything needed for a quality event. Working with the same venue year after year can provide comfort in knowing what will be delivered. Small issues like parking or catering will have been worked out in previous years. The same vendors can provide an event that attendees have expected in terms of quality. A business event reflects directly on the business hosting so maintaining a positive image should be a goal. The main goal should be to generate business while having clients and potential customers view the business in a more positive light.
Getting The Invite List Nailed Down
The guestlist or those sent invites should come from a variety of areas. The email list, client list, and potential partner list. Offering the services of a company to clients and then allowing them to handle the work is an example of white labeling. Offering all-inclusive services in niches like marketing is possible with a large staff or the right partners. Allowing partners to work on what they are experts in can build a great reputation for the company selling the services.
Figuring Out Which Employees Will Attend
Employees that work directly with clients should be at the event. The client managers/project managers likely have built the best relationship with a client. A lack of this person being in attendance can make the attendee feel a bit uncomfortable. There are some employees that would rather not attend as they have no direct contact with clients or sales prospects. The sales team should also be there if there are any attendees looking to sign a contract in the near future.
The employees attending should have a study session of the most important attendees. Assigning employees to talk to certain people might not have an organic rapport built. Allow employees to browse social media profiles and the website for any inside information. Bringing up a specific sport or even hobby can be enough to spark an organic conversation with a potential client.
Keeping Alcohol Consumption Under Control
The last thing any host wants is issues due to the overconsumption of alcohol. Corporate events frequently have open bars as a host wants to cater to whatever attendees want. Issues tend to start when there has been too much alcohol consumed by an attendee or the host’s employee. The catering company or venue should know about attendees which could be a potential problem. Staff should sign behavior contracts as ruining a relationship with a client due to inebriation should be an act met with termination. Expected behavior should not have to be explained but for some with alcohol around, a reminder is in order.
Hosting any event will come with quite a bit of stress as so many details have to be sorted. Start planning quite far out from the event if the venue has already been booked. Other details like caterers or those providing staff for the event can change last minute. Backups should be in mind for each vendor that the company has not worked with in the past. Reliable vendors have been in business for years which can provide peace of mind to the company hosting.