At End2End Events, we know how overwhelming planning a corporate event on your own can be. With so much to think about and anticipate, not to mention the pressure on the day to ensure everything runs smoothly, sometimes it just makes sense to outsource the stress to someone else.

Marwa Rida, founder and CEO of End2End Events, is a born organiser. Her passion for event management, theming, styling, organising and assuring others is what sees her booked solid month after month with corporate, community and private events of all shapes and sizes.

Marwa works closely with you to create an event that truly supports your business, brand and desired outcomes. She takes the time to listen to your needs and ensure the brief is completely understood, before bringing together the End2End Events Team to make it happen.

To discuss your next corporate event with Marwa, contact her on 0415 523 159 or visit End2End Events

If you are tasked with the planning of a corporate event, and you want to have a go on your own, we have put together six simple techniques you can use to create an impressive and memorable one…

1. Understand the true objective

Corporate events rarely have a single focus. As the event manager, it’s up to you to understand the true objective (or “deeper why”) behind the event and use it to help you create something amazing.

For example, an awards dinner isn’t just an excuse to hand out a bunch of awards. It’s a way to celebrate company culture, reinforce company values, and encourage staff to achieve their best.

A product launch does more than just introduce a new product. It’s a platform for promoting the values and vision of an organisation to the media and potential new clients.

Think about the real reason behind your corporate event, and you’ll be planning a winner in no time.

2. Appoint an official planner

We all know the saying “too many cooks in the kitchen spoils the broth” – and that is definitely true when you’re organising an event.

You can hire a professional corporate event manager, or you can appoint someone (such as yourself) to be the official organiser.

The official organiser should be great at time management, approachable, proactive, and confident enough to talk to all stakeholders (and consider their requests when putting it all together).

3. Choose a theme

A theme provides context for the planning of the event. It helps draw together all of the decisions you make about the venue, food, decorations, and even the order of events.

There are an infinite number of themes to choose from, but try to choose something that complements your “deeper why”.

For example, a company that values “fun” or “individualism” might benefit from a 70s or acrobatic theme. If the company has Japanese origins, you could create a Japanese theme. If the company sells toys you might decide on a “barbie” theme. If the company makes luxurious furniture, or is releasing a luxurious product, you might have a “luxurious” theme.

4. Create proper to do lists , and then allocate tasks and set deadlines

There are many moving parts in a corporate event, which is why corporate event planners are often booked well in advance.

Make a list of everything you can foresee that needs to be completed. From invitations to booking a space, catering, decorations, sequence of events, speakers, music, table settings, technological requirements and more. Imagine yourself as a guest at the event (from beginning to end). What do you need? What are you doing? What are your expectations?

Once you have a proper to do list, allocate tasks to your team and set strong deadlines.

5. Send invites and set expectations

Invites are more than just an opportunity to invite attendees. They’re an opportunity to set expectations. And a great invite will lead to more acceptances…which ultimately leads to a better event!

Your invite should include the basics such as the what, when, and where. It should also help people understand the theme – both in the way it is laid out (i.e.: a fun, sparkly invitation or an elegant, formal one) and in the words that you use.

But it’s also a great way to intrigue people and excite them into attending.

For example:
Tim’s Retirement Dinner.
6:30pm Saturday at XYZ Restaurant, Canberra.
Dress: 70s. RSVP 20th next month.

OR

Get your groove on at Tim’s psychedelic retirement dinner, and help us celebrate over 15 years of service from a great team player who has always been willing to lend a hand.

The funk starts at 6:30pm with drinks and cool canapés at XYZ Restaurant, Canberra.

Totally awesome dinner will be served at 7:30pm, before we boogie the night away or chillax at the open bar.

Wear your best bangin’ 70s outfit and join the partay!

RSVP asap. Be there or be square.

Which one would you go to?

6. Be prepared to stay on your toes

The event planner rarely gets to enjoy the actual event. They are too busy making sure everything goes smoothly and everyone around them has a great time! Realising this in advance will make the event easier for you.

You should also try to pre-empt disasters and have a back-up plan in case things go pear shaped.

At the event, keep an eye on how people are reacting. You might not be able to change much, but if it does go south it’s always good to have a few tricks to pull out of your hat.

And remember, event management gets easier with experience. So once you get your first one out of the way, your future events will be that much easier.

If you need help planning your next corporate event, call End2End Events on 02 6280 9356 or visit End2End Events.