Tag: corporate event

Corporate events are something that many employees look forward to year after year. They want to see how the company is going to out-do the prior year’s event and who will be included in the most-talked-about memory for the next year to come. However, for the person (or people) doing the planning of the event, it can bring a lot of stress.

The good news is that if you have a budget and you start planning way in advance of the event, the stress can just about deplete itself from your life. Ready to learn how to budget for corporate events? Here we go!

Decide how much you can spend on corporate events

Before you can do anything, you absolutely must understand what your budget is. In other words, know how much you have that you can spend to pull off memorable corporate events. To figure this out, it will involve a bit of thumbing through the books.

See what funds have been set aside for the event – and be reasonable. Don’t try to cushion your funds to allow for more spending room (especially if you truly don’t have the money). However, don’t be afraid to spend, either. Restricting your budget too much could make it difficult to put an event together at all.

Consider your focus

Close your eyes and envision your event. When it is all said and done, what is the one thing that you hope your guests remember?

• Do you want them talking about how your Beef Wellington was the best they’ve ever had?
• Are you hoping the speaker or entertainment leaves a lasting impression?
• Is it your venue that you want to get the oohs, ahs, and memories from?
• Or how about the goody bag that they take home – do you want them to boast about it to friends?

It is up to you to determine which is the most important part of the event because that is where your focus should be. In fact, the bulk of your money should be placed on making that one thing its lasting statement.

Venue costs

When choosing where to hold your corporate event, there are many potential venues that you could choose from. For example, hotel ballrooms, conference centers, restaurants, luxurious meeting space, or tented outdoor space.

It is important to keep in mind that different spaces will have different costs. Renting out a hotel ballroom could cost more than reserving a space within a restaurant. And, both could cost more than renting a tent and holding the event outdoors.

Something to keep in mind is that a tent rental can be rather affordable – and as elegant or laid back as you’d like. These temporary structures are wide open and are just waiting for your personal touch to transform them into your corporate event. Easy on the budget and designed just how you want? It is a no-brainer. And, your budget will thank you.

Food for thought

How important is the food at your event? This is a question you need to answer when budgeting for corporate events. Are you looking for a plated dinner? Or, do you prefer a buffet-style? What you choose will greatly affect your budget. Here is why:

• Plated dinners are generally costlier. True, everyone is being served a specific amount of food – reducing the chance of some greedy employee taking over their favorite dish. However, it is important to account for the fact that these types of dinners require a wait staff, a bussing staff, and a dishwasher. When considering your budget, include these added expenses.
• Buffet dinners, on the other hand, are more cost-effective in the sense that they do not require the wait staff. In addition, it would mean less waste, as guests would likely only serve themselves what they like. All of this would save budget money to be used in other areas.

Be specific

When working through your corporate event budget, you will need to be specific. You will need to do your research to know the cost of things – specifically. Do not estimate! Get as close to the actual cost as possible so that you do not end up with any costly surprises at the end!

Make sure to include all costs that you may encounter:

• Party rental costs – Including the tent, tables, chairs, stage, podium, etc.
• Décor costs – Include the centerpieces, wall displays, special lighting, or any other decorating tidbit you decide to add to your event.
• Speaker/entertainment fees – Typically, the earlier you book these guests, the less money you will spend. If you procrastinate and put it off, then you will likely find yourself paying a pretty penny just to get someone to talk!
• Catering costs – This is an important one to pay attention to. Note that if your guest list increases, this cost will increase, also.
• Setup & breakdown crew – If you are hiring someone to set up your event and clean up afterward, then don’t forget to include it in your budget.

Simply put, the more specific you are when planning your budget, the easier the corporate events will flow.

Don’t let guests leave empty-handed

Right or wrong, guests usually arrive at an event expecting to receive something. This is especially true when it is a corporate event hosted for its employees! Keep this in mind when preparing your budget, as many keepsake items can be costly. If this is something you want to dump a chunk of your money into, then great. Otherwise, you may want to consider a more budget-friendly approach, such as baked goods (or any edible goodie), travel-size bottles of liquor with a personalized label, or any small gift that coincides with what the corporation does or stands for.

It is important to do your budget before you start planning. After all, if the money isn’t there, then you cannot follow through with your plan. Decide what you want to do, how you can afford to do it, and always, always – follow your budget!

Day in and day out your employees show up to work, put in their time, and go home. Many may even go above and beyond what is expected of them. The point is that your employees are on the front line of your business. They make up your company and keep it charging forward daily. Think about this for a moment – where would your company be without each one of them?

So, when the time comes for corporate gatherings, your employees deserve the best. Forget the traditional cookout or generic dinner at a local banquet hall that you do every year. Do something different. Why not throw together an outdoor event with a rental event tent? Make your corporate gathering bold, fun, and memorable. Of course, make sure to let your employees know just how much the company values them.

Take your event out of the office

Some corporations hold office parties or gatherings in the actual office. Who wants to spend more time there than they already do? Your employees are always at the office. Give them a change of scenery and some fresh air by moving the get-together outdoors! Breathing in fresh air is healthy and it will likely be very welcomed.

Choosing to hold an event outdoors means that you can relax on the headcount, too. There is much more room for your employees to bring spouses – or even families! There will be no stuffy indoor atmosphere and cleanup will be a breeze!

On a side note – think about all the games and entertainment you will be able to pull off if the event is outdoors!

Types of events

Outdoor venues mean that you have a wide choice of the type of event you can have. Depending on your event, your rental event tent will change slightly. In fact, you can plan your corporate event from a very informal barbecue to a very formal black-tie affair. It all depends on the vibe you are trying to achieve for the event. Below are a few ideas to get your mind churning:

• BBQ – Make it complete with grilled foods and sides, games, and all sorts of outdoor fun.
• A luau – Have your employees dress like they have been swept away to an island vacation. Do the limbo. Roast the pig. And, of course, do the hula.
• Casino night – Give your employees a chance to cash in by having a casino night. Set up a mock casino with card tables and token slots. Top it off with a Vegas-style show!
• Pick a decade – Choose a decade that fits your employees and go all out on that theme, requesting that they dress to fit the part. Include food, games, and entertainment from that decade, too.
• Team building – If you are looking to multi-task by spoiling your employees and work on team building skills, it is possible! You can incorporate activities into your event that will help bring community and strength to your corporation while also treating your employees.
• The formal – How about a black-tie dinner? A masquerade ball? A white party? If you are looking for fancy, you can still get away with that even though you are outdoors.

Decide how you want to approach your corporate gathering based on the outdoor venue and the culture of your office.

Decorate to impress

Go all out. Go crazy. Decorate as if it were the last corporate event you ever intended to throw. Ok, well, surely the accounting department will ask that you keep it within budget, but…

Outdoor venues mean that you have a full rental event tent, a full blank canvas that you can decorate. You have no lighting, no flooring, no pictures on the wall, no pre-designed rooms or seating areas, etc. You can decorate however you need to.

• Design your own layout. Make sure to include areas for all aspects of the event and room to mingle.
• Decide how you want to decorate based on the theme or type of event you are going to have.
• Don’t forget the lighting and flooring. This can get as basic or as elegant as you want, again depending on the type of event.

This is your space – make it bold and watch the jaws of your employees drop as they enter the tent.

Provide convenience treats and other tokens of appreciation

When planning your corporate gathering, make sure to include convenience treats. What are they? These are items that your guests may have forgotten but wished they would have brought. Once they see you are conveniently providing these items, they will be delighted. For example, gum and mints, stain remover, toiletry items, flip flops (for dancing), sunscreen and sunglasses, etc.

Tokens of appreciation are always a nice gesture, too. Small gifts or goody bags for your employees are just the extra touches sometimes needed to stand out from all the other corporations out there.

It is amazing how a little thought can leave a lasting impression.

Why a rental event tent is perfect for your gathering

In case you haven’t already figured it out, a tent is perfect for your outdoor gathering. They are so versatile and offer many perks you may not have even thought of. For example:

• They can be placed almost anywhere there is open space. This includes parking lots, vacant lots, ball fields, parks, etc. Just be sure to have enough room for parking, in addition to the size of your tent.
• They are completely customizable. They come in all shapes and sizes. You can choose to have side walls or not. The same goes for flooring – you can take it or leave it.
• Event tents will allow you to host your corporate gathering outdoors without worrying about the weather. Tent rentals now provide protection from almost all weather. Your event can go on, rain or shine.

 

Get your crew outdoors and show them an enjoyable time. Help them grow as a team or let them boogie down under a 70’s era disco ball. However you choose to do it, make sure you don’t forget to to include a rental event tent!

So, you are ready to take the plunge and host the latest and most fun corporate events in your industry. You have invited many people and want to make a bold statement – as this is your make or break moment.  You want to do something different and engage your guests, rather than just have the same old boring conference with a monotone speaker and a yawning audience. There must be a way to avoid this, right? Yes! There sure is.

From renting a clear span tent to selecting the perfect theme, use the ideas below to liven up your next corporate event and raise the bar for other industry leaders in the future. Be prepared to plan the hottest and most fun corporate events yet!

Use Props with a theme!

Props are awesome. They offer event-goers a chance to let loose and maybe even giggle a little bit, depending on the props and theme you choose. Here are few of the most popular:

• Night at the movies. Complete this idea with a movie screen and projector, popcorn machine, props to include the Hollywood sign, and the walk of fame.
• Set up a photo booth. You can use props to match your theme, say — the roaring 1920’s, casino night, 1980’s flashback, animal kingdom, etc.
• Ice sculptures
• Road trip. Use car prop, street signs, state backdrops, photos on postcards, etc.
• Stress relief. Offer massages and spa services to your attendees. After all, it may be a work event, but it is also a mini vacation from the office.
• A DIY section. Think of something that may come in handy for the folks in your industry (or just simply a fun idea) and have an area in which your guests can learn how to make their own. For example, lotions, a zen garden, stress balls, step by step painting class, etc.
• Inflatables! These are not just for kids anymore! Instead of bounce houses, adults get inflatable money booths, bull riding, snowboard or surfboard riding, etc. Fun stuff!
• 50’s diner themed. Complete with poodle skirts, jukeboxes, records, and checkered flooring.

The point is to make the atmosphere fun and entertaining. Sure, your guests are there to work – technically. But, sometimes it is okay to let loose when the boss isn’t looking!

Backgrounds – and photo spot

Have you ever watched celebrities walk into an award show or a benefit on the red carpet? How about turning your guests into celebrities? Have a red carpet (or any color, for that matter) and then take their picture in front of a backdrop as they arrive. You can use a backdrop that matches your theme or you can have a backdrop custom made with your company or events name and/or information on it. (The latter can turn into a great advertising tool thanks to social media).

Use the photos you take during fun corporate events and turn them into something comical or memorable. For instance, you can put the faces on bobble heads, create canvas photos, caricatures, pins and badges, etc. It is even possible to set up an Instagram station (or any social media, for that matter). As the pics are posted (with a specific hashtag) you can have video screens throughout the venue showing a continuous collage of these photos. You may also have an area when people my purchase or download copies that were professionally taken at the event.

Rent a clear span tent

Gone are the days of boring old hotel conference centers or convention centers. The most fun corporate events are not located in dingy conference rooms. People these days look for adventure or, at the very least, something intriguing or unique. Take time to carefully select where you would like to hold your event.

A suggestion that allows you a lot of room for customization to get the exact space you want is renting a clear span tent. It is easy to do – all you need to worry about is finding a space large enough to hold the clear span tent, the attendees, and, possibly, parking. You determine the size, the layout, the location, and any other specific details and the ball starts rolling. Easy as pie! Clear span tent rentals even have all the offerings of a permanent building – flooring, walls, climate control, etc. – except it is where you want it and designed how you want it.

Performers

Who says you need one famous headliner or performer to make your event a success? That is just not the case at all. In fact, if you can keep your attendees entertained throughout the event, you are so much farther ahead.

Here is what we are talking about here:

Let’s say you have a casino-themed event. While you will have various casino games, etc., why not hire Vegas dancers to mingle among the crowd, as well as have short shows sporadically throughout the day?  Or, if you are having a circus theme, why not hire fire-eaters, jugglers, clowns, and acrobats to make their way through the crowd? If it is a tropical or island theme, you could hire belly dancers. Get the idea?

There are so many options – and even more people looking to entertain. You just have to find them!

Hire a DJ and an MC

No one can quite get a party going quite like a DJ can. People love music – especially music that makes them feel good. Hiring a DJ for your fun corporate events can liven the moods of your attendees and keep a joyful feeling in the air.

MC’s can be entertaining, as well. They keep order in an event. When you have a lot of guests in a large space with a lot going on, sometimes it can be hard to maintain order and reduce any confusion. An MC can be that center point of contact for attendees and help with the flow of the day.

If you use your imagination, you should be able to come up with all sorts of ideas to liven up your next corporate event. Just keep in mind that the idea is help keep the mood of your attendees elated, the feel of the event confident, and the outcome successful. Best of luck!

 

Keeping your guests intrigued and engaged in a corporate event doesn’t require a lot of work – just a little creativity and planning. Whether it is using losberger tents for a stellar location or having a spontaneous karaoke session – your guests will surely look forward to your future events with these corporate event ideas.

Besides getting time out of the office or maybe free trip to a different city, many people loathe the idea of having to go to corporate events. The idea sounds fun, but the busy schedules, hours listening to boring speakers, and games is enough to make you cringe inside – even if you don’t show it.

So now that you are planning your own event, what are some corporate event ideas to make sure your guests aren’t secretly hoping someone pulls the fire alarm or, even worse, that there is a power outage?

These five corporate event ideas will guide you in spicing up your next event so that you will raise the bar for all other corporations:

Choose Any Location Using Losberger Tents

The first thing that your guests will see is the venue you choose. When they arrive to your event, are they going to be blown away? Convention centers and generic ol’ conference halls seem to be the desired pick for most organizations. You have the same bright, busy carpet and white cloth table coverings with very few windows. It is boring.

Why not try something new? Losberger tents offer a place to wow your guests. They give you the opportunity to hold your event in any location. Pick somewhere remote and beautiful – off the beaten path or search for a location that is sure to grab the interest of attendees. If it has space for a Losberger tent and is near lodging, then you are set.

You can rent and customize Losberger tents very easily. Depending on the size of your crowd, you can increase or decrease the size of your tent. In fact, if you really want to go for the wow factor, tents can be rented as two-story buildings – with lots of windows! They are climate controlled and act as real buildings – only their location is not permanent! Give your guests something to talk about!

Set a theme

Themes for your corporate event can be as professional or as goofy as you would like them to be. What matters is that you pick a theme that will be eye-catching and you go all out for it. When planning your food, prizes or giveaways, decorations, etc. make sure you keep with your theme and match every detail accordingly.

Remember – colors matter! Colors can set a tone or mood for an event. To make sure you get the right vibe going, check these out:

• Red: signals passions, intensity, power, excitement – and even anger.
• Purple: royalty, luxury, spirituality
• Blue: calm, peace, tranquility, trust
• Green: rejuvenation, health, nature, harmony
• Orange: confidence, friendliness, outgoing
• Yellow: happiness, optimistic, cheerful, awakening

You know your vision and the goal you are trying to achieve. Just make sure your decorations and colors remain uniform and flow throughout each aspect of your event.

Increase your social media presence

Getting the word out there about your event is crucial. You cannot just rely on word-of-mouth or a few Facebook posts to get it going. These days, a social media presence isn’t an option – you need one. If you are not up on the ins and outs, find someone who is!

Use sites where you will find your ideal audience. Post about your event, of course, but also post relevant blogs, photos, surveys, etc., to engage your audience. Another great idea is to do a promotion that will get you shares and attention. You want them to know your name and what you are about – and you want them to discover you are having an event. If you stay in front of their face – even if just while they are scrolling through – they will remember you.

Extra tip: During the event — always, always create a hashtag and encourage lesson and photo sharing by your guests to help increase your social media presence for future events! This is like having free promotion!

Engage your guests

Everyone dreads the getting-to-know-you games at corporate events. Every corporate event has speakers, a cocktail party, a dinner, a vendor’s area, games – it’s all rather generic and predictable.

To stand out, you will need to do something different. You will need to engage your guests and make them forget they are even at a boring corporate event. Check these out:

Go off grid and give your guests a time of growing and relaxation. Remove the need for electronics and, instead, let attendees recharge while spending time at your event. Have spa services, fresh foods, etc. (This is a perfect idea if you rent a tent for your event and place it in a remote location).

In addition to learning about your corporation, incorporate a learning event for your guests. For example, have a cooking class, teach a dance move or a magic trick, etc.

Think of what you would like to see at a corporate event and think about what you want your guests to get from yours. Then, put your mind to work and brainstorm ideas. You can come up with something unique, memorable, and engaging.

Throw in the unexpected

When all else fails, do something out completely unexpected and catch your guests by surprise. Here are a few ideas to get your wheels turning:

• Invite a well-known speaker
• Have a known musician
• Plan a flash mob
• Incorporate neat talents into your theme, such as a magician, acrobats, snake handler, caricature artist, etc.

There are so many corporate event ideas and possibilities for your next event. Doing something out of the ordinary will leave a lasting impression for all who attend your event. Think about it carefully and go for it!

No matter what your corporate event is about, it doesn’t have to be all business. Attendees are used to the monotonous events in their industry. Step out and do something different with these corporate event ideas. Whether it is using a Losberger tent for a stellar location or having a spontaneous karaoke session – your guests will surely look forward to your future events.