The Ultimate Corporate Event Planning: From Idea to Execution

And if you're looking for a partner that hits the core of corporate events every time, look no further than companies like Brandwise, pioneering the corporate events field!

1. Define the Aim and Goals of the Event

Every good event has a clear aim at the core. What is your aim? Are you looking to increase employee morale? Encourage stakeholder investment? Generate buzz on social media? Knowing the purpose of the event will help guide every decision — including what to do, format, invitees, content, and decor.

TIP: A defined aim will help determine if the event was successful after it is complete too. 

2. Create an Accurate Budget

Budgeting is typically the foundation of an organized and successful corporate event planning process. Plan for everything, even the costly items like venue, audiovisual equipment, catering, branding materials, transportation and contingency items.

Tip from Brandwise: Always plan for an extra 10 - 15% of your budgeted for potential unexpected costs. Being flexible assures you will not unexpectedly come up short! 

3. Develop a Business Event Checklist

A clear and concise business event checklist is a great way to keep your planning on track and no tasks lost or omitted. Your checklist should include: 

• Confirm charting the event date and venue

• To send out invites and collect RSVPs

• Vendors and tech teams

• Event run-sheet (timeline)

• Contingency/emergency plans

Using a checklist not only ensures an on-time briefing and delivery of the event but allows teams to work together more effectively.

4. Pick the Right Venue and Vendors

The venue can affect the event's vibe and feel a lot. Think about where it is, tech capabilities, the feel of the space, and how many guests fit. Important vendors include lighting and stage design, caterers, photographers, etc.

Need help finding vendors? Professionals in event planning, like Brandwise, will have contacts for all the right vendors, so quality and consistency are no problem.

5. Brand and Experience Focus

Your event should serve as a reflection of your brand. Incorporate branding components in a thoughtful manner—custom décor, branded welcome bags, and branded visuals on screens. Also think about the experience for your attendees, is there interactivity? Is it engaging in nature? Does is maintain some aspects of your company culture? 

Brandwise stresses the importance of telling a story through design - meaning that guests don't just "attend" an event but that it will be something they remember.

6. Execute with Precision

On the day of the event, execution is everything. Stick to your run-sheet, communicate along with your team, and be fault-tolerant in your execution.

Pro tip: If you are working with a professional event management partner like Brandwise, they will be able to make real-time changes on the day without interrupting your deliverables.

7. Follow-Up and Evaluate

After the event, seek feedback from attendees, review your KPIs and promote "follow-ups" via your social media and intranet newsletters. The post-event phase is often overlooked, yet is invaluable in preparing for the next event. 

Why Brandwise?

If this seems overwhelming, you’re not alone. Corporate event planning is complicated – which is why you need experts like Brandwise. 

With years of experience, a creative edge, and commitment to excellence, Brandwise specializes in bringing ideas to impact when it comes to corporate experiences. From the idea stage, to managing vendors on your behalf, to execution and final report – they do it all so you can focus on what is important - your people and your brand. 

A successful event doesn’t magically just happen - it is the result of careful curation. Whether you are attempting a corporate event for the first time or have been doing it for years, following this event management guide and keeping a business events checklist can help you plan a successful gathering instead of just an average one! 

Are you ready to elevate your next corporate event? Let Brandwise help you bring the vision to life, from your idea stage to flawless execution.