Monday, August 10, 2009

6 Quick Tips for a Killer Corporate Event

Want to plan a killer corporate event? Here are 6 quick tips to get you started.

1. Good music is a must. While your event is not supposed to be a rock concert or a dance party, elevator music is still going to kill the mood. Choose something appropriate for the attending demographic and pay attention to volume levels (not too loud, not too soft.)

2. Have a bar that is accessible in different locations, so as not to have too many lines. Plan the bar layout in such a way that encourages a smooth flow of traffic.

3. Location is crucial. Select a good funky site, maybe more unusual than a hotel. Great lighting is equally important, as it literally sets the tone of the room.

4. Consider adding additional entertainment (other than music), like unusual dancers on squares, or other things to create excitement.

5. Finger food is important. If there is drinking involved, snacks should be available to prevent guests from imbibing on empty stomaches (even if dinner is being served later.) It also gives people something to do, when they're not chatting/networking.

6. Think about creating an environment, not just setting up a room. Lounge furniture is great for this purpose and is much more fun than round tables and folding chairs. A hip and sophisticated lounge/club atmosphere is what’s happening right now.