Planning A Corporate Event? Here Are 3 Critical Mistakes To Avoid
When it comes to planning corporate events, it can feel like there is a lot of pressure to make them as fun and exciting as possible. If corporate events are planned with employees in mind, they’re sure to get a boost in morale. Here are some common mistakes to avoid when planning a corporate event.
- Mistake: Not starting early enough
Depending on the number of people you’re planning for, the process should start early enough to give you ample time to figure out critical details like corporate event venues, costs, and food and drink options — spending for cocktail hours has risen to 76% today from 69% in 2010. Don’t rush the process either; if a planning job is rushed or not up to par, employees will definitely be able to tell. - Mistake: Not communicating
When planning a corporate event, it’s important to clearly communicate all dates, deadlines, and other expectations to employees. If details are unclear, it can deter employees from showing up at all. Don’t make it your employees’ job to figure out the details themselves or come to you to ask; be proactive and send out emails or notifications as soon as you possibly can. The earlier you finalize the details and let your employees know, the less stress for everyone involved.
Thebalance.com says, “this is probably the most common mistake made by inexperienced event planners and is one to be avoided at all costs as bad communication can literally spell disaster.”
The website also suggests that “It’s absolutely crucial that you communicate effectively with both your internal event team and your suppliers. While it’s not in your best interest to micromanage or make a nuisance of yourself you need to be on top of the communication process and ensure that everyone involved in the event knows exactly what is expected of them and on exactly what timescale.” - Mistake: Expecting everything to go perfectly
Despite all your planning efforts, it’s only natural for at least something to not go as planned. Try to stay positive throughout it all and put your employees first.
Ultimately, these are just a few common mistakes made when planning corporate events. But with a bit of proactivity and creativity, you can plan a corporate event that your employees will remember for years.