Event planning tips for beginners…

… or when it's not your job to organise a corporate event but you've been handed the task!

If you've been given the task of organising a corporate event and it's your first time or maybe not your normal day job, don't panic! It's possible to do a great job, even if you're a beginner. Here are a few tips to help you get started with your planning:

Start by defining your goals and objectives

What do you want to achieve with this event? Are you trying to launch a new product, build brand awareness or network with potential customers? Once you know your goals, you can start to develop a plan to achieve them.

Set a budget

This is important for any event, but it's especially important for corporate events, as there can be a lot of costs involved. Be sure to factor in the cost of the venue, food and drinks, speakers, entertainment, and other expenses.

Choose a date and time

It's important to choose a date and time that works for your target audience. Consider their schedules, as well as any other big events that may be happening on the same day.

Find a venue

The venue is one of the most important aspects of any event. Choose a venue that is the right size for your event and that has the accessibility, amenities and parking you need.

Send out invitations

Once you have your date, time, and venue set, it's time to start sending out invitations and details of the event either electronically or by post. Be sure to include all of the important details, such as the date, time, location, dress code, and all the RSVP and booking information.

Plan the food and drinks

Food and drinks are an important part of any corporate event. Make sure you plan the menu and consider dietary requirements.  The caterers or event organisers can advise you and help you ensure there is enough food and drinks for everyone.

Plan the activities

What kind of activities will you have at your event? Will there be speakers, entertainment, theming, or is it all about networking opportunities? Be sure to plan activities that are relevant to your target audience and are on brand for your event.

Executing the event

Reconfirm everything in advance and on the day of the event, be sure you have a detailed plan for the event with all the timings included, arrive early and ensure you make contact with the relevant contacts for the day .

You’ve done it!

Evaluate the event

After the event, take some time to evaluate it. What went well? What could have been improved? This feedback will help you plan better events in the future.

Some extra tips for you:

Delegate

If you have a team of people to help you make sure you delegate tasks to them to ensure the smooth running of your event on the day. Our experienced events team at Imagine are here to fully manage your event for you from start to completion if needed.

Be flexible

Things don't always go according to plan, so be prepared to be flexible and make adjustments as needed - we are very used to last-minute changes and are ready for (nearly) every eventuality!

Have fun!

Event planning can be a lot of work, but it should also be fun. Enjoy the process.

If all of this leaves you feeling overwhelmed, don't hesitate to contact our events team here at Imagine Events. We can help you with all aspects of planning, managing and executing your next event. It's what we love to do!

Why contact us as your event management partner?

If you're looking for a stress-free event planning experience, we can help you with all aspects of planning and executing your event, from choosing a venue to set design, theming and production to managing the logistics on the day of the event itself. We have an experienced team who can help you create an event that is both memorable and successful.