10 tips for companies planning a business event

Planning a business event, whether you are hoping for thousands of attendees or 50, takes careful planning and strategy.  Incentives must be given for people to attend, your target audience should be clearly defined, and then you must follow through with providing a successful, entertaining event.

Below are 10 tips for hosting a successful event that leave your guests delighted that they attended:

1. Identify what you would like to achieve from your event. A clear cut goal can help you define a strategy to help achieve your target.
2. Hone in on your demographic and make sure you plan your event to cater to this group or groups. Much like writing a business plan it is a good idea to identify your primary, secondary, and tertiary demographic.
3. Plan some type of icebreaker at the beginning of your event to loosen everyone up and get conversations started. Small, 10-15 minute games after a brief introduction are a great way to start the show.
4. Exhaust social media outlets to market your event. Advertising and inviting people on your social media pages are excellent ways to reach a huge number of people.
5. Arrange to have enough food and beverages for the maximum number of people you expect to attend. Nothing seems more unprofessional than a company not having sufficient refreshments for their guests.
6. Plan to have your event on a day that does not clash with other events. If you do not look at a schedule of other events happening that day you might have a low turnout due to other events drawing the crowd away.
7. Have some type of registration system in place so you can roughly estimate how many people will attend your event. An online registration system is a terrific way to account for number of guests.
8. Consult with a professional in the event planning business. If you are new to this it might be wise to outsource professional help so you can ensure your event will be successful.
9. Hire an energetic MC that can bring a positive, energetic attitude and vibe to your event.
10. Plan, plan, plan, and plan some more. Being thoroughly prepared is the best insurance that your event will run smoothly.

Stay persistent and follow through

It is very important to stay the course and persevere when planning and executing your event. If you need an extra hand, look into bringing a professional event planning company on board to handle some of the load. There are many event-consulting agencies that specialize in helping business events exceed their potential. Also keep in mind the power of social media forces. In this day and age everyone is connected through some platform of social media. Do not underestimate how much attention you can gain from utilizing social media outlets to promote your event. Stay tireless with your efforts and do not stop planning and working until your event has finished and your last guest walks out of the door.

Do your homework

The Internet is a treasure trove of information and can be a more than helpful research tool for planning your business event. You literally have a library of case studies and helpful lists readily available at your fingertips. Many sites have terrific pointers for planning successfully. Constantly be learning from others who have gone before you and learn from their mistakes and successes.

Below are a few ideas of ways you can research and dig for information about how to plan for your big day:

• Do a basic search for tips and pointers for throwing an event similar to the one you are planning.

• Talk with other businesses that have hosted business events with their company and see if they can provide some guidance.

• Find a business event happening in your area similar to the event you are planning to host. Attend it and analyse what they do well and what they could improve.  Apply it to your event.

Business events are a fantastic way to connect with your target audience and build your brand. Utilize all of your social media outlets and marketing tactics to guarantee that your event is a full house. Follow some of the ideas above and watch your event go off without a hitch.