Corporate events are no longer what they used to be. Large corporations now want to do things differently and be more inclusive and relatable to every demographic. So, in 2022, the biggest shift in event planning is likely to be in the corporate space.
If you’re hosting your first corporate event in 2022, we have a quick guide that you might want to give a read.
Why Do Corporates Host Events?
From building brand awareness to rewarding their best employees, there are a few reasons.
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Lead generation
Even large corporations need qualified leads. And the best way to find them is by participating in large scale events. Automobile, tech, IT giants either host or participate in events to not just generate leads but also to retain their customers and reduce churn.
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Brand awareness
A well-planned and executed event is one of the best ways to get potential customers to sit up and take notice of your brand. Take Red Bull’s events for instance. They are always unique and filled with ways to kill boredom and lack of engagement on virtual events.
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Employee relations
Events to build employee engagement are corporate favorites. These events could be award shows, off-sites using virtual event platform, or themed parties.
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Establishing presence
A few corporations also host events to cement their position as thought leaders, experts, and leaders in their fields.
How do you go about organizing your event?
Firstly, you will need to zero in on a certain type of event. There are several types to choose from.
- Conference
- Webinar
- Fundraiser
- Workshop
- Internal meeting
- Trade show
Next, you will need to make sure that you have a plan in place and implement it according to a timeline. Start off by picking a tentative date for your event, then work backward.
How long before your event should you start preparing? Now, that would depend on the number of attendees you’re aiming for. Typically, smaller events with under 100 people would need six to eight weeks of preparation. On the other hand, if your event is going to house over 100,000 people, you might even need an entire year to make sure every little detail is taken care of.
What preparations do you need to make?
The big four
It all begins at home, or in this case, office. You will have to bring your employees, partners, and other stakeholders up to speed with your plan and get their approval.
Then, you need to start putting together a marketing plan for your event. For this purpose, you may want to hire a marketing agency.
Your sponsorship packages and plan should be next in line. To ensure that your event is profitable, seek sponsors earlier in the run up.
If your event is going to involve lots of attendees, then you need to partner with an excellent speaker and the good ones are usually in high demand.
The next set of activities
Next, your technical set-up needs close attention. This is where the usage of a good virtual platforms like Hopin, Almond Virtex, Hubilo can be helpful. From helping you customize your event to deploying and integrating with your internal systems, everything is taken care of.
Almond Virtex can also help you with the branding of your event. Be it designing your marketing collateral with your brand colors or helping with your website, it can all be done.
If you’re hosting a hybrid event then you will also need to take catering into account. You need some time to look at vendors and choose one who fits the bill. Before you do that, you must have a basic menu in mind and a tentative attendee list.
A well-designed template can help you put together a successful event. For that, keep in mind the objective of your event, its target audience, and its budget. Add on engaging and fun-filled activities to make memorable experiences for your attendees.
