There are ”events”, then there are “corporate events”.
“What’s the difference?” you may ask. Well, in a nutshell, a lot.
In fact, corporate events require highly sophisticated planning to balance the needs of both a business and the event’s attendees. A corporate event is unlikely to be only about “fun”. Usually, a specific outcome or measure of success will be in mind. For this reason, even the most skilled amateur party planner is likely to be out of their depth when it comes to planning a corporate event.
A Different World
Some might think all events are created equal. That couldn’t be much farther from the truth.
All events vary not just according to type, but also in scale, budgets, concepts, and more. They range from enormous gatherings to private parties, from public spectacles to intimate gatherings. The type of event will also dictate the various efforts that go into organizing and managing it.
Corporate events differ from other events in such a way that they are more of a tool. Events of a corporate nature are usually used as a means to market a product, service, or idea. They can be a medium to communicate to an external audience or a vehicle to communicate internally.
The objectives that drive corporate events also differ from other private events such as weddings, birthdays, or other personal celebrations. Corporate events have business targets to achieve. They usually aim to direct internal or external perception to lean favorably towards a brand, a company, or its offerings.
Different Strokes for Different Folks
You don’t use apples to make lemonade in much the same way, as you don’t ask just anyone to organize a corporate event. With the many nuances of a corporate event, you will need a corporate event management expert to handle the event needs of your organization.
Here are 3 of the most salient reasons why you should hire a corporate events planner:
1. Help you with Creative Challenges
A lot of companies underestimate the importance of good event planning management. That is why they make the mistake of simply delegating it to a person who may or may not have the knowledge or experience to successfully stage a corporate event alone.
With a professional corporate events group as an ally, that person or company will have a better chance to come up with a creatively thought, strategically sound, and flawlessly executed event.
In close coordination with the department in charge – usually the marketing or PR group – corporate event planners ensure that all branding guidelines or limitations are observed. This will help them in crafting a bespoke event that will carry the branding identity and messages in the most unique and imaginative way.
Seasoned corporate event specialists will also only suggest creative concepts that match the type of event. For example, a shareholders meeting will vary in creativity level to that of a client appreciation evening.
Gleaning from their years of experience, they will also be able to offer solutions to creative challenges including themes, execution of ideas, and use of innovative devices. They can help you find the right people – a gifted MC on stage, a genius director, brilliant staff – down to the logistics, lights, sounds, and AV, and even design and prototyping services.
2. Assist in Attracting Attendees
It’s rather easy to think of whom to invite. When you have a corporate event, you’d usually want to invite the best and the brightest stars to add glamour and glitz to your event.
However, it is the “how to invite” that poses a challenge. This is not a problem though for corporate event planners who’ve had years of experience. Working in the industry for many years has given them a wide network. These networks often lead to mutually beneficial business relationships. They have established relations with talent agencies, prominent people, and other high-caliber celebrities that will certainly benefit your event.
At the same time, they also have the wisdom to know who will best suit your event and what channels to use. You cannot just pick from a tree of stars. You also have to be strategic in choosing the invitees, especially if it’s a high profile and exclusive gathering. If it’s a free-for-all event, then you will still need to be strategic in your event messages so as to attract the right crowd for your event.
3. Balance Budget and Business Goals
Planning and production will substantially change, as well, if you’re doing a corporate event. There are targets to hit, key performance indicators to achieve, and budgets to balance.
With the experience of expert corporate event planners, any corporate event will be organized according to a set of standards that will ensure productive results. They already know suppliers who can provide quality services, talent and artists to elevate your event and other variables that will keep you within your financial boundaries.
They will also be able to help you manage expectations within the company or help you to avoid indifference from bosses (“just do what you did last year”). If you really do not want to get stuck doing the usual and want to explore other ingenious ways to stage an organized event, then a corporate events group can come up with a selection of creative concepts that may help you in convincing the bosses to reconsider a different approach.
Different yet Outstanding Results
Why settle for mediocrity when you can get stellar results? If you want an event that is perfectly prepared and exceptionally executed, then you should certainly hire a corporate events management team.
Not only will you benefit from some of the brightest minds in the industry but you will also enjoy what their experience brings to the table. They have honed and polished their skills staging numerous corporate events and are used to coming up with tailored solutions. From winning concepts to spectacular results, a corporate events management team will be your partner through and through.
AUTHOR BIO
Charlotte Manzi is the Creative & Project Director at BlueInk Event Management in Dubai. Launched in 2012, BlueInk provides its clients with bespoke, best-in-class event management services. The team's pursuit of going beyond satisfaction enables them to advise, manage and execute extraordinary experiences that are exceptional and unforgettable.
