I've never done this before. I gave this some thought and it only made sense.Huh? What?
Goofy me. I just realized that it could be a good thing for other readers; for me to periodically post questions that I'm asked, for information value, right here at Cater-Hater.
I usually answer questions that come in by email. Which means that the only person who reads my response is the person asking the question, of course.
"Well... That's not fair!", you're thinking. I agree.
So written below is Cater-Hater's most recent corporate event planning response to, "How do I develop a realistic budget for a corporate event with (for) 250 people?"
I'll answer that, but I forget - let me tell you that asking Cater-Hater questions applies to you, too.
Just ask. I'm an experienced caterer, event planner and party writer. And I would be happy to answer your questions because I can't help it - I like sharing useful information about parties.
It won't cost you anything to ask and I'll answer your questions right here at Cater-Hater (unless you request that I answer you elsewhere).
Here's the answer: How do I develop a budget, you ask... These days a "realistic budget for a corporate event" (of any size) is looking like hors d'oeuvres and dessert done elegantly, with an emphasis on making everything "pop" and look killer. Anything other than that is almost a moot point. Guests know not to expect all kinds of over-the-top, glitzy, fabulous-ness in today's recessionary day and age.
It starts with the coolest corporate event invitation ever designed. Then give them a great looking space (do something different - if you haven't done so, transform a tent - cut rentals by ordering cocktail tables and have very few actual seating areas, forcing them to mingle and mix - besides, you'll want to shoot for getting a nice budget rental or two, too), good food (comfort food 'amp-ed'; i.e., lobster mac n' cheese done in miniatures, as everything else - and done as "budget cooking for a crowd").
Gobo your logo EVERYWHERE, serve dee-lish drinks (save $$, design a signature cocktail - offer beer/wine, soft drinks, and coffee options), have great corporate event music (hire best corporate event entertainment, gay bar dee-jay in your area; everyone knows they spin thee best music, ever!), give them room to dance (dance floor is never, ever large - the hottest nightclubs always appear to be hotter than hot because the dance floor is small and therefore, is ALWAYS packed), and somewhere within all of that present your corporate information (if applicable) that you wish for them to receive in a fresh and interesting way.
A wonderful "getaway space", with plenty of delicious "recognizable appetizers", served buffet style (on beautifully styled buffet tables with food information signage), with fabulous service attendants (to keep things sparkling and bussed), tasty beverages to quench their thirst, and an "XYZ company dance party" - then, sit back and wait to receive rave reviews.
This is such a "things are bad, downer" time. People want to have fun, BIG TIME. People feel a little (if not a lot) guilty about doing so. Give them a reason to let their hair down a bit, laugh, and remember WHY they like doing business with the people at your company as much as they do.
Bottom line, for your corporate events success: People do business with people that they like. You get my drift.
Now's not the time for pretenses and such. Everyone knows that just about everyone is "going through it". Organic authenticity and a great time is what slays them. Anything less (than being for real) is overkill. There's probably more (and maybe even better) information here, at Cater-Hater. Search through "parties", "budgets", and the "hire a caterer/planner" posts, etc.. There's a chance that you'll find suggestions and ideas that you may not have thought of.
I wish you nothing but the best event, ever! Let me know how you make out. Best wishes!
PS It's completely worth it to hire a professional corporate event planner. Most corporate event planners get discounts on rentals, typically.
There are a gazillion different corporate event ideas I can think of when it comes to corporate event production for an event for 250 people. Suffice it to say, I wanted to give the inquirer my basic, off-the cuff, first ideas for corporate events. I barely touched on corporate event catering. I didn't even get into booking a corporate event catering facility. Nor did I say very much about decorating for corporate events.
The main thing is to do your best to present a unique corporate event that will initiate a positive response and lots of after buzz. And remember... You don't have to spend a lot of money for everyone to have a good time!
Image source: Flor & Forma
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