Corporate Event Checklist
- Make a shortlist of venues that suit the event theme and budget and have the capacity to comfortably hold all attendants.
- Ask each venue for a written proposal including all inclusions/exclusions and expenses. Check into parking, outerwear storage, security, seating, audiovisual capabilities, and any other requirements.
- Visit each site in person and imagine the event as it takes place.
- In some cities, you may need to book up to 18 months in advance. Do not forget to pay the deposit to reserve the venue.
- Make sure the venue has adequate liability insurance and consider buying extra coverage. Check state and local bylaws to ensure all insurance needs are covered, especially where alcohol is being served.
- Create a timeline of tasks and delegate to the planning team, with clear expectations and deliverables.
- Book a block of hotel rooms to house guests for the duration of the event.
- Book any live entertainment at least six months prior to the event and confirm one month before.
- Identify seating and audiovisual requirements; ensure adequate equipment and supplies.
- If the event is for a non-profit or a fundraiser, solicit donations and prizes from sponsors.
- Book speakers and arrange their travel and accommodations; the time of booking may depend on how busy the speaker is. Confirm two weeks before the event.
- Contact several caterers and ask for written quotes reflecting the number of attendees and the type of food required.
- Make sure food and beverage service, table setting, dishes and glassware, etc., are included.
- Provide adequate refreshments and snacks throughout the event, especially in secluded locations or where attendees are expected to stay on site.
- Ask guests to list any allergies, sensitivities, or dietary restrictions on their RSVP or sign-up form. Pass the information to caterers.
- Send desired speakers and guests a request to save the date at least six months to one year in advance.
- Designate planners as event representatives and distribute their contact information with all invitations and media releases.
- Send invitations with an agenda, hotel and flight information, and a request to RSVP at least ten weeks prior to the event.
- Prepare a media package and distribute to newspapers, television stations, radio stations, and industry bloggers.
- Hold a training session or meeting for all attending staff and brief them on all activities and expectations the day of the event.
- Appoint an adequate number of staff as greeters to welcome guests and orient them with the event activities and venue.
- Speak with management at the venue and the catering company to review expectations as far as services, staff dress code, rules, and contact persons.
- Create a budget and have approved by executives before and throughout the planning process.
- Ensure all laws and codes are met, with licenses or inspections completed for liquor service, fire code, special events, etc.
- Appoint one planner as treasurer to manage deposits, payments, receipts, and budget overages.
- Create an agenda and distribute to all guests and executives well in advance of the event, after confirming the venue and speakers.
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You have been asked to help plan a corporate event for your company. This is your chance to wow the executives! Corporate event planning requires a high level of organization and the ability to think on your feet. Even if you have planned for almost anything, be ready for last-minute changes and the need to rearrange or adjust to pull off a successful event. Depending on the size and scope of the event, you may be working alone, or as part of a planning team. Effective corporate event planning using a comprehensive checklist helps you keep track of all of the factors that make the event a great one.
Tips
- To get started, meet with executives and make sure all planners have a clear idea of the theme, tone, and purpose of the event. Designate responsibilities so each helper knows their duties and feels accountable for their contribution to a successful event.
- Don’t be afraid to ask questions to clarify important information about the event; it is better to be inquisitive than to make plans that don’t meet their expectations.
- Know the budget, approximate number of attendees, and the reason for the event before moving to the first stages of planning. All team members should report to one main organizer, who will use a checklist to ensure the event meets the company’s vision.
- Corporate events vary in size and execution, but all have one thing in common: they must be a positive representation of the host company.
- Whether your company is hosting a charity dinner, a staff Christmas party, or a conference for industry executives, it is crucial that planners put care into even the smallest details. Little touches that are sometimes overlooked, such as fresh beverages throughout the event, or comfortable seating, can leave a bad impression with attendants. Have you ever been to a conference and remember how badly the chairs made your back hurt after sitting for 8 hours?
