We all know that the most valuable resource at any given company are its employees. In today’s continuously changing world, investing in your employees by hosting monthly/quarterly/yearly parties, trainings, seminars, etc. is one of the best ways to keep them informed, invested and excited about being a part of an organization.
With employees being our number 1, don’t you think it’s not only worthwhile but worth the investment to spend a few extra dollars into making any corporate function something special. We all know your standard corporate conference, training or seminar that’s hosted at the company location itself or a maybe an enclosed hotel ballroom. Newsflash: This is Boring – NO FUN AT ALL. In fact, your employees dread this and probably spend 50% of their time on their iPhone or day dreaming. Let’s get out of this standard mindset that corporate events have to be stuffy and held in a dark cold room.
Keep on reading below to find out how you can host your next corporate event the right way!
1. First things first – Please for the love of Corporate America, consider hosting your event somewhere beyond your own office or a hotel with bad food & a dark atmosphere. Consider someplace like Verona Villa with its open windows, indoor/outdoor concept & flexible catering options. Or, if you’re really feeling generous, take them somewhere out of state for a retreat style event. Whatever you decide, please remember – the location you choose is the most important part as the environment will spark their overall mood, engagement levels & creativity.
2. Have a carefully thought out plan: Narrow down your goals for the event by going to key managers, directors & stakeholders (if appropriate) and ask them what they hope to get out of it. Don’t forget to target your key talking points so that the audience feels engaged and organized during the event.
3. Email Marketing is a good way to get employees amped up for the event. Send out a simple event invite - anything better than the standard “mandatory meeting” email notification. That is the last thing your employees want to receive. Have your graphics team, if you have one create a campaign from initial design of the invitation, to specified countdown emails that are attention grabbing and provoke a sense of excitement.
4. Invest in an outside speaker: If you have the budget, we’d highly recommend in investing in someone outside your company to come in and speak. There’s something about a fresh perspective from an industry expert that really keeps a crowd on their toes.
5. Get your people involved: Play a game or leave suggestion boxes at each table as a way to get your employees to feel a sense of belonging and teamwork.
6. Last but certainly not least: conduct a post event survey. Include everything from how they felt about the location, food, content, speakers, information, etc. A simple 1- 10 rating system with the ability to leave comments works wonders. Employees love to know that they are heard and that you care about their feedback. In addition, this gives your event team helpful & constructive feedback for planning their next corporate function.
***If you or someone you know is looking to host a corporate function, look no further than your friends at Verona Villa. With our Tuscan style venue, 2 unique interior spaces, expansive outdoor patio, flexible catering options & A/V capabilities, what more could you need?
Don't be shy...give us a ring at 972-837-8034 and let us show you why VV is your go to for all of your corporate needs!
Photo Credit: Emily Chappell
