The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has emerged as a premier destination for hosting corporate events, offering a perfect blend of luxury, innovation, and world-class infrastructure. With its modern cities, stunning venues, and exceptional hospitality, the UAE has become a hub for international conferences, exhibitions, and corporate gatherings.
Being in charge of a corporate event can be challenging. But if you are clear about what you should do and avoid, event planning is not just simple, but actually fun.
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Things to Do for a Successful Corporate Event
Do make a plan
Always start with a plan, and work this plan out ahead of time. When you have time on your side, you are able to book venues and products of your choice, exercise options, make changes, and stay within a budget.
Consider these tips for Planning corporate event
- Define the objectives and goals you have for your corporate event.
- Determine the targeted attendance for your corporate event.
- Assess the event venue and its suitability for your requirements.
- Decide on the format of your corporate event: in-person, virtual, or hybrid.
- Consider the expected number of attendees for your event.
Do send out invites on time
Sending out invites timely is very important. Make sure you organize a ‘save the date’ communication before the formal invite, and then remember to follow your invite up with a reminder.
Important information to include in an invitation:
- Event Title
- Date and Time
- Venue
- Dress Code (if applicable)
- Contact Information
By including these essential details in the invitation, you provide invitees with the necessary information to make an informed decision and attend your corporate event. Remember to ensure that the information provided is accurate and up to date.
Choose D-day wisely
Avoid holding the event on a date that is close to or during the holidays, a major festival, or even a major industry event. Ensuring adequate attendance is a big part of the success of your event.
Tips for choosing dates.
- Have a primary date and a backup date in case of conflicts.
- Consider the availability of crucial participants.
- Take into account the season and weather conditions, especially for outdoor events.
- Verify venue availability before finalizing the date.
- Avoid scheduling too close to important meetings or deadlines.
Venue
The foundation of any event is its location. Other than it being conveniently placed, it should also be equipped with everything you need like audio/visual capabilities, connectivity, space to accommodate guests and your catering arrangement, and transport. Not a fan of last-minute surprises? Always do an in-person walkthrough of the prospective venue before booking it.
Tips for choosing venues:
- Capacity limit of the venue.
- Consider location – Accessibility, proximity to transportation hubs, and availability of nearby accommodations if needed.
- Technical capabilities and event needs – Catering space, AV equipment, and reliable internet.
- Budget considerations.
- Reputation and reviews.
- Contracts and policies.
Theme and Entertainment
Corporate events have a tendency to border on the dull. Dressing it up with a theme and making it fun with entertainment breaks will help make the event exciting, memorable, and successful. After all, one of the major signs of success is recall. Browse through Hafla’s entertainment options, themed furniture, and decor selection and pick the perfect ones for your event!
Things to Avoid for a Successful Corporate Event
Don’t take on everything
Planning an event is no walk in the park. There are so many things to do – small and big, and an equal number of loose ends to tie! Every day, you will be adding more to that list of already pending jobs. To keep your sanity intact, hire an event planner
Don’t cut corners
If you have a budget, don’t cut corners. The effort (read money) put into a well-finished event shows in the little details. Set a part of the budget aside for small things like party favors; it is things like this that leave a lasting impression.
Don’t forget your plan B
In your effort to pull off the perfect event, don’t forget to put a backup in place. A plan B is for emergency situations where you will need to think on your feet and deliver quickly before the schedule details.
Countdown to D-Day
Don’t take vendors for granted. Start early on the day of the event, preferably with a checklist. Check that all arrangements are in order so that everything kicks off to a good start. Check on details like restrooms, parking arrangements, catering setup, A/V connections, and even directions to the venue.
Don’t panic
It is easier said than done, but this is sound advice. A seemingly ‘perfect’ corporate event has its own drama, albeit concealed by plan Bs and professional event planners who are trained to react to unexpected situations. Hafla’s experts deal with event emergencies successfully on a regular basis.
Checklist For Corporate Event Planning:
Task | Description | |
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Define event objectives | Determine the purpose and goals of the event. |
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Set budget | Establish a realistic budget for the event. |
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Choose event date | Select a suitable date that accommodates attendees and aligns with company schedules. |
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Determine event theme | Decide on a theme or concept that reflects the event’s purpose and appeals to attendees. |
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Secure event venue | Research and book a venue that fits the event requirements. |
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Arrange catering | Coordinate food and beverage services based on the event duration and attendee needs. |
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Organize audiovisual setup | Plan and arrange audiovisual equipment, lighting, and technical support. |
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Develop event program | Create a detailed schedule, including sessions, speakers, and breaks. |
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Send out invitations | Design and distribute invitations to all intended attendees. |
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Manage event registration | Set up an online registration system and track attendee registrations. |
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Arrange transportation | Coordinate transportation for attendees, if required. |
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Plan and execute marketing | Develop a marketing strategy to promote the event through various channels. |
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Arrange accommodation | Arrange hotel accommodations for out-of-town attendees, if necessary. |
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Coordinate event materials | Prepare event materials such as signage, name badges, and handouts. |
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Finalize event logistics | Confirm all details, including seating arrangements, parking, and event flow. |
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Ensure event security | Arrange for adequate security measures during the event. |
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Set up event registration/check-in | Organize registration or check-in desks and ensure a smooth check-in process. |
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On-site event management | Oversee all event aspects, including coordination, troubleshooting, and support. |
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Collect feedback and evaluations | Gather feedback from attendees to assess the event’s success and areas for improvement. |
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Post-event follow-up and analysis | Send thank-you emails, evaluate event performance, and generate reports. |
Wrap-Up:
Corporate event planning requires meticulous attention to detail and effective management. By following a comprehensive checklist, such as the one provided, you can ensure that all crucial aspects are considered and executed flawlessly.
FAQ’s:
- What are the key elements of the event?
Event infrastructure, audience, attendees, organizers, venue, and media are the key elements of the event.
2. What details are in an event brief?
The typical event brief includes the purpose of the event, a timeline and important dates, a budget, attendee information, look and feel guidance, and venue preferences.
3. What is documenting an event?
Documenting an event is not only about taking photos and videos. It can also be useful to keep a record of the things that were successful about an event and the things that did go as well. This information will become helpful when planning subsequent activities
4. How do you stand out at a corporate event?
- Utilize social media throughout the event.
- Engage with attendees by mentioning your offerings in a clever and non-pushy manner.
- Live stream your presentations to attract more attention.
- Capture real-time pictures of valuable moments to entice people to visit your area
5. What makes an event successful?
It’s often been said that the success of anything stems from good planning so make sure it is planned meticulously, comprehensively and accurately.