Guest post by Candace Sigmon

There's a lot that goes into throwing a successful business event. From budgeting to venue selection to hiring entertainment and deciding on a menu, there are a million different things to think about (and that's not even including promoting your event!).  In this blog post, we'll give you all the tips and tricks you need to make sure your business event is one for the books. So let's get started!

Budgeting for Your Business Event

One of the first things you need to do when planning a business event is set a budget. You need to determine how much you're willing to spend on your event as a whole, as well as how much you're willing to spend per person. Once you have a budget in mind, you can start looking for venues and vendors that fit within your price range.

Choosing a Venue

The venue you choose for your event will largely depend on your budget. If you have a larger budget, you may be able to afford to rent out a space at hotel or try considering this list of spaces. If you have a smaller budget, you may need to get creative and look for unique spaces that can be rented for events (think art galleries, historic homes, etc.). No matter what your budget is, there are plenty of venue options out there. It just takes some time and effort to find the right one.

Hiring Entertainment

No business event would be complete without entertainment. The type of entertainment you hire will again depend on your budget. For example, if you have a large budget, you may be able to afford to hire a celebrity DJ or live band. If you have a smaller budget, local talent may be a more viable option. No matter what your budget is, there are plenty of ways to  locate the right entertainment.

Hiring a Photographer

If you're planning a business event, you'll likely need a photographer. These pros can help to capture key moments and deliver high-quality photos that you can use for marketing and advertising purposes. A photographer can help to create a visual record of your event that you can refer back to in the future and even add a touch of professionalism and polish to your event.  Check out our event information here. 

Deciding on a Menu

The menu for your business event is an important part of the overall experience you're trying to create for your guests. When deciding on what food and drinks to serve, it's important to consider any dietary restrictions or allergies that your guests may have (you don't want anyone getting sick at your event!). You should also try to serve items that are unique and memorable.

Promoting Your Event

Promoting your event is key to making sure people actually show up. There are lots of different ways to promote an event, but some of the most common methods include creating an event website or landing page, using social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, and sending out email marketing blasts. It's important to start promoting your event at least 6-8 weeks in advance so that people have time to put it on their calendars.

Create Handouts For Your Event

Another important element of any successful business event is creating handouts for guests. These handouts can include anything from informational pamphlets about your company or product to a brochure if you're hosting a silent auction. Make this task easy with the use of a PDF tool that allows you to edit, rotate or even add pages as needed.

Consider Using an Event Planner 

Planning a business event can be overwhelming, especially if you're throwing a very large event. There are plenty of professional event planners out there who would love nothing more than to take care of all the nitty-gritty details for you. If you find yourself getting stressed out about all the different elements that go into throwing an amazing business event, it might be time to consider hiring some professional help.   

There's a lot that goes into planning a successful business event. However, when you budget carefully, choose the right venue, promote your event a few months in advance and hire professionals like a photographer and event planner, you set yourself up for an amazing party that everyone will be talking about for weeks (or even months) to come.