We do all kinds of events, but corporate events are a different beast! From client appreciation dinners to team-building days or nonprofit galas, these gatherings need the right mix of fun, professionalism, engagement, and smooth logistics.
So, we’re taking what we’ve learned and passing it on to YOU! If you’re planning a corporate event, we’ve got you covered.
Here are 10 things you should know about corporate event planning.
1. Start with clear goals
Unlike a birthday or wedding, a corporate event usually has specific goals or objectives. Are you trying to educate your team, build relationships with clients, or raise funds for a cause? Defining objectives early helps guide decisions about everything from the venue to the agenda to the type of activities you include.
For instance, the Girls Leading Our World (GLOW) event at Kingdom Tree was a nonprofit celebration with the goal of community-building. Knowing this upfront shaped how we arranged seating, set up the flow, and chose the catering.
2. Know your guests
Corporate events often involve guests with diverse expectations—employees, executives, clients, or donors. Understanding your audience helps you plan seating arrangements, catering, and content that resonates. At the GLOW event, the guest list of 30 women allowed us to create a look that was more fun and feminine. In a more diverse corporate setting, you might need something a little less ‘flower-power.’
3. Choose the right venue for the vibe
Venue selection can make or break a corporate event. Consider capacity, AV needs, parking, accessibility, and whether the space supports your objectives. Formal events might require a conference center or hotel ballroom, while informal gatherings might be a hit in a garden or loft space. The Kingdom Tree community garden was perfect for GLOW as it offered a relaxed atmosphere that encouraged connection, and it’s also a nonprofit.
Pro tip: Don’t delay in booking a venue, especially over busy periods.
4. Make food a highlight, not a headache
Food planning in corporate events is about taste, timing, flow, and professionalism. Buffet-style meals work for casual networking, plated dinners suit formal events, and grazing tables or snack stations are perfect for mingling or shorter gatherings.
At The Perry Group Open House, custom charcuterie cups were both practical and impressive, allowing guests to enjoy a snack while browsing through the house on show.
Pro tip: For corporate events, consider dietary restrictions, portion sizes, and easy accessibility.
5. Keep it classy
Corporate events are an opportunity to showcase your brand, but there’s no need for it to completely take over. Branded signage, custom décor elements, or color schemes can reinforce your identity without overwhelming the event. Even small touches like branded napkins, table cards, or presentation slides can make a professional impression.
6. Plan the right kind of activities
Of course, you want everyone to have a good time, but not all games or activities work for corporate audiences. Depending on the event objectives, consider exercises that promote networking, learning, or team-building. Panel discussions, interactive workshops, and collaborative challenges can be more appropriate than purely entertainment-focused activities.
7. Test your tech ahead of time
“The projector isn’t working,” is a corporate event planner’s worst nightmare! Corporate events often involve presentations, AV setups, or hybrid participation. Make sure all equipment is tested in advance, backup plans are in place, and your schedule allows for smooth transitions.
8. Keep your vendors on the same page
Corporate events usually involve multiple vendors: caterers, AV, rentals, photographers, and sometimes speakers or entertainers. Assign a point person to manage schedules, deliveries, and setup to ensure everything aligns and runs smoothly. We’ve found that clear vendor coordination saves headaches and keeps the focus on the guest experience, rather than last-minute troubleshooting.
9. Stick to your budget
Corporate event budgets are often scrutinized by leadership or stakeholders. Prioritize spending on what adds value: venue, food, guest experience, and professional support. Consider cost-saving alternatives without compromising quality, such as digital invitations, shared décor elements, or scalable catering options.
10. Get back to the boss
Unlike personal events, corporate gatherings benefit from measurable outcomes. Collect feedback from attendees, track engagement, and evaluate whether goals were met. This insight will help improve future events and demonstrate the ROI to leadership or sponsors.
Leave the corporate event planning to us!
At The Enchanted Event Company, we love helping clients in Raleigh and surrounding areas design memorable business events. Our goal is simple: to create events that are beautiful, stress-free, and unforgettable, while letting hosts actually enjoy the moment.
Get in touch if you need help planning your next corporate event.