Corporate shindig – our top planning tips!
A corporate shindig need planning and planning an event is a bit like marmite, you either love it or hate it. Suppliers can often be difficult to source and manage and the fear the night before that none will turn up is a feeling everyone can relate to.
Given that we perform our 1920s jazz at corporate shindigs up and down the country, we know a thing or two about what makes a function memorable.
Take a look at our gallery below, from when we re-opened the hotel and wedding venue Jury’s Inn in Milton Keynes recently. Not only did our 1920s-themed jazz get the event going with exceptional music – our Flapper Girls made sure all eyes were on them with a stunningly authentic dance routine.
With that in mind, here are our top five tips to make sure the boss is impressed:
1. Corporate shindig – bigger is not always better
If you’re needing to source a venue for your event – don’t necessarily spring for a giant ballroom or a hotel with sprawling balconies – it’s important to choose somewhere relevant to the number of guests you’re expecting. There’s nothing worse than a big room looking empty with a band jamming away in a corner – much better for it to look lively and intimate. Many of the 1920s-themed events we play are decked out to resemble an old Speakeasy bar and so the intimate setting really adds to the effect – a giant room just wouldn’t do!
2. Choose your suppliers wisely
In my opinion, the most important thing to remember is – book professionals. Don’t put cost before quality when booking music, food, photographers and the like. It’s important in these situations to have professionals – tried and tested bods who have been doing this for years and will overcome any small obstacles you’re likely to come across in the day. It’s always best to have people who know what they’re doing.
3. Stick your best people up front
Venues often have staff who will greet guests but it always makes a difference to have people from your organisation or company smiling and greeting people as they arrive – giving people a gentle reminder of why they’re here. For some events we perform on arrival – it’s just another nice way of setting the atmosphere straight from the off at your corporate shindig.
4. Keep it short and sweet
Although your manager might be keen to thank every Tom, Dick and Harry in their speech – make sure you give guidelines and stay strict with things – allow your programme to have ample networking and mingling time for guests – it’s the connections that they make which they will remember most – not the speeches!
5. If you like Pina Colada
If you are serving alcohol at your corporate shindig – it’s good to go the extra mile and offer a selection. Red, white or water isn’t an offer people go away remembering. Just by throwing in some different soft drink options – juice and fizzy pop, along with some beers or ciders can make guests feel a lot more at home.
So there you have it, 5 of the most important things to consider when planning your event. There is a hidden number six which is…music. But then, as the best 1920s jazz band to hire in the UK, we would say that! Why not fill out our online quote request form today?
