The way a company event is created and managed says a great deal about your small business. It is also an excellent way to impress your clients and customers. After all, they are a major source of your revenue and the relationship should be nurtured.

So, here are four tips to help you create the best first impression at your next company event.

1. Locate the Best Event Venue

   You will no doubt have a budget to work within when it comes to running a corporate event. However, the choice of venue is critical in creating the right impression with your clients. It may be tempting to have your next corporate event at your offices to save on expenses, however, that may be short sighted unless your office premises are a matches for some of the top corporate event venues. If not, you should look elsewhere.

   As a simple starting point, go on the Internet and search “top corporate event venues” in your city or ask for recommendations from local event planners. Then select a venue within your event planning budget that will meet your needs. These days a corporate event venue can provide state of the art facilities, parking and even accommodations (if you choose to host top customers out of town).

2. Select Appropriate Entertainment

   The type of entertainment you choose will be based on your company culture. For example, you may wish to arrange entertainment after the event by inviting a top comedian. Alternatively, you could arrange for a well-known band to perform on stage to open the event and again to re-appear periodically throughout proceedings. During lunch or dinner breaks you could also arrange for a small classical orchestra to perform some relaxing tunes. Most importantly, when hiring event entertainment be sure to ask for references and examples of their work.

3. Serve Quality Food

   The quality of the food presented to your guests says a lot about the occasion. So, even if it is just a finger buffet, make sure that the best ingredients are used and that the food is fresh. If your guests are going to have lunch and dinner at your company event, make sure that the entire experience offers quality of the highest level. Providing event attendees with an enjoyable dining experience says a great deal about you and your business.

4. Create Handouts

   Utilize your next company event to also implement strategic marketing and public relations initiatives. This could include handouts highlighting top customers, never before seen case studies, product and service tips, and the unveiling of new offerings. Make sure your handouts are printed on quality paper with hi-res photographs. The visual appearance of company documents has a bearing on people’s perception of the event and of your business.

Iza Juarez is writing on behalf of Leonda by the Yarra, one of the leading functions venues in Melbourne, Australia. She writes about event planning, and wedding tips for various blogs. Aside from blogging she also enjoys sketching, painting, and playing with her dog Bullet.

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