Get Event Planning Prices 1. What best describes the type of event you will be holding? Choose... Business meeting Company party Convention Trade show Team building Other 2. Approximately how many guests will be attending the event?   Choose... 15-25 26-50 51-100 101-250 250+

• Compare Event Planners • Read our Purchasing Advice • View Listings of Leading Manufacturers

Event Planning Basics

Looking to plan a corporate event? Businesses employ the help of event planning professions for celebrations, marketing purposes, or to provide information. Some examples include company-wide annual meetings, golf events and fundraisers. An event planner’s services can help you arrange the event of your choice from start to finish while you concentrate on more pressing business responsibilities.

This doesn't mean you should remain on the outside looking in while your event is organized. It's your job to promote it and make sure you get clients, partners, and the general public to attend. Let them know far in advance using emails, flyers, and other marketing means. Event planners also will work with you to arrange for travel and accommodations should your event require some or all attendees to travel; these services can include booking hotels at a group discount.

You also want to make sure you use the event to increase your brand awareness. There's no such thing as shameless plugs with event planning — get your corporate logo and company named sprawled everywhere you can.

One more point to consider - generally, if all you need for your event is food or beverage service, you should contact a local catering service as opposed to an event planner, which typically would handle a more broad range and in-depth array of event services.

Points to consider:

• What type of event do you need assistance with (company outing, corporate meeting, holiday party, etc)?
• When will the event be held, and what type of location do you have in mind (hotel or conference center, golf course, business locations)?
• What kind of budget do you have for event planning services?
• How many guests will be in attendance, and how many of those will need overnight accommodations?
• What catering requirements or other services are you interested in (marketing, guest speakers, transportation, entertainment, etc)?

Related articles - December 2008

Common terms:

• company event planning
• conference planning
• corporate event
• corporate event planning
• corporate planning
• event planner
• event planning
• meeting planner
• meeting planning

Leading suppliers:

• Conferon
• Esprit Productions
• HelmsBriscoe
• Master Events & Meeting Planning
• Meeting Sites Pro
• Meetings & Events USA
• RSVP Events