In the previous articles, I’ve talked about mainly private dining. I do hope you’ve been enjoying having your friends over for get-togethers. Organizing such small gatherings is really fun and gratifying, don’t you agree? My love of entertaining my own friends at home is actually what inspired me to start a catering business. If it’s something that excites you, you might also be curious to know how it’s being done on a larger scale. In this article, let me discuss another kind of event planning and take you on to the next level, the more thrilling and complicated one – corporate events.

You’re always beleaguered to achieve the flawless corporate event, regardless of the event size. Whether you’re organizing a workshop, meeting, or your company’s annual dinner and dance, your objectives are the same: 1) be able to efficiently contribute to the achievement of the event’s goals and 2) wow your guests and make the event a memorable one.
Here are some of my guide questions that can help you pull off a successful corporate event, which I’ve learned from over 2 decades of organizing events:

1 – What is your theme?
Your theme sets the tone of your event and dictates your choices on the menu, music, decorations, etc. Do consider the profile of your guests when choosing a theme.
2 – How much is your budget?
If you had a big budget at your disposal, you won’t have to choose what element to prioritize. But just like any other event, because of a limited budget, you have to allot how much of your total budget will be spent on venue rental, food, entertainment, etc.
3 – What should you consider in choosing the vendors you will work with?
Do a site visit of the locations you are considering. Evaluate the rental costs, other fees, and inclusions.
Check if the venue requires that the food comes from them or if you can get an external caterer.
Determine if the venue can do the decoration setup or if you have to provide your own.
If you can bring an external caterer and suppliers for your other needs (bartending, decoration, lights and sound, etc.), start reaching out to potential vendors to assess their services and costs.
Remember to inform the vendors whom you won’t select about your decision. They’d really appreciate it and they will think of your courtesy the next time you approach them for another event.
4 – How do you want the food to be served?
Determine the set-up, i.e. a) buffet or a sit-down, plated meal, b) cocktails before the actual event, c) live stations, d) dessert bar, e) alcohol bar, etc.
5 – What else should be in your to-do list?
Send invitations to your guests/participants
Do a run-through and a re-run of your program/agenda so you can check what else needs to be accomplished
Finalize contracts with all your vendors

Planning for corporate events is never an easy task. But as long as you’ve identified and envisioned clearly what you want to happen and you’ve selected the best vendors you feel most comfortable working with, you’re on your way to making your event a success. Just make sure that you’ve made a meticulous evaluation of your vendors. What appears to be more affordable and practical might just result to major problems requiring costly solutions.You and your event participants deserve only the best, so don’t ever sacrifice quality for price.

Note: It’s best if you can work with a caterer who can do everything for you, from food to decorations, entertainment, etc. To see if this can be done for your upcoming corporate catering requirements, visit Fine Palate’s website .