Having had her mitts all over countless corporate events \u2013 gala dinners, awards nights, launch parties and end of year events \u2013 Michelle has a wealth of experience to share, whether it\u2019s must dos, common mistakes, and trends for the rest of 2017.<\/p>\n
The Alumbra team’s top ‘Must Dos’ for corporate events
\n<\/b><\/h2>\n
\nHave a goal, and approach your budget wisely<\/b><\/h3>\n
\nHave a goal, and approach your budget wisely<\/b><\/h3>\n
First things first: have a clear brief. Know in your mind what the event needs to achieve, and whether you have any specific requirements from the get-go. Huge presentation? Intricate lighting? Have a vision for your branding to influence the event styling? Know this, and exactly what your budget is. <\/p>\n
When a client is clear with their requirements and their budget, that\u2019s when the team at your venue can kick into gear and really build something amazing out of your vision.<\/p>\n
According to Michelle, \u201cWe can always get more bang for their buck. Liaise with your contact at the venue, and they\u2019ll break down each element of the budget and find where we can reduce costs. A cocktail on arrival, adding a dessert element, things like that.\u201d <\/p>\n
But that starts with a clear brief, and knowing your \u201ckey requirements\u201d, as Michelle puts it. What could this entail? Your ideal dates (provide two or three to be safe!), ideal budget, event style (cocktail or sit-down<\/strong>), any dietary requirements from guests, guest numbers (demographics help too!), whether speeches and presentations are necessary, whether you require event engagement (media walls, photographers, photo booths), any accessibility requirements, as well as a deadline for a proposal. <\/p>\n One of the questions the VenueNow team is most frequently asked by customers is \u2018how should I divide my budget between food and beverages?\u2019<\/p>\n \u201cBudget for beverages first, and then food,\u201d is Michelle\u2019s recommendation. <\/p>\n \u201cBeverages are the largest component of your catering budget \u2013 think 60% drinks and 40% food. They\u2019re more costly than beverages, so keep that in mind.\u201d <\/p>\n Besides that, some events will only need a short canap\u00e9 service priced at $4 a canap\u00e9 \u2013 compare that to a beverage package for three hours. Now that\u2019s a price difference worth taking into consideration. <\/p>\n \u201cAlways see the venue!\u201d says Michelle \u201cGo to the venue for a site inspection with the team and, if the venue is open for trade, book yourself in for dinner and drinks. You\u2019ll get to see the vibe, get a feel for the environment, and see the service as well.\u201d <\/p>\n We couldn\u2019t agree more. VenueNow stats say that around 80% of customers that see the venue they\u2019re interested in will end up booking that venue. Experiencing a space in the flesh and seeing it with your own eyes is the best way to judge whether it\u2019s actually the perfect venue for you.<\/p>\n One of the most common pitfalls Michelle sees is when clients fail to consider the other elements of an event that will need to fit into their budget. <\/p>\n Food and beverages are the biggest components (and the most fun!) but there\u2019s also security to consider, as well as lighting, lighting operators, entertainment \u2013 and it\u2019ll all depend on the event and what it requires. <\/p>\n Again, a clear goal and objective for the event is absolutely vital.<\/p>\n This is just another way of saying \u2018have a goal and know what it is\u2019, but it\u2019s worth repeating. <\/p>\n Without a clear event brief, the team at your venue \u2013 whichever it may be \u2013 can\u2019t be as specific as they would normally be regarding what the venue can achieve logistically, and operationally. This can end in disaster.<\/p>\n \u201cInitially a client\u2019s requirements might be A, B and C but, without a clear goal and a brief, closer to the night the requirements go out the window. Communication is absolutely key, and it means our team can communicate what might need to be altered.\u201d<\/p>\n Rather than a specific styling trend, one thing Michelle has found clients are asking for is truly unique and striking design for their event styling. <\/p>\n Balloon installations are popular at the moment, and instantly make an visual impact. UV parties, high-impact branding, styling joining forces with entertainment \u2013 it all makes for a memorable corporate event and, as a result, a successful event. <\/p>\n This high impact styling can extend to aspects of an event that might be surprising. For instance, the endlessly popular food station \u2013 why not make a hanging <\/i>dessert station? The recent AFLW Brownlow after party \u2013 held at Alumbra \u2013 featured a dessert station suspended in mid-air, thanks to some ingenious rigging from the ceiling.<\/p>\n Michelle recalls a couple of Origin Energy events for 1000+ guests that embraced the unique styling route. One was a Hawaiian themed event, complete with tropical styling and the other Great Gatsby<\/i>-styled event, featuring as much opulence as you would expect. And for a TPG event? A delightfully OTT circus themed soir\u00e9e. <\/p>\n What\u2019s popular? When it comes to events hosted at Alumbra that need to make an impact, lavish celebrations with equally lavish entertainment, it\u2019s all roving entertainers, fire twirlers, aerial performers according to Michelle. When it comes to general events however, bands work really well on the venue\u2019s stage. But again, it really depends on the vibe YOU want for your event and what the event needs to achieve.<\/p>\n \u201cGenerally clients will want a beverage package over a bar tab.\u201d<\/p>\n Michelle is of the opinion that clients prefer tray service for beverages \u2013 there\u2019s no need for guests to line up at the bar in order to access a bar tab. And obviously delays at the bar are frustrating for larger events when guest numbers are high. <\/p>\n And aside from avoiding those pesky wait times, a beverage package means customers receive a higher range of beverage options, and more of that aforementioned \u201cbang for their buck.\u201d Unlimited service for the duration of the package? Yes, please. <\/p>\n You know what? Now that you’re full of inspiration and ready to start planning a corporate event, launch party, end of year event or EOFY celebration, it’s time to find a venue.<\/strong><\/p>\n Alumbra is available to book via VenueNow >><\/a><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n VenueNow has you covered with over 2,000 venues across Australia ranging from large event spaces to small meeting rooms. Find your perfect venue for hire faster than anywhere else.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tShow Event Venues\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n \u00a9 Copyright VenueNow 2020 | SPARE GROUP PTY LTD | ABN 22 607 830 302<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" The team at Alumbra give us the must-dos and don’ts for planning a successful corporate event.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":4737,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"content-type":"","_mi_skip_tracking":false},"categories":[37,17],"tags":[311,7,25,36,9,40,12,212],"yoast_head":"\nThink about your food and beverage budget<\/b><\/h3>\n
Whenever possible, visit the venue before booking it<\/b><\/h3>\n
\nWatch out! Common pitfalls and missteps
\n<\/b>\n
\nIt\u2019s not all cocktails and canap\u00e9s<\/b><\/h3>\nWe repeat: be specific, and communicate your goals<\/b><\/h3>\n
What’s trending in corporate events?
\n<\/b><\/h2>\n
\nTurn heads, make an impact<\/b><\/h3>\n![\"planning](\"https:\/\/venuenow.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/oneshotmedia-2-1024x683.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\n![\"planning](\"https:\/\/venuenow.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/oneshotmedia-8-1024x683.jpg\")
<\/a>Here we are now, entertain us!<\/b><\/h3>\n
Get your drink on!<\/b><\/h3>\n
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