The dos and don’ts of hosting a business event

Hosting a business event is a great way to build relationships with your staff and clients. It’s the perfect opportunity for networking, building relationships and discussing important topics and projects. 

Here at Millennium Point, we’ve had a lot of experience in hosting various types of events, which is why we’ve put together a list of dos and don’ts to help you host the most effective business event. 

Do

Consider the location of event spaces

One of the most important things to do when planning a business event is to consider where it’s situated. For example, the ideal venue would be near multiple transport links and have adequate parking. If you choose to hold an event in a poor location it can discourage people from attending.   

With the increase in hybrid working, it’s essential that you hold your business event at an easy place for guests to get to. While London is often the first place people think of to hold a corporate event, it can be quite expensive when it comes to both booking the venue and travel costs for those attending. 

So if you’re looking for a more affordable event space, with excellent surroundings that give you the opportunity to interact with guests after the event has finished, Birmingham is the place to go. 

At Millennium Point we’re in a prime location in the centre of Birmingham. We’re close to motorway and bus routes as well as three main train stations, making it easy for you and your attendees to make it to the event.

We’re also close to lots of hotels that are perfect for varying budgets, making it simple for those travelling further to enjoy the event and make their experience as great as possible. 

Create a list of goals you want the event to achieve

It’s essential that you make note of what you want to achieve from this event. This can help you create an agenda or event plan that aligns well with the goals you want to meet. 

These could include things like:

• Networking more
• Improving brand awareness
• Building on existing colleague relationships
• Boosting sales 

This will also make it easier for you to decide who needs to attend, the dress code and the type of venue you need.

Create a checklist

Creating a checklist can help you keep on top of everything you need to complete before, during and after the event to make it run as smoothly as possible. For example, your checklist could include things like:

• Define a budget 
• Confirm any guest speakers and guests 
• Send out invitations to guests 
• Set up audio and presentation features 
• Assemble a team to help you set up the event 
• Arrange catering

It’s also a good idea to make note of any emergency contacts or details required if you have any technical issues like poor audio or the presenting facilities failing. 

Don’t

Skip viewing the venue 

Viewing the venue before making your final decision can help you really understand if it’s the right fit for your event. For example, it can help you see if the venue is big enough to hold your desired amount of attendees and if it has the right facilities, such as presenting and audio abilities. 

This also allows you to ask any questions in person making it easy for you to understand how the venue works and what they can offer you. This gives you the opportunity to make any necessary negotiations with the events space. 

Invite attendees at too late notice

You want to avoid inviting your attendees too late as this will prevent you from getting a good turnout. You may think that sending out invitations months early is too far ahead of time but it allows guests to plan around both their work and home plans, making it more likely for people to be able to attend. 

It’s also a good idea to send out reminders on the run up to the event, such as ‘2 weeks to go!’ or ‘1 week to go!’ with information on transport links, parking and hotels to make it really easy for people to attend the event. 

Be afraid of making your event a little less formal

We all know that some corporate business events can be extremely formal, and there’s nothing wrong with that. But it’s also okay to make your event friendly. This gives people the opportunity to make real connections without the pressure of needing to maintain an overly professional persona. 

It can also help employees and clients see a more personal side to you, which is becoming more and more impactful when it comes to winning and retaining new business.

How Millennium Point can help you host your next corporate event

Here at Millennium Point, we have an array of venues perfect for your next corporate event.

Our spaces benefit from:

• Being fully flexible – Many of our spaces are suitable for almost any event. Some of our spaces are purposely built for meetings and another has a giant screen auditorium with a stage. 
• Implementing outstanding services and add-ons – This can include bespoke catering and hybrid and virtual packages.
• Being right in the heart of Birmingham – This places you near transport links, restaurants and bars, hotels and a variety of shops.  

To learn more about how our event spaces could be perfect for your next corporate business event, get in touch with Millennium Point today.