Successful events depend on the careful planning and implementation of a comprehensive list of tasks, both big and small. The planning process can seem overwhelming, but making sure you have a solid security presence is vital. In order to ensure that your next event runs smoothly and to avoid negative backlash from unsatisfied customers, there are a few things you can do beforehand:

  • Consider Hiring Event Security

The last thing you want is to have to deal with unwelcome guests or ‘party crashers’ at your next corporate event, so if there is one piece of advice we can offer, it would be to consider hiring event security. Investing in the services of a professional event security team will not only guarantee that your event runs smoothly, but will also help to ensure that attendees have a truly enjoyable and safe experience that they will remember for years to come. 

  • Find The Right Venue 

The perfect event starts with the perfect venue. When it comes to choosing the right venue for your event, a number of factors will go into your final decision-making process. We recommend heading out for a site visit before making your final decision and to make sure you have your needs listed in a checklist format. 

Some of the factors to look out for in the perfect venue include (but are not limited to): 

  • Physical location
  • Function spaces 
  • Accessibility
  • Size
  • Budget
  • Affordable parking
  • Adequate facilities that cater to your event’s needs
  • Seating
  • Amenities

  • Determine The Guest List 

Whether you are hosting an internal corporate event or a client-specific affair, always remember to not just determine your guest list but also send out invites well in advance. This will give attendees adequate time to figure out their schedule and will also ensure that you have enough time to plan for the number of guests who intend on showing up. Lastly, don’t forget to follow up gently to those who don’t respond. Determining your audience beforehand will enable you to choose the appropriate location, equipment, menu and services required to host the perfect event. 

  • Simplify Ticketing

If you are looking to keep organized with the guest list, a great option is to utilize an online ticketing service that will reduce your workload and help you keep track of guest attendance in real-time. Eventbrite, Ticket Booth and Billetto have become the industry standard for many event organizers over the last few years and are great starting points if you are looking to go digital with your ticketing. 

For more information on the benefits of online ticketing systems, be sure to hop on over to this article. 

  • Choose The Best Caterer 

We’d be lying if we said that food wasn’t one of our main motivating factors for attending any event (if that is a crime, we’re guilty as charged). If you really want your guests to have a memorable time at your event, you’re going to have to pull out all the stops when it comes to catering. For example, you may want to consider hiring professional bar staff to wow your guests or even enlisting the help of a celebrity chef to come up with a totally unforgettable menu for your event. Regardless of whether you’re looking for amuse-bouche, appetizers, a 5-course meal, or a buffet,  having quality food at your event will go a long way in impressing your guests.

Here are 30 catering ideas to make your event menu stand out. 

  • Plan Music and Entertainment 

Equally as important as food is ensuring that your guests are treated to a variety of different music and entertainment options. From hiring a lighthearted comedian to create some laughter to enlisting the help of a DJ to keep the music flowing all night long, entertainment is the best way to create your desired ambiance with ease. 

Note: Depending on the type of event you are hosting, entertainment options will differ. If you are hosting a very formal event, skip the comedian and opt for a renowned violinist, pianist or singer instead. 

  • Focus On Marketing

Now that you’ve planned the perfect event, it’s time to ensure that people actually attend it. The last thing you want is to put in your blood, sweat, and tears into planning the night of the year, only for half your intended guest list to show up. The solution to preventing this disaster is, of course, marketing. To get the word out about your event, we suggest email marketing or promoting your event on your social media channels. Not only are these marketing options free, but they’ll also help in generating excitement and buzz among your attendees while attracting a wider audience to your event.

  • Always Have A Plan B 

Last but not least, always have a plan b. No matter what type of event you are hosting or where it is always vital to plan for unexpected hiccups. Some factors to take into consideration when creating a plan B include potential weather disruptions, data, and online problems, catering issues, attrition, and more. Last-minute changes are exactly that – last minute, so having a plan B that is ready to step up to the challenge is an absolute must. 

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And there you have it – 8 simple steps to ensuring that your next event (and every one thereafter), runs smoother than a fresh jar of skippy! Do you have some tried-and-tested tips when it comes to planning a flawless event? Be sure to share your advice and thoughts in the comment section!