Corporate events are back! Companies are taking a fresh look at events designed to build teamwork, pump up the sales force, and show appreciation. But how do you find the right venue for your corporate event? Learn about different types of events, the requirements you need in a venue, and how Experience Oakhaven provides the ideal setting.
Advantages to hosting a company event off property
We all need a change of scenery. It gives us a chance to get a fresh perspective, collaborate in a new environment, and get to know our fellow employees on a new level. And after working virtually, an off-property event is a terrific way to bring everyone back together and get them excited about being a face-to-face team again.
And let’s face it – we all want to feel special. An off-premises event can provide that good feeling that employees will want to take back to the office. But to make the most of these advantages, you need the right venue and an event team who understands your goals and vision.
How to find the right venue for your corporate event
When it comes to choosing a venue for a business event, there are some basic guidelines to make the process easier. Here are five important ones to consider before you start your venue search:
Understand the purpose of your event: Sounds simple, right? But scratch the surface and you’ll find yourself digging a little deeper into the goals. For example, your company has a new service for its sales team to offer. While the initial purpose may appear to be training the team, it’s also about getting those sales pros excited and motivated. And that takes more than just a Powerpoint presentation.
Travel time for employees: Are your attendees meeting at work and then traveling together? Or will they be using their own transportation and arriving individually? Not only do you want to think about that drive time, you also want to consider parking.
Finding a venue is a lot like playing Goldilocks: Remember that childhood story? Not too this, not too that – just right. If the room’s too large, you won’t be able to achieve that important team camaraderie. Too small and people feel hemmed in and distracted.
Think about your event needs: Each type of event has its own food and beverage requirements, from coffee breaks to gala cuisine. Know what a venue offers, whether it’s an all-inclusive package or partnerships with caterers who have expertise in your particular type of corporate event.
And while you’re at it, think about your technical requirements. Does the venue have what you need? Or will you need to bring in outside vendors?
Get a grip on your numbers: And sometimes, that’s harder than it sounds. But while your headcount may still be a moving target, you should at least have an idea on the attendee range and how that corresponds to your space requirements. And before you make the first phone call, get whatever approval is necessary for a basic budget that covers event essentials. Look to similar past events, especially line items. Here, you’ll find where the occasion met budget, went over, or came in under.
Now that you have the basics, here are three popular corporate events and some advice for putting each one together.
The staple of company events – employee training sessions
Training sessions are opportunities to introduce new products, services, or even company procedures and policies. Depending on the amount of ground you need to cover, a training session off property can be a half day or even a full day.
Most training sessions are set up in a “classroom” formation. But don’t be afraid to mix it up by using round tables. The seating invites collaboration. No matter the arrangement, line of sight is extremely important. All of your attendees need to easily see the presentation. And clear sound is a must for conveying new information. That means access to professional A/V equipment.
Want to keep your attendees engaged? Take care of them! Make sure there is a water station available throughout the day. Infuse morning and afternoon breaks with healthy, energizing snacks. And a boxed lunch doesn’t need to be a stale sandwich and a bag of chips. Elevate it with something seasonal. Or go with a light luncheon buffet of proteins and fresh vegetables to keep up that afternoon energy.
Honor employees with an awards banquet
An awards banquet is an important way to recognize employees that have gone above and beyond – whether in person or virtually. If you’re looking to keep costs down, have a luncheon in lieu of a more formal dinner.
Start the banquet with a little meet and greet time where honorees can receive congratulations from their coworkers, then continue with a lunch service. If it’s a larger group, you may want to consider plated service and avoid the hassle of calling tables and getting everyone through the buffet line.
Allow enough time for your meal and some table conversation before speakers and awards. And if you want to get everyone out on time, make sure your speakers understand how long they can take center stage. And at every step, make sure you have the audio and video that supports your event.
Bring back the company picnic!
Work can be hard enough, so give employees a chance to blow off a little steam and have some fun with a company picnic. Schedule a morning of team training, break for a picnic lunch, and let the games begin! Select activities that encourage teamwork and cooperation. Yes, even the old standby 3-Legged Race builds camaraderie, not to mention a few laughs. Take a look at these ideas.
Select a location with enough level space for activities, a place to set up the picnic, and amenities like a check-in tent/hydration station as well as easy access to bathroom facilities. Keep your crowd engaged with a high energy MC and a quality sound system geared for outdoors.
Experience Oakhaven provides the perfect location for corporate events
While Oakhaven has built a stellar reputation for weddings, our Piedmont NC venue is ideal for weekday events.
Need a quiet, reflective space for creative thinking and decision making? The Manor House offers a comfortable environment for board meetings and executive committee sessions for up to 35. Enjoy lunch in the historic dining room and use the lower-level rooms to break into smaller discussions.
Want to take the hassle out of those team training sessions? Oakhaven offers an all-inclusive package of space and catering. Choose from a delicious, boxed lunch or light buffet, along with morning and afternoon break service. The Grand Dutch Barn accommodates 50 to 200 and features a large screen projection system, portable microphone, and crystal-clear sound.
Oakhaven’s weekends are all about weddings, but we are ready Monday – Thursday for your awards luncheon or special speaker’s engagement. We’ll provide the space and room setup/breakdown. And you’ll have the flexibility of working with one of our preferred caterers who will help you bring it all together and within your budget.
And when it comes to company picnics, Experience Oakhaven is the place to be! This beautiful NC event venue sits on 1300 scenic acres, so you’re guaranteed privacy and plenty of space. Oakhaven is proud to partner with one of the state’s leading caterers, The Smoke Pit, for your food and beverage. And you’ll find our Corporate Events Specialist full of ideas to make your company picnic an epic occasion.
Is Experience Oakhaven the right venue for your corporate event? Connect with our contact form, an email to [email protected], or call (336) 430-9637 to discuss your occasion and schedule a tour. Who says you can’t make work fun!