The simple guide to planning corporate events that will engage attendees

Corporate events can sometimes be a bit predictable, but the great news is that more and more meeting planners are thinking outside the box.

They are planning corporate events with new ideas and formats to keep everyone engaged. Here are a few quick corporate event planning tips to make your next meeting one to remember.

Planning corporate events with unique meeting formats

One of the biggest reasons that meetings are often so predictable is that the format doesn't really change. But attendees' attention spans are shrinking, and so must meetings. Sessions need to be shorter and more unique. Try mixing in a flash session with several five minute presentations. Or shorten standard one hour presentations to 20 minutes.

There are a few reasons this works really well for engaging your attendees. First of all it’s different, so you’re going to catch people’s attention. The shorter sessions also allow your attendees to stay focused, since they're less likely to zone out during a short time span.

Finally, it forces your speakers to re-think their presentations. The time pressure of reducing a session really helps speakers focus on the information that must be conveyed, and cuts out a lot of the filler content. You can cover a lot in 20 minutes, you just have to equip your speakers to use the time wisely.

The Sessions feature in zkipster allows you to create sessions within your main event, invite guests to one or more sessions, manage capacity and check-in and report on attendance. Don't plan your corporate event without it!

Consider the room set up for your corporate party planning

The room set up is often as predictable as the meeting format, so think of ways to mix this up too. Maybe offer some couch seating, or stability balls. Try concentric circles or classroom style. Or, perhaps even better, offer several seating formats in one. And, if the venue and weather permits, can part of your event take place outdoors, for a change of scene?

Planning corporate events with more breaks

Sometimes we think that in order to keep people’s attention, we need them sitting in front of us for longer. But actually, giving people more or longer breaks helps them be more focused and engaged.

If you don’t want attendees checking their email in the meeting, give them enough time to check it between sessions. Let people walk around and network with other attendees, use the restroom, check their email, and still make it back in time for the next session. You’ll find they are more refreshed and engaged during the “work” portion of the event.

Social media and technology for corporate events

Social media can be used in many different ways when planning corporate events, so it’s important to consider your goals. Think about what you’re trying to achieve by integrating technology, and find the best tools that will help you get there.

There are public social media tools as well as private networks. You can allow your attendees to take notes on slides; facilitate the sharing of pictures, Reels and Stories via Instagram; and encourage posting on LinkedIn. The specific channel doesn’t matter as much as the engagement it gives you for your event.

Fun corporate event ideas

People are people. Whether they’re attending a conference or a dance party, they like to connect with other people and have a good time. Make sure you find ways to integrate fun in your event. Fun means something different for each event, but consider ways to add in some more playful elements to your event. It can be strategic fun, but remember the cardinal rule – forced fun is no fun at all!

Team building ideas for corporate events

Team building activities are a great way to introduce an element of playfulness to a corporate event. The right games will not only be good fun, they will also help to foster camaraderie between attendees. Try to incorporate friendly competitions, treasure hunts, quizzes and other interactive games.

Talking of interactivity, let attendees get their hands dirty whilst getting to know each other with cookery classes, DIY workshops and showcases with opportunities for the audience to participate. Escape rooms are a popular phenomenon, and a great way for guests to use their problem-solving skills and collaborate with others. 

If your event is a corporate off-site with attendees from the same company, why not recognize individual employees and their achievements by presenting awards at a mini ceremony?

Ice breakers sometimes raise a groan, but can be fun and even illuminating when done well. Consider asking attendees a question in advance, or even asking them to bring an item for a ‘show and tell’ icebreaker - you could also award prizes here for the best submission.

How to entertain a large group at a corporate event

Booking a big name keynote speaker to headline your corporate event is sure to generate a buzz - and the speaker is guaranteed to receive a rockstar welcome from your excited guests!

In general, entertainment will create a fun atmosphere and natural opportunities for networking: think live performances, live music and comedians.

What activities should be at a corporate event?

Lastly, take a holistic approach when planning a corporate event by incorporating activities with CSR (corporate social responsibility) elements. Work-life balance and wellbeing will be a priority for many attendees, so why not include meditation and mindfulness sessions, or massage stations to help occupy those all-important breaks! 

Factor in personal development and career progression by including workshops and seminars on leadership, effective communication, the latest industry trends, and other relevant themes.

Give back to the local community and get event attendees involved and invested in the effort by organizing volunteering activities or encouraging donations to chosen charities.

See how zkipster helps corporate event planners craft engaging events by signing up for a free test drive now.

Written with help from guest blogger Liz King, a NYC based event planner and founder of TechsyTalk, a platform bridging the gap between event tech and event planners.

Header image: CHUTTERSNAP via Unsplash