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Corporate event hosting is an opportunity to host a party and corporate gathering all in one. A corporate dinner is a mix between a formal work event and an evening of conversation and delicious food–from entrée food to decadent dessert options. A corporate dinner event is a step up from any company cafeteria–although corporate cafeteria menu ideas might make an appearance.
We’ll walk you through the finer points of corporate event ideas for hosting. If you’re a company leader looking to host, these tips and tricks will come in handy. The following facets of corporate hosting help catering business executives, hotel food and beverage directors, and banquet managers. They will give you an idea of what you’ll be working with when you partner with hosts.
Corporate Dinner Invitation
A corporate dinner invitation can come in the form of a work email or a formal, printed invitation. No matter what you choose, there are three key factors that go into a sleek, company-minded invitation. These three factors will guide you no matter what the event is celebrating:
3. Precise Information
Keeping the dinner invite straightforward makes it easy for guests to gather the information they need, particularly at a glance. The only information you need to include is the time and date, location, occasion, and RSVP instructions.
2. Clean Fonts
Using clean fonts is another factor in making it easy for guests to get the information they need from the invitation. Some of the best computer fonts are Helvetica, Courier, Arial, and Verdana. Those fonts are recommended because they are especially easy to read for people with dyslexia.
1. Strategize Scheduling
When you host a corporate dinner you want to make sure as many employees can make it as possible. Planning the time and date ahead of time, with schedules in mind, will help ensure maximum attendance. You can check company and individual schedules or send out a Doodle request to find a time.
"Key Takeaway: Corporate event hosting is an opportunity to host a party and corporate gathering all in one."
Corporate Dinner Party Ideas
A corporate dinner party is first and foremost a corporate event, but that doesn’t mean you can’t lean into corporate dinner party ideas. Depending on the type of event you’re hosting a dinner party for, the following three options will work with your corporate plans:
3. Classic Catering
A classic catering event is simple and to the point. Hiring a catering company or working with a hotel kitchen–including the Sous chef and Executive chef–puts the focus of the dinner party on the food being served. You can also work with a restaurant manager if you want a restaurant business to cater your event.
2. Holiday Decor
If your dinner party is a holiday event, decorating with holiday items fits the bill. If the party falls around the traditional winter holidays, the best idea is to keep it nondenominational with a winter theme. Using garland, twinkle lights–one of many unique types of lighting, and ribbon decorations is a safe bet.
1. Event-Specific Themes
For specific events, like celebrating a win for the company or an anniversary, lean into the event for the theme. For an anniversary, for example, use the year numeral you’re celebrating as a fundamental factor throughout the decor. You should also use the company logo and business branding design guides for the theme plan.
Corporate Dinner Dress Code
A corporate dinner dress code is important to plan for. It brings the theme of the event together and it’s helpful for the guests. It’s an optional item to include on the dinner invitation.
The upcoming three options are common corporate dinner dress codes you can use. For guests, these are all options you should be prepared for:
3. Office-Wear
For a somewhat casual corporate dinner, the dress code can be the typical office-wear for the company. For most corporate businesses this will be either business or business casual. This will suit most corporate events outside of a holiday party. Heck, it could even work for a semi-casual holiday party.
2. Formal
Formal wear is most suitable for a corporate dinner that is celebrating a very special occasion. This is typically reserved for a company anniversary, a prestigious award, or a celebration after a particularly good year for the company. Semi-formal attire can also work for these occasions, but formal steps it up a notch.
1. Business Casual
Business casual is the most common corporate dinner dress code. Even if the office is more business than casual, business casual is perfect for a dinner because it is comfortable while still being professional. It works well for sitting through dinner and it maintains the company atmosphere.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hosting Corporate Dinners
Hosting corporate dinners is a lot of work. Beyond all the facets of what you should do there is the overall goal of making sure the event is successful. Our answers to these frequently asked questions will give you insight into how to host a successful event and provide enjoyment for your guests.
How Do You Host a Successful Corporate Event?
The best way to host a successful corporate event is to plan each detail and begin planning as early as possible. A corporate event has many moving parts, from the venue to the types of menu you’ll use. Mapping out each detail will give you a streamlined, relaxing event.
What Is Considered a Corporate Event?
A corporate event is an event that is sponsored by a company. The event focuses on either the employees or the clients of the company. Corporate events can be anything from a holiday party to an award ceremony. Planning for success, especially with the five C’s of successful event management, is vital for any corporate event.
What are the 5 C’s of Successful Event Management?
The five C’s of successful event management are:
- Concept: Where you conceptualize the event, what you’ll need for it, and the reason behind it, which drives the plan
- Coordination: The mapping out of the plan, where you figure out every detail of what you need, and coordinate people and supplies
- Control: The continual control over the event plan, to make sure everything goes smoothly
- Culmination: The event itself, where all your planning comes together–you’ll need to maintain control and keep an eye out for any snags in the plan, which you’ll have backups prepared for
- Closeout: The coordination with catering, hotel staff, the banquet manager, and anyone else you need to work with to close and clean up the event
Focusing on each of these steps of the planning process will help you be successful with your event. When you work through each of these 5 C’s, you’ll cover the entirety of the event process.
How Do You Make Corporate Parties Fun?
To make a corporate party fun, it’s important to find a balance between fun activities and corporate agenda items. Some time for socializing will add to the fun. You also want to keep in mind that your guests are coming with the expectation of a work event. Erring on the side of more corporate than strictly party plans is a good idea.
Corporate Dinner Events: Ring the Dinner Bell
Corporate dinner events are a hosting opportunity to create an event that is both productive for the company and fun for guests. The key to a successful corporate event hosting plan is to find a balance between creativity and corporate goals. When you strike that balance, you’ll host an event to remember.