How to Plan a Company Event

Getting employees' ideas on possible locations and themes for company events can help ensure a good time will be had by all - even if the event is all work and no play.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Party Planners
• Food

1. Ask employees for event ideas.
2. Plan the budget.
3. Make reservations, if the event is off-site.
4. Consult a caterer, if you'll be feeding people. Or, if you are feeling especially brave, ask volunteers to help barbecue.
5. Organize transportation.
6. Negotiate group hotel room rates and make reservations, if people will be staying overnight.
7. Organize event activities for employees.

Tips & Warnings

• Event planners specialize in planning company events, if you don't have time for all the details.
• Organize a company committee to plan events and activities. Ideally this is made up of representatives from all departments. This takes the workload off of one person, and ensures that a good cross section of ideas are considered.
• If the purpose of the event is to celebrate or reward employees, don't be cheap.
• If the event is outside of work hours, avoid lengthy events - people sometimes feel resentful of spending their "off" time with co-workers.