Top Tips for Organising your Corporate Summer Event
New to organising summer events? Here are some top tips from the experts:
Plan for rain.
Whilst a warm, sunny day is desirable for your summer event, it’s important to make arrangements to ensure your guests have just as much fun even if it rains. If you’re organising outdoor activities such as archery or laser clays arrange for some indoor activities also. It might be an idea to keep the theme of the activity similar to that planned, for example; set-up a big screen and Wii with computer game versions of the original. If you’re arranging a BBQ, make sure its sheltered, or there are alternative indoor cooking facilities. For your guests, it’s always a good idea to provide shelter whatever the weather as even the hot sun can be a little too much. If your event is in a big open space, hire a marquee for guests to keep their belongings and network during down-time.
If you really are set on ensuring your event is on a hot sunny day the Met-Office offers a paid-for service which provides forecasts up to 1 month ahead – Click here for details.
Choose beverages wisely.
Summer is the perfect time to enjoy delicious local ciders and beers or treat guests to Pimms and summery cocktails, however with summer parties often spanning from day into the evening this allows for excess in drinking. If you’re serving cocktails add a touch more juice than a regular bar would or maybe offer ‘mocktails’ with no alcohol included – just as tasty and great for your budget. If you’re including a beer tent offer bottled water too. Finally try not to advertise the event as having a ‘free-bar’ instead provide your guests with free drinks token and limit the number each guest receives.
Be original.
Summer is the time for fun and if you’re treating your colleagues or clients to a summer event it’s great to make it as original and different as possible. From booking hospitality at a sporting event such as Wimbledon, Royal Ascot or even the Grand-Prix to organising your own action-packed themed summer party it’s great to choose an event that your guests haven’t experienced before.