Corporate Event Planning|Event Management|Event Planner

We all know how great bobble heads are. They are very popular no matter how you use them. With more and more manufacturers offering personalized ones, they are now being used by more and more people. They are used by companies, businessmen, politicians, teams and a lot more.

Any manufacturer will tell you that distribution is almost as important as production itself. There are a lot of uses for bobble heads. But nowadays, it's mainly used for marketing and promotions. If you want them to be effective and efficient, you should be able to distribute them to targeted markets. For example, it doesn't make sense to distribute personalized figurines of a local politician in California if he's running for office in New York. If you're making these dolls to represent an athlete of your team, it also makes sense to distribute them in your arena where you can find the most fans of that athlete. There's a reason why a bobble head manufacturer would tell you to distribute them properly - because your success depends on it.

So how do trade shows and corporate events come in to the picture? These events are very important if you're a business. Trade shows, also known as trade fairs or expos, are big events organized so that businesses in the same industry can get together. Usually, you'll see your competitors here if you decide to join one. You'll often see strategies or the latest news in your industry. A bobble head manufacturer would suggest that you join trade shows. If you do decide to join them, you should stand out and using personalized bobble heads is a great way to do it.

Why would you want to stand out? This is simply because the event is full of targeted customers. They're there because they're looking for a product or service that you're offering. So among your competitors, you want your prospective customers to notice you so you'll get their business. You cannot do that with something as old as t-shirts. It's just a matter of using quality and effective figurines. To do that, approach a reliable manufacturer to make yours represent your business or service.

As for corporate events, it's usually grouped into two - serious and fun. The serious corporate events are professional gatherings to discuss the business while the fun events are to celebrate something or boost the morale of employees. If you're a part of a serious corporate event discussing strategy, this is where you can introduce the use of bobble heads for promotional and marketing campaigns. This is a good time to do so because there's a good chance that the "who's who" of your company will be there. But you have to be careful because you wouldn't want to present something of bad quality. That's why it's important to approach a reliable manufacturer. For the fun events, you can use the personalized figurines as a sort of trophy to award top performers. It's sure to boost the morale of your employees.

So now you know the importance of trade fairs and corporate events. It's a good opportunity for you to make an impression so make it count. Use these dolls made by a reliable manufacturer and you'll be able to take advantage of trade fairs and corporate events.

Organizing an event for the company can be really tedious because of all the preparation you have to do just to make it the best occasion for the business. You have to plan out everything really well to ensure that even the smallest detail will make an impact to those who will be attending corporate events you will organize.

If you are tasked to organize the event for the company, you have to keep in mind a few things that are vital for the success of it. You can even check online for the things you need to make any corporate events a blast for everyone. First of all, you need to think of a theme for the event. Although this is an occasion for the business, it does not mean that it will be a boring and formal affair. Gone are the days that everyone is dead proper and extremely formal. Right now, holding affairs for the company, more often than not, are loud and lively.

There are several themes that you can utilize for various corporate events. Depending on what is the trend for that month or for that year, you can base your event's theme there. For example, you can do a Glitz 'n Glamour theme where everyone will dress up fabulously, Cowboy theme, Masquerade theme, and a lot more.

Right after deciding what your corporate theme will be, think about the type of music you will use for event. You have to pick the right music that will match your theme. Aside from that, you have to be sure that the songs to be played in corporate events are those known by the people attending so they can fully enjoy the occasion.

Another thing you have to consider in holding events for the company is the catering service. Of course any event, no matter how big or small it is, will never be complete without food. There are a lot of catering services readily accessible online and on print ads. You just have to give them a call to find out if they have the perfect package for your event. Most of the time, these catering services will hold free tasting for the foods they will serve which will help you in deciding whether you like the food they well serve or not.

It is also recommended to hire live bands or musicians for the event. This will add up to the excitement and the fun moments during the event. With the live music that can be upbeat or relaxing, depending on your theme as well, will definitely give your affair more life and fun.

And last, but not the least, you should be aware of the budget the company is willing to spend. Certainly, you would not want to pay for all the expenses that will exceed the company's budget so be sure that everything is within means to avoid hassle as well.

There can be a lot of things that you can do to ensure that the corporate events that you will hold will be a memorable one for everybody. You just have to work on your imagination and creativity and for sure, it will be a success!

If you have ever attended a wedding, gallery opening, rehearsal dinner, or baby shower you have probably had an experience with a catering company, without even realizing it. When you attend an elegant wedding reception, where the food on your plate is plated perfectly, and the food tastes better than anything you have ever had, then you have definitely experienced a catering experience that you will never forget.

Catering for parties and events is not the only thing that catering companies do. In fact, there are a lot of people that believe that the profession of a caterer is a lot simpler than it actually is. Most people assume that the only thing that a caterer has to worry about is preparing food, setting it neatly on a plate, and making sure that everyone at the party is fed. There is a lot more to event catering that a lot of people do not get to see.

Behind the scenes there are tons of people working together to ensure that the entire party experience is enjoyed by all of the attending guests. What defines the role that a catering company plays today when it comes to event catering? Food is the star when it comes to the catering world, but food is only part of what a catering company does.

A lot of catering companies have moved towards a full-service type of accommodation as well as planning for the entire event that is taking place. Food is no longer the primary area of focus for event catering services. Instead, other aspects of a party are also paid close attention to as well. Event catering services have to focus on satisfying all of a consumers senses, this includes their sight, hearing, touch, smell, and last but not least taste.

With the right venue, event catering services can appeal to all of their customer's senses, making the final party something that the person who hired the service, as well as their guests will always remember. Of course, well plated food can adhere to an individual's sense of sight, smell, taste, and touch. Hearing comes into the picture when the plate that is sat in front of a guest is sizzling hot; enlightening this sometimes overlooked human sense.

Those who provide event catering today have a big task ahead of them, they not only need to create incredible tasting food, but they also need to accommodate all of the guests that will be consuming the food with a proper venue, lighting, and eating utensils. Event caterers will not only prepare the meal that the guests are going to consume, they will prepare the entire venue where the food will be eaten at.

Event catering services will dress the tables with flowers, utilize different colored linens on the tables, bring out expensive silverware, and even play music in the background, to compliment the meal that they set before you. A true event catering service will do its best to adhere to all of your senses, while putting your main focus on the gorgeous plate of food that you will soon be consuming.

Custom printed T-shirts can be a great way to create your own style statement. There are advanced technology available to allow you to create a unique print on your T-shirt to reflect your style of dressing and your personality. There are input, technical advice and technology available online for individuals, professionals and major brand names to use and create fabric prints that meet their precise quality needs and are easily affordable too.

You just have to let loose of your creative outbursts to design and create T-shirts that capture the imagination of those who set sights on it. There are hundreds of colour combination and sizes to choose from for prints. The best creative T-shirt manufacturers use materials of the highest quality and can handle orders of any quantity and design. They assure quick delivery without compromising on the quality of work in any way.

Powerful online design tools are available for designing the best quality if creative t-shirts using the latest techniques and software. You can even choose the font type you want from hundreds of available options. Most of the concept involves dragging your images and text around the product and creating the most unique designs within minutes.

One of the biggest challenges of creating custom printed T-shirts has been how to bridge the gap between virtual images online to creating high quality real offline prints. There are tools available to transfer the special effects and clarity available online to real life models. You can even upload designs directly, zoom in to view from close quarters how the design overlays onto the fabric. You can get an accurate and precise preview of how the product will look and feel in the real world.

The custom digital printing process can be used to create custom T-shirts. You can add photos, text and logos that can be perfect for personal use and also as unique, creative gifts for children and adults. Leading service providers do not insist on minimum orders. Their systems can even create singular custom designed T-shirts at a low and affordable cost. You can choose from hundreds of styles and colours and get them delivered in as little as two to three days flat.

Custom designed T-shirts are perfect for business, events or gifts at professional or personal levels. The no minimums condition means you can order even one custom designed T-shirt without having to spend extra. Free text digitalization is available from most service providers.

Team building events can take advantage of the traditional western lifestyle and great fun can be had by being involved in a range of activities from line dancing to mechanical bull riding. Experiences can be shared by the entire workforce and relationships developed within the corporate structure whilst the participants have a tremendous time. Memories will be based on the fun times in a rodeo arena rather than on any pressures to build or strengthen relationships within the working arena. Dallas corporate events such as this give a wonderful platform for bringing your team together.

There are some superb ranches which include pavilions, ranch houses and trails and incorporate all the aspects of life in the traditional west. Events at a ranch house and conference center give you opportunities to immerse yourself in all the spirit and atmosphere of the Texan life of the era but with all the comforts and safety precautions of a modern venue. You will find event spaces with performance stages and dance floors with wonderful access to scenic ranch land right on the door step. Being in Dallas, corporate events such as this will guarantee you an authenticity which can only be imagined outside the rolling hills and open pastures of Texas.

If you are keen to arrange an event at a western venue, you will find some which are able to offer horseback trail rides, line dancing and country and western music, gun fighters and overnight accommodation. Your team can really learn their strengths and weaknesses whilst sharing an evening around the campfire out on the trail. In addition you will find some which go further and offer well designed specific team building events. A team event that incorporates a rodeo challenge will bring your team together into a high performance and cohesive unit. Life on a ranch made many demands on team work and although participants will be having the time of their lives, they will be playing to win in interactive group competitions which will rely on strong team values. Events which include activities such as trail riding during the course of a conference can really bring a team together.

Team building events are becoming increasingly popular as companies realize the importance of communication, cooperation and creativity. A venue where the teams are able to benefit from facilitated presentations with a view to leadership and team-bonding at the same time as having huge amounts of fun is guaranteed to be a winner. Corporate events at an authentic Texan ranch are truly an experience to get excited about.

In this world of cut-throat competition, employees need more than just holidays. Corporate events such as holiday parties, activity days and picnics not only strengthen your business but also bring in the employee and organization closer. If you run or own a huge commercial establishment or corporate organization then this article will surely help you.

One way by which corporate functions strengthen your company is by helping individual employees and groups become more productive in the workplace. Moreover, these functions increase the communication between all employees.

During these events, an employee can show his skill. Various activities and games are planned during the events. These games and activities help the employers to sharpen their abilities and skills. Few corporate functions motivate employees to learn new skills.

When you are planning corporate functions, it can get stressful while making sure that the details are taken care of. If you want your party or meeting to go as planned, you not only have to find the perfect venue but also find the right food, entertainment, lodging facility for all the guests and of course, transportation facility. One of the best ways to handle this stress is to find an expert who knows everything about corporate functions and events. When you hire a specialist, he helps you in fulfilling all your needs and further adds something extra to your event.

An employee can spend a weekend or a day participating in different activities such as mystery games and treasure hunts. These activities help all employees learn about time management, organization, delegation and more. Other games and activities may help a sales team or an individual employee to sharpen their sales pitches.

This is specifically true if the job description of upper management or corporate executives' is to propose selling and buying deals to other multimillion dollar organizations or companies. These events also promote togetherness within an organization. Employees get an opportunity to know more about their superiors and vice versa.

Such events generally present themselves in the form of different social events that employees team or/and corporate executives attend. Some of these social events include theme parties, dinner theatre presentation or dances. Another corporate function that may interest employees is an award banquet. This event comprises of dinner that takes place in the evening at a restaurant or hall. It is a time of recognition for employees who worked extremely hard beyond their call of duty. For example, awards like employee of the year or employee of the month award are given at a corporate award banquet event.

You can plan these events at any time. Customer corporate events packages are organized and set up where food and wine are served a. Companies that organize perfect corporate functions present themselves in a professional manner. In the end, hosting social events as mentioned above will result in great profits for an organization.

When faced with the daunting task of choosing a band for your event, the choices seem to be endless, even more so, complicated. Its almost like nothing makes any sense. Make sure that you choose a band that is in the right category for the type of party you are having. Category you say? What does that mean? Isn't a band just a band? Are there really categories? Yes of course there are categories for bands, just like there are categories for many things... For example, lets say you want to rent a comedy to watch with you wife tonight, you wouldn't look at movie titles from the Horror section! And if you are having a party for your wedding reception you should be looking at bands that perform in the wedding category, makes sense right? But how do you know the difference? Its simple, see what category the band is in, and make sure they are the right fit for you... So let's explore the different types of categories starting from the lower end moving our way up to the higher end.

Category 1: Hobby Bands

These bands play for fun, mostly on weekends for their friends or family. They don't have a dress code, their gear is usually lower end, and the songs they play are typically ones that equal their level of ability. These bands aren't very career minded; don't have websites or promotional material, however they can be entertaining. They typically will jam at a party rather then put on a show for an audience. These bands are happy to show up and play for free, and if you throw in a case of beer they will love you for it!

Category 2: Bar Bands

Under this category there are 3 separate levels of bar bands that you're going to come across.

Level 1 Bar Bands:

This level is at a lower end for the bar band category. These acts are typically a soloist or duo that perform with backing tracks (pre-recorded music) or they can be just an acoustic player. They can also be a piano player or a combination. These types of acts play in smaller bars usually from 25 people up to 100 depending on the venue and the type of act. At this level a soloist may charge anywhere from $50 up to $300 if they are really good and can work with a larger audience. A duo may charge anywhere from $100 up to $400 depending on how well they can work an audience and bring patrons into the venue. These acts usually have a tip jar and take requests. There is not a great deal of pressure at this level and often these acts are easy going and work at their own pace. It can be hit and miss at this level, as some are outstanding, while others are just blend into the background while you enjoy a beer and burger at your local watering hole.

Level 2 Bar Bands:

At this level you will typically find bands in the size of a three piece and up to a five piece. These bands are a little bit more professional, they take a little more pride in how they dress and perform. Not that the "level 1" Bar Bands don't, however there is a variant of professionalism at this level then the lower one. The bands at this level will typically earn anywhere from $300 up to $1200 per night depending on their experience and their ability to work an audience. Also, their price can reflect on how busy the bar gets as well. These bands may have there own PA and Lights, however it will usually be to accommodate the type of venue which may hold 75 up to 150 guests. It should also be noted that a lot of venues at this level do have their own PA and Lights so this is more attractive to some bands, who don't want to make the financial investment to purchase their own equipment. It is at this level that the majority of people have experienced when seeing a band live, and when making a decision on choosing a band for their event. These bands can be easily found playing nightly. It's important to also mention that the vast majority of these bands are weekend part time players. They usually have day jobs or teach to supplement their income. Only a small percent of bands at this level perform full time, and in this case, may be more professional minded. It's important to also note that the majority of bands in this category are more focused on themselves, meaning, the show is all about them, and not the audience. Though, most people associate the theory of " a band is just a band" to this category, because this is the only type of band (level) they have ever really experienced. However like the movie title example earlier, there is much more available beyond your local bar band, which takes us to the next level...

Level 3 Bar Band:

This level of bar band is greatly associated with Tribute or Clone bands. Other bands at this level are specialty bands that perform music of a specific era. These bands are typically very professional and have taken the time to produce quality promotional material including videos. These acts don't play every night, however they can be found on special evenings such as a Birthday party, Halloween, or other special occasions. They will usually charge anywhere from $800 and go as high as $2,500 per night depending on how elaborate there show costumes and performance is. You may see at this level acts such as The Beatles Shows, or Elvis etc...

Category 3 Corporate Event Bands;

Corporate Event Bands? Aren't they the bands you see in the bars? NO! These skilled bands perform at Corporate Parties, Conventions, Fund Raisers, Festivals, etc... These bands usually work with specific agents or management. They are very well organized, usually always have their own PA and Lighting, dress and coordinate at a much higher level then the previous levels. They can handle logistics of equipment, travel and their promotional material is top quality. So how come you don't see corporate bands around? Well, because the events these bands perform are NOT open to the general public, this is why so many people don't even know they exist. However there are a large number of these bands around. They are business minded, and usually full time performers that have their own companies and some even cover them for health insurance. These bands can easily manage the flow of the evening, deal with special requests, and work with high pressure/profile situations. These bands are usually masters at controlling a room full of people. At this level there is no margin for error while performing, and these bands can smoothly make an event spectacular. These bands can charge anywhere from $2500 and up to $10,000 or more per night depending on the size of the group, and type of client looking to hire for the event.

Category 4 Wedding Bands:

Bands at this level have a higher level of investment on their part. They all have websites of great quality, own their own PA and Lighting, dress sharp, and are very well organized. They understand why they are hired for a wedding and create the proper atmosphere for the bride. They completely understand that there is no margin for error, and these bands take a great deal of time in rehearsing and managing the flow of the night making the bride and groom's night magical. There can be a higher level of pressure at this level because it's a once in a lifetime event, and everything must be right the first time! The sound must be great. These bands understand that the party is not about them, but about the families uniting and celebrating the joy between two people deeply in love. Bands at this level can handle complicated requests and will deal with brides and wedding planners in a very professional manner. Wedding bands charge anywhere from $3,200 to $10,000 or more per night, depending on the size of the band, their experience and ability to provide the desired environment. You can find bands in a 4 piece and even as high as a 12 piece or even higher! Remember if your getting a band that is cheaper, its not because they are a wedding band at a lower price, its because they're probably a bar band charging a higher price. It's important to know that the band you choose can provide the right atmosphere for the two uniting families, and not provide a bar band environment for your favorite niece or your silver haired grandma...

Category 5 Original Bands:

These bands, as you have already guessed, write their own music and will go out and play clubs, parties, festivals and anywhere else that people can be exposed to there music. Some also play cover songs, however there primary focus is to get their music heard. They focus on building a following so they can sell their own CD's and merchandise. These types of bands will earn anywhere from zero dollars to thousands depending on how popular they are. These bands are entrepreneurs and innovators of music, it's with much sacrifice that these bands endure and making it to the top, is certainly no easy task.

Category 6 Record Label Bands:

This to some is the holy grail of status in the music industry. These bands can be signed to recording contracts with major record labels giving the artists a significant income and fame. These bands have music videos, CD's, and tour extensively at major venues including arenas and stadiums. These bands can charge anywhere from $8,000 up to tens of thousands a night! Not bad for a nights work, however, it does come at the expense of a lifetime of preparation! It's important to note that not all recording label bands become rich and famous, it's the bands business side that may need professional consulting.

So, if you want the right band for your event, choose from the right category and you will know exactly what you are getting. When talking to a band notice the price range they offer, this will be an indication of the type of category they are in. Do you really want a hobby band performing at your next corporate event? How about a level 2 bar band at your wedding reception? Many clients have been overjoyed from there choice of a band at there party, while others who have focused solely on cost have not chosen wisely only to have there event turn in to a disaster. Seek out the right fit for your event and you'll be just fine!

Good luck!

Peter Khan is a highly acclaimed entertainer who has been performing throughout the world for over two decades. He is the Music Manager for the wedding and corporate event band, ELITE.

info@eliteshowband.com

http://www.eliteshowband.com

The season has arrived for outdoor activities, summertime fun, and one of America's favorite corporate sports, golf. Over the past ten years, the occurrence of corporate golf outings has declined as budgets decreased and corporate spending was put to a halt. However, we are finally seeing a rebuilding relationship between the golf industry and corporate America. In 2011, promotional golf item sales were up 6%* and are continued to grow. The one-on-one face time provided by golf outings and tournaments with clients, and the opportunity for employee team building are valuable experiences that only golf can provide.

The way to truly maximize the impact of any golf outing is to incorporate promotional items into the event. Complementing a golf experience with branded merchandise ensures the goodwill and memory of the event will continue to make an impression long after the event is over. Everyone from big budget corporate entities to smaller community businesses can use golf events to boost business and build their brand. Regardless of an organization's size or budget, there are promotional items at various price points that can enhance both an event and a brand.

Below are some great ideas for promotional golf items at various price points.

Budget-Friendly (Under $5)
For those who truly need a budget-friendly item, there are value-priced options that can still make an impression. Every golfer can use tees and divot tools on the green, and a water bottle or can coolie to help quench their thirst on the fairway. These are inexpensive items that can be used as mass giveaways before, during, or after your event.

Conservative ($5-$10)
In the lower priced range, there are some options with a higher perceived value that can be given to event attendees as thank you for attending. Consider giving a ditty bag with a thank you note inside or with drink tickets for a post-golf dinner or happy hour. Or give out golf towels, bag tags or hats upon registration that attendees can use while on the course and take home after play is over.

Mid-Range ($10-$25)
Some of the most popular golf event items fall in the mid-range price arena. Apparel is always a great option, and it gives your brand much exposure. Apparel can range from t-shirts to golf shirts, to windbreakers. The most recent trend in golf apparel is moisture-wicking fabrics. Coolers, duffels and shoe bags are also popular options. They are useful, easy to transport, and can double as packaging for other event-related gifts.

Premium (Over $25)
Merchandise in the premium category can be used as attendee gifts, prizes or auction items, starting at $25 and ranging over the hundred dollar mark. The most common premium giveaway is a golf umbrella. An extra golf umbrella can always come in handy and when you pull one out on a rainy day, you will definitely remember who gave it to you. Other ideas include golf bags, premium golf balls and even watches.

As golf events become more popular, golf-related items will continue to evolve. Whatever route you take with your next golf event, make sure your attendees don't leave empty handed, and the items they leave with prominently showcase your logo.

*PromoMarketing, March 2012

As you're preparing to make a large investment into corporate bonds, you need to consider the risk factors. Unless you are prepared to lose everything in a leap of faith to pursue a very high yield rate, you are likely looking for something of a long-term investment. This means you need to understand where the top AAA corporate bonds are.

All corporate bonds are rated. The ratings range from AAA to C, which has to do with the financial strength of the issuing company. is the most secure and thus the lowest risk bond. What this means for you is that when you invest in such a bond, you are likely going to see the promised yield without any kinds of problems along the way. If you invest in anything less secure, you are taking a risk.

There are many places that you can find AAA corporate bonds. Some of the top companies in the world don't have this kind of rating, so you cannot make any kinds of assumptions. The companies that are rated as such can also fluctuate due to annual reports, mergers and acquisitions. Keeping an eye on who has what ratings are then essential to your investment portfolio.

Moody's is one of the best ways to learn about who has the AAA rating in the world of corporate bonds. This is a performance index provided by Moody's Investment Firm. This company has been used for decades to provide a very macroeconomic look into various companies and insurance firms to show the financial stability of a company. This report is often used as a closer look of interest rates as opposed to the 10-year Treasury Bill as well.

You want to work with a financial advisor to get a prospectus on AAA corporate bonds. Your advisor will analyse the market on your behalf and give you a recommendation of corporate bonds based upon the amount of money you have to invest. Since not all bonds are traded at the same value, the amount that you have to invest will greatly impact the number of AAA corporate bonds that you will be able to purchase.

Throughout the internet, you will be able to locate corporate bonds that are rated AAA. When you take the time to follow various financial blogs, you can access free financial advice, often where people are talking about which bonds are AAA, AA and even A. While you may not be able to afford the few companies that have the AAA rating, you may be able to go with something slightly more risky without worrying about losing your investment.

Business Week, Forbes and other financial publications can be advantageous to read through. If one company is currently building financial stability, they may be rated an AA in one quarter and an AAA in the next. As a result, getting in on the bonds early can prove to be very beneficial to your investment portfolio.

Start with talking to your financial advisor about corporate bonds and go from there.

It may be that time for your companies' yearly corporate event. Maybe it is an annual occasion that some employees dread going to every year. Perhaps you should consider entertainment as part of the special event. You want your employees to be open and receptive to the presentations and team building exercises. If they are in a better mood and having fun, this will make a huge difference. Consider the benefits of hiring a magician for your next corporate or special event.

The long weekend:

Company seminars and retreats are an important part of employer and employee communication. There are many new ideas and plans to discuss. Is this an annual event? Maybe it is time to start a new tradition. A corporate magician can be a good source of entertainment. This may also serve to break the monotony for the people attending. It is not always a good idea to be all about business at all times. Everyone needs times to rest, relax, and rejuvenate. This type of entertainment may make the entire event more enjoyable and it may help to improve many attitudes if your event has a yearly stigma amongst employees. This alone, may be a good reason.

Award banquets:

Award banquets can mean a great deal to people. Employees are recognized for all of their hard work. This is a great way to express gratitude and improve employee morale. However, it may get a bit tedious for the attendees. A good source of a break up act is magic. The right act can relax your participants. It can make the entire evening more enjoyable. The magician can even integrate the presenters into magical appearances. These functions are a direct reflection on the company. The more they are enjoyed, the more positive image they can project.

Conventions:

The atmosphere of conventions can be just like a party. However, that is not the actual reason for people to attend. Employees will have the opportunity to enjoy themselves. However, they will be expected to attend company functions also. These functions can be more entertaining for employees if you integrate a convention entertainment company to help you mix the party atmosphere with the business atmosphere.

Trade shows:

Your booth has a better chance, if it stands out from the rest. Consider a trade show magician to feature your product or service. For example, a disappearing act is a good idea for cleaning products and stains. There are many other types of acts that can be incorporated also. Hire a professional and he or she will tailor their act to your business. In times of economic difficulties, standing out may make all the difference.

Summary:

There are many other reasons to consider magic for your entertainment. It has broad appeal. A music act will usually represent one genre of music. Some people may love it, others may not be impressed. Magic is appreciated by all ages and social classes. Comedians can be good entertainment also. However, their style of comedy may not appeal to everyone. Magic gives you a good chance for a successful event.

Creating a video production for your company's corporate event can seem a little overwhelming. There are a few things you should know first that will help make the job a whole lot easier. From taking time to brainstorm your own ideas and purpose for the video to employing the right audio visual production company to help make your video a success, we've got a great range of tips you won't want to miss:

• Know your target audience- Really consider who this video will be targeting. Once you know the demographic of your audience, you will be able to start thinking of the right ideas to get their attention. Always keep your target audience front of mind. This may seem obvious, but it's so easy to get engrossed in the creative side of things and drift away from the main purpose and target of the video.


• Note all of the important elements you want covered in the video and what you want the video to ultimately achieve- This could be as simple as outlining the event details to making sure that key speakers are mentioned and company logos are displayed appropriately. Once you know what you want covered in the video, start thinking of what you want the video to achieve. For corporate events this can be things like making sure that every attendee has sufficient background knowledge on the theme and real purpose of the event, to showing clients that your company is a leader in its field. Whatever your goals are for this video, make sure you write them down.


• Keep it simple: Videos for corporate events shouldn't be too lengthy but straight to the point covering all important areas and invite/welcome attendees. People lose interest after a while so keeping it simple and fairly short will stop this from happening.


• Get advice from the professionals- It's so important that for large corporate events you get the professionals in to make sure your video is shot well, looks sharp and meets its objectives. A business specialising in providing corporate audio visual services will be able to take your ideas and make them happen. If you want more creative control, there are companies that are able to work very closely with you to get the results you want. It's just a matter of finding the right company to suit your needs. Hiring professionals to help with your video can mean the difference between a good video and an outstanding one.

Creating a video production for a corporate event is a straightforward process if you follow a few simple steps. Once you know who you want to target and what you want to say, it's just a matter of finding the right professionals with the right equipment to help you make it happen. I hope our tips on how to create a video production has given you some useful information for the next time you have the task of creating a visual feast for your company's next corporate event.

It is common practice for companies to organise a corporate golf day these days, however, while many have great reasons for doing just that, others are unsure of their motivation, and may just be doing it because everyone else is.

There is no denying that there are some fantastic benefits to hosting a corporate golf day, but there are also other things you need to consider. In this article, we look at the pros and cons of organising your own golf day, as well as advice on how to make the most of your event.

First, the Good Bits

In the interests of staying positive, let us take a look at the positive aspects of hosting a corporate golf day yourself.

First, there is the opportunity to meet, and spend time with, your most important clients, suppliers, associates and potential clients. That's one of the reasons why a carefully thought out guest list for your event is so important - everyone on it should be someone who can help your business to grow, whether it's in terms of deals made on the course, or by sharing their expertise with you off the course.

Then there is the publicity and brand positioning that you can gain from a corporate golf day. This comes from indirect means, like the media coverage of the event itself, and from the status you gain from the companies and individuals you invite.

Finally, there is the golf itself. The opportunity to get out into the open, swing a club, compete in a friendly environment, and possibly even to pick up a few tips from your opponents and fellow players.

Now the Down Side

Not every corporate golf day is a huge success, and that could be for a number of reasons.

The first thing you should remember is that corporate golf days take a lot of work to organise, manage, and put together. If you do not have the time or the budget to create a full event, you might end up creating an event that gives prospective clients the wrong impression of your company.

Then there is the guest list. If you do not have enough valuable business contacts to fill up your list, you may be tempted to add a few people who are not strictly business associates, and that may dilute the effectiveness of the event.

Remember that just as a hugely successful business golf event can raise your profile, forge meaningful connections that will serve you for years to come, and create fantastic opportunities, a less successful one could damage your reputation and your prospects.

Hosting a successful corporate golf day is a huge undertaking, and it is not always possible, especially for new businesses and entrepreneurs, to find the perfect balance of players, business, and marketing.

The good news is that there are alternatives, one of which is to attend a third party corporate golf day, hosted by an outside company or person. These days take the planning and organising out of the equation, allow you to hand pick only the most important people that you want to play with, and often incorporate other types of networking and business growth activities.

Whatever you do though, remember that your corporate golf day's success relies heavily on you, to make the right decisions, and to organise a knock out event, so make sure you get it right!

There are hundreds of corporate events caterers in the UK, and a huge variety of services offered by them. Some event caterers may just supply fresh sandwiches, salads and cakes for lunches in the office or at offsite meetings. Other companies specialise in director's lunches, in offices or headquarters. And even more high end corporate caterers design and deliver every aspect of glamorous canape receptions, lavish five course banquets, and cool corporate garden parties, all aimed at wowing clients and colleagues alike.

The best corporate event caterers can of course deliver everything from one end of the spectrum to the other - a delicious freshly toasted sandwich for a clients' driver and personal assistant? Not a problem. Stunning seafood ice bars in designer marquees or remote French chateaus? Easily done. The finest vintage champagnes, the most incredible caviars, the freshest oysters and the rarest cuts of Kobe beef? All possible if your corporate organisation can afford it!

Corporate events (and indeed corporate events budgets) are now absolutely crucial to the world's big corporate hitters, and as the industry gets more and more competitive, the companies that really wow their clients are the ones that stand out from the pack.

The very best corporate event catering companies - such as The Admirable Crichton, Alison Price, deWintons and "rhubarb" - can make every corporate event a real theatrical production, with the best glasses and china, the most professional uniformed and corporate logo-ed staff, and of course the best, freshest and most seasonal food, served in the most stunning ways. If you work in events for a big corporate company, and if your corporate events budget fits the bill, then using this kind of event catering company means you can be sure your business strikes exactly the right notes. If you want perfectionism and professionalism, if you want to impress with attention to every little detail, if you want your corporate event catering to reflect and mirror your company's business image and reputation, then this is the way to go!

Of course if your event catering ensures maximum impact for your company, then every single one of your guests leaves your event feeling that they have been looked after in the very best of ways. Not only will they have eaten the most fabulous food and sampled the finest wines, but most importantly they will have been impressed. A memorable corporate events like this, with superb catering, can simply make or break the biggest international business deals.

Event catering companies such as Food Show, "rhubarb" and Alison Price have catered for numerous events for some of the UK's biggest corporate hitters, such as HSBC, Barclays Capital, De Beers, KPMG, Royal Bank of Scotland, Price Waterhouse Coopers, Deutsche Bank, Sotheby's, Citibank and Rolls Royce. And events for these kinds of companies can take place in some of the most amazing venues such as The Royal Courts of Justice, The Natural History Museum or The Design Museum. And of course with the best corporate caterers being accredited and recommended at certain venues, there is always fierce competition for the best corporate jobs. The companies that win are those with the very best product, the very best service and the most impeccable reputation - just like the corporate companies that win in business too!

To ensure that you get value from the time and money invested in team building sessions and corporate retreats, there are several pitfalls that your company should avoid.

Team Building Pitfalls

1. 
   Allocate sufficient time for planning
   
   There is no way that you can expect to pull off an effective team building session or corporate retreat if 1 - 2 weeks prior to the session you are just contacting vendors



2. 
   Don't schedule your session to end on a Friday.
   
   Like it or not, focus will become a challenge as the day wears on.



3. 
   Do allocate more time for your session if your group is highly analytical.
   
   Analytical learners need more time to debrief and apply the session to your specific business challenges or they will leave feeling frustrated and that the session was a waste of time. "What was that?" will be a frequent comment on your feedback forms.



4. 
   Don't splurge on food and accommodation and scrimp on facilitation fees.
   
   ou need an experienced facilitator to execute a session successfully. I remember a company that contacted us in a panic. They had blown most of their budget for a top of the line conference facility with all the bells and whistles. They had little left to pay a facilitator. We suggested a couple of cost affective facilities for accommodation and meetings but eventually had to pass on that booking too as they insisted on the high end facility and could not afford a facilitator.



5. 
   Don't just go through the motions of team building.
   
   Team recreation is important. If your goal is a day off work, then schedule a picnic or recreational activity.



6. 
   Get your priorities straight.
   
   We thought we had heard it all when we were asked "Can you cut your simulation down to half a day so that we can have more time to go shopping?" Another time, a prospective client selected a venue that was less than optimal for their activity as they did not feel their staff could forego alcohol for one day and the ideal location was not licensed for alcohol.

Alcohol: Don't Let it Flow Freely

There is no way to address this topic without just coming out and saying it. "Watch the booze." Again it comes down to priorities and liability. I remember doing some location scouting with a prospective client. I should have known we were in trouble when one of the first questions they asked was "Will there be a fridge where we can store our beer?" It was downhill from there. Late night drinking binges, a director passing around a bottle of hard liquor before a physically challenging outdoor event and the CEO having to be confined to his bed on the last day of the session for overdoing it.

Certainly there is nothing wrong with a glass of wine with dinner. Many companies are not aware of the fact that if they allow the liquor to flow freely before an activity that involves physical exertion, your company could be held liable if someone gets injured.

There is another area of potential liability. If participants will be driving after your corporate event, hire a smart serve bartender who is trained to detect potential problems and turn off the tap when appropriate. You might also want to have a backup plan and provide a taxi or hotel accommodation for any participants who do become inebriated. The bottom line is that courts throughout the USA are rendering judgements that hold companies liable when employees consume too much alcohol at company-sponsored functions and then cause accident after leaving the event.

Put a Leash on the Libido

During some corporate retreats, excessive consumption of alcohol can lead to poor judgement and sexual indiscretions. Many companies don't realize that they are skating on thin ice when they turn a blind eye to dirty jokes, sexual innuendo and employees skinny dipping in the pool on a corporate retreat or at a sales rally. We heard of one sales rally to which the Director brought along a pornographic video. In the evening, the director, the CEO and several members of the sales team returned to the meeting room at the conference centre and watched it. The next day, a lot of snickering was going on. We are also aware of two unrelated incidents at two different companies during corporate retreats in which employees became so intoxicated that they jumped on the table and started doing a strip tease

If even one employee had decided to file a sexual harassment suit (US) or human rights complaint (Canada) due to any of these incidents, the negative publicity alone could have done a lot of damage to a company's reputation. As Astra USA, the American subsidiary of Astra AB, a Swedish pharmaceutical company discovered, it could also hit you in your pocketbook.

Astra USA agreed to pay nearly US$9.85 million to approximately 80 former employees complaining of sexual harassment and retaliation on the job, at corporate retreats and during sales rallies. They admitted to fostering a hostile work environment, including requests for sexual favors in exchange for favorable treatment on the job. Business Week Magazine covered this story in detail and you can still access it on their web site.

To avoid similar difficulties, have a clear code of conduct for ALL company related meetings, activities, and events. Cover it in your orientation, diversity training and management development programmes. Have every employee sign-off and agree to adhere to this code. When incidents occur that are clearly inappropriate, deal with them and send a clear message that certain behaviour will not be tolerated in the workplace or at company events.

Team Building: The Bottom Line

Team building sessions and corporate retreats can be enjoyable and produce a myriad of benefits for your company. To get the most bang from your team building buck, ensure that there is bottom line results in what you offer. Remember, people don't have to get wasted or tell off-colour jokes in order to have a good time. There is something to be said for brainstorming with co-workers to come up with solutions to some vexing business problems or flow charting to improve a process that isn't working. There is something to be said for relaxing around a bonfire, getting to know your co-workers while you pitch a tent or start a fire, cooking your meals outdoors, learning a new sport like polo, and the many other activities that can add the "fun factor" to your events. From where we see it, there is far more value in activities like that than boozing it up or frolicking nude in a hot tub with co-workers.

© 2006 Executive Oasis International

Enlisting sustainable event transportation services is a cost-effective way for companies to illustrate and promote their corporate social responsibility to the environment. It illustrates concern for the planet and a willingness to go the extra mile and do its part in minimizing the company's carbon footprint. On the other hand, it shows that the organization's move towards sustainability does not compromise its ability to make a profit.

Using fuel-efficient hybrids and other eco-friendly vehicles to transport employees, media, and clients to conferences or company-wide seminars can go a long way to improve a corporation's image to the public eye. After all, good publicity from the press can carry just as much weight as a CEO's engaging speech regarding corporate social responsibility.

Hybrid cars and vehicles offer a fair compromise for users by combining an electric motor with a gasoline engine, drastically cutting down on emissions while enabling them to share a similar performance to dedicated gasoline machines. When companies enlist the event transportation services of a capable eco-friendly provider, they're able to enjoy a wide selection of automobiles and vehicles that are just as much about luxury and presence as they are about fuel-efficiency.

For instance, some offices can provide transport options such as the Toyota Highlander Hybrid, a vehicle that comes with an emission-free and all-electric mode, while still retaining an impressive 270 HP gas/electric engine. A company that opts to transport its VIPs to their next investor's meetings in a fleet of sleek, fuel-efficient hybrids also sends another important message-that while they are committed to offsetting their carbon footprint, it doesn't mean they've forgotten how to increase their bottom line.

A company that enlists eco-friendly event transportation services can further drive home this point by making sure each of the company's VIPs are cared for as soon as they arrive. Getting into specifics, this can mean arranging for greeters the minute they step off the airport and arranging suitable accommodations at premium, conveniently located hotels. It can even be as simple as selecting drivers who are trained not to idle their vehicles when they're not on the move.

For any organization that's gradually opening its doors to sustainable energy, the services of a capable transportation services provider can help make their journey more manageable. This is especially true if the transportation provider that was hired has years of experience in advocating the use of eco-friendly vehicles for both corporate and public use.

In 2012 experts have noted a steady increase in corporate meetings and conferences. Together with this increase comes an evolving event equipment industry, experimenting with new technologies, marketing and branding techniques. Below you will discover new trends and dying practices in the corporate event industry.

Conveying the message in an entertaining way

What's hot:

More and more companies are relying on A-list speakers and performers to get their message across in an effective way. People are no longer interested in repeat presentations from the same speakers as last year. Drawing big names to the podium will have a significant affect on the participants' engagement with the event's message and encourage them to attend events in the future.

The use of film, animation and other types of audio visual presentations is also extremely strong. Through innovative audio visual tricks, companies are able to take advantage of certain themes and use such themes to keep their audience interested. Presentations such as the company's journey from earlier times to the present can be enhanced through musical videos and other visually stimulating material.

What's not:

Many event equipment and event production companies believe that the days of promo gifts are numbered. The introduction of smart phone technology and new event software suggests that audiences need to be engaged on the spot. This is proving to have a significant effect on the event's outcome as company's begin to use social media as a great ROI tool to view traffic and discussions about the event. Instead of leaving guests to think about the event afterwards through incentive travel gifts and merchandise, it is recommended to entertain them during the actual event.

Where is the money going in corporate events?

What's hot:

The rise of altruism. When big name companies organize large scale events they prefer to give something back to the community. Whether it is through promoting the event as a 'green event', focusing on recycling and other similar activities, or making sizable donations to charity and non-profit organisations.

What's not:

Careless spending is a thing of the past. Just because event equipment companies are offering newer forms of lighting hire and audio visual technology this does not mean that they are not offering an equally impressive way to implement this equipment in a less expensive way. Event organisers are therefore finding ways to create theme design and marketing in a budget friendly way while still making use of the exciting technology on offer.

Corporate events are just as essential as any affair in the organization's calendar of events. Many event organizers are confused between choosing to book a band or DJ or just play music from the iPod playlist for a corporate event. However, even with the growing popularity of mobile audio devices like iPod, music bands are still very much thriving in the music scene. If you're hosting a special event for potential clients, you can create a nice impression by selecting a professional music band to entertain them.

Whether you plan to have a small intimate event for your entire staff or you want to have a huge party for your clients, it's crucial to find appropriate bands for corporate events. The right band should be able to play great music that can keep your guests entertained. There's no doubt that live bands make any type of function seem like a grand affair. A band can raise the energy and enhance the essence of the sound that no pre-recorded music can match. A highly experienced band leader is very keen on what the crowd wants and can attract the guests to dance to the song they like. In a formal corporate gathering, the elegant appeal of the sleek horns, crisp tuxedos and stylish singers makes for an unforgettable event.

The leader in the band can also serve as the emcee of the event and can assist in making the show run smoothly according to the flow of the program. To make the whole program more seamless, band breaks are scheduled well around the primary program elements. Pre-recorded songs are played while the band is not playing and allow the hosts and other guests to use the sound system for speeches and toasts.

Aside from corporate events, live bands can be a great choice for almost any type of events which include wedding receptions, reunions, fundraising charity event, high school prom, birthday parties and others. You can choose bands that specialize in either jazz, blues, pop, rock, swing, funk, country or a variety band that can play different types of music genre to suite everyone's varying musical tastes.

Before you begin looking for music bands, you might consider the size of the venue. You need to have a venue that has enough space for the band to perform. The band that you booked should be flexible to make that corporate event of yours a success. They should know how to play music based on the general profile of the guests. Family members and friends who have been to several corporate parties are the best people who can recommend you reputable names of live bands. You can also take suggestions from the internet searches to locate some good bands since most of them already have their own websites where they post details about their work and contact details.

So if you want to make your corporate event very memorable, then you should book live bands to keep the crowd entertained and engaged all throughout the event.

What do we mean by Corporate Hospitality?

Corporate Hospitality can be described as any event where an organisation entertains clients, prospective clients or staff at the organisation's expense. This includes spectator sports, participatory events and activities, art or cultural events, and any other events.

The most popular events for entertaining guests are horseracing meetings, football matches, concerts and the major sporting tournaments such as the 6 Nations rugby, Royal Ascot, Test Cricket, The Open, Wimbledon and many more, too many to name here.

Corporate hospitality is usually sold in the form of a package which includes a good quality ticket or seat for the event along with drinks, a meal and sometimes a gift. This is a typical package but it does vary to cater for different events, facilities and budgets. Some packages, for example, would only include a drinks reception or buffet or, particularly at football events, simply the use of a corporate facility with drinks being paid for on the day.

Why use Corporate Hospitality?

The basic idea behind corporate hospitality is to strengthen relationships. Hospitality really targets the individual rather than the company as, for example, a purchasing director being invited by a sales director is of more benefit to the invitee than his/her company.

Hospitality could be seen as a form of bribery - a way to treat the individual in return for their custom but there is often more to it than this. Often these people would only ever speak on the phone or, at least, meet in a work environment. An invite to a corporate hospitality event offers the invitee the benefit of attending the event whilst offering the inviter, or host, the opportunity to get to know his customer.

A hospitality event has a much greater appeal than, say, inviting someone for a meal as it is often a highly prestigious event where tickets are not readily available. The event itself also serves as a focus for conversation - an easy ice breaker.

Justifying the cost

Hospitality packages can often seem highly expensive when compared to the broken down cost of a ticket, a meal and a few drinks but this is not a fair comparison. The hospitality package is an exclusive opportunity and should be likened to other forms of marketing rather than socialising.

Imagine that you have a contract worth several thousand pounds or dollars. Spending a few hundred on a hospitality package is as close as you can get to a guarantee of retaining this contract and, in the longer term, can be far more cost effective than cutting the customers' prices by a few percent.

Trophies are for singular achievements; medals are for academic and athletic successes and award plaques? Winners will always appreciate any award bestowed on them, but the reason for giving is as important as the actual award itself, so it is recommended that you know exactly when to give out award plaques to achieve the intended effect.

Since time immemorial, award plaques have been given for various reasons, among them for academic, athletic and corporate events, commemoration of significant achievements like heroism during a war, or an association with important places and people, like blue plaques which serve as a historical marker. Often instead of ribbons and trophies, award plaques are given because of their portability and ability to be displayed easily on any desk or shelf at home or in the office. They also make for more lasting reminders of personal successes and serve as an inspiration to achieve more.

When thinking of award plaques to give out, it is important to come up with something that will stand out. Traditional and timeless they may be but it is also a source of pride for the recipient and as such, they need to be really worth displaying and showing off. These days, colored plaques are all the rage with companies who want to honor their best employees' achievements at work. These types of wooden plaques are meticulously laminated with color plates and polished to create the illusion of solid wood. Also, these plaques are affordable because the laminated colored plates are also less expensive than most, due to its quality manufacturing and eco-friendly properties. Also popular for corporate awards are gloss black plaques that are overlaid with brushed silver engraving plates often made sleeker with laser engraving.

Those who are giving out plaques in a more formal setting can choose glass plaques which can be easily molded into any size, shape or form for distinctiveness and quality and usually made with sandblasting methods. To ensure long-lasting durability, these plaques are set on granite or glass bases. These types of plaques are best given during events to honor significant business achievements in sales or for events that honor significant achievements in the field of arts.

The most common type of award plaques are made of solid wood and are preferred mostly for its simple and elegant look. A variation of this type would be the laminated wood plaques, with the only difference being laminated wood plaques are made from 100% quality wood with very minimal designs and styling. This is also the reason why you see many of these plaques being given out during academic events, events honoring lifetime achievements and mostly private functions.

For the ultimate boss, there are the executive award plaques, which are usually a combination of materials like glass, wood and granite. They are also a bit pricier than the usual award plaques, with a more vibrant and elegant styling. These plaques are appropriately given during corporate events that celebrate a company milestone or any other significant industry success.

And last but not the least, there's the perpetual awards plaques that are appropriately given to those with continuous achievements yearly like Employee of the Month or Sales Person of the Month. These awards are usually hung in lobbies or reception areas as well as within the department to recognize consistent achievers. They can be customized with a picture of the awardees which usually serve as the best inspiration since they will want to keep seeing their pictures on the wall.

Above anything else, award plaques are made to honor people and the work they have done that contributed greatly to the organization or team. They need to be made to last and make for lasting memories. The great thing is that they can now be ordered online, designed specifically according to your needs and delivered in a considerable amount of time. You can even get discounts the more plaques you order and get them all engraved for free. Now you have practically no excuse not to be able to give the best award plaques at the best time.

If you look at companies making excellent profits, you can always find a good, hardworking and dedicated team behind all the success. The advantages of team building events are so many that almost all corporations have incorporated team building strategies and schedules to their standard training curriculum. Almost all advantages of corporate team building are noticed on a long term basis. Corporate team building ensures a contented workforce devoted to the company.

Corporate team building is beneficial to all sorts of companies, small, medium or large. In small scale companies, workers often have to perform more than one task; therefore the training and building of teams attains more importance. In large scale companies, individuals cannot achieve the best results, unless they are incorporated in a good team and work environment. Corporate team building minimizes the expenses and time consumption of recruiting and training new staff.

Team building always ensures increased productivity, competence and increased profit. The advantages of corporate term building include improved morality and leadership skills, ability to tackle barriers, clearly defined objectives and goals, and better understanding of processes and procedures. The newly achieved team spirit will not allow the team to be let down. The team members will fight obstacles and challenges as one unit.

All corporate team building events are great entertainment providers, just as family vacations or pleasure trips. These events provide realistic experiences that empower members to contribute to common goals. Corporate team building events also provide a great opportunity for team members to know each other and establish effective working relationships.

These team building practices can also improve a member?s personal life as he has an improved ability to think and adjust to surroundings. Enhanced communication skills, concentration, decision making, stress minimization and self confidence give a great sense of well being to all team members.

An effective corporate team building ensures more support to the company and project management efforts, better communication, faster and better conflict resolution, a sense of purpose and personal job satisfaction.