|
|
Unique Victorian Edwardian 1800's
Reproduction Keepsakes & Ideas! |
|
|
|
||
|
|
Business & Corporate Events
Business socials and entertaining are an important aspect of public relations, company recognition, employee morale and further business opportunities. The process of planning any event involves having a list and some forethought. Most planners thrive on lists and sticky notes. It can be as simple as food, table decorations, gifts and invitations. Accommodating your guests, creating a theme, and properly presenting your main table is also important. If you were to role-play the entire event out in your mind, in advance, you would be able to capture vital details needed, how you serve your food, convenience for your guests and how to prevent disasters. Put some thought into the nature of the event. If it is a bridal tea, perhaps the inclusion of time-honored traditions could be included. If you are planning a retirement celebration (or fare-well event), the convenience of paper and plastic goods might be in order. Even so, add a touch of individuality for the person that you are honoring. Most recognition events will concentrate on cake, punch, coffee and gift. The focal point should be on the table. This would include table covering, proper buffet-style setting, centerpiece arrangement, and food. Even a simple event should be appealing to all. Don’t forget to accommodate the comfort of your guests. Assign someone to make a small presentation and see to it that you have a person or persons to work the food table. The planner sheets in this site will help provide you with many options and ideas. Choose the most appropriate for your event or celebration. Know that etiquette isn’t just for parties and socials. Etiquette crosses over into the areas of business meetings, ground-breaking ceremonies, visitors in your reception area. Etiquette is simply “the rules” of the occasion. These rules help others in knowing what is expected so that they will feel comfortable. The business world can have specially engraved invitations on the
traditional ecru or white heavy card stock
with the logo embossed or less informal invitations on decorative paper.
Depending on the event, the selection of invitation styles is important.
The invitation should include the name or names of those hosting the
event, such as the executive, organization’s director or board members’
names. It
should specify the type of event (reception, breakfast, dinner lecture,
or in honor of someone or something).
For special dinners, open house and banquets, etc., it is appropriate to
include a receiving line at the door (receiving lines are not just for
weddings!). Those
hosting the event such as the CEO and supervisors can have this role.
This is also a great business-building tactic.
Likewise, it is important to build rapport with the guests and to be able
to wave him off to other associates, the food table, the bar or other areas.
One should also consider those in the receiving line to wear name badges.
These greeter’s will make sure that each guest or attendee feels
welcomed and are wanted at the event.
Types
of Business Socials
Ground Breaking Ribbon Cutting Candidates Forum
Business
Social Functions
When hiring an outside consultant is not possible, the event coordinator may be a member of the organization. The person usually most responsible for coordinating socials for the business or department is the executive assistant. In this role, you are at the front line of being the representative for your company where your demeanor must be appropriate. Use the planners guide lists from different parts of this web site in order to accomplish your task. You can gain many valuable ideas in enhancing the image of your company through the social event. Planning and organizing is the key. Determine the atmosphere of the event. If the social is for prospective customers, consider a warm, simplistic style which will capture your targeted group. For the “power meeting”, add more simplicity and elegance. Check out other planning worksheets on this site!
In-House MEETINGS
Meeting appointments are productive opportunities to gain accomplishment, set out goals, and to distribute work assignments. The leader of the meeting should arrange a time that will ensure attendance by all vital persons. Most meetings can be productive in an hour with a group setting. If key information is best disseminated in small, groups of people, then you might consider this. Encourage all attendees to be on time. Start your meeting on time, even if you have stragglers. Set a structure in advance. Planning an agenda will allow better organization and will communicate to those in attendance the purpose of the meeting. Let the group know that the meeting needs to close at a certain time. If the meeting is for the purpose of generating ideas, have participants limit themselves to a certain amount of time so that others can participate as well. Some topics are best discussed with some on an individual basis. It could prove to be more efficient when scheduling a certain day and time. Be sure to be on time yourself. |
||||
|
|
1.
Determine the date & time
Select a
universal date which does not conflict with holidays, local events and major
celebration months. Begin your
search for the speaker as soon as possible.
Some trainers are booked up to a year in advance.
Determine the time allotments involved and be flexible if need be.
2.
Budget
The amount of
time or days that you need a speaker for will determine the amount of fee
payment required. Budget the amount
your group is willing to pay. Also
consider travel (mileage or airfare), lodging, meals, entertainment and other
personal attention. Also take into
consideration the fact that your are paying a fee for the speaker's research and
preparation time as well.
3.
Utilize your resources and contacts
Search for
qualified speakers through the pool of associations and network organizations.
Ask colleagues and associates for referrals or suggestions.
Contact a speakers bureau organization.
Use the internet as a source. From
these areas, determine the speaker's specialization area.
They may be able to offer other topic suggestions.
4.
Determine the needs and required training levels
Your
attendees may have required training needs in their field of expertise.
You may just need a keynote speaker, after dinner entertainer speaker or
a two-hour trainer.
5.
Type of Speaker
Remember that
high fees do not always guarantee a quality presentation.
Many in the field are excellent resources of information, with quality
presentations. Determine your
audience's needs to best serve their needs and match up the appropriate speaker.
Investigate the speaker's knowledge of the topic or subject.
Ask each
candidate questions pertaining to their field of expertise, their presentation
goals and objectives, and accomplishments.
Most likely, the speaker will ask you of your expectations and class
objectives. Find out if the speaker
has addressed similar groups. Request
a copy of sample course outlines, their curriculum vitae, and any videos that
they have produced.
7.
Peace of Mind
Your success
is in selecting the right speaker or speakers.
Make sure that their presentation can be customized and tailored to your
needs.
8.
Contract
Set out a
letter or contract specifying the arrangements, the fees, and your expectations,
travel, meals, payment terms, etc. Ensure
that all is clearly outlined out.
9.
Speaker's Needs
Determine, in
advance, the needs that your speaker may have.
Ask what types of audio or video equipment is needed.
If the speaker sells products, make arrangements for approval of such and
the stipulations that you have. Inform
the speaker about your group or organization.
Send the speaker items such a brochure, newsletter, business cards of key
personnel, and web site address. Let
the speaker know the type of audience that they will be addressing (i.e.
managers, professional members, health care workers, etc.)
10.
Lastly
For the
comfort and management of all, arrange the training room suitable to the needs
of the speaker and the attendees. Check
on tables and chairs; lighting; room temperature; break food items; equipment
needs, electrical outlets; and, registration table requirements.
Make assignments to individuals who may be in charge of handling certain
items. Have your attendees evaluate
the performance of the speaker/trainer and of the overall event.
For
any small or large group meeting or training program, certain elements exist for
the attendee. The comfort of the
room will determine the extent to which a person will absorb the presentation.
Other factors to consider is the room layout.
If the area allows distraction by others, then the learning environment
will be greatly reduced.
Other
factors to consider include:
·
Noise Level
·
Layout of tables and chairs
·
Versatility of media and
teaching tools
·
Number of breaks allowed in the
session
·
Audio
·
Audience facing away from entry
doors
The
basic learner comes in three modes:
·
Those who learn by auditory
senses
·
The visual learner
·
The Active learner
Many
studies have proven that learning comes from all three styles.
By using a combination of visual aids, lecture, and group learning
exercises, the attendee will gain more from the material and obtain an enjoyable
learning environment. Visual aids
such as the overhead project, a videotape, hand out materials, and charts, add
to the participation level of the visual learner.
For those who are "doers", the active leaner gains
more by participating in a role modeling exercise, a small survey-test, or
break-out groups. The oral
learner is
complacent enough to sit through the meeting or the seminar and gain valuable
information. However, there is a
much lower percentage of these "oral learners" in your group or
audience. For this reason, it is
important to utilize a combination of methods and activities.
The
layout of the tables is also very important.
For business meetings, the "U-shape" design allows for adequate
visual of all attendees. The
U-shape is also excellent for building rapport between the trainer and the
trainee. Movement inside the U is
easily attainable and welcomes active participation.
In
larger settings, schoolroom style is used and the tables provide additional
comfort for the guest. Where
space is limited, the theatre style arrangement may be necessary when expecting
a larger group.
General Information on this Page
Worksheets on Page 2 |
||||
|
Barry Maher & Associates P.O. Box 2126 Santa Barbara, CA 93120 805-962-2599 www.barrymaher.com Barry is a speaker, consultant and writer |
 |
||||
|
|
http://www.prestigevents.com/
|
111+ pages of All-Occasion &
Wedding Planner Worksheets
|
|||
|
|
|||||
|
| |||||
