Corporate event planning can be a stressful task. During the corporate event planning process, it is easy to overlook proper ethics and etiquette. This guide provides a list of the basics or ethics and etiquette at any corporate event.
Behavior Guidelines
When planning a corporate event, the goal is often to provide a relaxed and entertaining experience for your employees. However, guests at the corporate event still represent your company in public and should be expected to behave in a respectful manner. Behavior guidelines should be made clear to all attendees.
Alcoholic Drinks
Serving alcohol is a touchy subject for many corporate event planners. Many companies opt for a non-alcoholic event. If your corporate event does include alcohol, it is best to limit the number of alcoholic drinks consumed by each guest. This is most effectively done by requiring guests to pay for their own drinks after a complimentary cocktail with dinner. Providing a full bar at the company’s expense is often a recipe for disaster.
Gratuities
When planning a corporate event, the event planner should incorporate an appropriate gratuity into the event budget. Housekeepers, valets, servers, caterers, hosts, and barkeeps should all be provided with a gratuity for their service. Many facilities automatically incorporate a gratuity into the bill for large events, but this should not be assumed. The gratuity should never be left up to the attendees of the event.
Dealing with the Unexpected
Every corporate event has unexpected occurrences. Whether you are dealing with an obnoxious guest, spoiled food, a rude server, or cramped quarters, corporate events call for graciousness and self-control. It is a good idea to hire a few security personnel for large events to help handle any potential problems during the event.
Bring contact numbers for companies contracted to provide services during the corporate event in case problems arise with the staff or services provided. Expecting perfection during a corporate event is unrealistic. Stay flexible and poised during unexpected events.
Basic Corporate Event Etiquette
There are also a few basic etiquette guidelines for corporate events.
*Name-tags should be worn on the right shoulder. This allows people to read name-tags easily while shaking hands.
*If attendance at the corporate event is required, all employees should be told in advance that their presence is expected, not desired.
*The company sponsoring the corporate event should dictate an appropriate dress code for attendees, even if the dress is casual. This eliminates any confusion over what is appropriate for the event.
Planning a corporate event can be a positive experience. Proper etiquette and good ethics during a corporate event helps reflect positively on your company’s reputation.