Elevate your Next Corporate Event in Calgary with these 5 Creative Ideas
Looking to host a successful corporate event in Calgary and tired of boring Zoom meetings? In-person events are back and The Commons Calgary is here to help you make your next event one to remember.
Whether you're planning a small team meeting or a large conference, our team has curated a list of 5 creative and engaging ideas to help you host a successful corporate event in Calgary. Let's explore these options together and turn your vision into reality!
Photo by Kelsey Vera at the GRIT Gala in 2023
Set your event goals and objectives and get planning
Hosting a successful corporate event requires careful planning, organisation, effective communication and budget management.
By following these tips, you can ensure that your Corporate Event is a success.
Identify the event's purpose, goals, and desired outcomes.
Finalise the audience size to plan budgets, themes and spaces.
Be organised with a thorough plan and timeline, and delegate tasks.
Invite guests through media channels such as social media or newsletters and entice them with incentives.
Keep your guests satisfied with the catering
Food fuels the brain so a successful event means well-fed, satisfied attendees. Ensure there is enough food and snacks so that no one goes hungry, and make it fun! Consider making the food part of the experience with food trucks, ice cream bars or a DIY burger bar. For the conclusion or an evening event, make it a cocktail making class, or create custom cocktails for the event. If you’re running a larger event, it’s recommended to work with experienced caterers.
The Commons Calgary has a selection of experienced caterers that can assist and help make a lasting impression on guests.
Delicious snacks by Great Events Catering
Choose the right space for your corporate event
After your initial planning, choose an event space that will bring your vision to life. Consider how many people are attending the event, what you’ll be doing in the space and how long you’ll need it for. Will you need a breakout space or a separate area for lunch and morning tea? The Commons Calgary offers various versatile options that will match your needs. From the Parlour Room, which is ideal for workshops and client appreciation events, to the Flanagan Theatre at The Grand, which is perfect for large conference events. For intimate workshops and meetings, take inspiration from Park by Sidewalk Citizen or Orchard. No matter the corporate event, The Commons Calgary will help you find the space you need.
Photo by Priscilla Du Preez
A fun and immersive event is always memorable
Don’t let your event be a bore with the delegates nodding off under their glasses. A successful event needs to be memorable and stand out from other events in the industry. Make it informative, interactive and fun. Aim high with your conferences and allocate at least 25% of the event time to be interactive and hands-on.
Attract high-profile, thought-provoking industry leaders related to the conference (think TED Talks), however, don’t be afraid of hosting a subject matter expert from an adjacent field. Introduce some live online polling such as Slido to keep the guests engaged. For workshops, product launches or team events create a hashtag competition with user-generated content (UGC). Use these as a competition and have awards for the best input. For networking events, provide a checklist for delegates to check off with vendors, and offer a prize for those who complete it. By combining information and interaction, your corporate event will become memorable and a success.
Stay engaged with your attendees
For a successful corporate event, follow up with feedback surveys or save-the-date announcements immediately after the event. Share highlights and key takeaways of the event on social media or newsletters to stay engaged with those who attended the event and attract the attention of those who missed out.
Corporate events are back, and hosting a successful one in Calgary requires careful planning and execution.
By setting clear goals, objectives, and budgets and staying organised, you can make your event a success. Once you’ve selected the right event space, communicate effectively with your guests and promote your event. Make the event memorable and immersive while sharing the key learnings with your community to keep them engaged and ready for the next event. When planning your next corporate event, consider these tips to make it a success.