Here are a few tips for planning corporate events in Manchester:
– Venue – Manchester has lots of great venues for events including hotels, museums, historic buildings, and modern conference centers. Consider the number of attendees, your budget, desired atmosphere, equipment needs, etc. when choosing. Popular options include the Manchester Central Convention Complex, Science and Industry Museum, Emirates Old Trafford, etc.
– Catering – Pick a caterer that can provide food and drinks suitable for your event. Coordinate menus and dietary needs. Use caterers familiar with the venue. Consider breakfasts, coffee breaks, lunches, and drinks receptions.
– Entertainment – Live music, comedy, or theater can add a special touch. Manchester has great entertainment and production agencies to help. You could also plan activities like team building exercises.
– Logistics – Details like A/V equipment, seating, parking, registrations, name badges, programs, and more need planning. Hire an event planner or coordinator if needed.
– Promotion – Advertise early via email, social media, website, mailers, etc. Highlight speakers, agenda, and sponsors. Consider giveaways like bags, pens, and notebooks to promote the brand.
– Accommodations – Reserve a room block at nearby hotels if attendees will need overnight stays. Negotiate group rates. Arrange transportation like taxis or shuttles if needed.
– Budget – Track all expenses and revenue like space rental, F&B, A/V, decor, entertainment, accommodations, transportation, fees and permits. Build in contingency funds.
– Theme – A creative theme can tie everything together. Reflect on your event purpose and audience to come up with ideas.
– Add unique entertainment. Consider having live music, comedy, or theater performances. There are great local bands, comedians, and theater groups in Manchester you can bring in. Or offer fun Manchester-themed activities like crafting sporting events, or city tours.
– Send invites creatively. Mail invites using postcards featuring Manchester landmarks. Or get creative with the invite wording by incorporating local lingo, like referring to Manchester as “Manchester”.
Hope this gives you a good starting point for planning a successful corporate event in Manchester! Let me know if you need any other tips.
