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Corporate events play a vital role in business. They create opportunities to engage, connect and communicate, helping you build better teams, stronger relationships and wider networks. In 2022, the corporate events sector was booming with an estimated one million conferences and meetings taking place. Despite a slowdown during the pandemic, these events are recovering and continuing to grow. Whether the purpose is to launch a new product, make a company announcement or meet new clients, there are various types of corporate events, and they need the right venue to have the desired impact. Here at Argyll, we have 12 distinctive spaces across London and host a variety of corporate events each year. In this blog, we’ll take a look at exactly what a corporate event entails, what the different types are, and how to choose the right venue.
What is a corporate event?
A corporate event is essentially any occasion or gathering organised and funded by a business. They will have a targeted purpose, whether it’s a celebration of successes, an announcement of new developments, staff training or networking to name just a few.
Who are corporate events aimed at?
Corporate events can be aimed at anyone associated with a particular business or industry. It may be an event for employees, shareholders, board members, customers, or suppliers and industry connections.
Different types of corporate events
Among the plethora of corporate events held each year, these are some of the most popular.
Conferences
Conferences are typically corporate events that happen within a B2B environment. They can bring together whole sectors and industries for learning, networking and communicating new information. They usually take place in open spaces where keynote speakers give speeches on important topics, followed by smaller breakout sessions in more comfortable surroundings to allow delegates to reflect and contribute ideas. A conference needs a versatile venue that can accommodate the various sessions. At Argyll, for example, our spacious boardrooms and lounges are ideal for corporate events in London, such as conferences. Our outdoor terraces and gardens also offer tranquil areas for breakout sessions and inspiring discussion.
Launch events
Launch events occur for a variety of reasons – perhaps to launch a new product or service, or to present a new business or rebrand. They can have a cross-section of attendees including customers, stakeholders and suppliers, or a business may choose to hold a focused launch event for a more targeted audience. They would typically involve a presentation, time for Q & A, networking, and sampling or product testing. Launch events take place at a variety of venues depending on the number of attendees and plans. Again, a venue which offers a range of spaces and flexibility is important.
Company meetings
Company meetings are internal corporate events that bring together employees, board members and shareholders to discuss key happenings such as new products, performance, organisation announcements and even training. An AGM is an example of this type of event, where business stakeholders convene to review company results and objectives. For external company meetings, the size and tone would steer your choice of venue. Here at Argyll, our meeting rooms, boardrooms and lounges exude a modern elegance and executive professionalism that’s the perfect backdrop for company meetings in London.
Networking events
Networking events are a critical part of building a successful business. They are the ideal way to make industry connections, meet new clients and encounter potential collaborations. These events can take many shapes and forms, from dinners and drinks to tradeshow breakout sessions and quirky events like speed networking. They take place in spaces that allow for moving around and mingling, with more intimate areas for in-depth discussion.
Corporate dinners
Companies organise large formal dinner events for special celebrations, award ceremonies, fundraisers and networking events. As well as a formal dining experience, they can involve speeches, award presentations and entertainment. Dinners are perfect for celebrating successes, rewarding employees, and engaging with VIPs and key stakeholders. Corporate dinners can take place at restaurants or catered event spaces, such as Argyll properties.
Receptions and parties
Receptions and parties are corporate events with a more social feel. They may involve a seated dinner, but more often, the focus is on socialising over drinks and light dining such as canapés. They may be held to mark events such as anniversaries or end-of-year results. Smaller intimate spaces are ideal for these types of corporate events and, in warmer months, outside areas can work particularly well. A party at a breathtaking rooftop setting, for example, is sure to impress and create a memorable event.
The difference between a corporate event and a social event
Corporate events differ from social events in that they’re organised by a business with a clear objective in mind. Although some may have social aspects, such as staff parties or team building days, corporate events have a business purpose and they’re generally more formal. Social events, on the other hand, are informal and purely for enjoyment and entertainment.
How to pick the right location for a corporate event
Location can directly affect the ambience, impact and success of your corporate event, so choosing the right venue is important. Read on for some tips on what to look for when choosing a venue for your corporate event.
Size
Choose a property with enough space for what your event entails, and you need to ensure the venue can accommodate all your guests. Perhaps you only need a single space for a small meeting for example, or if you’re planning a conference, you may need a venue with multiple areas of varying size and feel for different sessions throughout the day. At Argyll, for example, our unique event spaces across various character-filled properties in London can accommodate up to 150 guests and have a range of areas inside and out, ideal for every event.
Address
One of the most important aspects of selecting the right venue for your event will be the address. You need a location that’s easily accessible to ensure maximum attendance, and if you’re planning an internal corporate event, you should consider the travel expenses involved. Also, think about whether a particular address is cohesive with the image you’d like to convey for your event and brand. At Argyll, our event spaces are housed in unique properties across some of London’s finest neighbourhoods, from an art-deco statement building in Chelsea to a Grade II listed townhouse in Pall Mall.
Ambience
Don’t forget about the ambience of a venue and how this can impact your event. Choose a venue with a character synonymous with yours and ensure that the space is brought to life in line with the theme of our event. We have distinctive event spaces across the capital from contemporary rooftops to light-filled atriums. Also, we can thoughtfully tailor the space to match your theme, brand and tastes, adding contemporary floral design and custom lighting to complete the look and feel.
Facilities
Ensure the property you choose has all the facilities you require. What technology do you need to have access to? Can the location provide catering, drinks and morning coffee? Are there facilities to host entertainment? Here at Argyll, we have lighting, AV equipment and entertainment to captivate your audience and create a lasting impression. We can even provide photography and videography to capture every moment as your event unfolds and branded goodie bags to take home.
Hosting the perfect corporate event at Argyll
From conferences to networking and formal seated dining, there are various types of corporate events to help celebrate your business successes and lay the foundations for future triumphs.
Elevate your next event by choosing one of Argyll’s iconic venues across London. Accommodating up to 150 guests, and with catering, lightning and not to mention character provided, we’ll ensure a seamless and inspirational event.
Enquire now to start planning.
