The Secret to Keeping Guests Happy at Your Next Corporate Event
When it comes to Sydney corporate events, whether you’re kicking off a new product launch or wrapping up the year with a Christmas party, you want to make sure it’s more than just another day on the office calendar.
These events are your chance to make people feel seen, appreciated, and part of something bigger. It’s a time when employees, clients, and business partners come together to share moments, laugh, and build connections that go way beyond the office walls.
Corporate events, when done right, can really push your company to new heights. So, how do you make sure your next corporate event is one to remember? That’s what we’re here to help with.
Here are some helpful tips that will help you create a day everyone will talk about long after it’s over:
Plan Ahead to Keep Things Stress-Free
Planning is everything. Get it right, and your event will be smooth, enjoyable, and memorable. Get it wrong, and you’ll be putting out fires the entire time. Also, it helps your guests focus on enjoying themselves rather than getting caught up in the logistics.
The most important first step is to set a budget. Be realistic about what you can afford, and of course, allocate funds wisely. The venue, catering, entertainment and guest experience should be top priorities. Nobody remembers how fancy the table centrepieces were, but they’ll remember if the food was terrible or if the event felt disorganised.
You have to invite the right mix of people as well. You don’t want a room full of strangers with nothing in common, nor do you want an echo chamber where everyone already knows each other. And remember to send out the invites early enough. A two-week heads up at minimum is good enough, and if possible, send reminders when the D-day is closer.
You’ll also need to create a buzz about your corporate event. Even if it’s an internal gathering, it’s good to get people excited about what’s coming up. A simple email or a teaser video can get people excited.
Nail Down the Venue and Set the Right Atmosphere
Your venue is the first impression your guests will have, and it sets the tone for everything that follows, so it’s worth putting the time in to get it right.
Once you’ve got a clear idea of what you’re trying to achieve with the event, you can start thinking about the kind of venue that’s going to help you get there. For example, if you’re hosting a product launch, you might want a venue with a bit of a wow factor, somewhere with a cool, modern vibe that’s going to make your product look amazing.
On the other hand, if you’re hosting a team-building exercise, you might want a venue that’s a bit more relaxed and informal, somewhere with plenty of space for people to move around and get creative. Remember to choose a space that suits your guest count and purpose, and book it early enough because the best corporate event venues in Sydney don’t stay available for long!
Create a Comfortable and Memorable Experience
The most memorable events are often the ones where you get to do something hands-on, whether that’s a team-building exercise, a workshop, or even a fun competition or two. So, consider what kind of activities would resonate with your guests and make sure to include them in your event plan.
Another way to make the event memorable is to add little things that will surprise and delight your guests. Maybe it’s a custom welcome gift or a personalised note to make them feel appreciated. People love being treated like individuals, so the more you can make them feel special, the more memorable the experience will be
And, if you really want to wow your guests, you should definitely hire an ice cream truck or a food cart from the Catering Club to provide a unique and delicious experience.
Be Ready for Real-Time Problem Solving
No matter how well you plan, things can go sideways at a corporate event. That’s just part of the game. For instance, you might have more guests show up than you planned for, or maybe fewer people attend than expected. Both situations can mess with your seating arrangements and catering. So, always plan for a few extra people.
It’s a good idea to have a bit more food and drink than you think you’ll need, and if the turnout is lower than you expected, focus on making the experience even better for those who do show up.
Handling difficult guests is part of the job, too. You might come across someone who’s unhappy or causing a bit of a scene. Be sure your staff knows how to handle these situations discreetly and professionally. And of course, having an ice cream truck for corporate events right around the corner will make your job of placating these unhappy guests much easier.
One more thing, make sure to conduct a thorough tech rehearsal before the event to identify and fix any potential issues. This means testing the sound, checking the projectors, and making sure the Wi-Fi is working. Don’t assume that everything will work seamlessly; test it all beforehand to avoid any last-minute stress.
And of course, you definitely need to have first aid available. Almost every jurisdiction in Australia including Sydney and New South Wales legally requires you to have medication, an ambulance, water, food and toilet facilities at a public event, so be sure to include those.
Get Feedback From the Guests After the Event
One of the best ways to make sure your next event is even better is to get honest feedback from the people who were there. And honestly, your guests will appreciate that you care enough to ask.
One simple way to collect feedback is by sending out an online survey. It’s easy for people to fill out, and you can send it via email or through a mobile app if you’ve got one for your event. A few simple questions about what they liked, what could’ve been better, and what stood out will give you plenty to work with.
If you want to get feedback right after the event while it’s all still fresh, QR code surveys can be super effective. Just pop a few codes around the venue, maybe on the tables or by the exits, and let people scan them with their phones. Don’t be surprised if many of them point out the ice cream truck as the highlight of the event!
If the event is a small one, you can simply move around when it’s almost over and ask the guests what they thought about the event. It doesn’t have to be formal or structured, just a friendly conversation. Also, it shows you care enough to ask in person.
Hire Paradise Ice Cream Truck to Make Your Next Event Memorable
Imagine the look of surprise and delight on your guests’ faces when a Paradise ice cream truck pulls up to your event. It would most certainly become a centre of attraction all through the event.
Having an ice cream truck present is a great way to break the ice (pun intended) and get people mingling. You can set up a designated ice cream area where guests can gather and enjoy their treats. You could even have a “build your own sundae” station with great toppings such as hot fudge, crushed cookies, fresh fruit or nuts.
You could also use the ice cream truck as a way to reward your guests for participating in certain activities or achieving certain milestones. For example, you could offer a free ice cream to the first 50 guests who arrive, or to the team that wins a certain challenge.
And don’t worry, we haven’t forgotten about the health-conscious guests. Our ice cream truck for corporate events offers a range of delicious and healthy flavour options including fruity sorbets and dairy-free, gluten-free and vegan ice creams.
Paradise Ice Cream is ready and available to bring smiles to everyone’s faces at your next corporate event in Sydney and nearby areas in NSW. Review our event packages, make a pick, give us the details for your event, and we’ll be right there on D-day.