Finding a place to start in the planning process of your company’s corporate get-together can be difficult. With so many details to consider, we’ve put together a guide to help narrow your focus and help you assemble all the correct pieces for the perfect party!
Choosing the Event Space
Choosing the right venue for your next corporate event may seem daunting — especially in San Diego when so many picturesque and happening locations surround you. Let’s make it more fun by pinpointing all the key-note details to consider! With these factors addressed, the event space that fits your needs will rise to the surface in this sea of options.
- Parking — if you have many guests coming, you want to make sure there is plenty of parking near the event. Discuss parking options with your venue to make it easy for your guests.
- Guest Count — this will determine the venue size. You don’t want an event space where people feel cramped, but you also want to make sure it feels intimate and not too spaced out. This is the benefit of a small and customizable event space vs. a large chain hotel.
- Ambiance — If you are looking to plan a memorable client appreciation party, team building event, or Holiday party, you can’t go wrong with hosting your event on or near the water! Creating a luxurious beachy vibe with stunning views will leave your clients, employees, and guests with memories that will have them raving about your event for years to come. Event Planners are moving away from hosting corporate events in stuffy halls and rooms without views. Especially in San Diego, where there are breathtaking views of the ocean and harbor!
Defining Event Details
Once you choose a venue for your corporate event in San Diego, the next step is planning the actual event. Before you start planning, it’s helpful to think about the event itself and what you would like to accomplish:
A few things to consider when planning your event:
- Dress Code — How casual or fancy would you like the event to be? This will determine the style of décor, the type of entertainment, and the variety of food and drinks served.
- Dining Style — Is the event going to be a sit-down business luncheon with a speaker and a specific timeline? Or more of a late afternoon cocktail party with awards where you will be honoring stand-out employees and clients? Or will it be a fancy sit-down dinner for your employees and their significant others followed by dancing to live music or a DJ?
- Guest Count — (Yes, again.) Guest numbers will also determine the menu and whether it will be a buffet, tray-passed appetizers, and/or a sit-down meal organized and served by wait staff. It’ll also help determine whether you will host an open bar, hand out drink tickets or have a cash bar.
Choosing the Right Event Atmosphere
It’s fitting to host your event by the water if your business is in the San Diego area, especially if you try to impress out-of-town clients and potential business partners. When you are thinking about the décor, it’s helpful to think about how casual or fancy you envision the event and whether you want light touches of San Diego or more bold tropical statements.
Sometimes the more subtle and simple approach speaks volumes. For example, you can use silver chargers and decorate the tables with candles and soft seashell accents. Incorporating light blue to mimic the beautiful seawater offers a romantic feel also.
If you want to take a more bold, fun statement, choosing bright colors for the centerpieces and floral arrangements can help make a statement leaving your guests wowed. If you’re opting for a playful statement, consider setting up a photo booth station with leis, pineapple, straw hats, sunglasses, and other fun props.
Food and drinks are also a huge part of an event. When hosting an event by the water, it’s nice to incorporate seafood in the menu. Ask your corporate catering company which options may be available.
If you’re looking for the perfect corporate event venue in San Diego, contact us to schedule a time to visit Harbor View Loft. We are trusted for the most beautiful and memorable events in San Diego and would love to help you plan an event your clients and employees will love!