Planning a corporate event in Uganda is one thing. Successfully managing it, is an entirely different task of its own.
You can plan the most magnificent corporate event, but with poor management, it just won’t make the cut. So while planning is extremely important, guests only see the front end of the event-how it is managed.
To achieve the perfect product launch, seminar, conference, or whatever other event you have in mind. You need proper management. Your management at an event speaks a lot about you. It either shows that you care for the tiny details, or that you can’t hold a function worthy of your attendees’ appreciation and respect.
So if you’re looking for the best tips to successfully manage a corporate event, stick around and keep reading.
Let’s get to it!
Successful Corporate Event Management
Of course, we’re not going to be unrealistic and hit you with the little white lie that “You can achieve the perfect corporate event every time”.
No. Things happen that act as obstacles or little hiccups to your corporate event in Uganda.
Be it a rain storm drenching your guests as they walk in or an unexpected motor accident causing a traffic jam nearby, some things are just out of your control as an event manager. So don’t bash yourself over things you can’t control.
But here’s what you can control and should do your best to keep in check when managing a corporate event in Uganda.
Start Planning Early
Having been in the event management space for 9 years now, we’ve seen clients trip and stumble as they rush to plan a quickly upcoming corporate event.
Of course, we throw in everything that we can to help them out, but during those 5 minute coffee breaks we sit and wonder; “Why didn’t they start planning earlier?”
When you start planning early, you pick up on all the humps and obstacles before they hit you, allowing you to address them before the event.
Not only that, but because you’re relaxed, you’re significantly less inclined to forget any important details that may later cost you money, attendee satisfaction, and stress. So let’s start by planning early.
Embrace Flexibility
Throughout the event, things may change unexpectedly. You’ve got to be able to embrace and adapt to these changes.
Attendees may want you to speak in a different way, the event may start later than you intended, or even a lighting issue may affect where the center stage should be.
Whatever it is, you must always stay on your toes-ready to jump onto Plan B incase Plan A fails. This keeps your event in a naturally flowing state that paints the picture to your audience of you in control, even if you’re not.
But going back to the first point, the more planning you do, the less likely you’ll be to experience such dramatic changes.
Let’s be ready to adapt though!
Stick to the Schedule
No one wants to go to a “1 hour” long book launch and find themselves deceived into a 3 hour event that they feel guilty leaving early because of the fancy invitation you sent.
So if the event ends at 3pm, it ends at 3pm. And sure, from time to time you have to adjust the schedule to adapt, like I’ve just spoken about in the last point, to any sudden inconveniences.
But if nothing comes up, there should be no reason for you not to religiously stick to the event program. The punctuality makes you look more professional and your audience will appreciate your ability to keep the event on track.
This is especially important here in Uganda where most events tend to start late and end late as well.
Stand out by being one of the few brands who’s events start in-time and end on-time.
Delegate Responsibilities
No one is capable of being a one man show at an event. As an event manager, you already have so much to juggle and so you can’t afford to be the fixer of every single aspect of your event.
The solution? Delegating the different parts of your event to either team members or verified agencies to get them handled.
Contacting a catering team, sound system PA professional, florist, and decor agency are all steps that make the weight of managing a corporate event in Uganda lighter on you.
All you have to do is supervise the event, and they’ll play their parts in delivering. Leadership becomes easy when all you have to do is manage and oversee those who undertake the tasks.
Prioritize Communication
It is embarrassing to have to shout across the stage for the music to be reduced as a speaker walks up. So master communication.
I’ll stick with the music example. Plan your communication with the sound control table. Whether a 1 finger up would mean playing some filler music, or 2 fingers would mean turning it all down for someone to speak.
The point is to make sure you can easily communicate with the different parties that you delegate tasks to. The catering, the video management, the lighting control.
Maybe having wireless communication devices or hand signals would work. Whatever it is, just make sure it is clear from both ends of the line, concise, and easy to execute.
Photography
We all know that images bend emotions better than words. It’s why when you go to find a photographer for a corporate event in Uganda, you are met with seemingly bizarre charges.
“An hour for this much?! You’ve got to be joking”
But photographers really know their stuff. They understand how valuable they are and it’s why they get away with such hefty charges.
You too must learn to appreciate photography. Whether the photographers are shooting marketing content, memories, or content to be distributed to attendees, they provide you and your attendees with a portal to look back into the event after its completion.
This does well for your brand and besides, who wouldn’t want to see photos from an event they’ve just been to or hosted.
So make sure you sort out your photography before the event and cater for the photographers too, allowing them to do what they do best.
Audience First
The way you treat your audience significantly affects their perception of your business and brand.
That is why when managing a corporate event in Uganda, you must place your audience at the very center of your mind throughout the event.
Have wonderful ushers to address any concerns or queries they may have, provide comfortable seating, take the time to meet and speak with them.
It goes an incredibly long way in building a solid brand and hosting a successful corporate event in Uganda.
Need More?
You’ve made it this far! I assume you’re now fixated on that upcoming corporate event and equipped with the best tips when it comes to hosting a successful event in Uganda.
Since you’re so determined to make your event a success, why not choose the most premium corporate event planners in Uganda to get it sorted for you?
Tellit Events has over 9 years’ experience in corporate event planning and management so you can rest assured that you’re treating your brand to the very best.
Let’s start creating your event success together!
Find out more below.
