Given the tough financial times at the moment, many companies are doing everything they can to keep their contacts and clients happy. Contrary to what you might think companies would do in a recession, many are increasing their corporate entertainment spend in order to keep contacts happy. But just how much money and effort should be spent making sure your guests enjoy themselves?

It is important to bear in mind that every business relationship works both ways.  You might be concerned that the other half will part ways, but it is highly likely that they will want to maintain relationships for the same reasons.  With this is mind it is really not necessary to break the bank on corporate entertainment. What is much more effective is well thought out events and hospitality.

Do some research into what activities you client or contacts have been on before and what they enjoy. This is a very easy way to get onto your guest’s good side as they will appreciate the fact you have taken the time to cater to their taste.Secondly, avoid booking one form of entertainment and assuming it will make everyone happy. Everybody is different and only planning one event is likely to leave some people bored and feeling left out. For example, if you book a corporate entertainment day at Henley Regatta, don’t just get tickets to watch a couple of races. Arrange for your guests to get a rowing masterclass from an expert, have one of the organisers show them behind the scenes and make sure you have a few goodies to hand out as well. This way you cater for all tastes and there is less chance of people feeling left out or bored.

Finally, make sure you don’t scrimp on entertaining costs. As mentioned earlier you should not go over the top with spending, but don’t do everything on the cheap either. You can’t help but insult your contacts by doing this as they will think that you obviously do not value them enough, which kind of defeats the point of the event.
For quality corporate entertaining and team building events visit Team Tactics