Corporate Party Favors and Supplies
July 16, 2018
Throwing a corporate party is a great way to show appreciation for your company and staff, and to bring excitement to the office! At NYC Corporate Events we believe party favors and gifts go even further to show employees you recognize their hard work and contributions. For your corporate event, we have a huge selection of gifts sure to impress.
Popular keepsakes such as Travel Backpacks with a Laptop Compartment and battery power banks are sure to be a hit with busy employees! Or to relax and refresh include a Bath Bomb Spa set!
We provide top-rated products because we believe that even the simplest of details have the power to take a party from ordinary to extraordinary. Our friendly staff at NYC Corporate Events is here to help make the ordering process quick and easy, and we will work hard accommodate your budget. So don't plan your corporate event on your own, call us to throw a party that will be the talk of the water cooler for years to come!
5 of the Best Summer Gifts for Your Next Corporate Event
July 10, 2018
Want to plan the perfect summer corporate party? Show your appreciation in style! We at NYC Corporate Events have put together 5 items you need to include in your gift bags to ensure your party is a splash!
Savvy Infusion- Infused Water Bottle
Savvy Infusion bottles are reusable and provide a healthy and inexpensive alternative to soda, juice & sports drinks. Infusing water with natural fruit is a fun and energizing way to hydrate & refresh. Simply add fresh or frozen fruits and herbs, along with still or sparkling water, to flavor and infuse your own thirst quenching detox water and tea infusions. Perfect for the gym, beach, office, or wherever those summer days take you!
Barnett’s Gourmet Chocolate Box Gifts
Handcrafted from only premium ingredients, using delicious nuts, chocolate and toppings. These twelve chocolate covered gourmet sandwich cookies, come in a variety of flavors. Beautifully presented in a classy gift box and tied with a gold or brown ribbon. These cookies are the perfect gift to say Thank You!
Amazon Gift Cards
Who doesn’t love receiving a gift card! No hassle and an instant success!
Instant Cooling Towel
Stay cool even on a hot summer’s day with Tough Outdoors' Cooling Towel. How does it work? Easy! Just run it under water for one minute, wring the excess water out, place it around your neck, and you're all set! The chilling effect can last up to several hours, making it the perfect add-on to a summer gift set!
Sunyear Backpack Chairs
These lightweight and compact folding camping backpack chairs are sure to be a hit! Portable, breathable and comfortable, Sunyear Backpack Chairs collapse into a small bag. Making It is easy to take on every trip and any outdoor activities, your office adventurers are sure to thank you!
Things to Consider When Putting Together Your Corporate Swag Bag
July 3, 2018
Everybody loves free stuff. Here are unique goody bag ideas for the ultimate event swag. Whatever your price range and audience, keep the bag versatile and engaging!
Many conference bags are unoriginal. Another pen or paperweight isn’t really something to get excited about. You want attendees to leave an event delighted about the swag they brought home, splashing the event goodies across social media and making them want to come back!
Music is another common love that everyone shares so a cheap and cheerful goody bag gift that attendees will enjoy are headphones and they are easy to brand as a static marketing technique as well. Panasonic ErgoFit In-Ear Earbud Headphone are an option that is sure to be a hit!
A practical giveaway is a Fitkit. In essence, this resistance band and workout kit encourages exercise and a total body workout, even if traveling away from home and on the go! Presented in a portable branded bag, includes resistance bands, and exercise videos online to follow produced by a qualified fitness instructor. This giveaway is sure to keep people on their toes!
Provide the ultimate movie night giveaway by providing a gourmet popcorn presentation set. Deanan’s Gourmet Box of Assorted Popcorn Singles come in Caramel, Dark Chocolate, Caramel and Kettle Corn! This snack is perfect for unwinding after a busy event!
Goody bags are important to your attendees so no matter what you choose, make sure that you have an impact for the right reasons. Keep your brand in the forefront of their mind. Ultimately, unique and decent swag will spread awareness and keep your goodies from being forgotten or thrown away!
Tips for Throwing a Successful Event
June 25, 2018
Your boss just asked you to plan an event to celebrate the office and all your coworker’s hard-work and you are thrilled with the opportunity! But it is a lot of planning! Where should you start? What do you need to do? How do you make it a success? Below are our top 5 tips to ensure a smooth event:
1. Remain Organized
While you're doing your initial planning, document what you're doing; the choices you've made, the reasons, and the costs of all the elements of the event. Set a preliminary budget by determining how much you can spend on food, entertainment, room rental, invitations and any other additions that you would like to make for the event.
2. Choose the Right Location
Talk to people who work or own the venues you are considering. Tell them about your event and what facilities will be needed. They will know if their venue fits your needs or what can be done to make it better. Searching for a venue should happen in the first stages of planning. The sooner you find out where your event will be held, the sooner you can inform your guests about the location. Announcing a venue on late notice means fewer attendees, so be timely for best success!
3. Understand the Purpose of the Event
Establish a companywide “vision” or “purpose” of what you hope to get out of the event: is it a fundraiser, is it launch party, employee appreciation? Whether you are doing a cocktail party, a workshop or the company picnic, setting a theme gives the tone of the event and gives you a starting point when picking your food, your music, your décor and more. Make sure that your theme is appropriate to the crowd for which you are planning.
4. Cater the Event
You're going to need good food to keep everyone happy! Whether your event is a social occasion for your business members or a corporate meeting event, food is a must. Again, talk to people who work at the catering company and describe to them in detail the event you are planning. Customize your own menu, put forward your own ideas for the kinds of food you'd like to be served at your event, but it's also important to listen to their suggestions on what works best given their previous event history!
5. Keep Guests Entertained
Food and drinks are always a staple! But look into hiring entertainers to make sure the event is a success! Find out what is best for your occasion, does this even call for live music, a DJ, dancers, or photobooth? Extend the entertainment further and have them leave smiling with a jam-packed swag bag full of fun and useful goodies! If your guests have a good time and they’re definitely going to want to come to the next event you plan!
6 Tips for Choosing the Right Event Venue
June 17, 2018
Choosing an event venue is one of the most important choices you’ll make in the planning process but one reason event planners can’t find the right event venue is because they don’t know where to start.
For best results, follow these guidelines.
1. Know Your Target Audience and Guest List Size
Before creating a short-list of event venues to look at, know who will attend your event and how many people you’ll invite. You’ll want to make sure that your venue can accommodate your expected guest list and is suitable for the audience.
If your event is by invite only, request that your attendees RSVP by clearly printing it on the invitation or in modern times through an E-invite. Set reminders for a response if necessary.
2. Know How to Cater to Your Guests
Knowing the demographics of your audience is vital to the selection of your event venue. For example, get an idea of the average income of your attendees, what their likes or dislikes are, what they are accustomed to or what their expectations for the event might be. If your audience is a group of CEOs then your venue should reflect their tastes and needs.
3. What Location is Convenient for Your Guests?
Selecting an event venue location in proximity to where your guests’ live or work often reflects on the number of people that will attend. Consider alcohol consumption and transportation as a factor to help when choosing the venue. You don’t want attendees to drink and drive so have transportation options available after the event so they can get home safely ensure taxis or ubers are accessible for when people leave the venue.
4. What Will the Weather Be Like?
Keep an eye on the weather and adjust your needs accordingly. Is it indoor or outdoor? For example, if you’re organizing an event and it’s supposed to rain then have umbrellas on-hand or tents available for outdoor events. Or consider relocating the event location if it takes place during the rainy season.
5. Venue Knowledge and Experience
Before you decide to hire a venue for your event, ask them for a list of events they’ve planned, and ask to see pictures of those events so you can see the various layout options. You might want to speak to some of the staff as well so you know what experience they have. Find out the ratio of servers to guests and what employees might wear during your event.
You’ll also want to know what the event venue will take care of and what you have to prepare for the decorating, setting-up, and tear-down of the event and what the cost will be.
Ask about venue restrictions. Venues often have unstated restrictions on things like decorating, photography/videographer, alcohol sales, bringing in outside food like cakes, and bringing in outside caterers.
6. What Other Services Does the Venue Provide?
Before hiring a venue get a list of other services they provide, like:
- Available Catering, bartenders and floral arrangements.
- Parking. Do they have their own parking facility or is parking nearby?
- Security
This can save you time, money, and effort if the venue provides their own services.
When booking a location the more information you know about the venue and past experiences the better! No questions are off limits so make sure you ask about any concerns that you might have. Happy event planning!
How to Boost Your Event With a Raffle
June 12, 2018
Raffles are a great way to raise money for charity, or to promote your event as they entertain guests and raise excitement. To people that are new to organizing raffles, it may not always be clear how and where to begin. With tips from us at NYC Corporate Events your raffle is sure to be a win!
1. Check Local Laws and Regulations
Always check local or regional laws regarding raffles. In some provinces and states, raffles may be considered as lotteries that requires special licensing or permits. Check local to ensure your raffle, draw or lottery is legal to operate.
2. Set Goals
You have to determine if the raffle is for charity or for profit. Set dates and objectives for your organization or team and prioritize them. The goals you set will also give your team motivation and urgency to carryout a successful event.
3. Raffle Prizes
Do research about what type of prizes you want to offer your target audience. Most people will participate in a raffle that offers sought after items or experiences they are interested in. In the case of charities, as an organizer you may want to contact sponsors to donate “big ticket” prizes otherwise not affordable.
Some successful items to raffle are:
- Travel vacations, who doesn’t want to travel? Trips can get costly so many people try their luck at winning an unforgettable experience!
- Spa Packages. Try to contact your local Spa, if it is a charity fundraiser see if they would be willing to donate a package to help support the cause!
- Electronics, who doesn’t want the latest gadgets? If you’re budget conscious or the scope of your raffle budget is on the smaller side, electronics is the way to go. Speakers like the Sonos One or Tablets like the Microsoft Surface Pro are sure to be a smash!
- Gift Certificates. Gift cards like a Visa Cash Card offer an excellent prize option. They are cost effective and people love them because it gives them the option of getting something they really need or want.
4. Print Raffle Tickets. Lots of Them!
Now that you’ve gotten yourself organized you need to print custom raffle tickets. Sounds easy enough, however it’s important to consider how many you want to print. Custom printed tickets also increase brand awareness, and look more professional.
5. Promote Your Raffle
Make sure during and before the event you mention to guests all the cool and fun prizes that they are able to win! It gets people eager to attend your event and participate in the activities available. Happy guests equals a successful event.
Tips for Hosting a Company BBQ
June 6, 2018
Thinking of a summer work event? Try a company BBQ!
With summer here let the BBQ’s begin! Planning a company BBQ for your next business party can be a fun twist on any work event.
Corporate parties are great for boosting employee morale and showing appreciation for a job well done. Many companies save their celebrations for the end of the year, but why wait? Summertime is a great time to celebrate, too!
Following a few simple guidelines from those of us at NYC Corporate Events will help ensure your company BBQ is a hit!
Planning the Menu
Your typical BBQ fare of hotdogs and burgers, along with other grilled meats will fulfill most guests’ expectations. Make sure you plan for tasty sides and desserts too! Decide if you want to have someone manning the grill, a company potluck, or a caterer!
Be sure to have guest’s dietary restrictions and requirements in mind, including vegetarians, vegans etc. Adding menu items for everyone helps ensure each guest gets enough to eat.
The decision to serve alcohol at your company BBQ is up to you and your company’s guidelines.
Renting Equipment and/or Catering Services
Some venues may already have equipment such as gas grills, and other essential supplies already on hand for cooking. Also find out if they already provide tables and chairs, or other seating arrangements. Otherwise, you need to start looking into either borrowing or renting this equipment. If you hire a catering company, they usually will bring the necessary equipment and supplies for you.
Keep Guest Entertained
Party games let your guests have fun while creating excellent team-building opportunities. Don’t forget the versatile prizes, like a Swell Water Bottle or Fitness Tracker!
Here are a few popular ideas:
Above all else, remember your company BBQ is a time for fun and enjoying good times with your co-workers!
Will They Toss It Or Take It?
May 31, 2018
Here are the do's and don't to filling up your corporate swag bag.
The conference bag is the first gift you give an attendee. Make a great first impression, so make it too good to throw away.
Take It
The key question every attendee asks is, “Do I need or want this?” Here are the top things people are sure to keep and take home!
- Attendee-specific information- personalized items
- Electronics basics like earbuds or headphones.
- Mobile Chargers like Anker External Batteries
- Attractive clothing-t-shirts, hoodies, jewelry, sunglasses- keep the logo very minimal for best use!
- Sealed Food like gourmet lollipops, popcorn or coffees!
Toss It
You may notice this list includes some of the obvious and traditional event items. Attendees see them every time. Just how many pens does anyone need? Here are the top things people will toss in the trash before they go home.
- Cheap, low-quality items—pens, magnets, paperweights
- Printed collateral- wasteful to the environmental and always ends up in the garbage
- Super-branded items--item has far too much branding and unusable outside of the event
- Anything that won’t pass airport security- large liquids, sharp items
Be sure to make your bag worth taking, not worth tossing!
When attendees love your bags and considered them filled with unique, exclusive, valuable items and information, they are sure to come to your next event!
At NYC Corporate Events, we’re here to help you maximize the potential of your bag. Make it part of your overall communication strategy and use it to support and enhance your event message.
Catering Tips for Your Next Corporate Event
May 19, 2018
Are you in the midst of planning for your company’s next corporate event? Looking to pull off an all-day event with food and beverages that your co-workers will love?
A good caterer is highly organized and knowledgeable about preparing large quantities of food. They can send dishes out to diners or keep party food flowing without missing a beat. Follow our guidelines at NYC Corporate Events to help you pick out the perfect caterer!
Count Heads
Have an estimated head count ready to provide a caterer that allows them to draw up menu options. If you want a buffet, most venues require a minimum of 35 guests. It is also crucial to consider what you’ll need from your caterer. Sometimes, you may need appetizers and entrees, or just one versus the other. Your caterer should be able to handle the size of your party without hesitation, get all the crucial details and costs upfront. A budget planner is sure to make organization easier!
Be Flexible
Always overestimate your head count to account for last minute attendees. If attendance numbers increase on the day of the function, many venues reserve the right to substitute menu items to accommodate extra guests.
Buffet Or Wait Staff Service?
Depending on how busy your corporate event schedule is, you’ll have to decide if a self-serve buffet or a full service waiting staff is needed to serve and remove plates. If the focus needs to be on the corporate speaker and you’re looking to save time, a full service wait staff keeps attendees in their chairs longer. If you’re looking for a way to break up the event and network, schedule a buffet that allows attendees time to mingle and move around.
Select a Menu
Follow these general catering tips for selecting your corporate event menu:
- Lunch should offer a 5-ounce entrée per person, two to three side dishes and two to four appetizer options.
- Dinner typically offers three to five appetizers, soup or salad, a 7-ounce main entrée and two to three side dishes. Plan on two servings of dessert per guest too.
- Cocktail Functions that don’t include dinner call, require 10 to 15 appetizer servings per person, and a bartending service.
- For long seated events consider keeping a snack or mint on the table to keep guests busy!
Dietary Restrictions
It’s important to have enough menu variety to satisfy all your guests. Since many people are vegetarian, vegan or gluten-free diet, you should inform your caterer that you need foods that cater to all options. If the catering service you hire needs to know about dietary instructions in advance of your corporate event, it’s important that employees with dietary restrictions RSVP beforehand!
Clients and attendees are more impressed by a nice food spread and are more willing to pay attention to your event if they’re having a good time and are fed well. With these tips you’re sure to find the perfect caterer for your event!
Coporate Party Entertainment
May 10, 2018
Looking to make your next corporate even the most exciting and memorable yet? Booking the right entertainment is vital to take your event from good to great! At NYC Corporate Events we’ve compiled a few entertainment ideas to keep the ball rolling at your next party.
The best entertainment ideas for your event will integrate seamlessly with your venue, theme, and goals. And with event-goer’s expectations rising every year, the right entertainment can help you impress attendees with an unexpected experience.
Live Music
A single live musician makes a big impact. Check in with a local band, string quartets, DJs, guitarists, singers, and harpists in the background to great effect without busting a modest budget—what fits the theme and appeal of your guests best?
PhotoBooth
Set up a photo booth station adored with fun props to commemorate the experience!
Caricaturist
Caricaturists are always a hit at any event — but take it up a notch by choosing an artist who is higher tech. Caricature artists can use tablets to draw, and use a projector for their drawings onto large screens in real-time at your event for maximum entertainment.
Interactive food and drink stations
Imagine the delight attendees will feel as they discover multiple interactive food and beverage stations dotted throughout your event. From a customizable champagne cocktail bar to a live hibachi grill to even a fire-spit s’mores station there’s plenty of creative ways to feed your guests and wow them at the same time.
If you know up what qualities you’re looking for in your event entertainment, then finding and booking a for the venue can be a lot of fun! You’ll be interacting with interesting personalities who are passionate about what they do, and who are eager to engage with attendees. The key to executing the perfect event is by making the sure guests are never bored! By hiring entertainers and keeping guests happy, the event is certain to be a success.