A unique aspect of the corporate environment is the organization of meetings and events. From off-site meetings to year-end banquet celebrations, numerous occasions may spark event ideas throughout the year, each bringing its own unique set of opportunities and challenges.
Even the smallest meetings demand intense and meticulous planning. This includes choosing a venue that aligns your meeting's purpose, providing likeable food for all guests, developing an effective timeline, and inviting all necessary attendees.
At Champion Mill, we've had the privilege of hosting a wide range of events, including grocery bagging contests, local school proms, end of year banquets, military balls, small group meeting sessions, and corporate retreats. Events can take up just a couple hours or extend through the entire week–no meeting is ever the same!
To provide you with expert insights, we engaged in an in-depth discussion with our Corporate Director of Hospitality Sales. This conversation offers a detailed breakdown of the key priorities in meeting planning, highlighting essential elements to focus on to ensure the execution of a successful and memorable event.
Each meeting has the same base set of needs, regardless of its type, purpose, length, or size. If you're planning a meeting or event, consider outlining your plan like this:
The five criteria listed above give you the outline of what to consider when choosing the details of your event. Successful meeting planners plan an experience for their attendees–not just a meeting. Search for an environment that resonates with your attendees, as well as the event organizers. Your event should provide a lasting impression, both from engaging participants and accomplishing goals.
Your choice of venue sets the tone for the entire event, so selecting the perfect venue is essential to your overall success. This choice reflects the overall expectations of the event, as well as the potential food choices, activities, and attendance capacity. Planning an outdoor event at a local park will lead attendees to anticipate a relaxed day filled with activities. Conversely, organizing an all-day event in a conference room will set the expectation for meetings and collaborative sessions. Choose a venue that, from an outside perspective, conveys what is to be accomplished at your event.
Out-of-the-box is in and you should search for something interesting, exciting, and unique. Whether it is a team bonding activity that the whole team wants to join or a venue offering historical tours or sightseeing opportunities, incorporating a unique and intriguing element to the event is essential in captivating your crowd.
To make planning and executing your event simple, find a venue that checks multiple boxes: space, catering, amenities, activities, travel accommodations, and more. The fewer vendors you have to hire, manage, and coordinate with, the more seamlessly your event will run.
Start planning early! The sooner you determine the necessities of your event, the sooner you can lock down your venue and nail down the details. Venues, caterers, photographers, and other vendors can book out months in advance, so ensuring you have enough time to book your top choice is crucial.
While focusing on achieving your goals in your event, you should prioritize your attendees. Not only will this ensure active participation and engagement, but leave a lasting impression on your guests and increase the likelihood that they will return to future events–happily. Ditch the 'cookie cutter conferences' and choose a meeting space with a personality, blending excitement into the structure of your event.
The ideal event venue embodies who you are as a company, what you want to achieve, and the unique makeup of your team. It should resonate with your company culture and values, serving as a physical manifestation of what your organization aims to be. There is no one-size-fits-all venue, but there are many that can be personalized to your own team.
Champion Mill is a unique venue, jam-packed with historical architecture and memorabilia from the former Champion Paper Mill. With 16 meeting rooms and banquet halls, our spaces can fit groups from 10 - 1,000. Our in-house catering team voids your need for additional vendors, making your event planning and execution seamless.
We are committed to thinking 'outside of the box' – groups can enhance their experience with a teambuilding package like the Incredible Race or reserve our basketball courts for both casual and competitive events. We provide a variety of 'backyard games' such as cornhole, fowling, and kanjam, and can even organize a dodgeball tournament tailored for your group. By focusing on experiences that appeal to everyone, we establish ourselves as the premier choice for corporate events.
Not only do we offer unique opportunities, but we are a one-stop shop. Warehouse Hotel at Champion Mill is our on-site hotel with 233 beautiful hotel rooms. Across the street sits Spooky Nook Sports Champion Mill, the largest indoor sports complex in the country with a 65,000 square foot fitness center. From stay to play, we have all of your bases covered. Champion Mill makes event planning simple!