Networking. Schmoozing. Corporate socialising. Whatever you want to label it as, sometimes you have to think outside of the box to both retain clients and win new business. Some businesses hate it, whilst others love the opportunity of gaining brand exposure at high profile events and going all out to show potential clients just what they are made of. Whichever category you fall into, there’s one thing that’s for certain, corporate entertainment WORKS. It doesn’t have to be all about the most expensive corporate hospitality and nor does it mean that you have to wine and dine your clients on a regular basis. Sometimes it’s just a matter of identifying corporate events which you can host on an annual basis and that both your company and your guests can get something out of. Here are some of the best corporate events  to consider for annual entertaining.

The FA Cup Final

Whether you’re a football fan or not, the FA Cup Final at Wembley provides a unique and exciting atmosphere, unrivalled by almost any other sporting event. The football itself obviously proves to be a major talking point and is always beautifully unpredictable. If you manage to secure a corporate box at Wembley, it’s not something that your clients are going to be able to forget in a hurry!

 However, it’s behind the scenes at Wembley that you’ll really be able to pamper your clientele. Corporate packages usually include one night accommodation in a Wembley hotel, followed by Wembley tours, guest speakers on the day of the final and fine dining when the day is through.

It’s certainly one of the more expensive corporate hospitality events, but can potentially secure some lucrative returns.

Wimbledon

British summer time has now OFFICIALLY arrived. That means it is Pimms O’clock and that Wimbledon is right around the corner. Wimbledon is the one event on the tennis calendar that even non-tennis fans manage to get drawn into, as you spend your afternoons rushing home from work to see Nadal and Federer annihilate British hope under blistering sunshine. Well, most of the time.

Wimbledon hospitality packages offer the ultimate summer experience. Not only do you get centre court tickets for selected matches, you get the luxury of SW19 wining and dining between games, celebrity speakers at evening events and sometimes even the opportunity to meet the players in person. Better yet, the retractable roof at Wimbledon ensures that you’ll never experience a Wimbledon washout. It’s the perfect way to spend summer and can be a traditional, relaxed environment to start making those small talk conversations which eventually lead to bigger business.

Goodwood Festival Of Speed

This is arguably one more for the men, though unquestionably there are plenty of female motor fanatics who enjoy Goodwood too. Again, this is another summer event which begs you to make the most of the outdoors and join in with one of the largest garden parties in the world.

The Goodwood festival is also one event which allows you to massage the egos of those who really matter. There a subtle competitive atmosphere at Goodwood which invites people to test eachother’s motoring knowledge in a healthy, exhilarating environment. It’s essentially like being involved with a live episode of Top Gear mixed with the prowess of F1. There’s NEVER going to be a dull moment.

Corporate hospitality packages for Goodwood usually include a marquee just outside of the main crowds and Grandstand areas, the ideal place to talk in a quieter environment and treat guests to food, drink and private entertainment.

Chelsea Flower Show

Okay so the Chelsea Flower Show may not sound like the most exciting event on this list but it does offer an atmosphere completely different to most other corporate events in the UK. Better yet, you can use the Chelsea Flower show to entertain just a few clients or on a larger scale.

It’s relaxed, traditional atmosphere will not only positively reflect on your brand (it’s as squeaky clean as corporate events come), but the tranquillity will assure your clients, putting them at ease and thus provide the perfect opportunity for more important business conversations.  Hospitality tickets generally include a complimentary bar, evening meals and a comprehensive show catalogue.

London Eye Hospitality

The best thing about London Eye hospitality is that ANY day of the year can be made into an EVENT.  Offering breathtaking views across London, the Eye has become one of the most well known landmarks in our capital. It can be used as the ideal ice breaker when entertaining international clients or those from outside of London.

Not only do you get treated to unrivalled day or night time views of London, corporate packages include champagne, food and an in flight tour guide.

More importantly, you’re in the heart of London and can choose to extend the entertainment elsewhere in capital meaning your business can use the London Eye as an awesome ice breaker, or an extravagant closing statement of intent to your client.  

Scott is a writer who would encourage any business to grab a corporate events calander and start mapping out the exact dates which could win you business this year!