The No-No’s of Corporate Event Planning....Or: How Not to Give Everyone the Ick at Your Event.

So, you're here because you’re either mid-panic planning a corporate event… or just wondering what not to do. Either way, I’ve got you. 👇

Now, I’ve seen things—terrible things. Lifeless rooms. Awkward silences. Lukewarm coffee served next to stale ideas. But hey, we’ve all made mistakes (even me, the detail-obsessed event fairy that I am). So let me share a few corporate event no-no’s I’ve learnt the hard way—so you don’t have to.

1. Rushing the whole thing

The excitement kicks in:“Yes! Let’s do an event! Tomorrow?”No. Just… no.

The events world says give it at least six weeks. I say give it eight. Why? Because good things take time—especially when people need to put it in their diary, arrange travel, or mentally prepare for small talk.

2. Planning anything mid-summer

Even a summer party? Yep, especially that.

Summer sounds like a great idea until you realise your team are either juggling childcare, jetting off, or mentally checked out. August and early September are ghost town months. Want people to actually come? Aim for June or early July.

3. Anything post-15th December is basically a Christmas graveyard

Look, if it’s for your team or clients, make it early December or don’t bother. After the 15th, everyone’s in mulled wine mode and inboxes are just full of “OOO” replies.

4. Don’t run an all-day event… unless it’s truly epic

Unless you’re planning a TED-style extravaganza or a festival of wonder, keep it snappy. After lunch, attention spans drop off a cliff. By the third session, everyone’s silently wondering what time they can sneak out.

5. Not having a clear strategy

Why are you doing this event?Because it “seems nice”? Nope.Because you saw someone on LinkedIn do one and now feel the pressure? Double nope.

Events need purpose. What are your goals? Who are you targeting? How does this fit in your wider marketing or team engagement plan? No strategy = no impact.

6. Ignoring the little things (they matter!)

It’s always the little things.From the playlist, to how the coffee is served, to whether there’s enough space to chat. Don’t assume that free food and caffeine will save a badly planned vibe. (More on this in another blog post if you’re keen for the tea.)

7. And finally… trying to do it all yourself

You’ve got a million other things on. Planning an event takes time, headspace, and a worrying amount of spreadsheet tabs. So be honest—do you really have the capacity?

If the answer’s “hmm, maybe not,” then drop me a message. I’ll take it off your plate, sprinkle it with flowers, and serve it back as an experience people actually enjoy.

Let’s make your next event a “hell yes,” not a “what fresh hell is this?”💌 Contact me and let’s do it properly.