How to Plan a Corporate Event in London

1. Define Your Objectives

Every successful corporate event starts with a clear brief. Ask yourself: what does success look like? Whether it's a product launch, an awards ceremony, a client dinner, or a team celebration — your objectives shape every decision that follows.

Define your audience, your key message, and your desired outcome before touching a venue shortlist or a budget spreadsheet.

2. Set a Realistic Budget

London corporate events typically range from £5,000 for intimate dinners to £500,000+ for large-scale productions. Your budget determines your venue tier, catering quality, entertainment options, and production values.

• Venue hire: 30–40% of total budget
• Catering & drinks: 25–35%
• Entertainment & AV: 15–20%
• Décor & theming: 10–15%
• Contingency: always reserve 10%

3. Choose the Right Venue

London offers an unmatched range of event venues — from Mayfair private members' clubs and City rooftops to converted warehouses in Shoreditch and heritage spaces in the West End.

Key factors: capacity, location (transport links matter), exclusivity, in-house catering, AV infrastructure, and natural light. Book 6–12 months ahead for premium venues.

4. Build Your Supplier Team

A corporate event is only as good as its suppliers. You'll need: a caterer, AV/production team, photographer, entertainment acts, florist, and a logistics coordinator. Vet each supplier carefully — references and site visits are non-negotiable at the luxury end.

5. Create a Run of Show

A detailed run of show (ROS) is your event bible. It maps every moment from guest arrival to final goodbye, with timings, responsible parties, and contingency notes. Share it with all suppliers at least two weeks before the event.

6. Guest Experience & Logistics

The best corporate events feel effortless to guests. That means seamless registration, clear signage, attentive staff, and thoughtful touches — welcome drinks, personalised place settings, curated playlists. Every touchpoint is an opportunity to impress.

7. Post-Event Follow-Up

The event ends — the relationship doesn't. Send a personalised thank-you within 24 hours, share a curated photo gallery within a week, and gather feedback to improve future events. For corporate clients, this is where recurring partnerships are built.