---
name: corporate-event-manager
description: |
  Complete guide to managing corporate events covering team building activities, product launches, holiday parties, awards ceremonies, hybrid event execution, vendor management, executive stakeholder expectations, and post-event ROI measurement. Use when the user asks about corporate event manager or needs help with related topics. Do NOT use for unrelated domains or when a more specialized skill exists.
license: Apache-2.0
metadata:
  author: foundry-skills
  version: "1.0.0"
  tags: "event-planning planning strategy"
  category: "travel-experiences"
  subcategory: "event-planning"
  depends: ""
  disclaimer: "none"
  difficulty: "intermediate"
---

# Corporate Event Manager

## When to Use


## Process

1. **Gather requirements.** Ask the user clarifying questions about their specific context, goals, constraints, and experience level.

2. **Analyze the situation.** Review the information provided and identify key factors, challenges, and opportunities relevant to corporate event manager.

3. **Develop the framework.** Create a structured approach tailored to the user's needs, incorporating best practices and domain-specific considerations.

4. **Deliver actionable output.** Present specific, implementable recommendations with clear rationale, timelines, and success criteria.

5. **Address edge cases.** Proactively identify potential issues, alternative approaches, and contingency plans.

**Use this skill when:**
- User needs guidance on corporate event manager
- User asks about corporate event manager best practices or techniques
- User wants a structured approach to corporate event manager

**Do NOT use this skill when:**
- A more specialized skill exists for the specific subtopic
- The request is outside the scope of corporate event manager

## Questions to Ask First

Before providing guidance, establish the manager's situation:

1. What type of corporate event? (Team building, product launch, holiday party, awards, conference, offsite)
2. What is the primary objective? (Engagement, recognition, sales, culture, education)
3. How many attendees are expected?
4. What is your budget (total and per person)?
5. Is this in-person, virtual, or hybrid?
6. Who are the key stakeholders and decision-makers?
7. What is the company culture? (Formal, casual, creative, traditional)
8. When is the event and how much planning time do you have?
9. Is this a recurring event or first-time?
10. What does success look like for this event? How will it be measured?

## Team Building Events

### Team Building Activity Selection

```
ACTIVITY CATEGORIES:

COLLABORATIVE CHALLENGES:
  Escape rooms (in-person or virtual)          Duration: 60-90 min
  Scavenger hunts (city-wide or office-based)  Duration: 2-3 hours
  Building challenges (bridge, tower, vehicle) Duration: 60-90 min
  Cooking competitions                         Duration: 2-3 hours
  Hackathon / Innovation sprint                Duration: 4-8 hours

OUTDOOR / PHYSICAL:
  Ropes course / zip line                      Duration: 3-4 hours
  Sports day (field day activities)             Duration: 3-4 hours
  Hiking / nature activities                   Duration: 2-4 hours
  Kayaking / paddleboarding                    Duration: 2-3 hours
  Bowling / axe throwing / go-karting          Duration: 2-3 hours

CREATIVE / CULTURAL:
  Wine or cocktail making class                Duration: 2-3 hours
  Art class (painting, pottery, improv)        Duration: 2-3 hours
  Music workshop (drumming circle, songwriting)Duration: 90 min-2 hours
  Volunteer/community service project          Duration: 3-4 hours

STRATEGIC / PROFESSIONAL:
  Strategy workshops                           Duration: Half-day
  Personality assessment debrief (DISC, MBTI)  Duration: 2-3 hours
  Design thinking workshop                     Duration: Half-day
  Leadership simulations                       Duration: 3-4 hours

VIRTUAL TEAM BUILDING:
  Virtual escape rooms                         Duration: 60 min
  Online trivia / game shows                   Duration: 45-60 min
  Virtual cooking class (kits shipped)          Duration: 90 min
  Remote team challenges                       Duration: 60-90 min
  Virtual museum tours / cultural experiences  Duration: 60 min

SELECTION CRITERIA:
  Does it align with team objectives?          ___/10
  Is it inclusive of all physical abilities?   ___/10
  Does it fit the team's personality?          ___/10
  Is the budget appropriate?                   ___/10
  Can everyone participate equally?            ___/10
  Will it generate meaningful conversation?    ___/10
```

### Team Building Planning

```
PLANNING CHECKLIST:
  [ ] Define the objective (bonding, communication, strategy, fun)
  [ ] Survey team for preferences and any limitations
  [ ] Select activity that matches objective and culture
  [ ] Book vendor/venue
  [ ] Send invitations with clear details (dress code, what to expect)
  [ ] Arrange transportation if off-site
  [ ] Plan for dietary needs (if food involved)
  [ ] Brief facilitator on team dynamics and goals
  [ ] Plan debrief/reflection time after activity
  [ ] Collect feedback after event

BUDGET RANGES PER PERSON:
  Low-cost (in-office activities):    $10-$30
  Moderate (off-site activities):     $50-$150
  Premium (unique experiences):       $150-$400
  High-end (retreats, destinations):  $500+
```

## Product Launches

### Product Launch Event Framework

```
EVENT TYPES:
  Internal launch: Rally the sales team, educate employees
  Media/press launch: Generate coverage and buzz
  Customer launch: Demonstrate value, drive adoption
  Industry launch: Position at trade show or conference
  Digital launch: Virtual event, webinar, or livestream

INTERNAL LAUNCH EVENT:
  Duration: 2-4 hours
  Format: Presentation + demo + Q&A + celebration
  Agenda:
    Welcome and context setting (15 min)
    Product vision and strategy (30 min)
    Live demo or hands-on experience (45 min)
    Customer testimonials or case studies (15 min)
    Sales enablement and go-to-market plan (30 min)
    Q&A (30 min)
    Celebration and social (30-60 min)

EXTERNAL/MEDIA LAUNCH:
  Duration: 60-90 minutes (press event), half-day (customer event)
  Elements:
    Pre-event: Media kit, embargo briefings, press previews
    Event: Keynote, demo, hands-on stations, executive availability
    Post-event: Press room, one-on-one interviews, media assets

  Run of Show (Press Launch):
    0:00  Doors open, demo stations available
    0:30  Seats, welcome
    0:35  Executive keynote (product vision)           15 min
    0:50  Product demonstration (live)                 20 min
    1:10  Customer testimonial or case study           10 min
    1:20  Q&A                                          15 min
    1:35  Hands-on demo stations and networking        30 min
    2:05  Event concludes, media availability continues

LAUNCH EVENT CHECKLIST:
  [ ] Clear product messaging and key talking points
  [ ] Demo environment tested and reliable (ALWAYS have a backup)
  [ ] Press kit prepared (fact sheet, photos, bios, press release)
  [ ] Social media plan (live coverage, hashtag, content)
  [ ] Executive spokesperson prepared and briefed
  [ ] Product samples or hands-on demos available
  [ ] Follow-up plan for leads/contacts collected
  [ ] Professional photography and video
  [ ] Post-event content plan (recap, highlights, quotes)
```

## Holiday Parties

### Holiday Party Planning

```
BUDGET ALLOCATION:
  Venue:            20-30%
  Food & beverage:  35-45%
  Entertainment:    10-15%
  Decor:            5-10%
  A/V and production: 5-10%
  Gifts/favors:     5-10%

FORMAT OPTIONS:
  Cocktail party (2-3 hours): Lower cost, more networking
  Seated dinner (3-4 hours): More formal, speeches, awards
  Activity-based (3-4 hours): Entertainment-focused, interactive
  Offsite experience: Unique venue (museum, rooftop, boat)
  Family-friendly daytime: Include partners and kids

HOLIDAY PARTY AGENDA (Cocktail + Dinner):
  6:00 PM   Cocktail hour with passed appetizers
  7:00 PM   Welcome remarks from CEO/leadership            10 min
  7:10 PM   Dinner service begins
  7:45 PM   Year-in-review or highlight reel               10 min
  7:55 PM   Awards or recognition                          20 min
  8:15 PM   Entertainment or dancing
  9:30 PM   Dessert service
  10:00 PM  Event winds down
  10:30 PM  Close

CONSIDERATIONS:
  - Be inclusive of all cultural backgrounds (avoid "Christmas party"
    exclusivity; use "Holiday celebration" or "Year-end party")
  - Manage alcohol responsibly (drink tickets, bartender cut-off policy)
  - Arrange transportation (Uber codes, shuttle bus)
  - Have a clear plus-one policy (and communicate it)
  - Photography: Hire a photographer; photo booth is always a hit
  - Gifts: If giving, equal for all employees regardless of level
  - Dietary accommodations: Collect in advance
  - Music: DJ or band that reads the room (not too loud for conversation)
```

## Awards Ceremonies

### Awards Event Design

```
AWARDS PROGRAM DESIGN:
  Select meaningful categories:
  - Performance awards (sales, project, innovation)
  - Values awards (culture, teamwork, leadership)
  - Milestone awards (tenure, anniversaries)
  - Peer-nominated awards (most impactful, most helpful)
  - Fun awards (if culture supports it - "Best GIF in Slack" etc.)

  Nomination process:
  - Open nominations 4-6 weeks before event
  - Selection committee or executive review
  - Winner notification 1-2 weeks before (to prepare remarks)
  - OR keep winners a surprise for more excitement

CEREMONY RUN OF SHOW:
  Welcome and opening remarks (CEO/host)              5-10 min
  Dinner or reception                                 60-90 min
  Transition to program                               5 min
  Year-in-review video or presentation                10 min
  Award Category 1: Presenter → Nominees → Winner     5-7 min
  Award Category 2                                    5-7 min
  Award Category 3                                    5-7 min
  (repeat for each category)
  Special recognition or keynote                      10-15 min
  Final award (biggest, most prestigious)             5-10 min
  Closing remarks                                     5 min
  After-party / celebration

  Total program time: 45-90 minutes (DO NOT exceed 90 minutes)
  If more awards needed: Present smaller ones at dinner tables
  or in a pre-ceremony reception

PRODUCTION ELEMENTS:
  [ ] Award descriptions and nominee information for presenters
  [ ] Physical awards (plaques, trophies, crystal) ordered and engraved
  [ ] Name pronunciation guide for presenters
  [ ] Walk-up music for each winner
  [ ] Photo moment setup (award handoff with backdrop)
  [ ] Teleprompter or clear notes for presenters
  [ ] Video tributes or highlight reels for major awards
  [ ] Backup plan if a winner is absent
```

## Hybrid Events

### Hybrid Event Execution

```
HYBRID = In-Person + Virtual Attendees Simultaneously

COMMON HYBRID FORMATS:
  1. Hub and spoke: Main event venue + remote viewers
  2. Multi-hub: Several physical locations connected virtually
  3. Virtual-first with in-person gathering: Small live audience, large virtual

HYBRID TECHNOLOGY REQUIREMENTS:
  [ ] Professional cameras (minimum 2) for virtual attendees
  [ ] Screen sharing capability for presentations
  [ ] High-quality microphones (room mics + speaker mics)
  [ ] Streaming platform (Zoom Webinar, Vimeo, StreamYard, Hopin)
  [ ] Virtual engagement tools (chat, polls, Q&A)
  [ ] Dedicated tech producer/director
  [ ] On-screen graphics and lower thirds
  [ ] Backup internet connection (hardwired, not WiFi)
  [ ] Monitor in room showing virtual participants
  [ ] Separate audio mix for room and stream

ENGAGEMENT STRATEGIES FOR VIRTUAL ATTENDEES:
  1. Dedicated virtual host (not the in-room MC)
  2. Chat moderator actively responding and surfacing questions
  3. Polls and interactive elements every 10-15 minutes
  4. Virtual networking rooms during in-person breaks
  5. Virtual swag box shipped in advance
  6. Q&A that includes both in-room and virtual questions equally
  7. Recording available post-event (value for virtual attendees)

COMMON HYBRID MISTAKES:
  - Treating virtual attendees as an afterthought
  - Poor audio quality (the #1 virtual attendee complaint)
  - Camera showing only the speaker, not the room energy
  - skipping to repeat in-room questions for virtual audience
  - No virtual-specific content or engagement
  - Technical failures without backup plans

HYBRID BUDGET PREMIUM:
  Hybrid typically costs 25-40% more than in-person only
  Main costs: A/V production, streaming, virtual platform, tech staff
```

## Vendor Management

### Vendor Coordination

```
COMMON CORPORATE EVENT VENDORS:
  Venue:                     Contract 6-12 months ahead
  Caterer:                   Contract 3-6 months ahead
  A/V / Production company:  Contract 2-4 months ahead
  Entertainment / DJ / Band: Contract 2-4 months ahead
  Florist / Decor:           Contract 1-3 months ahead
  Photographer / Videographer: Contract 1-3 months ahead
  Transportation:            Book 1-2 months ahead
  Printing (invitations):    Order 6-8 weeks ahead
  Swag / Gifts:              Order 4-6 weeks ahead

VENDOR SELECTION PROCESS:
  1. Define requirements clearly before contacting vendors
  2. Request proposals from 3 vendors minimum
  3. Check references and reviews
  4. Verify insurance and licenses
  5. Negotiate pricing (multi-event discounts, off-peak rates)
  6. Get everything in writing (scope, timeline, costs, cancellation)
  7. Designate single point of contact for each vendor

VENDOR MANAGEMENT BEST PRACTICES:
  - Weekly check-ins starting 1 month before event
  - Share detailed timeline and run of show with ALL vendors
  - Provide venue access times and loading information
  - Confirm final details 1 week before event
  - Have vendor emergency contacts (personal cell phones)
  - Brief all vendors on the same communication channel
  - Day-of: 1-hour pre-event meeting with all vendor leads
  - Post-event: Feedback and payment within 30 days
```

### Vendor Contract Essentials

```
EVERY VENDOR CONTRACT SHOULD INCLUDE:
  [ ] Detailed scope of services
  [ ] Pricing and payment schedule
  [ ] Cancellation and refund terms
  [ ] Insurance requirements (and proof provided)
  [ ] Delivery/setup/teardown timeline
  [ ] Key personnel assigned
  [ ] Backup plan (what if the DJ is sick? What if equipment fails?)
  [ ] Contact information (including day-of cell numbers)
  [ ] Confidentiality clause (corporate events may involve sensitive info)
  [ ] Force majeure clause
  [ ] Change order process and pricing
```

## Executive Expectations

### Managing Stakeholders

```
COMMON EXECUTIVE EXPECTATIONS:
  1. Flawless execution (no visible problems)
  2. On budget (ideally under budget)
  3. Positive attendee experience
  4. Alignment with company brand and values
  5. Measurable outcomes (not just "it was nice")
  6. Efficient use of their time (brief them, don't burden them)

EXECUTIVE COMMUNICATION FRAMEWORK:
  Initial brief: Event concept, objectives, budget, timeline    30 min
  Approval checkpoint 1: Venue, date, format confirmed          15 min
  Approval checkpoint 2: Agenda, speakers, vendors confirmed    15 min
  Pre-event brief: Final details, their role, talking points    15 min
  Post-event report: Attendance, feedback, ROI, recommendations 15 min

MANAGING THE CEO/EXECUTIVE SPEAKER:
  - Provide talking points and key messages 1 week ahead
  - Suggest 5-10 minute remarks maximum (unless they're a keynote)
  - Offer speechwriting support if needed
  - Do a tech/AV rehearsal
  - Brief on timing and flow (when they go on, when they sit down)
  - Have a plan if they go long (subtle time signals)

STAKEHOLDER APPROVAL DOCUMENT:
  Event name: ________
  Date: ________
  Objective: ________
  Budget: $________
  Expected attendance: ________
  Key decisions needed:
    - [ ] Venue: ________
    - [ ] Format: ________
    - [ ] Catering: ________
    - [ ] Entertainment: ________
  Risks and mitigation: ________
  APPROVED BY: ________ DATE: ________
```

## Post-Event ROI

### Measuring Event Success

```
QUANTITATIVE METRICS:
  Attendance rate: Registered vs. attended (target: 80-90% in-person)
  Budget variance: Actual vs. planned spending
  NPS score: 0-10 recommendation score (target: 50+)
  Overall satisfaction: 1-5 scale (target: 4.2+)
  Social media metrics: Posts, impressions, engagement
  Lead generation (product launches): Leads captured, qualified
  Media coverage (PR events): Articles, impressions, sentiment

QUALITATIVE METRICS:
  Attendee feedback themes (from survey open-ended questions)
  Executive satisfaction and comments
  Social media sentiment analysis
  Team energy and engagement observations
  Unsolicited positive feedback received

POST-EVENT SURVEY (Send Within 24 Hours):
  1. Overall event rating:                          1-5
  2. How relevant was the content/programming?      1-5
  3. How was the venue and logistics?               1-5
  4. How was the food and beverage?                 1-5
  5. What was the most valuable part?               [open]
  6. What would you change?                         [open]
  7. Would you attend a similar event again?        Yes/No/Maybe
  8. Any additional comments?                       [open]
  9. NPS: How likely are you to recommend?           0-10

  Target response rate: 30-50% (incentivize with raffle if needed)

ROI CALCULATION:
  For revenue-generating events (product launches, sales conferences):
    ROI = (Revenue Generated - Event Cost) / Event Cost x 100

  For internal events (team building, holiday parties):
    ROI is measured in engagement, retention, satisfaction
    Compare: Employee engagement survey scores before/after
    Track: Voluntary turnover rates for attendees vs. non-attendees
    Benchmark: NPS and satisfaction against previous events
```

### Post-Event Report Template

```
POST-EVENT REPORT

Event: ________
Date: ________
Prepared by: ________

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
  [2-3 sentences: what happened, overall success level]

ATTENDANCE:
  Target: ________  Actual: ________  Rate: ________%

BUDGET:
  Approved: $________  Actual: $________  Variance: $________

SURVEY RESULTS:
  Response rate: ________%
  Overall satisfaction: ________/5
  NPS: ________
  Top positive feedback:
    - ________
    - ________
  Top improvement areas:
    - ________
    - ________

HIGHLIGHTS:
  - [What went particularly well]
  - [Memorable moments]
  - [Positive outcomes observed]

CHALLENGES:
  - [What didn't go as planned]
  - [How it was handled]

RECOMMENDATIONS FOR NEXT EVENT:
  1. ________
  2. ________
  3. ________

APPENDIX:
  - Full survey results
  - Photo gallery link
  - Vendor performance notes
  - Financial detail
```

## Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Not defining the event objective before planning logistics
2. Over-programming (no breathing room between elements)
3. skipping dietary restrictions and accessibility needs
4. Poor audio quality (the single most impactful technical element)
5. Not doing a full technical rehearsal (especially for hybrid events)
6. Ignoring the virtual audience in hybrid events
7. Speeches that run too long (brief executives, enforce time limits)
8. No post-event measurement (impossible to improve without data)
9. Trying to please every stakeholder instead of serving the primary objective
10. Not sending a post-event survey within 24 hours (memories fade quickly)


## Output Format

Deliver the response as a structured document with clear headings and actionable content. Use tables for comparisons, numbered lists for sequential steps, and bullet points for options. Include specific examples where applicable.

```
[Corporate Event Manager deliverable]
1. Context and objectives
2. Analysis or framework
3. Specific recommendations with rationale
4. Action items with timeline
```


## Example

**Input:** "Help me with corporate event manager for a mid-size project."

**Output:** A complete corporate event manager framework tailored to the specific context, with actionable steps, relevant considerations, and measurable outcomes.


## Edge Cases

- **Incomplete information:** Ask clarifying questions before proceeding rather than making assumptions
- **Conflicting requirements:** Identify trade-offs explicitly and present options with pros and cons
- **Scale mismatch:** Adapt recommendations to match the user's context (individual vs. team vs. organization)
- **Domain crossover:** When the request overlaps with other skill domains, address what falls within scope and reference specialized skills for the rest
