5 Tips for Hosting International Corporate Events for Beginners

Planning any kind of event can be stressful, particularly for beginners. Putting together an international corporate event, though, comes with additional challenges and can easily become an overwhelming project. It's no wonder nearly 50 percent of people start planning their events 6-12 months in advance!

Are you getting ready to put together a big, international gathering? Are you new to the world of event planning? If so, read on for five tips that will help you plan international corporate events with ease and ensure they run as smoothly as possible.

1. Learn About the Country's Customs

When you're planning an event that takes place abroad, it's important to be aware of the host country's customs. For example, are there certain rules about introducing yourself to other attendees or handing out business cards? Look into these things beforehand and relay them to those who will be attending the event to ensure everyone's on the same page.

2. Figure Out Your Budget Early

Budgeting is always important when putting together a corporate event. When planning an international corporate event, budget matters even more, though.

There will likely be additional expenses associated with hosting an event abroad, for example. There's a good chance you'll also need to factor in exchange rates when working with international vendors and suppliers.

3. Plan for International Travel

No matter what your preferred method of travel is, you'll need to do some prep work to ensure you and others who are traveling for this event are well-prepared. This might include getting passports and travel papers in order, as well as purchasing things like SIM cards and charger adaptors for electronic devices.

4. Find a Local Resource

You can overcome a lot of hurdles associated with international event planning by working with a local resource. Find someone who is native to or who has spent a long time living in the area where the event will take place and ask them to be your guide. They can translate for you and help you navigate things like menu planning and finding appropriate corporate event entertainment.

5. Choose the Right Suppliers

Finally, be sure to do your research when finding suppliers for your event. Ask for more information about their prices, policies, and procedures before making any final decisions (ask your local resource person for help if necessary).

This will help you ensure you get what you need for the event. It'll also save you from having to deal with any unpleasant surprises when the big day rolls around.

Plan International Corporate Events with Confidence

It's understandable if you feel daunted by the idea of planning international corporate events, especially if this isn't something you have a lot of experience doing. If you follow the five tips outlined above, though, you'll have a much easier time learning different customs, finding a location for events, and doing everything else that the planning process entails.

Do you want to learn more about event planning for other types of gatherings? If so, check out some of the other blog posts on our site today for additional tips and tricks.