Ideas for Corporate Events

• A corporate event to raise brand awareness or reinforce customer loyalty can run the gamut from the simple to the ultra-sophisticated. Corporate events don't always have to be located within a single individual moment in time. Expand the parameters by engaging a corporate event as a way to build up public awareness over an extended period of time as well as during a singular high-profile event.

Sweepstakes

• A corporate event can be the introduction of a sweepstakes. Customers are drawn to sweepstakes and contests for the same reason they consistently buy lottery tickets despite astronomical odds against winning. The event of winning the ultimate prize can be stretched out over a period of weeks or even months through a sweepstakes game that offers many smaller prizes in addition to the grand prize. A good example is the McDonald's Monopoly game. If the prize is especially generous, you may even get some free public relations when the awarding of that prize becomes worthy of coverage by the news media.

Event Sponsorship

• Corporate sponsorship of a single high-profile event such as a college football bowl game is an effective way to introduce a new product like a rival to the iPhone or a new beer. Sponsoring a concert by several bands, or the entire tour of a single artist, can use awareness of the artists to raise awareness of your new product.

Trade Show

• The trade show is a proven corporate event when it comes to reaching authentic prospects. Those who attend a trade show chose to be there so they must have some interest in what your industry has to offer. Set a goal such as using the trade show to further penetrate an existing market or to expand into a new market. Every aspect of your presence at the trade show should focus on achieving that goal. This means branding your presence in every way, from handing out pens with your logo on them to hiring a celebrity who appeals to your exiting customer base or to the new customer base your expansion has targeted.

Event to Target an Ethnic Group

• A corporate event can introduce your company's new commitment to meeting the needs of a specific ethnic group. Don't make assumptions based on ethnic stereotypes, but instead reach out with the assistance of those who truly understand the specific needs and desires of the group. For instance, if you are targeting Hispanics, communicate in Spanish rather than expecting them to speak English. At the same time, avoid making the assumption that your target ethnic group does not speak English fluently. Reach out to respected public figures who represent the ethnic group, both to learn more about the community and as a means of connection and communication.