How to plan a corporate cocktail party in 7 easy steps

The corporate cocktail party is a great alternative to a plated dinner or buffet where all your guests are seated. Whether it’s bringing employees together, launching a new product, or honoring valuable team members, a well-designed and executed cocktail party is an integral part of company events. Learn how to plan a corporate cocktail party in 7 easy steps and discover how Millennium Center can elevate your next occasion.

New event life for the corporate cocktail party

Cocktail parties are no longer a precursor to a seated dinner. With innovative cuisine, themed culinary stations, and precision service, the corporate cocktail party is now a legitimate food-focused event. While corporate cocktail parties usually have an air of “sociability” to them, the most successful ones have a purpose and reinforce the company brand. And the event vibe encourages working the room, interacting with each other, and coming away with new connections and ideas.

You’ve put together a budget and made it easy for guests to RSVP. Now you’re ready to take the first steps to planning the best company cocktail party.

Step #1: Selecting a corporate cocktail party venue

Choosing the right venue for a company cocktail party is a balance of capacity and flow. Capacity is the number of people the venue can accommodate. And that number will be higher for a cocktail party than a seated dinner.

But don’t take that number to the max. You also need to consider how you want guests to “circulate”. There are going to be certain aspects of the cocktail party, like food stations and bars, that will draw traffic. The same is true of any exhibits/displays or entertainment like a photo booth. And keep in mind that servers also need some space to navigate with passed hors d’oeuvres and signature cocktails. 

Step #2: Time to check in

A well-organized check in area sets the tone for a smooth event. Think tech for check in (which will also give you an accurate attendee list for follow up). But also give it a human touch with printed name tags, especially helpful when bringing together folks from different departments. And use the magnets – no pins and no need to worry with clips.

Allow for plenty of check in space as attendees will take a few minutes to meet and greet. This is where that passed signature cocktail lures your guests into the party zone.

Step #3: Enhancement and engagement

Even if it is a company event, every cocktail party benefits from background music. The key is to seamlessly integrate music that helps set the tone but doesn’t cause unnecessary distraction. Cocktail parties were made for pianos, and a skilled DJ knows how to read the room for the right musical selections.

Get attendees mixing and mingling with icebreaking activities. Trivia, scavenger hunts, and guessing games are popular and easy to put together.  Photo booths always seem to attract attention. Brand your party with a background that suits the occasion and your company’s logo. And if space comfortably allows, take a look at strolling entertainment options. 

Need icebreaker ideas? Check these out!

More corporate cocktail party planning steps

Amaze your attendees with a diverse, yet well curated, selection of food and drinks that excites the taste buds and keeps the party going. And at some point, there will probably be some announcements, so lighting, sound, visuals, and even staging will be necessary to your company party’s success.

Step #4: Great food and plenty of it

The most successful corporate cocktail party menu combines interactive food stations and passed hors d’oeuvres. Depending on the event time frame, plan for about 6-10 pieces per person. Give your food stations and passed items a regional flair with locally sourced ingredients. And make sure there are some quality vegetarian options.

Delicious food is no fun if you can’t balance it along with your drink. Count on your caterer to come up with creative ways to easily serve your guests. You’ll also want to scatter some high-top tables around the room. Even with one-bite items, there’s going to be service ware. And, of course, there’s beverage service. That means keeping things clean throughout the event, so confirm those plans with your caterer.

Step #5: Keep the drink line moving

While you can always strike up a conversation with someone waiting in line at the bar, you don’t want your guests standing around for too long. Start by passing a signature cocktail and mocktail (and make sure guests clearly know the difference) as a way of welcoming attendees. 

Work with a professional mixologist to curate a cocktail menu, as well as non-alcoholic offerings, that pairs well with your catering. Take some of the burden off the bar with self-serve infused water stations. They’re refreshing palate cleansers between bites. 

Count on two bars for every 100 guests. And be sure to use your bars and beverage stations as other great places to brand your event.

Step #6: Your guests need to see and hear your VIPS

While you and your fellow employees are enjoying the cocktail party, remember, you still need to take care of business. Maybe your company is launching a new product or service. Or this is an opportunity to acknowledge team members. 

This is where you need clear sound and visibility. Sight and sound should reach all of your guests, so think staging and A/V. This is where a venue with multiple screens, sound systems, and the technicians to run them sets itself apart from the pack. And never underestimate the advantages of a stage to literally elevate your guests of honor.

Step #7: Always thank your guests – and get their feedback

One of the most important reasons for these types of part business/part social occasions is building relationships. Keep that momentum going with a follow up thank you and an event satisfaction survey. And don’t forget to collaborate with human resources or marketing on any coverage that supports the event.

Let Millennium Center host your corporate cocktail party

Ready to start planning your next company event? Let our downtown Winston-Salem event venue and catering company take care of your every need.

Plenty of flexible space: Millennium Center has both the capacity and the flow to give your guests a comfortable, engaging environment.

First-rate food and beverage: Customize a cocktail party menu that’s creative, delicious, and interactive. And our professional staff will keep the food and beverage flowing.

In-house amenities: Why send out all sorts of emails when everything you need is under one roof? Millennium Center boasts the most professional audio/visual equipment – and the techs to run it – of any event venue in Winston-Salem. The grand ballroom has both an incredible big screen behind the elevated stage and monitors strategically placed throughout the ballroom. And the lighting can’t be beat! 

Millennium even has two 360-degree photo booths to entertain your guests and brand your occasion. Top it all off with linens and specialty decor for a company event that will have your colleagues looking forward to the next one.

Schedule a tour today. We’re your planning partner!