How to Plan a Creative Corporate Event in Manchester
How to Plan a Creative Corporate Event in Manchester
Corporate events are no longer just about formal speeches and networking. Companies are embracing creativity and looking for ways to make their events memorable and engaging for employees, clients, and stakeholders. If you’re planning a corporate event in Manchester, adding unique elements like live entertainment, interactive experiences, and artistic touches can take your gathering to the next level.
Whether you’re hosting a holiday party, product launch, team-building session, or networking event, here’s a guide to planning a creative corporate event in Manchester that will impress your attendees and reflect your company’s personality.
1. Choose a Unique Theme
A creative corporate event starts with a unique and engaging theme that ties everything together. Instead of traditional “business formal,” think outside the box with ideas like:
Vintage Glamour: Perfect for gala dinners or award nights, with vintage-inspired decor, live music, and elegant touches.
Manchester Heritage: Celebrate the city’s industrial roots and vibrant culture with local food, art, and music.
Seasonal Magic: Incorporate seasonal elements for events like Christmas parties or summer celebrations, such as winter wonderland decor or summer festival vibes.
Interactive Art and Creativity: Focus on team-building or creativity by incorporating artistic activities (more on this below!).
Having a theme not only makes the event more memorable but also helps guide decisions on decor, entertainment, and food.
2. Choose a Creative Venue
Manchester is home to an array of unique venues that are perfect for hosting a creative corporate event. Consider spaces that stand out and align with your theme:
Industrial-Chic Venues: Locations like Victoria Warehouse or The Monastery offer character-filled backdrops.
Art Galleries and Museums: Places like The Whitworth or Manchester Art Gallery provide artistic and inspiring settings.
Rooftop Bars and Outdoor Spaces: For a more relaxed vibe, consider venues like 20 Stories or The Ivy's Roof Garden.
The right venue sets the tone for the event and provides a canvas to bring your creative vision to life.
3. Incorporate Unique Entertainment
Entertainment can make or break your event, so why not choose something truly memorable? Here are some creative ideas:
Live Guest Painting: As a live painter, I offer faceless watercolor portraits of your guests in real-time, providing both entertainment and a personalized keepsake for them to take home. It’s interactive, unique, and works beautifully for corporate parties and networking events.
Team-Building Art Workshops: Get your team’s creative juices flowing with hands-on art workshops, such as painting, drawing, or even crafting personalized corporate gifts.
Local Talent: Hire Manchester-based musicians, spoken word artists, or performers to add a local touch.
Adding an artistic element to your event helps create a more engaging and memorable experience.
4. Focus on Interactive Experiences
Corporate events are more impactful when they encourage participation. Interactive activities foster connections, break the ice, and keep attendees engaged throughout the event. Some ideas include:
Custom Art Stations: Allow guests to collaborate on a large canvas or create small individual artworks to take home.
Live Demonstrations: Whether it’s cocktail-making, cooking, or painting, having a live demonstration adds excitement to the event.
Photo Booths with a Twist: Incorporate themed props or backdrops that tie into your event.
Interactive experiences make your attendees feel like they’re part of the event, rather than just observers.
5. Create Personalized Keepsakes
Offering personalized keepsakes shows that you’ve gone the extra mile to make your event special. This could include:
Faceless Portraits: My live painting service provides custom watercolor portraits of guests, which are perfect as unique party favors.
Custom Name Cards: Personalized name cards or place cards, hand-painted with your company branding, make for a creative touch.
Event-Themed Gifts: Consider items like branded notebooks, tote bags, or even custom artwork from the event.
Keepsakes help your attendees remember the experience long after the event is over.
6. Showcase Manchester’s Local Creativity
As one of the UK’s most vibrant cities, Manchester boasts a thriving creative scene. Incorporate local art, culture, and food to celebrate the city’s spirit:
Hire local artists to display or create live art at your event.
Showcase food and drinks from Manchester-based suppliers, such as craft breweries or artisan bakeries.
Use decor inspired by Manchester landmarks or the city’s industrial heritage.
Highlighting Manchester’s creativity adds a personal, localized touch that attendees will appreciate.
7. Don’t Forget the Details
Attention to detail is what transforms a good corporate event into a great one. Consider these finishing touches:
Cohesive Branding: Incorporate your company’s logo and colors subtly into the decor, invitations, and even keepsakes.
Mood-Enhancing Lighting: Use creative lighting setups to set the tone for your event—warm and inviting for networking events, or dramatic and colorful for parties.
Seamless Flow: Ensure your event is well-organized with clear signage, a well-thought-out itinerary, and enough time for mingling.
8. Promote Your Event Creatively
Before and after your event, promote it in a way that reflects its creativity:
Use social media to build excitement, sharing sneak peeks of your entertainment, venue, or decor.
Create a branded hashtag to encourage attendees to share photos and posts during the event.
After the event, send out thank-you emails with highlights, photos, or even digital versions of the artwork created during the event.
Conclusion: Make Your Corporate Event Unforgettable
Planning a creative corporate event in Manchester doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By incorporating unique entertainment, interactive experiences, and personalized touches, you can create a truly memorable gathering that strengthens connections and leaves a lasting impression.
If you’re looking for a unique and creative way to elevate your event, I’d love to help! From live painting to custom keepsakes, let’s work together to make your next corporate event a masterpiece.
Ready to plan your event? Contact me today to discuss packages and availability for your corporate event in Manchester or beyond! 🎨✨
