We’ve all been there… Taking a seat at a company event and sighing a deep breath as you realise it’s going to be a long day. There are rows of suits and ties in front of you, a 50-slide presentation ready to be played, and an uninspiring buffet waiting for lunchtime.
But it doesn’t have to be that way. Corporate doesn’t have to equal dull, and a corporate event doesn’t have to be a carbon copy of every other one before it.
At Victoria Warehouse, we’re experts in bringing together corporate events of all shapes, sizes, themes, and vibes. Industry-leading awards? Thought-provoking conferences? Boundary-pushing product launch? Whatever the event you’re planning, we’re here to make it happen – and to make it stand out from the crowd.
If you’re looking for some inspiration to spice things up, these are our top tips for crafting a corporate event that doesn’t feel quite so corporate!
1. Switch up the seating
Rows of tables and chairs are a classic layout for corporate events, but they aren’t the only option. Why not mix things up by grouping attendees around small circular tables that encourage them to interact and engage? You might also consider different kinds of seating, such as beanbags, to add in a relaxed and playful element to those short, snappy break-out sessions.
Our smaller spaces, The Bays, The Archives, and The Cellars, are the perfect choice for a more intimate event with a unique layout, able to host numbers ranging from 50 people, all the way up to 400.
2. Ditch the sandwiches
Food and drink are a huge part of a successful event, and just a few small tweaks can make the offer go from average to above-and-beyond. Forego sandwiches, for instance, in favour of bowl food style, which allows attendees to sample a range of dishes across various cuisines.
Victoria Warehouse’s in-house chefs are pros at catering to varied demands, from all-plant based menus to branded food and drink. We work with clients from idea to delivery, offering trials and tastings to ensure we’re bringing to life a foodie offer that sets your event apart from the corporate masses.
3. Choose a venue with flair
A surefire way to add some spice to your next corporate event is to set up shop in a dynamic setting. Luckily, our interiors fit the brief – from industrial cotton sheds to a revamped cinema, there’s nothing average about them.
Bold design is at the heart of Victoria Warehouse, with striking interiors and architecture offering a unique look and feel. Our varied spaces each offer a different kind of ambience, as well as opportunity for cohesive branding in all shapes and sizes – particularly handy for those seeking to make an impact with brand identity. If you’re looking to break free of the boardroom, then we might just be the venue for you.
4. Introduce a touch of zen
You’d be forgiven for thinking that corporate and wellness don’t go hand-in-hand. However, your next event might be the perfect place to challenge that assumption and make your event all the more memorable.
Next time you’re planning a conference, why not break things up with a meditation session, or a relaxing manifestation exercise? At Victoria Warehouse, we’re always looking to keep on top of the latest trends. Since a focus on wellness is only continuing to rise in popularity amongst the workforce, it’s well worth incorporating into your next corporate event.
5. Leave plenty of time to socialise
Over-planning your day down to the letter can leave proceedings feeling like one big meeting. Leave your attendees time to mingle between themselves throughout the day – it will dial down the corporate feel and create more natural communication between guests.
Victoria Warehouse has plenty of casual breakout spaces that guests can smoothly flow between throughout the day – including a relaxed spot for coffee in our library corner and a range of outdoor seating (the perfect spot for a post-conference pop-up Aperol bar!).
Host your event at Victoria Warehouse
Whether you’re organising an event for a company, charity or creative association, our dedicated and experienced team has you covered, having hosted events for giants such as Ferrari, Netflix, GHD, and Facebook. As one of the most sought-after event spaces Manchester has to offer, we understand what matters to event professionals – from seamless logistics to stand-out styling opportunities.
Let’s create an event your guests won’t stop talking about. Get in touch to find out more about our packages.
