How to Plan Your Corporate Entertainment Budget for 2025

How to Plan Your Corporate Entertainment Budget for 2025

Maximizing Your Corporate Entertainment Budget: A Yearly Guide

Corporate entertainment is a strategic investment that can enhance employee engagement, foster client relationships, and bolster your brand’s image. Effectively utilizing your corporate entertainment budget over the course of a year requires careful planning and consideration of various factors, including company culture, goals, and audience preferences. 

Here’s a structured approach to help you can maximize your budget and achieve the best results.

1. Set Clear Objectives

Before diving into the specifics of entertainment activities, outline your objectives for the year. Consider the following questions:

  • Do you want to strengthen client relationships?
  • Are you aiming to boost employee morale and retention?
  • Are you focused on promoting team building or improving cross-department collaboration?
  • What has worked and not worked for you in the past?


Defining your goals will guide your decisions throughout the year.

2. Break Down The Budget

Distributing your budget effectively across different categories will ensure a balanced approach. Here’s a suggested breakdown:

  • Feature Events (40%): Allocate funds for events for your top tier clients that are special. This may be 1 to 2 events a year and are aimed at your key relationships.
  • Tier 2 Events (30%): The majority of your entertainment fits into this category. Most sports, shows and concerts offer different packages so you can scale up or down to meet the goals you have for the clients you are inviting.
  • Team Events (20%): These are your most cost effective events that allow you to entertain larger numbers at a lower per person cost. Also consider these events being reward events for staff, or additional team building. Consider Sports Lunches, such as The Origin Lunch or the Annual Sports Review as great options here.
  • Contingency Fund (10%): Set aside some funds for unexpected opportunities or last-minute events. Entertaining at concerts is on the rise, however, often these are announced without warning. Having some of your budget set aside to cover these events is a great way not to miss out.

3. Plan Quarterly Events

Dividing the year into quarters allows for a manageable and strategic approach. Here’s a few ideas to consider in your plan:

  • Q1: Kick-off and Recognition: Start the year strong by celebrating successes from the previous year and connecting with the clients that were a part of this. Internally, you could host a kick-off meeting with an engaging keynote speaker, followed by an evening at the Cricket or Tennis.
  • Q2: Relationship Building: Connect with your new contacts and clients.  Hospitality that allows for time to chat with your clients fosters collaboration and strengthen dynamics.💡Consider incorporating professional development sessions to add value.
    • Ask At Events About: The Origin Lunch, Autumn Carnival Racing, Shows and Concerts
  • Q3: Client Appreciation: Consider a feature event that your clients can look forward to all year! This may be something your build yourselves or a facility at a major event such as the British and Irish Lions Tour in 2025. If you Q3 is typically busy for you and your clients why not have some of your budget tucked away for a concert announcement or adhoc event like footy finals? These informal settings can deepen client relationships and provide an opportunity for networking. Personalize invitations to make clients feel valued.
  • Q4: Year-End Celebration: Wrap up the year with a festive celebration. A holiday party, relaxed summer events, and a reflection on the year’s achievements, can cement client and team relationships. Informal, relaxed events are great at this time of year. Consider a charitable component to reinforce your company’s values. 

4. Incorporate Diversity and Inclusion

Ensure your entertainment activities are inclusive and cater to diverse interests. Offering a variety of events – sporting events, concerts, shows, events for the team only and events where partners join your guests.

5. Evaluate and Adjust

At the end of each quarter, evaluate the success of your events. Gather feedback from participants and analyse engagement levels. Use this data to adjust future plans, ensuring your entertainment budget remains effective and aligned with your goals.

6. Explore Innovative Options

In addition to traditional events, consider innovative options. The events space changes day to day and year to year. You may not know what’s out there, let alone if it suits your clients and team. Speak to your At Events contact about some of the new or different events our clients have been attending, you might something new that becomes your favourite event of the year.

Conclusion

A well-planned corporate entertainment budget can transform your workplace culture and enhance client relationships. By setting clear objectives, breaking down your budget strategically, planning engaging quarterly events, and prioritizing diversity and inclusion, you’ll not only maximize your budget but also create lasting connections and drive success. Start planning today for a year filled with impactful experiences!

At Events has a broad range of events across Australia and can source what you need to maximise your client entertainment in 2025. If you don’t have a plan, don’t worry! Let the experts assist you today.