Planning a Corporate Event That Doesn’t Feel Like a Meeting

Planning a corporate event can feel like a bit of a balancing act – making sure it’s professional without being stiff, relaxed but not chaotic and most importantly, memorable for the right reasons. That’s where we come in.

At Green Fig, we firmly believe that business events should feel like a treat, not a tick-box exercise. Whether you’re planning a corporate event for team building, client wooing or an end-of-year knees-up, here’s how to make it one that genuinely hits the mark (and avoids those dreaded limp sandwiches).

Start with the food (obviously)

When you’re planning a corporate event, one thing’s for sure: people will talk about the food. It’s the great unifier. Whether they’re colleagues catching up over lunch or clients forming first impressions, the food says a lot. That’s why we never settle for ‘just fine.’ We serve up generous, flavour-packed dishes that are as good to look at as they are to eat.

Think slow-roasted Sussex beef with a rich red wine jus or vibrant seasonal salads bursting with colour and crunch, with zingy dressings that bring everything to life. Then proper desserts that really make people grin. We build our menus around what’s fresh and what suits your event style. And if your team has dietary needs, we handle them without making anyone feel like an afterthought. Everyone leaves happy and well-fed.

Structure and flow

The best corporate events have more than just a packed agenda. They create room for people to connect, chat and build proper working relationships. Our menus are also designed with that in mind. Sharing platters bring people together naturally. Casual grazing tables encourage movement and conversation. And neat little canapés are perfect when you want to keep things flowing without interrupting the chat.

If you’re planning a corporate event that includes a mix of networking, presentations and downtime, we’ll help structure the food so it supports the flow. We can work around speaker slots, schedule natural breaks and even offer late-night snacks if your celebration stretches into the evening. Basically, we help your event feel more human and less like a to-do list.

Pick a venue that works (and wows)

Planning a corporate event in East Sussex means you’re spoiled for choice when it comes to venues. We’ve worked in all sorts of spaces – rustic barns with countryside charm (eg, Peelings Manor Barn), slick modern conference rooms, elegant manor houses and even the occasional marquee in a vineyard. The key is choosing a space that fits your purpose, your people and your plans for the day.

We’ve got loads of experience in local venues and we’re more than happy to make a few recommendations. It’s not just about the look of the place either. We consider things like accessibility, parking, power points, etc. Trust us, the details matter. If you’ve already picked a venue, great – we’ll work closely with them. If not, we can help you find one that ticks all the boxes.

Keep it smooth

Nobody enjoys standing around wondering where they’re supposed to be or when they’ll be fed. That’s why we put a lot of thought into how the day flows. We work with you to nail down timings that feel natural and ensure there’s always something tasty when people need a pick-me-up. Breakfast bites, mid-morning coffee, lunch that actually satisfies and maybe a sweet treat for good measure.

It’s the little details that impress

People might not remember every word of your presentation, but they will remember how your event made them feel. That’s where the little things come in. We help you add thoughtful touches that show care and attention.

It doesn’t have to be flashy or over-the-top. Sometimes it’s the small, subtle choices that leave the biggest impression. We love working with businesses to find the details that suit your brand and give your event a polished, personal edge. Because when everything looks as good as it tastes, you’ve created something memorable.

So, planning a corporate event?