An AGM is a staple in any corporate calendar, so there’s no better time than the present to get the planning underway. It’s been a little while since we’ve all been together in one place, so it’s a fantastic opportunity to go all out use the opportunity to make the most of having everyone together for the first time in a while – or, in, some cases, for the first time at all.
Whilst most of us have returned to the office full time, there are a lot of people who are still working remotely from home, or a mix of the two. As a result, getting everyone together for an AGM is one of the few dates in the diary where companies can corral their employees from far and wide into one space, to enjoy a day of planning, discussion, great food, and even greater company.
If you’re starting to get the ball rolling for this year’s AGM, here are a few of our favourite trends taking centre stage in 2022, from interactive technology to post-event parties and show-stopping catering.
Here at 10-11 Carlton House Terrace, we’re more than happy to accommodate any request coming our way, and with plenty of experience hosting AGMs and corporate get-togethers, we can help with the planning from start to finish, for a truly memorable event that will leave guests eager for the next one.
Unique venues
After a couple of years shut away in our bedrooms or home offices, heading out to special venues for any event is a novelty that doesn’t seem to be wearing off any time soon. People are looking for places that will guarantee a lasting impression and be sure to WOW their delegates, after months of bedroom walls and zoom backgrounds.
Technology has proved how easy it is to attend meetings or conferences from the comfort, and safety, of our own homes. So having an AGM at a unique venue is a clever way to entice attendees out of their home offices to attend your event in person. We’re gladly leaving the days of impersonal zoom calls and buffering WIFI in the past and welcoming back large team events with open arms. There’s nothing better than seeing a room filled with enthusiastic employees mingling and enjoying each other’s company.
Having a standout venue to host your AGM is sure to create a nice atmosphere for your event and a stunning surrounding will add an element of grandeur to even the most simplistic of events!
Making it a complete event
Tacking on some evening entertainment to in-person team events is becoming increasingly popular, as companies are looking for ways to make the most of having everyone together in one room after so long apart.
As we’re sure you know, it’s far easier to network and build relationships when you’re all in close quarters together, and conversations tend to spark from even the most obscure places. Hosting a post-AGM evening get-together is a fantastic way to really capitalise on this and facilitate interactions between delegates.
We are seeing increasingly more events like these in the diary and there are plenty of options when it comes to entertainment ideas. Awards ceremonies, corporate dinners, or even parties are some popular choices, but the floor is yours when it comes to deciding how you want to spice up your event!
Finding a venue with the capacity to host both a successful AGM and your evening entertainment is a win-win scenario and cuts down the need for delegates to travel between places. Combined events like these have already become a staple in the diary and we’re expecting them to continue to grow in popularity throughout the year.
Incorporating interactive activities
Another trend that we have already started to see take off at rocket speed is the use of interactive elements to get delegates involved. The boundaries of modern technology are proving endless, and there are some fantastic apps and online resources emerging where delegates can interact with materials, ask questions, leave their feedback and get involved with some fun games to make the day feel less serious.
The days when mobile phones are seen as a distraction have been planted firmly in the past, and it’s becoming more common to have delegates get their phones out and log on to one of the many interactive platforms. Some of our favourites are live polls, Q&As, and fun team building games and activities encouraging guests to metaphorically roll their sleeves up and get stuck in.
Another popular addition is having one or two keynote speakers attend the event, to give talks and share their knowledge with delegates. Not only is this a great learning experience for everyone involved but it adds an extra element enticing more attendees to come along and take part. Making it an event not to be missed is a sure-fire way to get everybody chomping at the bit to attend, build their network, and have a lovely day out.
Exciting catering
It’s no secret that food can make or break an event, and whilst this isn’t necessarily a brand new trend, there has been increased emphasis on having exciting catering at events like AGMs. Unique or jaw-dropping cuisine doesn’t have to be limited to dinner parties or fancy cocktail parties, and we’re receiving more and more requests for exciting catering options to be served at AGMs and conferences these days.
Food is something everyone has in common, so naturally, we think it’s the perfect opportunity to start conversations, because who doesn’t love a good chat over some delicious nibbles?
There is a rejuvenated emphasis on health and nutrition and we’re not complaining! Remember, healthy doesn’t mean boring and there are some amazing ways to incorporate vitamin-rich foods into show-stopping dishes. Ensuring all your delegates feel included and represented is just as important when it comes to the menu, so having an increased number of freedom foods (i.e. gluten-free dishes) on offer is fast becoming a prominent request.
At 10-11 Carlton House Terrace, we’re delighted to be partnered with the wonderful Searcys, who are passionate about using only the finest and freshest seasonal ingredients. They are more than happy to accommodate any requests in their catering, and they always ensure it not only tastes incredible, but it looks like a masterpiece too!
If you’re looking for a venue that has all this and more then you need look no further. At 10-11 Carlton House Terrace we’ve hosted many exciting AGMs in our stunning central London venue, and we know all about hosting a good post-event party. From exquisite catering to exciting post-AGM entertainment, and complete with state-of-the-art A facilities, you can rest assured it will be a wonderful event from start to finish.
To find out more about hosting your next AGM Interested with us, get in touch with one of the team on 020 7969 5224 or drop us an email today.
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