Are You Ready to Host a Corporate Party?
If you’re running a bowling center or family entertainment venue, chances are you’re used to hosting birthday parties or family gatherings. But what happens when you get a call from a company looking to host a corporate event? Suddenly, they’re not asking for 100 burgers or pizzas, but instead inquiring about prime rib or gourmet options. Is this something you’re ready to do?
Hosting corporate events can be a fantastic opportunity for your business. Not only are you welcoming a whole new crowd of guests, but you’re also giving them a memorable experience that they can take back to their families and coworkers. Corporate parties bring in higher-paying clients who want more than your standard party fare, and these events can be key to growing your center’s reputation.
Crafting a Corporate Menu
When it comes to corporate events, having a specialized menu is essential. Companies expect more than the regular snack bar menu. Instead of offering a default selection, take the time to craft a corporate menu that caters to more refined tastes. Just because your kitchen is equipped for burgers and chili dogs doesn’t mean you can’t expand into other areas. Food suppliers offer great resources that can help you create high-quality meals, even if you don’t have extensive cooking equipment.
For example, you could provide a BBQ buffet with brisket, beans, and potato salad. You don’t necessarily need a smoker—fully cooked, high-quality products from suppliers can make this possible without sacrificing flavor or experience.
The key is to explore what you can efficiently deliver. Work with your food distributor, ask for advice, and get creative! What matters most is consistency—ensuring the food tastes great every time. Don’t be afraid to seek assistance. BPAA food service related programs handle the needs of members through discounts, rebates, training material, recipes, and more. On top of these great resources, Smart Buy partner, Sysco offers a wide variety of assistance through Sysco Foodie as well as local offices providing onsite visits or arrangements to visit the local test kitchen to explore new options for the center.
Don’t forget to put thought into presentation of the corporate food. It’s essential to elevate the experience. Consider using upscale tableware, stylish cutlery, and cloth napkins to transform the event from casual to classy leaving a lasting impression on the guests. There is disposable tableware and cutlery on the market that is both classy and affordable. Remember, the way your present the food can be just as important as the food and the on lane experience itself in creating a memorable event.
Leverage Your Staff’s Experience
Don’t underestimate the potential within your team. You may have staff members who’ve worked in catering or restaurants before, and they could bring valuable expertise to the table. For instance, maybe one of your chefs is used to catering large events and can offer insights on how to handle a high-volume meal service with ease. Engage your staff, ask for their input, and you might be surprised at how much more you can offer your guests.
Presentation is another critical factor. Corporate guests are going to expect more than a paper plate. Consider using a linen service for napkins, tablecloths, and even chef coats. These small touches can elevate the entire experience and show that your center can handle high-end events.
The Importance of a Corporate Event Plan
When you’re hosting a corporate event, it’s crucial to have a plan in place—both for the food and the entertainment. Corporate events should be more than just turning on the lanes and letting people bowl. Your center has much more to offer!
Consider integrating interactive games or trivia that engages both participants and non-bowlers. Something as simple as “Let’s Make a Deal” or a trivia round can break the ice and get everyone involved. Don’t forget about customizing the bowling experience itself. If you’re using QubicaAMF scoring there are features like YouToons, where you can personalize the animations on the screen to include funny images of the boss or other team members. These small, fun moments create lasting memories and give guests a reason to talk about your center long after the event.
If your center uses the Harmony furniture line, another great opportunity to add to the experience is to customize the configuration of the furniture to best suit the event. This small detail can have a huge impact on the interaction between the guests and overall success of the event. Planning is crucial so all the expectations of the customers are not just met but exceeded.
Presenting the various entertainment and arrangement options to potential customers show them you are prepared and ready to take charge of their event. Download a free Harmony Furniture planner, BES X planner, or BES X with HyperBowling planner and be prepared to showcase the many options your center offers for creating memorable corporate experiences.
Pricing for Success
One of the biggest challenges many centers and owners face is pricing their services for corporate events. It can be intimidating to quote a high price, but don’t be afraid to charge what you’re worth. Companies expect to pay more for a great experience, and if you’re offering a high-quality, memorable event, most will have no problem with the price.
If you’re asked to close your center for an exclusive event, be sure to account for lost revenue from other guests. Corporate clients might want the entire venue for themselves, especially on a busy night. Make sure to calculate the potential losses and factor that into your pricing. Similarly, if an outside caterer is involved, ensure you’re compensated for the revenue you’re giving up by not providing the food yourself.
Maximizing the Opportunity
Corporate events aren’t just a one-time opportunity—they can also be a steppingstone to building a loyal customer base. Offer guests bounce-back promotions or coupons to encourage them to return with their families or coworkers. When preparing a bid for a corporate event, include the value of these bounce-back deals as part of your overall package. It’s a win-win: guests see the added value, and you benefit from their return business.
Corporate events offer incredible potential for bowling centers and entertainment venues. According to Allied Market Research Company, corporate events generated $211.57 billion in 2019 and is expected to grow to $322.45 billion by 2027.
With the right planning and a focus on creating a memorable experience you can make your center the go-to spot for corporate gatherings in your area.
This blog topic was featured on the Seeds of Success Podcast S3 Ep 40_Mastering Corporate Party Planning. Visit one of the podcast platforms below to listen.
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