Posterous theme by Cory Watilo

Business Entertaining: Groups

The Problem

About $1.5 million a year is spent by companies on corporate hospitality, not only on business lunches, etc. to discuss or finalise a contract, but on entertainment with no specific objective in mind other than to keep or win the loyalty of customers.

In the past three years, our company has always used a 'hospitality broker' who would arrange a visit to a social or sporting occasion to which your executives could invite and entertain selected valued clients.

Unfortunately, last year was not as successful as in previous years and so, this year, the arrangements are to be made internally - in fact, by you!

There are a number of alternatives - you may like to think of others:

Sporting events which are also social events:

  • Calgary Flames
  • Spruce Meadows
  • Calgary Stampede
  • Horse racing

Participation Sports

  • Salmon fishing
  • Paint ball
  • Downhill skiing
  • White water rafting
  • Car racing

Weekend away

  • Banff / Lake Louise
  • Waterton Park
  • City hotel
  • Ranch

Trip to an unusual place/event

  • Olympic Games
  • World Cup
  • North Pole
  • Central American Cruise

Dinner + theatre event

Other special event


Consider the value and the limitations of these ideas.
Consider:

  • danger/effect on health
  • expense
  • time required (weekend/weekday/evening)
  • possibility/desirability of inviting spouses/partners
  • exclusive/non-exculsivity
  • ease of arrangement/possibility of things going wrong
  • level of enjoyment
  • level of stimulation
  • previous experience required
  • physical ability required
  • and any other points you think are important


Create the profile of the clients you have to entertain.
Consider:

  • Age range
  • Nationality
  • Occupations
  • Possible interests
  • Time available
  • other factors


Action

Finally discuss and decide what you are going to organise for them. Each group will have to present the profile of their clients and explain their decision - this includes explaining why the other alternatives were rejected.

Language

Conditionals

Our clients would enjoy.....
We would be able to.....
We would transport them by.....
X would be appreciated.....
As a result of.....
.....and therefore.....
.....hence.....
As a consequence of.....

 

Adapted from Business Games by Jenny Mawer (1992).