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
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).