A Business Abroad – 5 Tips for Planning Company Events Overseas

Whether you’re an established brand, or a lone entrepreneur with big ideas, you don’t have to be hampered by geography. These days, it is easier than ever to pack up a business and take it overseas. With everything from shared offices to corporate incubators, international trade shows, and global pitch events now available, it’s just a matter of picking your destination.

While it can be a costly affair to travel and network abroad, it is easier than you think to apply for corporate funding. There are plenty of options too, as companies aren’t limited to standard business loans. If you need to borrow cash to set up events overseas, personal and travel loans from Latitude Finance are also suitable.

This guide to planning corporate events overseas will give you some ideas for your next trip.

Secure the Right Funding

Even relatively small events can be very expensive when you factor in the cost of travel and transportation. Therefore, it’s a good idea to speak with a financial consultant before you make any commitments. They can give you advice on the best lending options and terms.

Your needs will be specific to the event plan.
Obviously, you’re likely to need a larger sum and possibly more flexible terms if you intend to host or organise a series of events rather than a standalone date. Try to give your lender as much information as possible.

Get Familiar with the Customs

This is a very important requirement and failure to acknowledge it often leads to disaster for small businesses. Wherever you’re headed, get to know the local customs, rules, and etiquette. Alcohol, for example, is a sensitive subject in many different countries.

Similarly, advertising with sexual or political content is highly frowned upon in religiously-conservative nations. In Mandarin culture, the number four is considered to be very unlucky. These are the kinds of details which could trip up your event if you don’t do some research.

Adopt the Host Time Zone

It can be a bit of frustrating to work to a time zone which is drastically different to your own, but it will be worth it in the long run. If you are organising events with partners, who are on the other side of the world, taking steps to accommodate them shows respect and sensitivity.

Assuming that you have a good idea of what you want to discuss or set up, you’re likely to have more productive meetings if you work to their clock. Don’t forget that any deadline you set must take the time difference into account. Set realistic targets which work for everybody.

Prepare the Team In Advance

Whatever you do, don’t wait until a week before the event to ask your team if they have valid passports and all the necessary documentation for travel. In fact, handle as much of the administrative responsibility as possible, particularly where they pertain to visas.

Ideally, you only want to be taking people with a minimum of six months left on their passport just to avoid any disastrous delays at the airport. Make copies of all passports before you leave and pack them with the rest of the essential paperwork.

Always Ask for Assurances

Whether you’re on the ground or organising the event from another country, don’t assume that routines work in exactly the same way that you’d expect. Many countries don’t include load in and set up times with their venue contracts, for example.

Some have completely different processes for renting out AV equipment. It is very likely that the terminology you’re used to will be different overseas. So, always be certain before agreeing to a deal or signing any paperwork. It never hurts to ask twice or even three times.

Why the Key to Event Success Is Preparation

Ultimately, the more prepared you are, the better your chances of a smooth and successful event. Whether it’s applying for visas in plenty of time, chatting with contacts on the ground, or even learning some local lingo, the key to a great date is knowing exactly what you’re getting into.