Large Networking Reception Venues
Evening Event venues are our specialty and we love helping our clients find the perfect venue. We believe that having the right venue is crucial for a successful event.
And don’t forget our venue finding service is free!
Networking Events: Designed to foster connections among industry professionals. This can be a dinner or reception.
Award Ceremonies: Celebrating achievements within the company, these are often more formal sit-down events.
Gala Dinner: A large formal or semi-formal gathering, which generally includes a drinks reception, seated dinner and entertainment.
Holiday Parties: Celebrating seasonal holidays with employees such as Christmas or Summer.
Retirement or Farewell Parties
Celebrating Company Milestones
Drinks Receptions: Strengthening relationships with clients and partners or employees.
Executive Dinners: A well-established tradition in the corporate world, business dinners are often held to network and discuss opportunities whilst enjoying some great food in lovely surroundings.
Types of Corporate Dinners and Receptions
Corporate dinners and receptions are formal or semi-formal events organised by companies for various purposes such as networking, celebrating milestones, team building, or hosting clients and partners.
Corporate Dinners
Are you searching for a venue for your Corporate Dinner?
Want to make your venue search stress-free? Leave it to the experts!
We specialise in finding great venues and can create a customised proposal specifically tailored to your needs and budget.
Our proposal will outline all options available, provide a cost breakdown, and offer guidance on securing your Dinner venue.
Check out our Dinner page and let our experts help you plan an amazing event.
How We Can Help You..
Evening Entertainment
You may be looking to have some entertainment alongside your event. Working with our trusted suppliers we can provide anything from a magician to singing waiters to bands and DJ’s.
We can also book various experiences, including a fun casino, photobooth, cocktail-making workshops, the high-energy Generation Game, Quiz nights, TV themed events such as the Traitors, Cubed etc.
Accommodation
You or your guests may want to arrange accommodation alongside your dinner. Our venue finders can source rooms in local hotels.
The Search!
We understand that every event is special, and we’re here to help you find the perfect venue to make it even more memorable. Whether you are looking for a luxury hotel, a dedicated event space, or something more unique like a museum or gallery, we’ve got you covered. Our expert venue finders will source venues that match your needs and budget, making the process hassle-free for you.
Corporate Drinks Receptions
Planning a successful corporate drinks reception requires attention to detail and a focus on creating a welcoming and engaging environment for all attendees.
When planning your drinks reception, it’s crucial to find the perfect venue. You want to ensure that your guests have ample space to mingle and relax, and that the location is both accessible and fitting for the occasion. Taking the time to choose the right venue will set the stage for a memorable and enjoyable event.
Head over to our Drinks Reception page for more info.
Our Top Tips
Organising corporate dinners and receptions involves several key elements to ensure the event is professional, engaging and successful.
By following these steps and tips, you can organise a corporate dinner or reception that leaves a lasting positive impression on your guests and achieves your business objectives.
Planning Phase
Purpose and Objectives
Define the purpose of the event (e.g., networking, celebration, client appreciation).
Set clear objectives (e.g., increase brand awareness, foster relationships)
Budgeting
Determine the budget for the event.
Allocate funds for venue, catering, entertainment, decorations, and miscellaneous expenses.
Guest List
Identify the attendees (employees, clients, partners).
Send invitations well in advance and track RSVPs.
Venue Selection – This is where we come in with our free venue finding service
Choose a venue that aligns with the event’s purpose and guest expectations.
Consider factors like location, capacity, ambiance, and facilities.
Be realistic when choosing your venue based on your budget
Preparation Phase
Theme and Decor
Decide on a theme that reflects the company’s brand or the event’s purpose.
Plan the decor accordingly, including table settings, lighting, and floral arrangements.
Catering
Select a menu that accommodates various dietary preferences and restrictions.
Decide between a sit-down dinner, buffet, bowls or cocktail reception.
Entertainment and Activities
Arrange for entertainment (e.g., live music, guest speakers).
Plan activities or presentations to keep guests engaged.
AV
Ensure AV equipment and technical support are available for speeches etc.
Tips for Success
Don’t Forget!
Attention to Detail: Small touches like personalised place cards or themed decorations can make a big difference.
Professionalism: Maintain a high level of professionalism in all communications and interactions.
Adaptability: Be prepared to handle unexpected issues or changes gracefully.
Engagement: Create opportunities for guests to interact and network, enhancing the event’s value.
Final Steps
Execution Phase
Event Setup
Coordinate with vendors for timely setup of the venue, catering, and decorations.
Conduct a walkthrough to ensure everything is in place.
Guest Reception
Have a registration or check-in process to welcome guests.
Provide name tags if necessary for networking purposes.
Event Flow
Follow a schedule for the event, including welcome speeches, dinner service, entertainment, and closing remarks.
Post-Event Phase
Follow-Up
Send thank-you notes or emails to attendees.
Share event highlights or photos with guests and on social media if appropriate.
Review
Discuss lessons learned and areas for improvement for future events.
Tips for Success
Attention to Detail: Small touches like personalised place cards or themed decorations can make a big difference.
Professionalism: Maintain a high level of professionalism in all communications and interactions.
Adaptability: Be prepared to handle unexpected issues or changes gracefully.
Engagement: Create opportunities for guests to interact and network, enhancing the event’s value.
What our clients say
“I shouldn’t openly admit this but I often rely on Kate and Lida to save the day for me. We host all sorts of events and nothing is ever too much trouble for the team at DeSouza Associates. From sourcing large conference venues to team activities and restaurants in both the UK and Europe, nothing is ever too much trouble or too big a challenge for this team! They are wonderful to work with, professional and always hit the brief and timelines. I’ve been going to them for year and can’t see myself ever going to anyone else! The best in the business.”
Whether you are looking to book a Gala Dinner, Private Executive Dinner, Drinks Reception or Social Drinks event we can make it happen.
With so many amazing venues out there, each offering something different, it can be a bit overwhelming. But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! We know all the best spots, from hotels to cool bars and everything in between. Let us find the perfect place for your event.
Our View
Contact
Get in touch to discuss your next event
9:00 AM – 5:15 PM
DeSouza Associates Ltd,
70a Castle Street,
Farnham,
Surrey, GU9 7LP
United Kingdom



































































