How to Host a Corporate Event That Doesn’t Feel Corporate: Creative Planning Ideas at The Betty
Corporate events often evoke images of stiff speeches, fluorescent-lit rooms, and endless PowerPoints. At The Betty Event Center in Long Beach, we believe corporate gatherings can be inspiring and different.
Whether you're hosting a product reveal, a team retreat, or a leadership summit, our waterfront venue helps you create a vibrant experience that feels more gathering than grind.
Here's how to make your next company milestone memorable—without the corporate clichés.
Design the Right Atmosphere
Start by re-envisioning the venue. Swap long banquet tables for lounge-style seating—mix sofas, colorful chairs, and ottomans around low tables.
At The Betty, we often use open-air patios and twinkling café lights to evoke a relaxed summer party feel. Encourage movement and mingling by creating multiple “moment” zones—an interactive demo area, a storytelling corner, a game station.
The result? A space that energizes participants rather than stifles them.
Choose Experiences Over Formalities
Your agenda sets the tone. Instead of an hour-long keynote, break the flow with engaging experiences that invite participation.
Consider:
A creative mini workshop, where attendees build something related to your brand.
A walk-and-talk session along the marina promenade, perfect for morning ideation.
A sunset toast with coastal views and custom cocktails representing each department.
Infuse Local Flavor
One of The Betty’s greatest assets is its community connection. We partner with local chefs and artisans to bring authentic Long Beach flavors to your event.
Think snack bars with gourmet tostadas or fish-taco stations, briny mocktails crafted with local citrus, and tequila tastings featuring nearby distilleries.
People don’t just taste food—they connect through stories of where and how it’s made.
Add Layers of Engagement
Engagement shouldn’t be optional—it should infuse the moment:
Live mural activation: Let a local artist co-create during the event; employees can add their touches.
Photo-story booths: Set up booths that prompt participants with fun questions or lighthearted props.
Pop-up “how we work” showcases: Let departments share their wins or prototypes in an interactive gallery.
These layers extend conversations beyond the main program, weaving shared experiences that build rapport.
Prioritize Comfort and Convenience
Subtle touches set the tone. At The Betty, we prioritize comfort by providing soft blankets for cool evenings and cushioned lounge chairs.
Rather than boxed lunches, we favor live stations with fresh, healthy options: build-your-own grain bowls or healthy mezze platters served family-style.
Every choice keeps energy up and elevates hospitality—without the “these chairs are hard” vibe.
Cap the Night with A Chill Wind-Down
After the main program, invite guests to linger. Soft acoustic music over candlelit tables, a walk along the marina docks, or a cozy outdoor fireplace create natural ways to unwind.
Encourage impromptu team connections by guiding guests with gentle lighting and conversational prompts at each table.
Why The Betty Works for Corporate Gatherings
Flexible space design encourages creativity and comfort.
Local partnerships bring authenticity and community spirit.
Event support ensures logistical details—sound, catering, layout—all feel curated, not corporate.
This isn’t a rental—it’s a collaboration to help you build authentic moments that deliver both impact and memory.
Practical Tips That Make a Difference
Start with audience insight: Who’s attending, and what energizes them?
Embrace mixed formats: Alternate presentations with active or passive experiences.
Choose storytelling over speech: Use personal anecdotes or visual narratives instead of bullet-heavy talks.
Foster shared creation: Whether through co-creating art or goal-setting exercises, people remember what they help build.
Keep it local: Authentic connections grow from community roots—so feature local talent, food, and stories.
When your event strategy puts people before protocol, longevity and impact follow.
Final Thoughts: Craft Moments, Not Meetings
Corporate doesn’t have to feel corporate. At The Betty Event Center, our focus is on crafting gatherings that feel alive, with memorable experiences, local flair, and a sense of place. Your company’s message deserves a stage that feels relatable, not rehearsed. And in Long Beach, there’s no better backdrop.
Ready to plan a corporate event that breathes? Contact us today to schedule a tour—your team will thank you.