When attending a corporate event, how you present yourself matters more than you might think. Your attire, behavior, and interactions can shape how others perceive you and open doors to networking, collaboration, and even career advancement.

On the flip side, a misstep could leave a lasting impression—for the wrong reasons. To help you navigate the do’s and don’ts with ease, we’ve compiled a comprehensive guide to corporate event etiquette.

Jump to:

• Pre-event etiquette
• Etiquette during the event
• Post-event etiquette

Pre-Event Etiquette: Setting the Stage

Success at any event starts long before you arrive. By being prepared, you can set yourself up for a smooth and enjoyable experience.

1. RSVP Like a Pro

When you receive an invitation, one of the first things you should do is respond. Event organisers rely on accurate attendance numbers to arrange catering, seating, and more. Delayed responses can create unnecessary stress for them, so don’t leave them guessing.

If you’re unsure whether you can attend due to work commitments or personal matters, communicate this promptly. Let the organiser know when you expect to have a definitive answer. A quick reply, even if it’s tentative, shows respect for their time and effort.

2. Speak Up About Your Needs

If you have specific requirements, such as dietary restrictions, mobility needs, or other accommodations, it’s essential to inform the organiser as soon as possible. This allows them to liaise with venues and caterers to ensure everything runs smoothly.

Imagine turning up to a dinner only to find there’s nothing you can eat, or arriving at a venue without accessible facilities. By providing this information early, you not only make things easier for the organiser but also ensure you’ll feel comfortable and included.

At Events Made Simple, we always make a point of asking attendees for their requirements to avoid surprises. However, not every organiser does this, so it’s always best to be proactive.

3. Get Organised

Preparation is the secret to arriving at any event calm, confident, and ready to shine. Double-check the date, time, location, and any materials you need to bring. This might include presentation notes, business cards, or even comfortable shoes for an outdoor activity.

Also, confirm the dress code. The last thing you want is to turn up underdressed (or overdressed) and feel out of place. Being organised ensures you’ll make a polished first impression and avoids any embarrassment caused by avoidable oversights.

4. Do Your Homework

Events are an excellent opportunity to network, but a little prep work can help you make the most of them. If you’re attending alongside people you don’t know, research the guest list or speakers.

Learn about their roles, achievements, and professional backgrounds. This will give you conversation starters and help you connect on a meaningful level. Just remember to keep it professional—this isn’t the time for deep dives into their personal lives.

5. Dress to Impress

Selecting the right outfit can be a challenge, especially if the event doesn’t specify a dress code. When in doubt, aim for smart casual—it’s polished without being over the top.

If the itinerary includes a mix of activities (e.g., a team-building exercise followed by a formal dinner), you may need multiple outfits. Comfortable, practical clothing works well for activities like duck herding, while formal events call for sharper attire. By planning ahead, you can feel confident and comfortable throughout the event.

Etiquette During the Event: Shine Bright

Once the event begins, it’s time to put all that preparation into action. Here’s how to make the right impression.

1. Greet Your Host

The host or organiser has put significant effort into planning the event, so it’s important to acknowledge their hard work. Upon arriving or during the first group gathering, take a moment to introduce yourself and thank them.

A simple, “Thank you for organising this—it looks like a great event,” can go a long way. If you already know the host, this is also a chance to reconnect and express your appreciation.

2. Perfect the Handshake

A handshake remains a cornerstone of professional etiquette. When meeting someone new, extend your right hand confidently. Aim for a firm grip—strong enough to convey confidence but not so bone-crunchingly strong it causes discomfort.

Keep the handshake brief (two to three pumps) and maintain eye contact. This small gesture can make a big impact on how others perceive you.

3. Balance Talking and Listening

Not everyone is naturally outgoing, but corporate events are meant for interaction. If you’re shy, start by approaching someone who seems alone—they’ll likely appreciate the company. If you’re more extroverted, make sure to create space in conversations for quieter individuals to participate.

Ask open-ended questions to encourage dialogue, such as:

“What brought you to this event?”

“What’s your favorite part of the event so far?”

Avoid sensitive or polarising topics like politics, religion, or office gossip. Instead, stick to neutral and engaging subjects.

4. Master Introductions

When you find yourself among strangers, take the lead in making introductions. For example:

“Hi Sarah, this is Mark from Marketing. He’s been working on the new campaign I mentioned earlier.”

Adding a small detail about each person makes the introduction more personal and helps kickstart the conversation.

5. Be a Team Player

Many corporate events include team-building activities that encourage collaboration and fun. While a bit of healthy competition is great, remember to keep it friendly and sportsmanlike.

If you win, celebrate graciously. If you lose, accept it with good humor. The goal is to build team cohesion, not instigate rivalry.

6. Stay Thoughtful

Small gestures of consideration can make a big difference. Hold the door open for others, offer your seat to someone who needs it, and wait for everyone to be served before starting to eat your meal. Never simply assume that a seat is available - always ask a nearby person or look out for reserved signs.

These simple acts demonstrate respect and help create a positive atmosphere.

7. Keep It Professional

While it’s tempting to relax completely, remember that corporate events are still work functions. Keep your behavior professional, avoid overindulging in alcohol, and steer clear of anything that might lead to awkward moments back at the office.

Post-Event Etiquette: Leave a Lasting Impression

Your actions after the event can strengthen the connections you’ve made and reinforce positive impressions.

1. Say Thank You

A thoughtful thank-you email or note can go a long way in showing your appreciation. A short message “Thank you for a fantastic event; I really enjoyed it” is all it takes.

Send your note within a day or two to ensure it’s timely and relevant.

2. Follow Up on Connections

If you met someone interesting or discussed potential collaborations, don’t let the conversation end there. Follow up with an email, LinkedIn connection, or a meeting request to keep the momentum going.

Following up not only solidifies your networking efforts but also demonstrates professionalism and enthusiasm.

3. Leave a review for your events organiser

Okay, so maybe it's not essential for event etiquette, but leaving a review for us at Events Made Simple lets us know that we’ve done a good job.

Conclusion

Corporate event etiquette might seem daunting at first, but with preparation and mindfulness, it’s easy to navigate. From responding to invites promptly, to engaging meaningfully during the event and following up afterward, these steps will ensure you leave a positive impression.

Looking to organise your own corporate event? Let us handle the details while you focus on making memories. Get an instant quote today!