Planning Events That Stick: A Norfolk Event Organiser’s Perspective

I’ve worked with Nee from NE Event Management for a number of years now, going right back to our first event together at Lloyds of London over a decade ago, through to much more recent work, a wedding at Royal Norwich Golf & Leisure just last year.

What I’ve always appreciated about working with Nee is how she thinks past the day itself and into what people actually take away with them afterwards.

So I asked Nee a few questions to get her perspective on what businesses are really hoping for when they plan a corporate event, what success looks like once the room’s empty, and why it matters that events leave a lasting impression rather than just looking good on the day.

We started with what businesses are really hoping to achieve when they invest in an event.

When businesses in Norfolk come to you to plan a corporate event, what are they usually hoping to achieve beyond just the day itself? 

When businesses come to me, they’re rarely thinking only about the day itself. What they usually want is for people to remember it and for all the right reasons! Whether that’s for brand visibility, getting the team engaged or reflecting their services the goal is always impact that lasts beyond the event.

A well-planned event becomes part of the company story that they look forward to attending again. It shapes how people talk about the business, how teams feel being part of it and how the brand is seen externally. Although I am based in Norfolk, most of my events happen elsewhere and the fact that clients often come back to me years later means a lot. It tells me the events didn’t just look good on the day, they delivered something meaningful that people still remember.

How important is visual content — photography and video — in helping a company extend the impact of their event?

Photography and video aren’t just nice-to-have they are key to making an event live beyond the day itself. Most clients use visuals for social media, websites, internal comms, future event promotion… merchandise or presentations, basically everywhere! 

Timing is important too. Some clients need images on the day for social coverage, then the full set a couple of days later for press or publications. A good example is Insuralex. They have very strict brand guidelines, so getting it right first time really matters. Rob is their first choice whenever we can make it work because he understands the brief, captures the right moments and delivers every time.

Good visuals don’t just document an event, they amplify it. They give the story life long after the last guest leaves.

What do well-run corporate events tend to have in place that makes them look professional and cohesive on the day?

The secret is planning, planning and planning again - with Plan B and C ready just in case. When that’s done, it shows. On the day, it’s in the branding, staging, lighting and layout.

When those details are thought through, it makes a massive difference to how the event looks and to the photography. Good lighting sets the mood, staging gives focal points, branding feels natural and the layout shows the event is intentional. Even small details make photos look stronger and more professional.

How do you see companies using photography after the event is over?

Photography really comes into its own after the event. Clients use it on LinkedIn, websites, in press, for recruitment, award entries and of course future event promotion.

Not every client has the budget to cover every event, so I often notice images being used years later. Some events don’t even allow photography or there isn’t the chance to get model release forms signed with VIP guests. That’s why having strong, high quality assets from key events is so important,  they become the backbone of communications long after the day itself.

From your experience, what separates an event that looks high-quality from one that feels more thrown together?

It all comes back to planning and for me bringing personality into the mix. A well planned event runs smoothly and looks cohesive because the atmosphere, details, professionalism and scale have all been thought through.

What really makes it memorable though is when the event reflects the client or the service they offer. I love adding quirky or personal touches. At The Alarm Company’s business anniversary, guests literally had to break into their own alarms to enter their party, then were welcomed with a glass of bubbly poured by an aerial champagne server. Moments like that are playful, unexpected and completely on-brand and the visuals are unforgettable.

If a company is staging a corporate event in Norfolk or further afield, when should they start thinking about planning for it?

It depends on the scale of the event, but the longer you have the better. Small events can be pulled together fairly quickly, but bigger more complex ones need time to get right.

I’m currently planning a 5,000 person event in 2027 and it’s already got real momentum. Starting early gives time to secure venues, plan logistics, shape creative ideas and have flexibility if things change. Whether in Norfolk or further afield, early planning means less stress, more options and ultimately a stronger experience and stronger photos for use again and again!

If you’re looking for an event planner in Norfolk you can connect with Nee on LinkedIn or get in touch with her here. And for event photography that has your audience saying “I wish I’d been there,” you can see more event & PR photography here or book in for a chat about your event photography on the button below.