Let’s face it – people who plan corporate events are often expected to perform miracles on shoestring budgets. If you’re the trusted organizer saddled with the task of planning your company’s upcoming event where you know every penny is going to count, we’re here to hold your hand. We’ve put together a list of tips that will cut costs on events of all sorts, from corporate meetings and company picnics to client appreciation events and corporate health fairs.

• 1. Know your budget from the start.

Ask for a set budget so that you know what you have to work with. Then you can kick into full-on planning mode, knowing that you’re not over-spending.

• 2. Hold your event in a slow month.

Because all your suppliers will be looking for ways to cover their own costs, and they’ll charge you less, or be vulnerable to your secret weapon – bargaining.

• 3. Choose a venue on the outskirts of town.

An out-of-the-way venue has so many advantages: besides the peace and quiet, there will usually be more nearby parking space available, and venue costs will be lower. Encourage attendees to carpool so that they can also save money if they have to travel a little further to their destination.

• 4. Schedule your event so that hotel stays are unnecessary.

You’ll save a lot if you don’t have hotel or guest house expenses as a part of your budget.

• 5. Then, streamline your activities.

Plan just a handful of activities that pack a punch. This will not only keep the day shorter, so that you cut down on catering and venue costs, it will also save money on props and any entertainment or guest speaker expenses.

• 6. In fact, we suggest that you host a brunch or lunch-time event.

Brunch or lunch catering costs less than a full dinner spread, and guests will have ample time for traveling. Plan a buffet, instead of an expensive sit-down meal. Try out several caterers – cheap still means tasty when you have the right chef cooking up your meal. You can cut out mid-morning or afternoon snacks, too, especially if you have some irresistible coffee or smoothie catering on hand! Which leads us to our next tip.

• 7. Have a drinks bar!

We suggest booking a Maui Wowi smoothie and coffee bar. Our delectable drinks will keep guests filled and refreshed, eliminating the need for extra snacks. You can also look over our drinks menu and limit the options that guests can order. We offer a choice of eight tropical fruit smoothies as well as frozen lemonade and frozen cappuccinos. We also provide cold-brewed iced coffe.  To cut costs while pleasing guests, book a mobile coffee and smoothie bar today at www.coffeesandsmoothies.com.

• 8. Book everything way, way in advance – and bargain!

The closer in time to your event you book your venue, caterers, speakers and entertainment, the more everything will cost. And if you think something’s overpriced, bring that up. Here’s an insightful how-to on bargaining for events .

• 9. Go paperless.

Send out email invitations, have a Facebook page for the event where you can keep everyone informed and post pics afterwards, and use digital signage (here’s how).

• 10. Recruit volunteers, and give amateurs and university students a chance.

Just ask for examples of previous work when hiring someone inexperienced, so that you can get a feel for whether they’re up to the task.

With these tips, you have some wonderful expense-cutting strategies in your mental toolbox. Now go forth, and save money!