Corporate Event Cost Calculator
Estimate your corporate event budget including venue, catering, AV, staffing, and optional add-ons like accommodation.
Add-Ons
Estimated Total Budget
$40,313
$269 per attendee
-46% vs avg corporate event
Cost per Person
$269
Cost/Person/Day
$269
Budget Breakdown
Venue
Rental, setup, teardown
$11,250
Catering
Food, beverages, service
$9,375
AV & Production
Sound, lighting, screens
$8,438
Entertainment & Speakers
Talent, keynotes, MC
$3,750
Decor & Branding
Signage, florals, displays
$3,000
Event Staff
Coordinators, registration
$2,625
Contingency
Buffer for unexpected costs
$1,875
Pro Tip
Book venues 6-12 months in advance for best rates. Consider mid-week events for 15-25% savings.
How to Use This Calculator
Select event type and attendee count
Choose location tier and duration
Add optional services (hotel, transport, hybrid)
Get detailed budget breakdown with benchmarks
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a corporate event cost per person?
Corporate events typically cost $150-400 per person per day. Conferences average $250/person, retreats $400/person, and galas $350/person. Location significantly impacts costs—NYC/SF events cost 50% more than average.
What percentage of budget goes to venue rental?
Venue costs typically represent 25-35% of total event budget. In premium markets, this can increase to 40%. Budget-friendly alternatives include non-traditional venues, weekday events, or off-peak seasons.
How much should I budget for catering?
Catering usually represents 20-30% of the total budget. Expect $75-150 per person for standard corporate catering, $150-250 for premium options. This includes food, beverages, and service staff.
What is the typical contingency for events?
Industry standard is 5-10% contingency buffer. For first-time events or complex productions, consider 15%. This covers unexpected costs like weather backup plans, last-minute equipment, or attendance changes.
How can I reduce corporate event costs?
Book venues 6-12 months ahead, choose mid-week dates (15-25% savings), consider non-traditional venues, bundle services with one vendor, and negotiate based on multi-event commitments.
Why Use This Calculator
- Budget by event type (conference, gala, retreat)
- Adjust for location tier pricing
- See detailed category breakdown
- Add accommodation and transportation
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"Planning our annual conference budget used to take days. This tool gave us a solid framework in under an hour."
Events Director, Trade Association