Why more and more companies are choosing to host events at their own location

Cost Savings — No rental costs for an external venue. You can invest that budget into a stronger program, better catering, or impressive technology instead. For bigger events, this can easily save you thousands of euros.

Tax Benefits via the WKR — A staff event held at your own workplace qualifies for targeted exemptions under the Work Expenses Scheme (WKR). This means you don't have to count these costs towards your free allowance. However, if you use an external venue, you *do* fall under the WKR. This can save you tens of thousands of euros in taxes!

Authentic Experience — Your own location is truly unique. Nobody else has the same space, view, or atmosphere. This automatically makes your event stand out from the crowd. Guests will definitely remember moments like walking through your production hall or enjoying the view from your rooftop terrace.

Maximum Control — You know your space inside out: its possibilities and its limitations. You won't have to worry about other tenants or strict house rules that come with an external venue.

Organizing an event at your own location might sound easy, but it actually comes with a surprising number of challenges. After all, your office is designed for work, not for hosting an event.

Facilities — Do you have enough restrooms for your guest count? Is there a professional kitchen, or will you need to arrange external catering? Do you have enough power outlets for lighting and sound? These are all questions you'll need to answer beforehand.

Accessibility and Parking — Your employees might know the way, but your guests probably won't. Make sure you provide clear directions, good signage, and plenty of parking. If parking is limited, think about arranging shuttle buses.

Permits — Depending on the type of event, you might need an event permit, a noise exemption, or permission from your landlord. Make sure to check this well in advance.

Safety — Different safety rules apply to an event than to daily operations. Think about escape routes, fire safety, first aid facilities, and security. A professional event agency can advise you on this.

The key to a successful event at your own venue is transformation. Your guests should feel like they're somewhere special — not just at the office.

Start with the flow. How do guests enter? What's the first thing they see? Create a 'wow' moment at the entrance with a reception area that has nothing to do with the daily lobby.

Use light, sound, and decoration to completely transform the space. A good lighting plan can turn a dull office space into an atmospheric event venue. Projections on walls, strategically placed lighting, and the right music work wonders.

Don't forget the layout! Create different zones for different parts of the event: a reception area, a main session room, a dinner spot, and maybe even a party space. This makes the event feel like a cool journey through your own building.

Oh, and don't forget about your outdoor space! A parking lot can totally transform into a festival area. A courtyard can become a chill lounge terrace. With the right concept development, the possibilities are truly endless.

Even though you're saving on venue rental, there are definitely still costs involved when you host an event at your own place. The biggest expenses usually include catering, tech (like lighting, sound, and visuals), furniture, decorations, restrooms, and any tent setups you might need.

For a professional event at your own venue, you're looking at around €50 to €150 per person, depending on the program and how elaborate the production is. That's pretty similar to an event at an external location, but you get more say in where your money goes.

The big difference comes down to the WKR (Work-Related Costs Scheme). An event held at your own workplace is actually tax-exempt. But if you choose an external venue, those costs count towards your 'free space,' and if you go over, you'll pay an 80% final levy. For a company with 200 employees, that could mean a difference of tens of thousands of euros! Want to know more? Check out the work-related costs scheme and events.

Here at Live Impact, we're super experienced in organizing events at company locations. We know exactly how to transform an office, factory, warehouse, or outdoor area into a professional event venue.

We always start with a location scan. We check out the possibilities, identify any limitations, and develop a concept that perfectly fits your space AND your goals. From technical production to catering, from entertainment to hospitality — we handle everything.

The result? An event that surprises your guests, puts your organization in the spotlight, and stays with them long after. And all of this at your own familiar location.

An event at your own location is personal, cost-effective, and unforgettable. But it requires a professional approach, and at Live Impact, we take care of that for you.

Schedule a meeting and discover what's possible at your location.