At Ohana Marquees, we’ve supported countless companies in bringing their vision for outdoor corporate events to life. From brand launches to summer parties, team-building retreats to awards ceremonies, outdoor events offer a fantastic opportunity to step away from the usual boardroom setting and connect with clients, colleagues or partners in a more relaxed, creative and memorable environment.
But as with any professionally run event, outdoor corporate gatherings need careful planning, expert coordination, and the right infrastructure to ensure everything runs smoothly. Organising a successful corporate event isn’t just about choosing a date and sending out invites; it’s about crafting an experience that reflects your company’s identity, communicates your message, and makes a lasting impression on your guests.
At Ohana Marquees, we specialise in corporate marquee hire in York and across North Yorkshire. We understand that every business has unique goals for their event—whether it’s internal team engagement or public-facing brand promotion—and we’re here to help ensure that your outdoor event is not only professional but also polished, comfortable and impactful.
Setting Clear Objectives for Your Event
Before diving into the logistics, it’s essential to clarify what you want to achieve with your event. Are you looking to reward staff with a summer celebration? Launch a new product or service? Host a networking reception for key industry contacts? Or perhaps bring remote teams together for some much-needed face time?
Having a clear objective helps shape every aspect of the planning process, from the size and structure of the marquee to the layout, schedule, and types of suppliers you’ll need. It also helps determine your guest list, which is a key factor in choosing the right location and marquee size. Whether it’s an intimate gathering for senior leadership or a large-scale event for hundreds of employees and stakeholders, your goals will steer all your major decisions.
We work closely with clients to understand not just the logistics of their event, but the intention behind it. This way, we can provide guidance that aligns with your company’s values and helps you deliver a seamless, goal-oriented experience for your guests.
Choosing the Right Location
The beauty of an outdoor corporate event is the flexibility it offers. You’re not limited to conference centres or hotel ballrooms; you can host your event in a wide range of settings, from the grounds of your company HQ to scenic countryside venues, historic estates, or even a spacious private garden.
The location you choose should be practical, accessible and appropriate for the tone of your event. For example, a product launch for a luxury brand may benefit from an elegant country estate backdrop, while a summer team BBQ might be best hosted at a relaxed outdoor space with room for games, food trucks and music.
Accessibility is key. Make sure the site is easy to reach by road or public transport, especially if guests are travelling from different regions. Parking should also be considered, along with clear signposting, smooth ground for walking, and easy access for suppliers and deliveries.
At Ohana Marquees, we’ve installed structures in a wide range of outdoor locations across Yorkshire. If you need help sourcing a suitable venue, we can recommend tried and tested spaces ideal for corporate marquee events.
Planning the Right Structure
One of the biggest advantages of using a marquee for your outdoor corporate event is the flexibility it offers in design, layout and branding. Whether you want a sleek and minimal interior for presentations or a vibrant, dynamic space with lighting and staging for entertainment, a marquee can be tailored entirely to your needs.
The size and configuration of the marquee will depend on your guest list and the type of activities taking place. A sit-down dinner or awards ceremony will require a different setup to a standing drinks reception or workshop-led event. You’ll also need to factor in areas for catering, bars, entertainment, breakout zones and possibly a stage for speakers or performances.
Our clearspan marquees are a popular choice for corporate events because they offer an open, uninterrupted internal space—perfect for custom layouts, AV equipment, and branded décor. They can be dressed up or down to suit the tone of your event, and we offer a wide selection of flooring, lighting, linings, and accessories to match your company style.
Branding and Styling Your Event
A well-branded event doesn’t mean simply putting up a few banners or logos. It’s about creating an environment that reflects your company’s ethos, values and personality. From colour schemes to signage, table settings to digital displays, every element contributes to the overall feel of your event.
We work with businesses to incorporate brand identity seamlessly into their marquee design. This could mean integrating your brand colours into the lighting and furniture, using custom-printed panels or flags, or setting up branded backdrops for photo opportunities and media coverage.
For client-facing events, creating a space that feels immersive and aligned with your brand identity helps build trust and recognition. For internal events, it reinforces company culture and shows employees that attention has been paid to making the event meaningful and enjoyable.
Weather-Proofing and Comfort
The unpredictability of British weather is always a factor in planning an outdoor corporate event. That’s why the structure, flooring, and comfort features of your marquee are essential considerations. No one wants guests wading through mud or shivering through speeches.
Our marquees are fully weather-resistant and can be fitted with solid or panoramic walls depending on the forecast and time of year. For cooler months or evenings, we offer discreet heating solutions that maintain a comfortable temperature without disrupting the atmosphere.
Flooring is a must-have for corporate events. We provide level wooden floors with carpet overlays to create a smart, dry and professional finish, even on uneven or soft ground. Walkways, matting, and covered entrances can be added for a polished arrival experience.
Ensuring guest comfort also means planning for accessible toilet facilities, ample seating, shelter from sun or rain, and a clear layout that makes it easy for attendees to navigate the space.
Coordinating Catering and Entertainment
The success of any event often hinges on the quality of food and drink on offer. Whether it’s canapés and champagne, a barbecue feast, buffet stations or a fully catered three-course meal, your catering choices should align with the tone and schedule of the event.
We provide catering tents as part of our service and coordinate with your chosen caterers to ensure they have everything they need. This includes access to power, water (where possible), lighting, and clear entry and exit routes for staff and deliveries.
Entertainment options will depend on your audience and objectives. For some events, a live band or DJ is ideal for keeping the energy high, especially at evening receptions. For others, speakers, brand videos, product demos or even team-building activities might be more appropriate.
The versatility of a marquee means we can help create distinct zones for dining, networking, entertainment, and presentations. This gives your event flow and structure while allowing guests to engage in the parts that appeal most to them.
Managing Logistics and Power
Unlike fixed venues, marquee events require more detailed planning around logistics and utilities. One of the key factors is power supply. All lighting, AV equipment, catering tools and heating will require electricity, so it’s essential to ensure a reliable source is available.
If mains power is not an option at your chosen location, we supply high-quality, silent generators specifically suited to corporate event needs. We calculate power loads in advance and provide all necessary distribution and cabling, installed safely and discreetly.
Logistics also include timing for the build and breakdown of the marquee, delivery schedules, and coordination with third-party suppliers such as caterers, florists, AV teams and entertainers. We manage this entire process, taking the pressure off your shoulders and allowing you to focus on the content and delivery of your event.
Safety, Accessibility and Compliance
Corporate events have a responsibility to ensure the safety, comfort and accessibility of all attendees. This includes clear evacuation procedures, secure structures, accessible facilities for guests with disabilities, and adherence to health and safety regulations.
At Ohana Marquees, we take compliance seriously. Our structures are wind-tested and built to the highest standards, and we work in line with current health and safety guidance. We’ll also help you prepare a full event risk assessment and liaise with any venue or landowner as needed to ensure full compliance.
Accessibility is also a top priority. We can supply ramps, wide entrances, suitable toilet facilities, and internal layouts that accommodate mobility needs. Making your event inclusive reflects well on your organisation and ensures everyone has a positive experience.
Post-Event Breakdown and Sustainability
Once the event has come to a close, our team handles the full takedown process. We ensure the site is returned to its original condition, manage waste collection where required, and coordinate with your suppliers for a smooth breakdown.
Increasingly, businesses are prioritising sustainability in their event planning. Where possible, we aim to reduce environmental impact by recommending reusable structures and materials, managing efficient power usage, and partnering with eco-conscious suppliers. We’re happy to support any sustainability goals you may have for your event.
Why Work with Ohana Marquees?
As a trusted provider of corporate marquee hire in York, Ohana Marquees brings both experience and local insight to every project. We understand the pressure of representing your brand professionally and the importance of delivering a seamless experience for your guests. Our team is committed to providing a high level of service, from the initial consultation through to the final takedown.
We offer a fully bespoke service, tailored to your company’s needs and event objectives. From sleek and stylish marquees to functional catering spaces and AV-ready layouts, we’ll help you build an event that not only meets expectations but exceeds them.
With flexible configurations, high-quality equipment, and an experienced support team, you can trust Ohana Marquees to deliver a professional environment that makes the right impression.
Final Thoughts
Planning an outdoor corporate event might feel like a big undertaking, but with the right team behind you, it can be an exciting and rewarding process. With a clear vision, strong logistics, and expert execution, your event can go from a simple gathering to an unforgettable brand experience.
At Ohana Marquees, we’re proud to support businesses throughout York and beyond with high-quality corporate marquee solutions tailored to every brief. If you’re considering hosting a corporate event outdoors and want guidance from a team that knows how to deliver results, we’d love to chat. Let us help you bring your brand to life under canvas—with style, professionalism and impact. Get in touch today.
