Distinguishing business events from leisure events: characteristics and purposes

Business and Leisure Events

Distinguishing the difference between a business event and a leisure event can be confusing. There are many differences and similarities between both. Depending on the purpose and intent of a particular event, the line between a business event and a leisure event at times, can be blurry. This paper will identify types of business events, identify the various types of leisure events and discuss the similarities and differences between the two.

Business Events

A business event can be categorized as an event, occurrence or activity directly related to establishing, maintaining or promoting business. Or one used to train, educate, motivate or reward staff. Common types of business events are:

Meetings

Conferences/Seminars

Expositions/Trade Shows

Corporate Retreats

Employee/Customer Appreciation Events

Meetings

From Board Meetings to weekly company meetings, meetings are business events that companies use to communicate internally to their employees, amongst managers and senior level executives.

Conferences/Seminars

These are usually half-day to multiple day events to design to teach employees new skills and give them an in-depth update on the company. Usually, upper level executives speak or present as well as industry leaders and motivational speakers.

Expositions/Trade Shows

An expo or trade show is a huge gala consisting of multiple exhibitors and simultaneous events happening over an extended time period (some trade shows and expositions can last up to 14 days). Most companies who host tradeshows seek to position themselves are an industry leader and to gain momentum for a new product or service.

Corporate Retreats

Even though business events such as corporate retreats have come under much scrutiny in recent years, these types of events remain valid business activities. Corporate retreats are geared towards upper management and senior executives. They are designed to recognize high-achievers, discuss business and can include social aspects as well.

Employee/Customer Appreciation Events

Another valid business event are employee and customer appreciation events. As the name implies, these activities are designed to appreciate and reward valued employees and customers.

Parties/Galas

Many businesses have an annual party or gala to celebrate previous years' success or just to provide a social setting for employees to relax and enjoy themselves. These is a great example of a leisure event that can have a business purpose; but not classified as a business event for IRS or accounting purposes

Holiday Celebrations

Many companies have either small or large holiday events, this is considered a celebration therefore it also falls under the umbrella of a leisure event.

Charity Events

Charity events such as fundraisers to benefit a particular charity or cause are considered a leisure event even though the funds raised can be tax deductible for the business.

Social Events (Weddings Reunions, etc.…)

Social events are events without any business purpose or intent. The goal is for enjoyment only. While business events can have a social aspect, social events such as a wedding are not considered a business event by any means.

Differences and Similarities

What makes business and leisure events similar is that they are all designed to assemble a group of people together to achieve an end goal or produce a specific outcome; where these events differ lie in the end goal and specific outcome that sought. An event is simply a vehicle to communicate and deliver information and set a mood and tone; both leisure and business events are designed to do just that. The type of information delivered at a business event provides the attendee new skills and knowledge of the company or skills they can apply to become more effective at their job. Business events can also be tools to motivate and encourage staff and to reward those who have done well. A leisure event is designed and is an activity purely for the enjoyment of the attendees. A business or an organization may choose to host a Gala or Holiday Celebration; however, usually these types are events are primarily social in nature and are not conducted to secure, maintain or produce future business or train and educate staff or customers. Size is not a factor in determining a business event for a leisure event, scope and intended outcomes is what makes the difference.