So you've decided to celebrate a corporate anniversary or other significant milestone. Before you do anything else, there are several key factors to keep in mind. This is by no means a complete list, but it can serve as a guide to planning your own program or gauging its success.

Ten corporate celebration success factors

1. Planning begins early for maximum value and impact.
   
   
2. The program incorporates the organization's key, strategic objectives.
   
   
3. Strategies and audiences are clearly defined; timetables, budgets and responsibilities are clear.
   
   
4. Internal and external audiences are involved with and served by the program.
   
   
5. The program is integrated (tactics serve several strategies and materials/activities are customized/personalized for key audiences).
   
   
6. Top management supports the program and participates in its implementation.
   
   
7. Employee involvement/contact is high.
   
   
8. The program is "global" (not just centered around the company's location or home state).
   
   
9. The program has these elements: celebration, education, recognition, effective communications, relationship-building, community involvement, creativity -- and fun.
   
   
10. The program underscores and reinforces the core values, mission and vision of the organization.

Don't forget these other important aspects: