Organising a corporate gala dinner in Marseille

What makes a gala evening?

A gala almost always has an official occasion: awards for the best salespeople, the company’s anniversary, the closing evening of a convention, a partners’ dinner or a charity gala. That occasion shapes the evening. So it should be treated like a show: an opening, moments of suspense (announcing the winners), a finale, then the party.

The dress code is part of the game. Announced on the invitation (“evening dress”, “black tie”, or a theme), it sets the mood before the guests even arrive.

How does a gala dinner run?

1. 7pm, guests arrive: personal welcome, cloakroom, photocall with a photographer.
2. 7.15pm, cocktail reception: champagne, canapés, a saxophonist or a quartet.
3. 8.30pm, guests take their seats: seating plan on display, walk-in music, lights dim.
4. 8.45pm, official opening: master of ceremonies, a word from the chairman, video.
5. 9pm, dinner and awards: the prize-givings are slotted between courses, in 10-minute blocks.
6. 11pm, finale: last award or dessert, cold spark jets, the dance floor opens.
7. 1am, close: cloakroom, taxis or shuttles booked in advance.

How much does a corporate gala in Marseille cost?

The venue weighs heavily: according to the Mucem’s hire rates, a prestige venue costs from €1,600 for a lounge to more than €13,000 for the large spaces in the evening. A served, seated dinner costs more than a cocktail reception with food. For entertainment and technical equipment, here are our guide prices:

Which venues for a gala in Marseille and Provence?

The Great Hall of the Palais de la Bourse, 630 m² beneath a 35-metre ceiling, impresses from the moment you walk in. The Palais du Pharo overlooks the entrance to the Old Port, while the Mucem plays on the sea and its architecture. Outside the city, Château Saint-Hilaire with its 300 m² ballroom, or Château de Valmousse, offer the setting of a Provençal estate.

What entertainment for a gala dinner?

• A close-up magician moving between tables during dinner.
• LED and spark effects for the winners’ entrance.
• A caricaturist who gives each guest a personal keepsake.
• Performers to welcome guests outdoors.

What mistakes should you avoid?

• All the prize-givings back to back: after 20 minutes, the room gets restless. Spread them between courses.
• A rushed seating plan: it is often the first thing people remember, for better or worse.
• The acoustics of large spaces: a very high hall needs more speakers spread around, not more volume.
• Forgetting stage access for the winners: steps, lighting, a microphone at the right height.

What does ADJM Événementiel take care of?

We write the run sheet with you and provide the host, the sound and lighting, the stage and screens, the decoration, the music and the photography, then we coordinate the evening with the venue and the caterer.