• Corporate hospitality is a major aspect of successfully conducting business. In addition to doing your job and running your business well, you need to know how to make visiting out-of-town clients feel comfortable and to demonstrate that you care about their well-being. Corporate hospitality involves any event or activity that entertains your clients at company expense. It's important to understand what goes into successful corporate hospitality.
  
  

Local Cuisine

• It's general protocol to take clients out for a meal on the company's dime, but you should take it a step further and allow your clients to experience a taste of your city. Treat those business associates to a local favorite, perhaps at a place that has received national recognition on the Travel Channel or Food Network. For example, if your company is based in Memphis, Tennessee, could demonstrate corporate hospitality by taking your guests to the Rendezvous, one of the most popular BBQ joints in the country. It will make more of an impression if they get to enjoy a restaurant unlike what is available in their home city.
  
  

Gift Bags

• Investigate where your clients are staying and have a gift bag waiting for each person in his room. This nice, simple gesture goes the extra mile in making clients feel comfortable. Fill this gift bag with various goodies, such as gift cards, a bottle of wine, a cigar, free upgrades and unexpected treats. These bags will ensure your clients have an extra-relaxing time on the business trip. Instill positive feelings throughout the group before their trip to your business comes to an end.
  
  

Working Luncheons

• Plan a working lunch that involves a quality meal in pleasant surroundings at your facility. This takes some planning in advance. About a week before the luncheon, have your administrative assistant call the client's office and find out what they want for lunch. Additionally, use what you know and can learn about the kind of firm you are hosting, and plan the luncheon accordingly. You don't want your client to feel uncomfortable, so find out what they are expecting in the way of formality and dress. The luncheon's atmosphere should depend on what your client expects. Gauge their expectations so you make your affiliates feel as comfortable as possible.