Budgeting tips, examples, and planning advice for HR and People & Culture teams
From team building events and wellness fun runs to company family days and end-of-year celebrations, internal staff events are more than just morale boosters — they’re complex projects with real costs.
But how much should you actually budget for a workplace event?
We’ve supported national organisations, government departments, and internal comms teams across Victoria. Here’s how we guide them when budgeting for corporate and team activations.
Why Do Internal Events Cost More Than You Think?
Unlike public events, internal staff events are often about reputation, culture, and staff experience. You might not need to attract external crowds — but you still need to deliver:
A safe, smooth, and engaging day
Compliance with council and safety regulations
A professional, polished experience that reflects your brand
These events are often judged more harshly than public ones — because your staff expect the best.
What Impacts the Cost of a Staff Event?
Here’s what typically drives the event planning cost for corporate events:
1. Location & Venue Setup
Outdoor events need:
- Power and water access
- Fencing and staging
- Ground protection or flooring
- Shade structures and wet-weather plans
- Indoor events may require:
- Furniture hire
- AV tech setup
- Signage, wayfinding, and room branding
Even if it’s a “private” event, you’ll likely need:
- POPE permits (Places of Public Entertainment) ( for events over 500 people)
- Traffic management plans (if roads or carparks are affected)
- Public liability insurance
- Crowd control measures
3. Audiovisual & Entertainment
From basic MC setups to full-blown stage productions, this often includes:
- Speakers, screens, and microphones
- Stage lighting and rigging
- Music licensing and DJ/MC hire
- Live performers or cultural entertainment
4. Infrastructure
Depending on your audience and format, you might need:
- Marquees, shade, and signage
- Chill-out zones or staff lounges
- Children’s play areas (for family days)
- Hydration and first aid stations
- Bump-in and bump-out logistics
5. Food, Hygiene & Waste
Even for small events, expect costs for:
- Catering or food trucks
- Waste disposal and site clean-up
- Portable toilets and sanitation stations
- Drinking water stations
6. Risk, Safety & Staffing
This includes:
- Security or crowd controllers
- First aid staff
- Event managers
- Traffic controllers
- Volunteer or supplier liaisons
Typical Budget Ranges for Internal Staff Events
Event Type Estimated Operations Budget
Wellness Fun Run (Internal) $40,000 – $100,000
Staff or Family Day (Outdoor) $60,000 – $150,000
End-of-Year Celebration $50,000 – $120,000
Internal Expo or Team Activation $30,000 – $80,000
Budgets may increase if:
You’re a large national company with layered approvals and a big team
The site has limited bump-in access
You’re planning last-minute (resulting in rush fees or limited suppliers)
Why Budgeting Early Makes a Difference
Every year, we see events stall or lose impact because internal teams underestimate:
Permit timelines: POPE and council permits can take 6–12 weeks
AV and infrastructure availability during peak season
Suppliers such as food trucks in peak season have minimum spends
Internal approvals across HR, finance, and comms
The real cost of safe, compliant delivery
Finance teams don’t like surprises. Having a clear budget forecast makes approvals faster and easier — and helps avoid fire drills 2 weeks before the event.
How Right Angle Events Can Help
We’re not your DJ or your caterer we’re your operational event partner. Our job is to manage the invisible layer that makes everything work.
That includes:
- Site layout and infrastructure planning
- Risk assessments and compliance paperwork
- Council liaison and POPE permits
- AV setup, signage, and vendor bump-in
- On-site crew coordination and logistics
- End-to-end timeline and run sheet development
We work alongside your HR, P&C, or internal events team to relieve pressure, bring in experienced suppliers, and ensure your staff experience feels seamless.
Final Thoughts
If you’re asking “how much does an internal event cost?”, you’re already ahead of most.
The best outcomes happen when teams budget early, plan realistically, and get the right support. That’s where we come in helping Australia’s top employers build events their teams remember, not just attend.
Planning a staff event or internal activation?
Let’s make it easy — contact us for a no-pressure call to discuss your goals and get a ballpark cost.
👉 Book a discovery call →
Reach out today to explore how we can support your next event.
Q: What’s a typical budget for a staff event in Australia?
A: Most internal events cost between $40,000 and $150,000 depending on size, permits, and logistics.
Q: Do internal company events need permits?
A: Yes — events held in public areas may still require POPE permits, safety plans, and traffic coordination.