A corporate day out can take many forms, but a day at one of England's finest cricket grounds is a dream come true for many people. Lord's is one of the most famous grounds in the world and hoards of people flock there every summer to sample a day of watching a test match, catch some summer sun and swill well brewed ales. Other grounds around the country are just as prestigious, such as Edgbaston and the Oval to name just a couple, and all are host to major cricket events and shorter more intense competitions.

Booking a corporate hospitality event is a relatively simple procedure through a booking agent. Just choose a venue and event or date then decide which package suits your needs and your budget best. The packages available typically include reserved match seating and champagne reception with souvenir programme and score card. Other options feature afternoon tea or a restaurant meal. The more exclusive packages offer full VIP treatment, with a guest speaker at dinner and a celebrity appearance for post match entertainment too. Whatever package you choose to book, you can guarantee that it will be an occasion well worth dressing up for.

Hospitality events are an opportunity to engage socially with your fellow work colleagues as well as providing an opportunity to promote business and meet new clients. Lots of companies book days out at sports events and usually there are a number of companies present at any one time, coming from a broad range of industries. Some events are more prestigious than others, as will be reflected in the price, but it can be guaranteed that networking opportunities will be plenty at these types of events. It is wise to prepare for meeting future clients and colleagues at these events by following a few simple pointers.

Dressing to impress is a must. For a start, it is a sporting highlight and everyone in the VIP lounge will be suited, booted and ready to roll. For men, the traditional attire of tux for a dinner event is a must. Avoid a suit and tie combo as this is just too 'officey'. Think James Bond and how to make a suave statement with the bog standard dress code. Make sure that the cut of the suit is good, no off the peg tailoring. If you are put off by the cost of such a purchase, think of it as an investment, and remember the Tux fashion never really changes. Add your own touch with a coloured bow or shirt, and remember that a nice pair off cuff links can set off a suit the way a diamond necklace can complement an evening dress. Men are allowed to accessorise too!

For the Ladies, there is always the little black dress, but this should be cleverly accessorised to avoid blending in with all the others. The alternative is to choose an evening dress with a simple cut, but made with a flowing coloured fabric and keep accessories to a minimum. Hair decoration is where it is all at the moment. Wearing a fascinator and diamante hair clips and combs will add a touch of classy sparkle to an area that is often neglected by everything but hairspray. Take a good look through the red carpet fashion pages of a ladies magazine for inspiration on how to cultivate an understated statement of style.

Finally, conduct and preparation will help see you through the event. Make sure that business cards are to hand - without the need to rummage through a bag or endless pockets, and go easy on the complementary champagne reception! No client is going to be impressed by a wine soaked drunk trying to hand over a creased contact card, it's just not cricket! Remember that corporate events are just as much about the opportunity to impress as enjoying a good day out.