- \n
- Learn the key steps for planning a corporate event.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Get inspired by corporate event ideas either in the office or outside the office from a bake-off to a museum tour.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- If you\u2019re working with a tight budget, browse our budget-friendly corporate event ideas.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Discover the important details that determine what kind of corporate event is best for you.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Steps for planning a corporate event<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Before we dive into the corporate event ideas, here\u2019s a high-level overview of the steps involved in planning a corporate event:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Determine your budget for a corporate event before you start planning. This will help you choose the right kind of activity, catering, design, transportation and any other add-ons. <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Get attendee input as you plan the event. This will help you ensure it\u2019s something people actually want to do. <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Consider who will be attending the event. Will it be employees only, or will they be bringing their families? <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Once the event is planned, communicate clearly and regularly with your team about it. This could be emails, messages or bulletins around the office\u2026 or all three. Make sure everybody knows when the event is happening, where it\u2019s happening, what they will be doing and if there is any cost to them.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Creative corporate event ideas<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Plan an engaging corporate event<\/a> with an activity that gives team members the opportunity to be creative and show off their talents. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Paint and sip<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
A paint and sip is exactly what it sounds like: participants sip a beverage and socialize while they complete a painting, which is typically guided by an instructor. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"creative](\"https:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/vistaprint\/images\/w_838,h_559,c_scale\/f_auto,q_auto\/v1719321617\/ideas-and-advice-prod\/blogadmin\/woman-painting-1\/woman-painting-1.jpg?_i=AA\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nSource: via Depositphotos<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Depending on your facility, you could host a paint and sip in the office or take the team out to a paint and sip studio. Choose the beverage that\u2019s most appropriate for your team like the traditional wine, or lattes and macchiatos for a morning session or slushies for some fun relief on a hot day. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Talent show<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Host a talent show and have the team showcase the things they might not always share at work, like their awesome guitar or magic skills. Be sure to post flyers<\/a> around the office to get people to sign up!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Bake-off<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
A bake-off is a delicious way to combine creativity with competition. Have any non-participants play the role of judges, giving them a yummy way to be part of the action without having to take the heat of the kitchen. Use retractable banners<\/a> to set the stage for the competition. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Corporate event ideas that go outside the office<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Sometimes, you just want to get out of the office! Celebrate with some fresh air and a change of scenery with these creative corporate events beyond the office. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Attend a local sporting or music event<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Local sports and music are key parts of a city\u2019s cultural fabric. Celebrate not only your company\u2019s culture, but the wider community that shapes it by attending a local sporting or music event. You can even make it special by renting a box or row of seats for the team and printing up branded jerseys or band tees<\/a>!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tour a museum<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Bring the team to a museum for an educational, immersive way to connect. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"group](\"https:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/vistaprint\/images\/w_839,h_559,c_scale\/f_auto,q_auto\/v1719320983\/ideas-and-advice-prod\/blogadmin\/museum-gallery\/museum-gallery.jpg?_i=AA\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nSource: via Depositphotos<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Choose any museum (or aquarium, zoo or cultural center) within a reasonable distance of the office, or have the team vote on where they\u2019d like to go. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mini golf<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Mini golf is a fun, sporty outing that doesn\u2019t require a ton of athletic exertion on the team\u2019s part. Go to a local course and enjoy a fun day of putting around. Bring branded water bottles or other promotional items<\/a> to support the team spirit. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Corporate event ideas that stay inside the office<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Sometimes, leaving the office just isn\u2019t feasible\u2026 or the best idea. When that\u2019s the case, never fear! There are lots of event ideas that don\u2019t require leaving headquarters. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
In-office escape room<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Put your team\u2019s puzzle-solving skills to the test with an in-office escape room. Consider having opposing teams each create an escape room, then race to see who can complete the other\u2019s creation quickest.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"group](\"https:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/vistaprint\/images\/w_1024,h_682,c_scale\/f_auto,q_auto\/v1719578688\/ideas-and-advice-prod\/blogadmin\/Depositphotos_687288632_L\/Depositphotos_687288632_L.jpg?_i=AA\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nSource: via Depositphotos<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Creative posters<\/a> can set the scene, transforming the office into an underwater grotto or haunted castle. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Game day\/night<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Game day\/night is a versatile way to celebrate with the team without having to leave the office. Depending on your team\u2019s interests, it could be:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Card games. Maybe you can make it interesting with some wagers and prizes?<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Board games. Competitive or cooperative, board games bring teams together.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Video games. Set up a projector and a console, and you\u2019re good to go!<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Tabletop roleplaying games. If your crew is of the DnD persuasion, set up a one-shot and fight a monster!<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Games for big groups like bingo.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Professional development seminar<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
If your team is required to complete specific professional training sessions, you can turn this into a corporate event. Maybe treat the team to lunch after their seminar, or build a fun outing into the day?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\nTip<\/h4>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\nCombine required professional development with a social event and get the double-whammy of credit hours and a good time!<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nBudget-friendly corporate event ideas<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
A corporate event doesn\u2019t need to be expensive. Check out these creative corporate event ideas that deliver lots of fun without a huge price tag. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Trivia challenge<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Turn your event into a friendly competition with a trivia challenge! Play trivia games in person or remotely, and push your team to use their brains for victory!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\nTip<\/h4>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\nBranded swag<\/a> is an excellent prize for the winners!<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nMovie night at the office (or watch party from home)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Movie night is an easy, low-budget way to have fun, and you can adapt it for fully remote teams through apps like Teleparty. You can encourage the team to bring their own snacks or supply the popcorn and other goodies. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Scavenger hunt<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
A scavenger hunt is budget-friendly because it can be scaled up or down as needed and costs absolutely nothing.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"woman](\"https:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/vistaprint\/images\/w_1024,h_318,c_scale\/f_auto,q_auto\/v1719578696\/ideas-and-advice-prod\/blogadmin\/Depositphotos_408082036_L\/Depositphotos_408082036_L.jpg?_i=AA\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nSource: via Depositphotos<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Have participants find items around the office or around the city, solving puzzles and working together along the way. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\nTip<\/h4>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\nWork employee gifts and giveaways<\/a> into a scavenger hunt to up the stakes. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nWhat should you consider when choosing a corporate event?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
As you determine the right corporate event for your team, think about: <\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Your budget and whether you\u2019ll charge attendees for participating.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Location and transportation. Should attendees drive to the event? Will you provide transportation?<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- The size of your team.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Will attendees bring guests?<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Would your team prefer a challenging or educational event, or a purely entertaining one? <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Corporate event FAQs<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
How can I choose the right corporate event?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Ask your team what kinds of events they\u2019d enjoy! Depending on your team, you might need to approach this conversation as a choice between a few options or structure it as a vote. But getting attendee input is critical because it:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Helps you create an event they\u2019ll enjoy<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Gives them a sense of ownership over the event<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Which kinds of events are best to avoid?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Generally, it\u2019s best to avoid the following with corporate events:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Activities that require attendees to pay large amounts of money to participate<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Excessive alcohol consumption<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Events that require attendees to stay overnight<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Events that are inaccessible to certain attendees, such as a hike that wheelchair users cannot attend<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Think about who will attend the event and if there are any potential scenarios that could create discomfort or awkward interactions. For example, a day at the beach might initially sound enjoyable, but team members might not want their colleagues to see them in bathing suits. Similarly, an event at a vineyard or brewery might make employees who don\u2019t drink feel left out. As you plan prizes to award, if you choose to include prizes, be conscientious to strike a balance between valuable, yet not overvalued\u2014in other words, while a branded water bottle is a great prize, a week of PTO can be considered unfair. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
What does a corporate event need?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
From a tangible standpoint, a corporate event doesn\u2019t need much. It needs visible branding with your logo, which can be included on digital or print invitations<\/a>. Food and beverages also make corporate events much more enjoyable, and when events are held off-site, branded table runners<\/a> can make your company\u2019s \u201cspot\u201d recognizable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Beyond these needs, a corporate event needs spirit. It needs enthusiasm and participation from its attendees. There are lots of ways to foster this kind of enthusiasm, like event swag<\/a> and signage<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Design an unforgettable corporate event<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Planning a corporate event involves a lot of creative planning and strategizing. Once you\u2019ve worked out what your team will do, when it\u2019s happening and where it will occur, the next step is sending invitations. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n \n\n\n\n Ready to send those invites? <\/div>\n\n\n Create great-looking custom invitations with VistaPrint. <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n