Category: Event Trends

Higher Education Event Strategies: Utilizing Texts for Your Alumni Event Fundraising Strategy

  • Event Trends
  • EventUp Planner Contributor
  • October 11, 2024
texting strategies for fundraising

As your university’s alumni go about their days leading teams, conducting research, and making an impact on the world, they may forget about the invitation they got to your next fundraising event. The email might sit in their inbox for weeks before they open it, only to realize then that the event already passed.

A text message, however, will cut right through the noise and get your alumni’s attention moments after you send it.

Your alumni want to give back to the university that gave so much to them, but they’re busy people. Meet them where they are by incorporating texts into your event fundraising strategy. In this quick guide, we’ll cover several ways you can use SMS for alumni fundraising events, explore tips for writing impactful higher education text messages, and even provide some examples that you can copy and paste. Let’s get started!

Why use texts for event fundraising?

Let’s face it—your event guests are already on their phones. Text messages help you engage them exactly where they are, drawing their attention back to your fundraiser and increasing overall engagement.

According to Mogli’s SMS marketing guide, text messaging works for all different types of audiences because of this channel’s:

  • 98% open rate. This metric is astounding compared to other communication channels (just compare it to email’s 35.63% average open rate). Almost all of your recipients will open the texts you send them, meaning you can easily share event reminders, fundraising appeals, and updates that you know will reach alumni.
  • 19% click-through rate. Not only will the vast majority of recipients read your texts, but about one in five will click on the links you send. Whether that’s a registration link, survey, or donation request, high click-through rates mean more alumni engagement with your events.
  • Easy, fast engagement opportunities. Reading every word in an email is a big ask for busy alumni. Text messages, on the other hand, are short and sweet, encouraging guests to read and respond to your requests immediately.

On top of all these benefits, text messages are extremely flexible. You can use texts for everything from fundraising appeals to feedback collection to thanking volunteers. These messages can be casual or formal, sent to one or many recipients, and even open the door for authentic one-to-one conversations. 

Using texts to improve every stage of your fundraising event

To successfully add texts to your event fundraising strategy, think about the entire attendee journey. Alumni hear about your event, decide to attend, participate in your activities, then reflect on their experience—and you can engage them with texts at each of these pivotal moments. Let’s break down how.

Before: Text marketing

The marketing strategies you use leading up to your event will determine not only how many registrations you secure, but how many alumni come to the event ready and excited to donate. 

While you shouldn’t rely on texts for your entire marketing strategy, using them to send quick reminders, event teasers, and updates will help you connect with alumni and boost excitement for the event. Incorporate texts into a holistic multichannel strategy to prepare alumni to give.

For instance, you might send a formal invite to alumni via email or direct mail, then follow up with a text that says “The date of our annual alumni fundraising gala is set! Check your inbox to learn more.” Or, you could send weekly texts leading up to your auction that provide sneak peeks of special items and links to your event landing page.

During: Guest engagement

Sending texts during the event itself can boost participation and fundraising results. Remind guests to give, point them to virtual engagement opportunities, celebrate milestones, or send event logistics to help them navigate your space.

Take a look at these example texts to see what your engagement strategy might look like:

  • Darlene, you’re officially checked in! Click here to access the event schedule, map, and fundraiser details. And don’t forget to have fun 💃
  • Hi Ana, we hope you enjoyed the first day of Alumni Weekend. Don’t forget about the events still to come. Can we count on your donation tomorrow?
  • 📣 Last call for silent auction bids 📣 You only have ten minutes to get your final bids in—act fast to make sure you win the items you want! 
  • Thanks for joining virtually, Evan! As you watch the livestream, don’t forget to check out our live fundraising thermometer and leaderboard here. Have you donated yet?

For both in-person and virtual events, text messages like these can bring alumni’s attention back to your fundraiser and encourage them to stay actively engaged. Think about any moments of your event when guests might get distracted, such as towards the end of the auction portion, and draft messages to re-engage them.

After: Fundraising follow-up

Finally, send text messages after the event ends to thank and follow up with guests. Prompt follow-up helps you show appreciation for the alumni who attended and encourages them to give again in the future.

Use SMS to send follow-up messages like:

  • Personalized thank-you messages for all guests and donors.
  • Reminders that there’s still time to donate if they didn’t do so at the event.
  • Post-event surveys for collecting feedback.
  • Updates on the event’s total fundraising revenue and what it will go toward.

You can easily send these personalized messages at scale with the help of text automation. For instance, the best text marketing apps enable you to create strings of messages that automatically populate with donor information from your database, such as their names and donation amounts.

Tips for crafting alumni fundraising texts

When it comes to actually writing the event text messages themselves, there are a few best practices you should keep in mind:

  • Personalize whenever possible. To make personalization easier, Double the Donation suggests segmenting your alumni based on shared characteristics like giving level or class year.
  • Shoot for 160 characters or less. Keeping your messages short ensures that they don’t get split into multiple texts by some carriers and that alumni can understand what you’re asking them to do with just a glance.
  • Ask questions to encourage responses. Ending your texts with a question invites alumni to respond directly, boosting their engagement. 
  • Give a clear next step. Explain what you would like alumni to do next (i.e., RSVP for your event, donate, or fill out a survey) and provide a link so they can take action easily.

Refer back to these tips each time you draft a message for your event fundraising strategy, and take note of which strategies work best. If you realize that asking a certain question increases text response rates, for instance, incorporate it into more messages going forward!

Engaging alumni before, during, and after events is easier with the right tools. Check to see if your university’s CRM or marketing software supports text messaging, or consider investing in a specialized solution that comes with robust automation and reporting features. With a scalable system and the best practices we discussed, you’ll be able to engage more alumni with texts in no time.

 

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Why Event Management Solutions Need Strong Fundamentals Over Shiny Features

  • Event Trends
  • EventUp Planner Contributor
  • October 7, 2024

The events industry is at a crossroads. 

As Michelle Russell describes, “The pandemic served as a wake-up call to the meetings industry, but perhaps we’ve hit the snooze button. Rendered impossible by COVID, face-to-face events have since returned with a vengeance — and in all too many cases, in rinse-and-repeat mode.” 

This begs the question: What needs to change in the post-pandemic world to ensure the events industry thrives?

At the same time, we’re noticing a general discussion in the industry about disjointed event technology and its costs. 

This is due, in part, to the proliferation of software options over the last two decades. The software boom has had major benefits, but this new era of technology has led to new challenges.

Case in point: Alex Ponomarev’s article about the disjointed software dilemma adds an insightful perspective. 

Ponomarev states, “Essentially, we’re solving the same problems I was working on 20 years ago, only the variety of tools that need integration and interoperability is much larger” (emphasis added). 

He points out that, despite claims otherwise, more software has actually created more manual work. 

To illustrate this point, Ponomarev shares a made-up employee scenario: “Mike” receives an assignment from his boss. He uploads a presentation file to Google Drive, adds the assignment to Asana, emails the client with the file, creates a meeting that auto-syncs with the CRM, and logs notes in Notion. 

Despite leveraging multiple tools, Mike spends as much time—if not more—juggling these systems as he does on the actual client work.

The financial implications of this dilemma are staggering. If this fictitious company has 100 employees earning $60,000 per year and half of their time is spent on manual work across disjointed systems, the company is losing $3 million annually in productivity costs.

Left unchecked, the financial drain from disjointed systems can take a significant toll. From reduced profits and growth opportunities to struggling to keep up with nimbler competitors, decreased employee morale, and an uphill battle to scale, excess manual work from so-called “time-saving software” can limit a company’s full potential. 

“Companies are rightly investing billions in IT to try to solve these problems,” Ponomarev acknowledges. “But it requires a holistic approach to systems integration and workflow automation. There are no simple plug-and-play solutions.”

Again, the main problems with software proliferation are integration and interoperability. The bottom line: Failure to solve these problems costs companies millions. 

This leads us to the thesis that if technology is going to provide a meaningful solution for the events industry, it needs to focus on the core fundamentals of event planning, not on shiny new innovations.

More technology alone is not the fix. Better technology is the fix.

There are more options available for event planning software than ever before, all making similar claims—saving time, money, and headaches through centralization and automation. 

Event software companies are adopting an “everything and the kitchen sink” approach to product features in order to stand out in a sea of sameness. Because more is automatically better, right?

However, when it comes to event management software, only a subset of features are used by all event planners: registration, communication, and scheduling. 

When it comes to identifying event management tech that’ll actually deliver on its promises, we want to pose the following questions:

1. When it comes to event planning software, are more features always better? Or is there an argument to be made that fewer, better features is more important?

2. If you’re a planner who has purchased event scheduling software with all the bells and whistles, are you truly getting the outcome you’re looking for? Is the software actually making your job easier? 

It’s our view that excellent events rely on strong fundamentals. This takes us back to Ponomarev’s point about working on the same problems as 20 years ago, but with more software options than ever before. 

This is why EventUp Planner focuses on the core pillars of event planning and improves those workflows. It doesn’t look to solve problems just to solve them, or create problems where they don’t exist. You get what you actually need to do your job better and more efficiently. 

This doesn’t mean that the events industry doesn’t need to change and that sacred cows don’t need to be culled. But in so many cases, the fundamentals of event planning remain the same. 

Nonetheless, you can’t throw more software to fix a problem that is caused by too much software in the first place. 

Instead, you can replace disjointed software with better, more integrated software that has already mastered the fundamentals. 

It’s time for the events industry to shake off its disjointed technology problem. EventUp Planner ensures you and your team are well supported with event management software that gets back to basics so you can focus on your true zone of genius. Learn more to see how others are bringing event fundamentals together.

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Tired of juggling multiple tools? Centralize your event planning with our powerful, unified software. Discover how EventUp Planner can help you and your team today.

How to Make Virtual Events More Interactive and Engaging

  • Event Trends
  • EventUp Planner Contributor
  • September 19, 2024
5 Ways to Make Your Online Events Memorable

Virtual events offer convenience, cost savings, flexibility, and far fewer overheads and logistics to manage. They are a great option for various types of events, from conferences and trade shows to networking sessions and webinars. With the right technology, the organization process can be easy and hassle-free.

Although virtual events offer a variety of benefits, one common challenge that event managers face is keeping attendees, participants, and guests engaged from behind their screens. Luckily, there are some innovative tech ideas that you can incorporate into your next virtual event to ensure your audience remains attentive, interacts with the speaker, and leaves inspired.

Types of Virtual Events

When we discuss virtual business events or gatherings, we’re talking about any type of occasion that can be supported on a digital platform. The global virtual events sector was valued at roughly $78.53 billion in 2023 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 18.8% between 2023 and 2030, according to Grand View Research statistics.

These events can vary drastically, including (but not limited to):

  • Webinars and training sessions
  • Conferences, expos and trade shows
  • Workshops and interactive classes
  • Business networking meetings
  • Social occasions (birthdays, weddings, and parties)

With attendee locations a non-issue, much higher flexibility, and fewer upfront costs to manage, event planners and guests alike recognize the benefits of virtual events. That said, engagement on a virtual platform can be the biggest challenge. Attendees sitting and staring at a screen constantly can be prone to distractions, affecting their experience. 

Additionally, some virtual event platforms can be prone to digital interference, equipment failure, and glitches. Some platforms in the past have been prone to data breaches, leading many to seek alternatives with reputable security patching and incident response procedures, to safeguard their data.

Some users also find virtual events a bit more impersonal, making it challenging to create a sense of belonging and foster a personal connection among attendees. 

With this in mind, what can event organizers do to make their virtual events – whatever the occasion – more interactive and personable while bridging technological gaps?

Enhance Interactivity Through Technology

The key to making virtual events more interactive lies in choosing an event platform and utilizing the best possible features to your advantage. Incorporating more technology into your events can be the biggest driver in keeping your audience engaged, creating more personable responses, and cultivating a collective sense of belonging. 

With the right technology, you can also ensure that participant data is safeguarded and properly used, which will undoubtedly require some essential due diligence before you plan your event.

Here are some innovative ways to incorporate interactive elements into your events.

  1. QR Codes. These codes can serve many purposes, from polls and Q&A sessions to post-event surveys. You can utilize QR codes to create fun games or send audience members to specific pages on your website. When attendees use their phones to locate the right resources, event sessions or networking spaces, it bridges an easy technological gap.
  2. Personalized Messaging. You can create tailored messages for your attendees via the chat box and other messaging features. Consider collecting feedback in real-time from attendees via the chat, so that you can follow up later with a personalized email. You can even use this data to recommend one-on-one or small group networking meetings with like-minded attendees who are a good ‘data match’, or who share similar goals from attending.
  3. Interactive Live Streaming. Live streaming can be a great way to capitalize on a physical event – such as a product launch, a sales expo, or a trade show session – and let a wider audience get in on the action. You can cater to both in-person and virtual attendees, offering real-time polls and surveys face-to-face and via your live-streaming platform. You can time your speech or presentation with on-screen graphics that trigger at the right moment, or based on audience input. If you hold live Q&A sessions with real-time messaging and response facilities, you’ll be casting a much wider net.

Broader Strategies for Increasing Event Engagement

While virtual event technology forms the backbone of interactive events, it is not the sole contributor to an engaged audience. You should consider broader strategies that encourage active participation throughout the event, particularly if it lasts several hours.

Remember to build anticipation and foster a sense of connection before your event begins. Allow plenty of time for a ‘buzz’ to build, which you can do through a mixture of pre-event social media posts and paid ads, email campaigns, website blogs, and delivering printed materials when interacting with partners, sponsors, or prospective attendees. 

Decide how much you want to divulge ahead of your event, as a large portion of intrigue might hinge on surprises or unpredictability. Depending on the occasion, some participants may prefer knowing what to expect by looking at a timetable or schedule. This will allow them to plan accordingly, and attend specific portions of the event that matter most to them. Alternatively, to encourage participation from as many people, offer plenty of alternative options so they can maximize their time and get the most out of their attendance.

Offering plenty of interactive workshops, networking opportunities, and social elements through your virtual event platform is key to keeping your audience engaged throughout. You can encourage connections and conversations among attendees by creating dedicated breakout rooms, speed networking sessions, or areas where they can socialize during breaks. 

If your event relies on group participation, ensure that there is sufficient digital space and resources where participants can practice skills in real-time, or get hands-on with their engagement. Fostering collaborative problem-solving sessions using virtual whiteboards and team spaces is a great way to encourage active participation among attendees. 

Ensuring Online Safety and Data Protection

Security plays a pivotal role in virtual event engagement, which is why choosing the right platform is crucial. Event planners can ill afford to overlook security and privacy, as these are becoming increasingly at-risk due to insufficient security knowledge and practices.

When choosing your platform, opt for ones with robust security features and end-to-end encryption. Where possible, implement multi-factor authentication (MFA) to verify attendees and restrict unauthorized access. MFA adds a layer of security that can block 99.9% of cyber attacks from compromised accounts.

Ensure that participants are aware of – and consent to – data sharing while reinforcing the need for proper online etiquette. If you do require some audience data, be transparent about how it’s used and ensure all essential information is stored securely, not distributed unfairly, and deleted when no longer necessary.

Focusing on these strategies can ensure that your virtual event attendees remain interested in and connected to the event’s content. Your engagement strategies will influence how much they value and remember their experience from the beginning until the very end. 

Remember that the goal is to create an environment where your virtual audience isn’t just absorbing content aimlessly. Encourage them to participate, learn, connect, and leave feeling inspired, valued, and entertained. 

Planning any event – virtual or not – can be daunting, but with the help of EventUp Planner’s Virtual Studio and the ultimate guide for event planning, you can approach this task with confidence knowing that your participants will leave feeling inspired and that attending was well worth their time.

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Ditch Disjointed Tools and Workflows with Event Planning Software

  • Event Management
  • Event Trends
  • EventUp Planner Contributor
  • September 9, 2024
[INFOGRAPHIC] The Real Value of An Integrated Event Management Platform

Event planning is a juggling act of competing priorities, tight timelines, and multiple moving pieces. 

Traditionally, event planners have had to rely on a disjointed mix of tools and workflows to get it all done—using email for communication and registration, Excel to manage schedules, PowerPoint for promo materials, and more. 

But constantly switching between apps wastes precious time and creates opportunities for errors to slip through the cracks.

Enter all-in-one event management software. By centralizing all your planning needs into a single platform, you can streamline processes and boost productivity. 

In this post, we’ll explore the major benefits of using dedicated event software and the key features to look for. You’ll see how the right tool provides a frictionless, integrated approach to save your team time, reduce stress, and deliver amazing events, time and again! Let’s dive in.

What is Event Planning Software? 

But first, what exactly is event planning software, and why do you need it? 

Event scheduling software is an all-in-one solution designed to handle every aspect of organizing and executing events. It replaces the need for separate, disjointed tools by centralizing all the core capabilities planners require into one seamless platform.

Typically, event planners have needed to juggle a bunch of different tools and log-ins to tackle their neverending to-do list, including:

  • Email for communication and registration
  • Spreadsheets to build event schedules and agendas
  • PowerPoint and other presentation tools to create promo materials
  • Individual website platforms for building event websites
  • Separate project management tools (or good ‘ol pen and paper) for managing stakeholders and team members 

… Not to mention all the manual work of switching between tabs and triple-checking everything to make sure no details have been missed. 

It probably goes without saying, but switching between fragmented systems is super inefficient and leaves plenty of room for manual errors. With an event management platform, all of these disconnected workflows are consolidated into a centralized, easy-to-use solution. *Chef’s kiss*

Read more: 5 Ways to Streamline Your Corporate Event Planning

 

What are the Benefits of Using Event Scheduling Software?

There are plenty of reasons to ditch outdated methods and to adopt event management software instead. Let’s explore!

⏱️ Saves you considerable time 

Consolidating tools and automating repetitive tasks saves you time and energy, period. Rather than manually entering data across multiple platforms, everything is housed in one intuitive place. Plus, automation streamlines processes like time-intensive processes like email marketing and registration.

👍 Keeps you organized

Event management solutions help you stay organized amid all the moving pieces. All your event details, schedules, communications, and more live in one central location. No more scrambling between apps and tabs to gather the info you need, when you need it.

📈 Boosts productivity 

With less time and energy wasted on tedious and time-consuming processes, you’ll be empowered to focus more on the tasks that actually move the needle. Plus event management software makes it easier to collaborate with your team so that everyone is aligned and on the same page.

✨ Increases event attendance

You’re able to drive more attendance with event registration platforms. From customized event websites to automated email campaigns and social promotion, you’ll have all the tools you need to maximize your reach.

Check out: 4 Easy Ways to Boost Event Registration by 20%

 

What are the Top Features of Event Management Solutions?

When evaluating event planning software, it’s crucial to identify the essential features that align with your needs and goals. 

In this section, we’ll highlight the must-have capabilities to look for, ensuring you choose the right solution that saves you time, money, and headaches. 

Event registration and ticketing

Allow attendees to easily register and purchase tickets directly from your event website with an event registration platform. 

It’s simple to manage different pricing levels, discount codes, group registrations, and to integrate secure payment processors. Attendees can also sign up for specific sessions, join waitlists for full sessions, and process refund requests smoothly.

Schedule and speaker management

The best event scheduling software streamlines the entire speaker management process—from issuing calls for proposals, to approving speakers and sessions, and more! 

Automatically sync updated speaker details across your entire events portfolio. Set up automated speaker workflows and empower speakers to self-manage their profiles. Plus, build out detailed schedules with options for attendees to customize their agenda.

Event marketing automation

Promote your events with fully-branded, customizable email marketing campaigns sent to segmented contact lists at optimal times. Automate repetitive marketing tasks and integrate with tools like Marketo and HubSpot for cohesive promotion across multiple channels. 

Plus, it’s easy to analyze your campaign performance data to optimize your event marketing strategy as you go.

Event website builder

Avoid the cost and hassle of website developers by building professional, on-brand event websites yourself using drag-and-drop tools and pre-built templates. 

Automatically populate website details like schedules and speakers pulled from your event management platform. You’ll be able to quickly clone previous sites for future events, making sure you don’t waste time or energy reinventing the wheel. 

Multi-event management

Centrally create, publish, and streamline every aspect of managing a high volume of events through one unified platform. Use templates to ensure consistent branding across your entire events program. Set granular user permissions and automate workflows to boost efficiency. 

Read more: How to Manage Multiple Events at Once

Virtual and hybrid event capabilities

Confidently host live, pre-recorded, or on-demand virtual sessions with robust security features. Deliver branded online experiences with engagement tools like polls, Q&A, and chat. Seamlessly manage hybrid events combining virtual and in-person components.

Event reporting capabilities

Generate comprehensive reports with integrated data from every event touchpoint, giving you a single source of truth for all of your events. 

Build custom dashboards that allow you to easily visualize key metrics. Integrate with analytics platforms like Google Analytics for tracking event website performance. 

Finally, survey stakeholders and attendees to get insights for future events.

 

Event Planning Software FAQs

Can event planning software handle registration for virtual and hybrid events?

Absolutely! EventUp Planner is built to streamline registration and execution for events of all types—virtual, hybrid, or in-person. Our virtual event studio allows you to confidently host online sessions at any scale with the highest level of security. 

For hybrid events combining virtual and in-person components, EventUp Planner synchronizes all aspects for a seamless attendee journey.

How does event management software integrate with my existing marketing and sales tools?

EventUp Planner easily integrates with the tools you already use—like Salesforce, HubSpot, Marketo, Google Analytics, and more. This allows your event data to flow seamlessly into your broader systems and campaigns for a unified view of performance metrics. No more disjointed data silos!

Can I customize the branding and website experience for my events?

Definitely! We understand branded experiences are essential for engaging your audience. With our intuitive website builder, you can create stunning, fully customized event websites without developers. It’s never been easier to stay in complete control of your brand across your entire events portfolio.

 

Work Smarter, Not Harder with Event Planning Software

Bottom line: it’s possible to work smarter, not harder. Ditch the struggle with event planning software that consolidates every aspect of the event lifecycle into one powerful yet easy-to-use platform.

With EventUp Planner, you can streamline processes, boost productivity, drive more attendance, and deliver amazing event experiences time and again! Our all-in-one solution provides all the features you need to succeed—from registration and marketing, to scheduling, reporting, virtual capabilities, and more!

Book a demo today to see how our software can transform your approach to event management.

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Mini-Guide: Micro-Credentials for Corporate Training Programs

  • Event Trends
  • May 23, 2024
Micro-Credentials for Corporate Training Programs Blog Banner

As a corporate training professional, it’s your job to create learning experiences that improve your employees’ effectiveness and encourage retention. In order to achieve this, your organization needs to deliver high-value content in accessible, bite-sized bursts.

As a result, microlearning has risen in prominence in the world of instructional design, whereas instructor-led training sessions are being used during in-person training events. 

So, how can you deliver these learning experiences as part of your corporate training strategy? Enter micro-credentials. 

In this article, we’ll explore what micro-credentials are, their benefits, and how they can fit into your corporate training strategy. We’ll also describe how corporate event management software can help you reach your training goals. Let’s dive in! 

What Are Micro-Credentials?

Like many companies, your organization might be undergoing a “skills revolution.” That is, you’re realizing that upskilling your employees is crucial for staying competitive in today’s rapidly evolving landscape. 

In fact, upskilling employees is a priority for 62% of CEOs recently surveyed by LinkedIn. 

This is where micro-credentials come in. 

Micro-credentials are short, stackable courses that your employees can use to develop specific skills. These courses are hyper-focused on a specific ability and generally completed quickly enough that employees can easily fit them into their existing workload. 

Their short, modular nature has made micro-credentials a popular solution to the ongoing need for upskilling and reskilling corporate teams.

Some fields that benefit most from micro-credentials include:

  • IT Support
  • Project Management
  • UX Design
  • Cyber Security
  • Marketing

This is far from an expansive list when it comes to the possibilities of micro-credentials. These courses can effectively train employees on a wide range of activities—from soft skills like hosting effective presentations, to technical skills such as navigating data analytics software.

GET THE FREE GUIDE: 10 Survival Skills for Corporate Meeting & Event Planners

What Are the Benefits of Micro-Credentials for Corporations?

Adjusting your corporate training strategy often requires significant time and resources. There are 2 primary benefits that suggest micro-credentials are worth the investment, including:

  1. Improved employee retention

Hyper-personalization has taken center stage when it comes to the type of learning that employees actually want to complete. 

With micro-credentials, employees can target their training to align with their personal career goals, such as becoming a cybersecurity analyst or digital transformation expert. 

When employees see a clear path toward their goals through your corporate training program, they’re more likely to remain with your company.

  1. Higher skilled employees

Building a learning culture means your staff will continuously improve their skills over time. A proficient staff translates into greater productivity and efficiency, fewer mistakes, improved retention rates, and a competitive edge for your company.

Micro-credentials can be developed fairly rapidly with the help of instructional design professionals. This makes them a sustainable training method, empowering you to continue creating credentials that meet employees’ needs now and in the future.

How Can Micro-Credentials Fit into Your Organization’s Training Efforts?

From the learner’s perspective, completing a micro-credential involves the following steps:

  1. Choose a skill-focused credential to complete, e.g. machine learning and artificial intelligence.
  2. Review recorded lectures, seminars, or online learning materials.
  3. Complete any corresponding assignments.
  4. Pass an assessment or skills test to demonstrate learning. 
  5. Earn the micro-credential badge or certificate, if applicable.

Once you understand what these courses look like from the learner’s perspective, it’s easier to see how they can fit into your company’s training efforts.

How Are Micro-Credentials Delivered?

Generally speaking, there are 2 ways to deliver micro-credentials for corporate training:

Asynchronous online learning

This is the most common method of delivering micro-credentials to employees.

Employees complete a credential fully on their own time, whether between meetings, during their lunch break, or after normal working hours. 

The credential materials are delivered through a self-directed online course. This ensures employees are absorbing the information at their own pace in a way that’s conducive to their unique learning style.

Asynchronous online learning works well for required courses. It’s also perfect for employees who want to go above and beyond by completing non-required credentials for their own professional development.

Corporate training events

To encourage a large number of employees to complete the same credential at once, we recommend pairing micro-credentials with corporate training events. 

For example, you can use a corporate training event to:

  • Kick off a new micro-credential. Employees attend a synchronized lecture before splitting off to complete additional independent training.
  • End a micro-credential. In this scenario, employees take their final assessment and get recognized for their achievements.

You could even host a multi-track event that features different micro-credential opportunities, giving employees the option to choose which credential they’d like to complete!

And because micro-credentials are largely completed online, these strategies work well whether you’re hosting an in-person, virtual, or hybrid training event.

LEARN MORE: Building a Winning Corporate Events Program: 7 Critical Success Factors

How Can You Get Started with Authoring Micro-Credentials for Your Team?

If you’re ready to begin using micro-credentials in your corporate training strategy, consider partnering with an instructional design expert.

As with public speaking, authoring micro-credentials is a skill. Your in-house instructors and learning professionals may not be familiar with this type of course. 

An instructional design expert can train your team on how to author micro-credentials effectively. This will give your team the foundation to continue authoring these courses going forward.

Further, many instructional design partners now use rapid instructional design to bring courses to life faster and more efficiently than ever before! So, if your team is at capacity and unable to develop its own credential materials, a partner can remove that task from your to-do list.

Manage Your Entire Portfolio of Corporate Training and Education Programs in One Place

In today’s competitive landscape, it’s never been more important to offer personalized, accessible, and skills-focused learning to your employees. Micro-credentials are the ideal solution to meet all of these requirements!

If you’re looking for a partner to streamline your corporate event management, look no further than Attendease by Tripleseat. 

Our corporate event software enables the following: 

  • Your portal for all education events
  • Deliver in-person, virtual, or hybrid experiences
  • Keep control of your brand
  • Save time and resources with automation

Ready to make employee upskilling easier and more seamless than ever before? Book a demo today!

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Healthcare Event Planning: 5 Best Practices for Advocacy Events

  • Event Trends
  • May 2, 2024
Advocacy Events: 5 Best Practices for Generating Support

With corporate social responsibility (CSR) on the rise, one of the ways your healthcare organization can spread the word and generate support is through CSR events—specifically advocacy events!

By partnering with local businesses and other for-profit enterprises looking to make an impact, you’re opening your organization to receiving support and much-needed funds.

Advocacy events are important for your healthcare organization because they help spread awareness of your mission and bring the community together. These events can also double as advertising, making them extremely valuable for your local business partner(s). 

In this article, we’ll cover 5 best practices for running a successful advocacy event for your healthcare organization. Let’s get started!

Table of Contents

  1. Set clear goals for your advocacy events
  2. Personalize all promotional communications
  3. Center the attendee experience
  4. Consider virtual or hybrid advocacy events
  5. Measure the support generated

Healthcare Events and Corporate Social Responsibility: A Perfect Fit

Did you know that consumers are more likely to purchase goods and services from socially responsible companies? That’s why corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives are often used to differentiate businesses from their competitors. 

These initiatives allow businesses to give back to the community, make a difference, and build a positive brand image that resonates with consumers. 

And what’s an initiative that most businesses can get behind? Healthcare. 

So whether your organization has been around for years or it’s just starting out, healthcare event planning can make a huge impact on your fundraising efforts. 

You never know until you ask. Plus, you might be surprised by just how many local businesses are eager to partner with your healthcare organization to create mutual benefit and impact. 

5 Tips for Planning Healthcare Advocacy Events

Convinced that CSR can help your healthcare organization broaden its reach? Here are 5 tips to keep in mind when planning your next advocacy event. 

1.   Set clear goals for your advocacy event

It’s common to set goals for fundraising events and to set additional goals if your event is focused on advocacy. 

Ask yourself the following questions to kickstart the process:

  • How many conversions are we aiming for?
  • Are we planning on funneling attendees toward becoming donors, volunteers, or both?
  • How long do we want our new relationships to last?
  • Will there be media coverage, and what do we hope to gain from it?

Consider these goals in the context of the type of event that you plan on hosting. A peer-to-peer event such as a swim-a-thon is suited to advocacy and fundraising, as supporters will share their fundraising pages, spreading awareness and bringing in donations. That means that advocacy goals for this type of event can be higher than those of, for example, a bake sale fundraiser.

You’ll want to communicate with your local business partner about their event goals so that you’re on the same page. 

LEARN MORE: Need fresh ideas for your next healthcare event? We’ve got you covered. 

2.   Personalize all promotional communications

You’ll want to help your local business partner promote your advocacy event by creating promotional communications they can use. These communications can go to their employees and customers, as well as to your organization’s members and their networks. 

You can personalize these messages by:

  • Using the recipient’s preferred name. Some individuals want to be addressed by their first name or a nickname, whereas others will be more receptive if you use their title and last name, so make note of these preferences.
  • Leveraging employee and customer interests. If your local business partner knows that some of their employees or customers would be particularly interested in an event, make sure to address that in your communications to them.
  • Examining the recipient’s advocacy history. If your partner’s employees or customers have a history of volunteering, advocating in the community, donating to healthcare organizations, or attending healthcare fundraising events, they will be more receptive to attending advocacy events for your organization. 

You can make personalization easier by segmenting employees and customers into groups based on common interests and characteristics. This helps you send more targeted communications, resulting in a higher chance of success!

LEARN MORE: Review our top tips for streamlining your healthcare website to better communicate about your upcoming events. 

3.   Center the attendee experience

Although the event’s primary goal is to increase awareness of your cause, it’s still important to ensure attendees have a positive experience. Center the attendee experience by doing the following:

  • Make registration easy. You’ll want to make event registration simple and convenient to encourage more people to attend. You can make the registration page mobile-friendly and have a simple ticket purchase system.
  • Choose an event that supporters would enjoy. Consider both your supporters and your event partner’s employees, and decide on an event that both groups would be happy to attend. You can even survey supporters and employees to determine what events they’d enjoy.
  • Keep presentations short and sweet. Presentations are often held at advocacy events to educate attendees on your cause and operations. However, these presentations can distract from the main activities of the event. Keep them concise so attendees can absorb the information and go back to enjoying the event.
  • Pick interactive activities. Games, performances, virtual reality experiences, and other interactive activities keep attendees engaged throughout the event!

Remember that just because the event is meant to help your organization doesn’t mean the attendees your event partner brings can’t have a great time. Communicate with your event partner to brainstorm events that all attendees would enjoy and fit into their CSR initiatives.

4.   Consider virtual or hybrid healthcare events

Hybrid and virtual charity events are becoming more popular in today’s increasingly technology-focused world. These events have many benefits when compared to traditional in-person events, such as:

  • No distance limitation. Since the event is virtual, supporters from all over the country or world can attend.
  • Greater outreach. Because individuals from different locations can attend your virtual event, your local business partner will be able to reach a wider audience.
  • Convenience. Supporters can attend your virtual event from their homes, making it a convenient option.

To ensure that attendees have a positive event experience, make sure to add interactive virtual activities, use music to set the mood, and interact with the attendees using the chat function. That way, you get all of the benefits of a hybrid or virtual advocacy event and the connection of an in-person event.

LEARN MORE: Engage more supporters and grow your audience with virtual fundraising events. 

5. Measure support generated

After the event is over, help your local business partner out by measuring the support generated from their employees and customers. With this data, you can help them quantify their impact on your organization—and use this information to improve the future events you run together. 

Take a look at the following metrics:

  • Newsletter sign-ups
  • Volunteer registrations
  • Donations

These metrics all represent some form of conversion from attendee to supporter. By watching these metrics, you’ll be able to assess how successful the event was in advocating for your cause and gaining supporters. You’ll also help your local business partner understand the impact they helped create, which they can use as part of their marketing materials!

Event software for healthcare makes it easy to measure success from pre- to post-event. 

Simplify the Complexity of Managing Your Meetings and Events with a Powerful Suite of Tools

While advocacy events can create a large impact for your healthcare organization, there’s no need to be stressed about making sure that the event runs perfectly. Simply implement the best practices above to make the most of your advocacy events, allowing you to foster a positive and mutually beneficial relationship with your local business partner!

Eager to streamline your healthcare event planning? Look no further than Attendease by Tripleseat. From small to large and complex events, it’s never been simpler to plan and manage all of your events in one flexible platform. Book a call today and discover how Attendease by Tripleseat helps you optimize your event management.

Simplify the Complexity of Managing Your Meetings and Events with a Powerful Suite of Tools

Make your attendees gather with ease. From small to large and complex events – plan and manage all of your events in one flexible platform – Attendease.

Learn More!

How to Boost Engagement During Healthcare Meetings and Events

  • Event Trends
  • April 23, 2024
Use these seven tips to boost engagement during your corporate meetings and events.

We get it—internal meetings and events aren’t usually healthcare professionals’ favorite workplace activities. 90% of employees feel that meetings are “costly” and “unproductive.” But there are many scenarios where these internal meetings are inevitable, especially when it comes to running a well-oiled healthcare organization. 

To get around this, focus on making your healthcare events as engaging and worthwhile as possible. You can use the same planning strategies you use to prepare for external presentations—such as virtual events or conference speeches—to boost attendee engagement. 

From captivating your audience with a good story to creating on-brand and visually appealing slides for your presentations, we’ve compiled this list of tried and true strategies for making healthcare events something employees actually forward to rather than dread. 

In all cases, thorough planning is your friend. Event software for healthcare can make the process easier. Let’s dive in! 

7 Strategies to Enhance Events for Healthcare Professionals

Boost attendee participation at your next healthcare event by implementing these seven proven strategies:

1. Set Clear Objectives for all Presentations

It’s crucial that every presentation starts with a detailed plan and clear goal. You need a justifiable reason why you’re taking the time to pull team members from their duties and bring them together for a meeting—especially in a busy healthcare environment. 

When setting goals for the presentation, be clear about the purpose of the meeting, the intended result of the meeting, and any next actions you’d like attendees to take. 

For example, perhaps you’re planning a hospital fundraiser that you’d like employees to spread the word about. If so, the objective for your presentation would be to educate everyone on the upcoming fundraiser so they can share details with friends, family, and the local community. 

The intended result would be to create excitement about the fundraiser, including the intended use(s) for the raised funds, such as a new mental health wing or essential pediatric initiatives. 

At the end of your presentation, you’ll want to share the next steps you’d like attendees to take. That might look like a request for participation—like pledging to do a fitness challenge to raise funds—or a request to raise awareness, such as sharing about the event on social media. 

GET THE FREE HANDBOOK: Master The Art Of Choosing The Right Event Management Platform

2. Start With a Story

One powerful tool to captivate your listeners is through storytelling. You can transform dry facts and figures into something memorable and impactful by simply telling a story before diving into the meat of your presentation.

For healthcare professionals, storytelling can effectively communicate complex ideas and evoke an emotional response. For instance, sharing a patient’s journey from diagnosis to recovery can illustrate the importance of early intervention and personalized care. 

But stories don’t always have to be serious! Sharing a humorous anecdote about a light-hearted workplace mishap—such as that one time you discovered a patient walking down the hallway completely naked—will resonate with colleagues while also illustrating the issue or topic you’re going to cover (e.g., the necessity of hospital gowns). 

In summary, storytelling allows you to humanize your content, making it relatable and understandable to your audience. Your colleagues will begin to look forward to your presentations, and your stories will become a topic of conversation at future events. 

READ MORE: Healthcare Events: Ideas for Every Size and Type

3. Make it Brief to Ensure the Best Use of Everyone’s Time

Putting a multi-hour time block on your people’s calendars to cover a handful of topics probably isn’t the best use of everyone’s time. Here are some tips for keeping healthcare meetings concise in order to respect everyone’s time:

  • Send materials in advance. Distribute any necessary documents or information prior to the meeting, allowing attendees to review and come prepared.
  • Minimize distractions. Encourage participants to silence their devices and avoid unnecessary interruptions during the meeting (this is extra important for busy healthcare professionals!). 
  • Assign a timekeeper. Designate someone to monitor the time and keep the meeting on track. If conversations begin to veer off-topic, this person will gently guide the discussion back to the agenda.
  • Allocate specific time slots for each agenda item. Assign realistic time for each topic and adhere to these limits.
  • Encourage concise communication. Ask participants to be brief and to the point when sharing their thoughts or updates.
  • Summarize action items and decisions. Conclude the meeting by briefly restating any key takeaways, action items, and decisions made.
  • Follow up with a concise summary email. After the meeting, send a brief email recapping the main points and next steps to ensure everyone is on the same page.

But don’t sweat if you don’t cover everything. You can always provide additional information and answer follow-up questions later on or simply reserve them for the next meeting. 

By implementing some of these strategies, you and your colleagues can make the most of your valuable time and collaborate more effectively to deliver exceptional patient care.

READ MORE: 5 Tips to Streamline Web Communication for Healthcare Events

4. Present Data Clearly and Concisely

If you’re presenting data during your presentation, focus on the most important metrics and let attendees explore the fine details on their own time afterward. Also, be sure to present the data in an easily digestible format. Infographics or charts make it easier to see data points in context. 

For example, if you’re trying to convince your healthcare organization to upgrade its event management software, you might present data about how your organization can increase its ROI by using a better tool. You could show charts that demonstrate the negative impacts of your current event software (or lack thereof), and the potential cost savings and efficiency boost that a new solution could offer.

Or, you might be analyzing event data to identify opportunities to engage your audience better at your next event. You can assess the main takeaways—such as attendance rates, attendee feedback surveys, and social media engagement analytics—to develop a new marketing plan with your team for your next event. 

5. Brand Your Meeting Materials to Your Organization

All internal communications should be uniformly branded, such as your presentation materials, training resources, or emails. This keeps your materials organized and easy to read. Plus, it’s easier to maintain external branding standards when your team is already used to keeping internal communications cohesive!

Here are some ideas for how to brand your meeting materials: 

  • Incorporate your healthcare organization’s logo and color scheme. Consistently use your company’s logo and official color palette across all meeting materials, including presentations, handouts, and agendas, to reinforce brand recognition and create a cohesive look.
  • Use branded templates. Don’t reinvent the wheel. Develop a set of branded templates for presentations, documents, and other materials that feature your organization’s logo, colors, and fonts. This ensures a professional and consistent appearance across all internal communications.
  • Include your healthcare organization’s mission or tagline. Integrate your company’s mission statement, vision, or tagline into your meeting materials to remind attendees of the organization’s purpose and values.
  • Feature employee photos and success stories. Incorporate photos of your team members and highlight employee achievements or success stories in your presentations and handouts to create a sense of pride and belonging within your organization.
  • Use branded visual elements. Develop a library of branded visual elements that align with your organization’s style guide, such as icons, illustrations, or infographics. Use these elements consistently throughout your meeting materials to enhance visual interest and reinforce your brand identity.

These strategies will help you create a strong, cohesive brand identity that resonates throughout your organization, fostering a sense of unity in all your healthcare meetings and events. 

LEARN MORE: How to Design the Perfect Event Registration Landing Page

6. Encourage Attendee Feedback

Gathering employees for a meeting offers an effective opportunity to collect feedback and new ideas. 

Let’s say you’re a Corporate Responsibility Consultant hosting an event with a hospital and some of its key stakeholders to identify strategic initiatives for the upcoming year. You might ask attendees to brainstorm event ideas to support the program. Or, you might ask for feedback on how their corporate volunteer program is going. 

Allowing attendees to speak up during your meeting and make their voices heard can make your presentation that much more engaging and productive.

7. Provide Relevant Materials After the Meeting

After your presentation, send attendees any data charts, slideshows, or supplemental materials. If the meeting was virtual, you might want to record it to let any employees who couldn’t attend watch the presentation after the fact. 

It’s also important to answer any follow-up questions employees may have after the meeting. Creating open lines of communication and providing transparency about any decisions that impact employees is key to promoting a positive work environment. 

Healthcare professionals should leave your internal meetings and events clear on the next steps they should take or how the information presented will impact them going forward.

Streamline Healthcare Event Planning with EventUp Planner (formerly Attendease)

When it comes to healthcare meetings and events, time is valuable. More time in meetings means less time caring for patients. 

Spend everyone’s time wisely by preparing a constructive agenda that includes plenty of time for healthcare professionals to speak up and engage with the topic. You’ll offer your colleagues a better experience, and everyone will work more productively toward achieving your organization’s goals! Put your healthcare events on autopilot with EventUp Planner. Our all-in-one platform provides helpful tools to uncomplicate your events through drag-and-drop functionality, built-in templates, automation, and intuitive data reporting. Book a demo today!

Simplify the Complexity of Managing Your Meetings and Events with a Powerful Suite of Tools

Make your attendees gather with ease. From small to large and complex events – plan and manage all of your events in one flexible platform – EventUp Planner.

Learn More!

Corporate Event Themes: 45+ to Choose From

  • Event Trends
  • April 9, 2024
corporate event themes

Planning a corporate event? The secret ingredient to an engaging and memorable event is…drumroll please…the theme! A creative theme brings cohesion to all the moving parts of your event — from décor, activities, catering, and more. It gets attendees excited and invested in the experience you’re creating.

But coming up with a corporate event theme idea is easier said than done. You want something aligned with your brand that also feels fresh and fun. That’s why we’ve put together this list of 45+ corporate event theme ideas, from classic and elegant to quirky and one-of-a-kind.

Plus, with our easy-to-use event coordination software, you can bring any of these corporate event themes to life seamlessly — without losing your sanity! Tools like customizable registration forms, email automation, and reporting dashboards will give you the power to execute a polished, on-theme event your attendees will love. 

Let’s dive in!

Why Do Corporate Events Need a Theme?

A creative theme is more than just décor — it enhances every aspect of your corporate event for greater engagement and impact. 

Themes foster camaraderie and excitement among attendees around a shared experience. They make the event more memorable and unique compared to everyday work life. 

Themes also enable better messaging by tying all aspects of the event back to central ideas…So whether you want to motivate employees, unveil a new product, or reinforce company values, an impactful theme brings it all together into an immersive experience!

Bottom line: themes make corporate events more enjoyable, meaningful, and share-worthy for attendees.

What Are Creative Themes for Corporate Events?

When choosing a theme, it’s important to make sure it aligns with your company’s brand identity, values, and culture. 

For instance, outdoor retailer REI goes for nature-inspired themes like “Reach the Peak” for its employee summits. SaaS company HubSpot is known for its inbound marketing expertise, so they aptly chose “Inbound” as the theme for their annual conference. 

Get creative, but ensure the theme reinforces what your company stands for. If your brand is serious, avoid going too quirky. The theme should feel authentic to attendees while getting them excited about your event programming. Once you’ve landed on the perfect theme choice, a tool like EventUp Planner can help with the rest of your pre and post event coordination, from agenda building and schedule management to email surveys after the event is over.

Table of Contents 

  • Casual Themes
  • Sophisticated Themes
  • Tech and Innovation Themes
  • Destination and Travel Themes
  • Artistic and Creative Themes
  • Interactive and Hands-On Themes
  • Outdoor Themes
  • Fun and Unique Themes

45+ Memorable Themes for Your Next Corporate Event

Now let’s look at 45+ memorable theme ideas for your next corporate event. From classic and sophisticated to playful and adventurous, you’re sure to find inspiration to make your next company gathering engaging and on-brand.

Casual Corporate Event Themes

From happy hours to comedy nights, here are 6 casual corporate event themes guaranteed to engage your team and attendees.

Happy Hour

A happy hour theme is perfect for casual mingling amongst attendees! Kick back with cocktails and appetizers in a lounge-style setting. Use dimmed lighting, high tables, and bar décor to set the mood. Upbeat background music, games like pool and darts, and free drink tickets encourage employees to unwind and bond away from their desks.

Food Truck Alley

Bring a fun, lighthearted vibe to your next event with food trucks. Set up a variety of cult favorite trucks and carts outside your office or event venue. Use picnic tables, string lights, and music to create an energetic experience. Give employees food truck coupons or tickets to sample different offerings. The outdoor, casual setting provides a nice change of pace.

Movie Night

A movie night is classic for a reason. Set up a projection screen, dim the lights, and arrange plush, theater-style seating with popcorn machines and snack stations. Choose a film that ties to your company’s values or culture. Surprise employees with movie trivia or costume contests before the show for some extra fun.

Comedy Night

A comedy night adds laughter and levity. Host stand-up comics or an improv troupe at your office, or set up the event at a local comedy club. Welcome guests with upbeat music and silly décor like cardboard cutouts of laughing emojis — perfect for a photo booth. Provide small tables for drinks and snacks to give it a casual, intimate vibe where employees can let loose and enjoy themselves. 

Catered Brunch

A catered brunch is a fresh take on your typical office party. Bring in breakfast stations that include coffee, fruit, and pastries and hot meals like made-to-order omelets. Play lighthearted, upbeat music as attendees mingle and fuel up. Consider fun additions like a waffle station, juice bar, or pop-up instax photo booth to make it an engaging morning event.

Gameday

Get everyone excited for the big game! Decorate the space with sports banners, jerseys, and foam fingers. Set up “stadium style” seating around screens broadcasting the game. Set up a sports bar and serve classic game day snacks like wings, nachos, and sliders. Consider running a sports trivia game or office betting pool to get everyone involved.

LEARN MORE: 14 New Trends in the Event Planning Industry for 2024

Sophisticated Corporate Event Themes

From sophisticated soirées to playful gatherings, here are 6 unique corporate event themes to delight and engage your attendees.

Black-Tie Elegance

Black tie elegance brings sophistication and class to your next event. Enforce a formal dress code and host the event at an upscale hotel or venue. Use crystal chandeliers, candles, and fresh floral arrangements. Greet guests with classical music or jazz. Offer elevated hors d’oeuvres and cocktails. The refined atmosphere encourages mingling and networking in style.

Vintage Glamor

Transport guests back in time with a vintage glamor theme. Choose a historical venue and encourage period-appropriate attire like flapper dresses or tuxedos. Use antique furniture, candles, and floral arrangements as décor. Play jazz music and serve appetizers like deviled eggs and caviar. The unique setting, combined with nostalgic music and food, will make for an unforgettable vintage-inspired event.

Movie Magic

Make attendees feel like stars with a Hollywood movie magic theme! Roll out a red carpet entrance lined with paparazzi photo ops. Name tables after famous films and use movie poster décor throughout the space. Set up a photo booth with props like director chairs and clapboards. Play songs from popular movie soundtracks to complete the A-list event vibe.

Masquerade Ball

A masquerade ball brings intrigue and elegance. Have attendees bring their own masks or provide unique masks for them to wear. Use candelabras, sheer drapes, and floral arrangements to create an air of mystery. Serve hors d’oeuvres and cocktails. Hire a live string quartet or pianist to set the mood. The masked disguises and upscale atmosphere will create a night to remember!

Casino Night

Encourage fun and friendly competition with a casino night theme. Set up poker, roulette, craps, and blackjack tables staffed with dealers so attendees can try their hand at gambling. Use playing cards and casino chip decorations to set the Las Vegas mood. Consider providing funny money or prizes for top gamblers.

Prom Night

A prom night theme provides lighthearted, nostalgic fun. Decorations can include balloon arches, streamers, and photo backdrops. Encourage attendees to don formalwear and corsages. Set up mock prom photoshoots, vote for prom royalty, and hold a dance-off competition. The high school spirit fosters camaraderie and reminds attendees not to take themselves too seriously.

LEARN MORE: Building a Winning Corporate Events Program: 7 Critical Success Factors

Tech and Innovation Corporate Event Themes

From immersive VR experiences to robotics competitions, here are 5 unique technology-focused corporate event themes to engage your tech-savvy attendees.

Interactive VR/AR Experiences

Get immersive and interactive with virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR)! Set up stations where attendees can interact with simulations, 3D modeling, or virtual facility tours. The hands-on activities showcase your company’s tech capabilities and allow guests to engage with your products in memorable and exciting new formats.

Hackathon

Encourage camaraderie and outside-the-box thinking with a hackathon. Split attendees into teams and pose a technological challenge or problem to solve. Provide working spaces, whiteboards, and any necessary hardware. Teams can work together over the course of the event to develop prototypes or solutions and then present their demos to judges. 

Coding Competition

Looking to engage your dev team? A coding competition lets developers showcase their skills in a fun, creative way! Set up workstations and provide internet access, code editors, and any necessary software. Present attendees with coding challenges relevant to your company and give them a set time limit to complete them. Judges can review submissions and recognize top performers.

Robotics Competition

Highlight innovation in action with a robotics competition. Provide teams with robotics kits, hardware, and space to work. Challenge them to program their robots to complete specific tasks like navigating obstacles or sorting objects within a time limit. Set up a demo area for teams to showcase their creations. Your people will appreciate a hands-on break from the daily routine. 

Product Showcase

Highlights your latest offerings in an interactive format with a product showcase. Set up display booths, demo stations, and lounge areas to feature new software and innovations. Let attendees view live demos and interact with products first-hand. Consider breakout sessions for deeper dives into real-world applications. Hands-on experiences drive meaningful engagement and bring products to life!

LEARN MORE: How to Host a Webinar and Harness its Power

Destination and Travel Corporate Event Themes

From tropical vibes to snowy après ski, here are 5 unique destination-inspired corporate event themes to transport attendees around the world. 

Global Bash

Celebrate your company’s global reach and diversity with an around-the-world theme. Decorate event spaces with flags, maps, and cultural symbols from different countries. Offer food and drink stations featuring cuisines from across your international offices. Consider live entertainment like multicultural music and dance performances. The globally-inspired details will make attendees feel connected and proud to be part of a worldwide organization.

Hawaiian Luau or Beach Party

A Hawaiian luau or beach party provides a fun, tropical escape from the norm. Decorate the venue with leis, tiki torches, palm trees, and beach balls to set the island mood. Serve picnic foods like burgers, tropical cocktails, and fresh fruits like pineapple or mango. Play reggae or steel drum music as attendees arrive. Consider hula dance lessons or limbo contests for some interactive fun!

Mardi Gras Madness

Bring the spirit of Mardi Gras to your next event with a New Orleans-inspired theme. Decorate with beads, feathered masks, and purple, green, and gold accents. Book a jazz band or brass ensemble to provide upbeat entertainment. Offer appetizers and buffet stations with Cajun and Creole cuisine. The festive colors, sounds, and flavors will get attendees in the mood to celebrate!

Nautical Adventure

Bring the excitement of the high seas to your next event with a nautical adventure theme. Decorate the venue with maritime accents like anchors, life preservers, sailor hats, and ship wheels. Serve seafood appetizers like shrimp cocktails and oyster shooters. Offer nautical cocktail options like mai tais and Captain’s punch. Consider interactive elements like a silly photo booth with sailor costumes. 

Après Ski

Bring the warmth and fun of an après ski lodge to your next event. Decorate with vintage skis, electric fireplaces, and cozy furniture like fur throws and leather armchairs. Serve hot beverages like mulled wine and hot cocoa. Offer hearty appetizers like raclette, fondue, and chili. The cozy, wintery ambiance will have attendees feeling like they’re unwinding after a long day on the slopes!

LEARN MORE: 7 Event KPIs That Will Prove You Put on a Great Event

Artistic and Creative Corporate Event Themes

From refined art gallery nights to active dance classes, here are 6 creative corporate event themes to spark creativity and make lasting memories.

Art Gallery Night

Bring culture and sophistication to your next event with an art gallery theme. Transform the venue by hanging artwork, sculptures, or photos from local artists around the space. Offer light bites and wine as attendees browse the makeshift gallery. Consider live entertainment, like a jazz singer or classical guitarist, to enhance the ambiance. Even better? Rent out event space at an art gallery for an authentic experience!

Wine and Cheese Night

A wine and cheese night is an elegant yet approachable event idea. Set up tasting stations featuring a variety of wines paired with cheeses, grapes, and jellies. Set the mood with relaxing background music. Supply cheese boards and decorative stemware. To add even more fun, encourage attendees to build their own charcuterie board.

Painting Night

Encourage your attendees to express their creativity after a long workday. Hire an instructor to guide attendees step-by-step through recreating a featured painting. Set up easels, canvases, paints, brushes, and smocks at each seat. Play mellow music and serve refreshments like wine, finger foods, or desserts. The experience encourages guests to mingle and unwind — plus everyone gets to take something home! 

Local Artist Showcase

Support makers in your community while providing unique items for employees to purchase with a local artist showcase. Transform event spaces into a market setting, with local artisans, designers, and craftspeople setting up display booths or tables. Consider aligning the timing with holidays for seasonal gift shopping. The maker’s market facilitates meaningful connections and lets attendees bring home one-of-a-kind goods — the perfect memento from your event. 

Dance Class

Spice up your next event by bringing in dance instructors to teach a fun, active class! Set up an open space with a suitable floor surface and sound system. Encourage coworkers to pair up and learn choreography together. Consider a short performance to showcase everyone’s new moves. High-energy dance classes like salsa, hip-hop, and ballroom build relationships while getting attendees on their feet.

Interactive Art Installations

Interactive art makes attendees part of the experience. Partner with a local museum, art gallery, or artist collective to curate hands-on exhibits, sculptures, light displays, or projections that invite guest participation. Provide snacks and drinks for a casual, creative atmosphere. Unique installations spark conversation, imagination, and inspiration in memorable ways. 

LEARN MORE: Strategies to Increase Event Sponsorship: How to Get More Sponsors

Interactive and Hands-On Corporate Event Themes

From friendly competition to thrilling, high-energy activities, here are 7 hands-on corporate event themes that encourage teamwork, communication, and good times. 

Board Games Night

Encourage friendly competition and collaboration with a board games night. Set up stations with classic games like Connect Four, Chess, and Scrabble and trendy new options. Consider a giant version of a classic like Giant Jenga. Provide snacks and drinks to enjoy while playing. Rotate stations or hold a tournament to involve all attendees. 

Cooking Competition

Get attendees to showcase their culinary skills in a fun face-off. Split into teams and provide cooking stations with standard ingredients. Give each team a theme or recipe to improvise. Have judges score dishes on taste, presentation, and creativity. Offer prizes for the winners. Co-workers will bond over the collaborative format — plus everyone gets a tasty treat for their efforts!

Escape Room

Challenge your team to work together under pressure with an escape room. Transform your venue into an immersive puzzle environment with clues leading to a final goal or “escape”. Split attendees into small groups and have them race to solve cryptic brain teasers, codes, and hands-on challenges within a set time limit. The thrilling, interactive experience facilitates bonding, communication, and teamwork!

Mini-Golf Tournament 

Encourage friendly competition at your next event with a mini golf tournament. Set up a compact putting green with obstacles and holes. Split into teams and rotate through holes, tracking individual and team scores. Consider lively music and fun outfits or costumes. At the end, award prizes for the top scorer or winning team. 

Obstacle Course

An obstacle course gets attendees active in an exciting team challenge. Set up a series of physical obstacles like climbing walls, rope swings, balance beams, and monkey bars around your venue. Time teams as they complete the course together. Obstacle courses encourage camaraderie, communication, and fitness through friendly, interactive competition.

Fitness Challenge 

Get attendees moving between breakout sessions! Organize activities like relay races, tug-of-war, push-up or plank contests, and more! Split into teams and track scores. Offer prizes for top performers. Active group challenges build morale, laughs, and relationships while getting everyone moving.

Murder Mystery Party

A murder mystery party theme blends intrigue, suspense, and laughter. Assign characters and provide costumes. Set up the “crime scene,” then have attendees mingle, collecting clues and questioning each other about their “alibis.” See if they can solve the mystery by the end of the night. 

LEARN MORE: Why A Sustained Events Program Outweighs One Big Event

Outdoor Corporate Event Themes

Here are 6 refreshing outdoor corporate event themes perfect for embracing the warmer seasons.

Spring or Summer BBQ

A spring or summer BBQ is a festive, seasonal event theme. Host outdoors and decorate with flower centerpieces. Fire up the grill for classic BBQ fare like burgers, hot dogs, and grilled veggies. Consider games like bocci, croquet, or giant Jenga. The warm weather BBQ atmosphere fosters relaxed connections and fun among coworkers. 

Garden Party

Host an outdoor garden party and decorate the space with fresh floral arrangements, string lights, and paper lanterns for soft, romantic lighting. Include live acoustic music or a string quartet. Offer guests chilled beverages and small bites like tea sandwiches, scones, or mini desserts. The beautiful garden setting provides a relaxed backdrop for mingling and connecting with nature.

Treasure Hunt

Get attendees to channel their inner explorer with a treasure hunt! Create teams and provide maps, riddles, or clues to find hidden objects or locations outside. The hunt could involve taking photos at landmarks, solving puzzles, collecting items, or geocaching. Reward winners with prizes. The interactive outdoor activity provides a refreshing change of scenery while encouraging teamwork and problem-solving.

Gardening Demonstration

A gardening demonstration connects your team to nature in an engaging way. Partner with a local nursery or master gardener to teach planting, composting, floral arranging, or other gardening skills. Provide supplies for attendees to get their hands dirty in container gardens, herb planting, or designing seed bombs. This theme is great for stress relief while teaching sustainable horticulture skills that can also be applied at home.

Annual Company Picnic

An annual company picnic provides a relaxed, festive atmosphere for employees and families to connect. Host at a local park and organize outdoor activities like volleyball, sack races, or egg tosses. Supply classic picnic fare like fried chicken, potato salad, watermelon, and pasta salads. 

Outdoor Concert

Host an outdoor concert to create a festive atmosphere. Book local musicians or bands to perform live music suited to your attendees’ tastes — rock, pop, jazz, or acoustic. Set up an outdoor stage and sound equipment. You could also organize food trucks and seating areas like picnic blankets or lawn chairs. 

LEARN MORE: Top 10 Event Planning Resources For Meeting & Event Planners

Fun and Unique Corporate Event Themes

Here are 5 unique corporate event themes that will create an extraordinary and unforgettable experience.

Carnival or Circus Extravaganza

Bring lively entertainment and amusement park-style fun to your next event! Decorate with bright colors, tents, balloons, and lights to set the stage. Organize carnival games and activities like ring toss, photo booths, face painting, and psychic readings. Consider booking circus performers, magicians, acrobats, or mimes to wow the crowd with whimsical surprises. 

Superhero Soirée

Let attendees embrace their inner superhero at a fandom-themed soirée. Provide comic book decor and superhero props for photo ops. Organize heroic games like an obstacle course, strength contests, or scavenger hunts. Serve themed food and drinks — like “Hulk” green smoothies and “Kryptonite” cocktails. The superhero event theme delivers a heroic experience for fans to geek out and unleash their alter egos!

Decades Parties

Turn back time with a blast-from-the-past decades party! Select a fun era like the 1950s or disco-filled 1970s. Decorate with time-specific props and play hit tunes from that decade. Encourage period-appropriate attire like poodle skirts, bell bottoms, or leisure suits. Add entertainers like Elvis impersonators or Motown bands. The nostalgic party provides a playful atmosphere as attendees reminisce about the good ol’ days.

Annual Company Awards Show

Make your employees feel like stars with an annual company awards ceremony. Create awards categories to recognize achievements and company milestones. Decorate with a red carpet, stage, and Hollywood-inspired props. Ask employees to deliver acceptance speeches. The touch of showbiz and recognition creates an uplifting experience that honors your hardworking team.

Intergalactic Gala

Blast off to an out-of-this-world event with a space-themed gathering. Partner with a science center or observatory, and decorate the space with planets, rockets, and stars. Organize astronomy talks, spacesuit photo booths, or space trivia. This theme provides interactive education and galactic fun that’s out of this world!

LEARN MORE: How to Create an Event Website + Best Event Website Examples

Aligning Your Theme with the Event’s Purpose

The most important thing to remember when planning a corporate event is that the theme should align with the purpose behind bringing people together. Is the goal team building, celebrating a company milestone, making an announcement, or networking? Match the theme to the event’s objectives to support your goals.  

For example, outdoor group activities create opportunities for team bonding, while a sophisticated gala is great for celebrating company-wide achievements. 

Carefully choosing themes that align with the purpose of your event creates more meaningful experiences for attendees — while also achieving company goals. Keep the event’s purpose top of mind when selecting a creative theme to ensure it delivers the desired impact.

Up-Level Your Next Event with Event Organization Software 

Choosing a compelling theme for your next corporate event is key to shaping a memorable experience. Whether your goal is team building, making a big announcement, or celebrating a milestone, align the theme to the purpose for maximum impact. 

Looking for support with execution? EventUp Planner is one of the leading names in the field of all-in-one event management software! It provides event managers and planners with an intuitive, seamless, and convenient digital experience that goes hand-in-hand with live, virtual, and hybrid events.

Contact us before your next corporate event to learn more about how EventUp Planner’s complete event management software and automation platform can help you with your planning.

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  • For all meeting and event types
  • For all event sizes
  • For all functional teams
  • For all use cases

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75 Event Ideas to Inspire Your Next Event

  • Event Trends
  • February 13, 2024

Event planning is no small feat, especially when it comes to corporate meetings and functions. A successful event requires thoughtful organization, creative vision, and seamless execution.

Why Unique & Fun Event Ideas?

Unique and fun events not only attract more attendees but also increase engagement, brand loyalty, and positive word-of-mouth marketing. They provide a platform for networking, creativity, and innovation, leaving a lasting impression on guests and making the event more memorable and impactful.

But dreaming up unique, inspiring themes and event ideas takes time and imagination. When you’re already overwhelmed with planning the logistics, it can be a challenge to brainstorm something that will wow your attendees.

That’s why we have compiled this extensive list of unique event ideas to take the guesswork out of planning your next function. With so many diverse themes to choose from, you’re sure to find the perfect one to make your event engaging and truly memorable. Let’s dive in!

Table Of Contents

Corporate Event Ideas

Corporate events are a chance to boost engagement, make valuable connections, and invest in your team’s development. With the right activities and experiences, your next event will motivate, unite, and inspire.

1. Team-building activities

Escape the office to engage in team-building activities like outdoor scavenger hunts, trivia games, and relay races. These activities spark creativity, improve communication, and build trust between colleagues. Plus, there’s nothing quite like a fun challenge to break down barriers and bring out everyone’s competitive spirit. 

2. Outdoor adventure challenges

Outdoor adventures lead to inside jokes and shared memories that bring teams closer together. Unique event ideas like hiking tips, high ropes courses, and wall climbing challenge attendees to think strategically, build trust, and foster resilience—not to mention enjoy some fresh air and sunshine!

3. Escape room experiences

Escape rooms require close collaboration, effective communication, and leadership under pressure. Their immersive nature forces teams to work together, leverage their strengths, and improve their weaknesses. Plus, escaping the room brings out everyone’s competitive spirit and creates shared memories that bond the team.

4. Professional development workshops

Liven up professional development workshops with interactive elements like small group activities, role-playing, and open discussions. Allow attendees to choose topics most useful to them ahead of time to customize the experience. Or gamify workshops with points and prizes to add some friendly competition to the mix.

5. Networking events

Networking events connect employees across departments and roles over drinks, snacks, or activities for sharing ideas, collaborating, and forming valuable connections. Group activities like scavenger hunts, trivia, or bingo to break the ice. Also, remember to mix up groups frequently so people meet new contacts.

6. Speed networking sessions

Rotate pairs through quick 5-10 minute exchanges that focus on mentorship, partnership building, or lead generation. Moderators keep conversations flowing with prompts and timers. By practicing exchanging valuable info quickly, attendees grow their network and make meaningful connections in a lively, fast-paced setting.

7. Industry-specific conferences

Keep teams on top of the latest industry trends and innovations. Industry conferences also provide valuable opportunities for networking and bringing back knowledge to the company. Keep the energy high with movement breaks, social events, and local flavors like venue tours. The goal is active participation, not just passive listening.

8. Keynote speakers on future trends

An impactful keynote speaker should do more than present data—they need to tell a compelling story that motivates action. Bring in a dynamic, forward-thinking leader who weaves in surprising anecdotes, asks thought-provoking questions, and provides concrete takeaways. Focus the topic on an emerging trend or issue directly relevant to attendees.

9. Interactive tech displays and demos

Interactive displays and demos enable people to learn by doing. Have knowledgeable reps from developers and partners available to answer questions one-on-one and walk through tailored use cases. Set up immersive simulations that transport people into future scenarios enabled by the tech.

10. Implement eco-friendly policies

Make sustainability a priority by implementing eco-friendly policies that reduce environmental impact. Simple changes like providing attendees with reusable containers and utensils, minimizing printed materials in favor of digital, and reducing food waste enable events to model green best practices. 

11. B Corp social responsibility initiatives

Showcase your values through social responsibility initiatives that empower attendees. Host projects like building community gardens, restoring wildlife habitats, or assembling care packages for at-risk groups. Facilitate panels where social entrepreneurs can pitch for investment funds based on attendee votes. Provide takeaways for creating change within teams and workflows. 

Download our Guide for Corporate Event Professionals
Download our Guide for Corporate Event Professionals

Social Event Ideas

Social events offer a chance for teams to have fun, bond outside of work, and give back together. Themed parties, community engagement initiatives, and group volunteering activities are just some examples of unique event ideas that can boost morale, strengthen relationships, and demonstrate values beyond the bottom line. 

12. Themed parties

Themed events add an extra layer of excitement and fun compared to standard corporate parties. Popular themes like decades parties, costume parties, and masquerade balls give attendees guided inspiration for decor, music, activities, food, and dress code.

13. Decades-themed parties

Decades-themed parties transport guests back in time to eras like the Roaring 20s, Disco 70s, or Hip Hop 90s. Decorations, music, entertainment, photo booths, contests, and food can all match the time period. Attendees will have a blast dressing up to immerse themselves in the experience fully! 

14. Costume parties

Costume parties around a broad theme, like heroes and villains, movie characters, or mythical creatures, encourage creativity and a sense of humor. Seeing executives and managers dressed as fairytale characters levels the playing field for silly bonding. Contests reward outstanding costumes, while on-site photography captures the fun.

15. Masquerade balls 

Masquerade balls evoke an air of mystery and sophistication. Attendees wear elegant masks and ball gowns or tuxedos for a glamorous evening of music, dancing, and mingling. This builds intrigue leading up to the big reveal of familiar coworkers behind the masks.

16. Community engagement events

Community engagement events come in many forms, from fundraising drives to volunteer projects. Skills-based volunteerism allows attendees to contribute their professional expertise through initiatives like pro bono consulting, workshops, coaching, and more. Contributing services and funding for local needs fosters goodwill and pride. 

17. Charity fundraisers

Charity fundraising events leverage a company’s resources and employee passion to drive significant donations benefiting a cause. Popular options include formal galas, sports competitions, variety shows, and crowdfunding campaigns. 

Tip: Display a progress thermometer at the event so attendees can visualize the impact in real time.

18. Volunteer events

Get attendees to roll up their sleeves together for local projects that make a positive impact. Build days with organizations like KABOOM! or Habitat for Humanity brings people together to construct playgrounds and housing. Or, lend a hand at local animal shelters through dog walking, grooming, and facility maintenance to align people around shared values and purpose.

19. Community clean-up projects

Small actions add up to make the community cleaner, safer, and more livable. Lead a trash clean-up effort at a local beach or park—make sure to provide supplies like trash bags, gloves, and pickers. Or, sort and pack donations like clothing, school supplies, or groceries for distribution agencies supporting families in need.

Educational Event Ideas

Providing educational experiences is a strategic investment in your team’s growth and success. From speaker series to hands-on workshops, these ideas for educational events build critical skills, inspire innovation, and support professional development.

20. Speaker series

Speaker series offer thought-provoking perspectives from influential voices that motivate teams and generate ideas. Keynotes from industry experts, inspirational speakers, and thought leaders all engage audiences through compelling storytelling. Their words challenge assumptions and create room for new ideas that energize teams.

21. Industry experts

Industry experts share insider knowledge that helps teams stay on the leading edge. Speakers across sectors like technology, business, healthcare, and more provide targeted insights for key roles. Industry leaders should aim to deliver tangible takeaways, and practical knowledge attendees can immediately apply on the job.

22. Inspirational speakers

Inspirational speakers empower teams to overcome obstacles and achieve more. Their stories of persevering through challenges motivate people to raise their performance. Attendees should walk away feeling energized, empowered, and ready to accomplish more—personally and professionally. 

23. TED-style talks

TED-style talks deliver big ideas in short, powerful speeches ranging from technology to creativity to social issues and more. These bite-sized thought-provoking talks often lead to engaging debates and fascinating conversations afterward.

24. Workshops and seminars

Want to really get hands-on? Immersive workshops and seminars provide memorable learning experiences through skills practice, expert-led discussions, and collaboration. Breakout sessions, role-playing, case studies, and group activities allow for practice and reinforcement, so attendees walk away fully equipped to implement what they’ve learned.

25. Skill-building workshops

Skill-building workshops offer interactive training in areas like leadership, communication, strategic thinking, and other core competencies. Breakout sessions and role-playing allow for practice and feedback. Teams return with enhanced capabilities that improve productivity and job satisfaction. 

26. Educational seminars

Bring in subject matter experts to share the latest research, case studies, and best practices on relevant industry topics. Seminars range from deep dives into emerging tech to broader topics like diversity and inclusion best practices, leadership techniques, and more. Teams gain the insights and knowledge to stay competitive.

27. Leadership development workshops

Leadership development workshops strengthen individual capacity for coaching, mentoring, strategic planning, budgeting, and managing teams. Leaders gain insights to empower their people and drive results. Roleplay common scenarios, explore case studies and encourage collaboration to solve real issues. 

28. Networking opportunities for women in science

Want to address the challenges women face in STEM? Dedicated panels, workshops, and networking receptions build community, strengthen skills, and provide mentorship and support—ultimately empowering women to overcome obstacles as they advance in the field.

29. Panel discussions

Panel discussions bring multiple perspectives around a topic, issue, or trend to the stage for lively debate and the exchange of ideas. A moderator guides the conversation and draws insights from diverse experts. Attendees appreciate seeing viewpoints challenged in real-time, and they gain a nuanced understanding of complex issues. 

Technology And Innovation Event Ideas

Ready to fuel innovation, inspire tech enthusiasts, and spark big ideas? Our lineup of technology and innovation events engages developers, IT pros, and techies alike through friendly competition, collaboration, and discovery. 

30. Hackathons

Hackathons are intensive 24-48 hour events where cross-functional teams collaborate to build creative solutions for business challenges and opportunities. Be sure to provide themes, datasets, hardware, and mentors so attendees can rapidly bring ideas to life. The immersive, competitive format fuels creativity and skills development. 

31. Coding competitions

Coding competitions are fast-paced contests where programmers flex their skills in solving complex algorithms, logic puzzles, and coding challenges. Attendees can participate solo or in teams. The competitive format lets coders showcase their abilities for prizes, prestige, and job opportunities.

32. App development challenges

Find tech-driven solutions to unique or pressing challenges. App development challenges bring developers together to conceptualize, build, and pitch mobile or web apps to a captive audience. The winning team gets a chance to see their app go live!

33. Robotics competitions

Bring together engineers to code robot players that go head-to-head in live matches. Competitors program robots with capabilities like speed, dexterity, motion planning, and environmental sensing. Matches take place in front of enthusiastic crowds and are often broadcast to share the action.

34. Tech expos

Get attendees to explore the latest innovations up close and personal at an interactive tech expo. Booth staff provide demos of leading-edge technology like VR/AR and AI, showcasing new possibilities for work and play. 

35. Product launches

Product launches are exclusive events to showcase new software, apps, devices, and platforms before they hit the mainstream market. These events give people an early look at anticipated tech along with demos of new capabilities and features. 

36. Demo sessions

Demo sessions showcase emerging technologies in an interactive setting. Guided demonstrations let attendees explore innovations like autonomous vehicles, smart city simulations, VR, and more. Participants leave with tangible examples of how to evaluate and use new technologies.

37. Startup showcases

Bring together promising startups to pitch their innovative solutions for the chance to secure investment and partnerships. These “shark tank” style presentations give startups a platform to demonstrate their unique technologies and business models. Like the TV show, expert judges and the audience evaluate strengths and weaknesses.

Arts And Culture Event Ideas

Immerse attendees in creative expression and provide memorable experiences that highlight diverse talents, foods, and practices from around the world.

38. Art exhibitions

Let attendees wander through galleries displaying works by renowned and emerging artists. Exhibitions range from traditional paintings and sculptures to avant-garde multi-media installations and tactile pieces. Experts provide insights into techniques, history, and symbolism within featured works.

39. Local artist showcases

Looking to amplify the local community? Bring together fresh works from local painters, sculptors, jewelers, photographers, and more! Attendees can meet creators and learn their stories while finding that perfect piece to take home. 

40. Interactive art installations

Engage your attendees’ senses with mesmerizing art pieces that react to motion, touch, and sound. Consider light columns that change color and pattern when people walk between them, or projections triggered by body movements that turn people into performers. Attendees will make memories and get amazing pictures for the ‘gram. 

41. Art and wine tastings

Invite attendees to sip wine and enjoy light refreshments while exploring different mediums and styles. Gallery guides provide insights into key pieces and the stories behind them. Between sips, guests have opportunities to chat about their favorite pieces and discover new artists. 

Tip: Use a portion of the proceeds to fund local arts education programs.

42. Cultural festivals

Cultural festivals promote traditions, performances, and food from around the globe. Multiple stages come alive with acts like Chinese acrobats, Polynesian dancers, Bollywood singers, and Irish dancers. Performers share stories behind their practices and what their heritage means to them, building cross-cultural bonds.

43. International food festivals

Let attendees sample traditional dishes from different cultures at food stall stations. Attendees can taste authentic pad thai, chicken tikka masala, empanadas, German sausages, and other traditional dishes all under one roof. Cooking demonstrations and menus provide education on staple flavors and ingredients.

44. Music and dance festivals

Bring people together for nonstop live entertainment. Multiple stages come alive with DJs, dance troupes, and more. Headliners get crowds on their feet while emerging talent gains exposure. In between sets, guests can learn dance fundamentals from skilled instructors. 

45. Cultural exchange events

Help build empathy and understanding between people from different walks of life. Panel discussions, storytelling sessions, meals, and open conversations encourage relationships between people from various cultures, beliefs, and backgrounds.

46. Live demonstrations of traditional crafts

Watch artisans demonstrate pottery making, glass blowing, embroidery, and other specialized crafts honed over generations. Unique examples include Japanese woodblock printing, Navajo weaving, Italian leatherworking, and French macaron making. 

47. International food and beverage stations

Travel the world one bite at a time! Themed buffet stations offer authentic dishes, snacks, and beverages from diverse cuisines. Imagine tapas, sushi, curries, and poutine all in one place. Friendly cultural ambassadors provide samples and discuss cultural influences.

48. Hands-on art workshops

Get creative with workshops that teach painting, jewelry making, pottery, origami, flower arranging, and other fun crafts. Workshops should appeal to all skill levels, even complete beginners. Instructors demonstrate key skills step-by-step before letting attendees showcase their creativity. Plus, everyone gets a unique memento to take home!

Health And Wellness Event Ideas

Foster employee well-being through events that promote positive lifestyle changes. Health and wellness gatherings build community while providing tools to improve physical, mental, and emotional health.

49. Fitness challenges

Friendly fitness competitions incentivize employees to move more. Encourage individuals or teams to track steps, exercise minutes, or activity goals for prizes like gift cards, trophies, and bragging rights! Leaderboards and challenges add motivation.

50. Charity runs/walks

Gather attendees for a feel-good group run or walkathon supporting an important cause like cancer research or homelessness. Choose from 5Ks, tough mudders, marathons, and more based on abilities. Fundraising adds a sense of purpose.

51. Yoga or meditation retreats

Help participants find inner calm with guided yoga, tai chi, or meditation sessions surrounded by the beauty of nature. Instructors lead relaxing classes focused on breathing, mindfulness, and gentle movements to reduce stress. Encourage attendees to practice these relaxation techniques in their everyday lives.

52. Wellness expos

Showcase options for healthier living through vendor booths, demos, and tastings. Speakers share their stories of achieving better health through different methods and practices. Get a massage, sample superfoods, take a strength test, and more! Attendees walk away with inspiration and resources to lead healthier lives.

53. Mental health awareness events

Host an event that breaks down stigma and fosters understanding around mental well-being in the workplace. Small group sessions led by trained facilitators provide a judgment-free zone for employees to talk about their mental health. Clinical experts lead workshops on building resilience, finding purpose, and overcoming challenges.

54. Workshops and seminars

Help employees develop healthy habits across all aspects of their lives. Consider bringing in financial advisors to provide tips on effectively managing money or nutritionists to offer guidance on meal planning and mindful eating. These sessions should send attendees away with clear, actionable strategies relevant to daily life.

55. Group therapy sessions

Group therapy sessions led by skilled professionals provide a safe space for employees to discuss concerns and receive support. Sessions are kept small to allow for intimate sharing. The facilitator establishes ground rules of confidentiality and listening without judgment. Attendees realize they are not alone in facing life’s challenges.

56. Mindfulness and stress-relief activities

Empower attendees with simple yet powerful ways to calm the mind and body during hectic workdays. Guided mindfulness sessions teach breathing techniques for finding calm. Adult coloring books provide a low-pressure creative outlet to occupy wandering minds during breaks. People return focused and uplifted.

57. Building a supportive workplace culture

A supportive organizational culture is built through intentional efforts to foster community, belonging, and care for one another. Host team-building activities to strengthen connections. Volunteer days give back to causes that matter. Shared meals, outings, and social events build rapport.

58. Strategies for managing stress and burnout

Provide attendees with practical tips for recognizing and reducing stress and burnout through seminars and resources. Seminars can cover time management, setting boundaries, goal planning, and building resilience. These sessions will help employees take control of their well-being and find fulfillment while avoiding chronic stress.

Seasonal And Holiday Event Ideas

Liven up the calendar with festive gatherings throughout the year to foster camaraderie and boost engagement.

59. Holiday-themed parties

Deck the halls and get in the spirit by celebrating seasonal holidays like Independence Day, Halloween, and Christmas. Go all out with food, games, decorations, costumes, and music centered around the holiday theme. These festive staples build goodwill and create lasting memories.

60. Halloween costume contests

Check out colleagues’ creative side by encouraging Halloween costumes at work. Offer prizes for categories like funniest costume, most original costume, and best group theme. Host activities like mummy wrapping contests, monster trivia, or creepy photo booths to get everyone involved in the fun.

61. Christmas tree lighting ceremonies

Gather employees and families to ring in the holidays with a magical tree-lighting event. Carolers, treats, photo ops with Santa, and holiday crafts add to the nostalgia. Trees could be decorated based on specific themes and remain up for seasonal cheer throughout the office.

62. New Year’s Eve galas

Why wait for midnight? Host a glamorous New Year’s Eve-themed gala for employees at any time. Break out black tie apparel, festive party hats, noise makers, and bubbles for toasting. Decor, cuisine, music, and countdowns set the scene to celebrate new beginnings.

63. Seasonal festivals

Tap into the energy of the solstices with lively festivals for the spring equinox, summer solstice, fall equinox, and winter solstice. Align activities, decor, food, and music around each season’s themes and traditions. 

64. Spring garden parties

Celebrate seasonal rebirth with a spring celebration in lush outdoor spaces. Entertain with floral centerpieces, butterfly releases, egg hunts, herb planting, springtime treats, and music from string quartets. Shake off winter with the sights and smells of spring!

65. Summer beach festivals

Bring the ocean to the office with a beach bash featuring tropical decor, limbo contests, leis, sunglasses, and more. The endless summer vibes make for laidback fun among colleagues, regardless of the season. Bonus points if you work somewhere with an actual beach nearby!

66. Fall harvest celebrations

Pay homage to the season of the bounty with fun harvest activities. Set up pumpkin carving, pie-eating contests, hayrides, and autumnal floral arrangements. Serve up classic fall dishes (hello, mashed potatoes!), baked goods, hot ciders, and other tasty treats to get people in the mood.

67. Outdoor garden games and activities

Make the most of warm seasons by gathering colleagues outside for fun games and activities. Consider bocce ball, croquet, volleyball, frisbee, capture the flag, relay races, or tug of war. Getting into the playful spirit builds rapport among teams.

Miscellaneous Event Ideas

Round out your event calendar with creative gatherings beyond standard meetups. Unique venues, interactive installations, pop-up parties, and modern twists on traditional events all make for memorable and Instagram-worthy experiences.

68. Unique venues

Go beyond typical hotel ballrooms and convention centers. Unique venues like art galleries, museums, gardens, historic buildings, and breweries add character to events that attendees won’t soon forget. Match the setting to your theme or purpose for maximum impact. 

Tip: Need help finding the perfect event space? EventUp has you covered with a robust marketplace of venues. 

69. Rooftop parties

Soak in gorgeous skyline views at chic open-air rooftop bars and lounges. These modern venues are perfect for cocktail receptions, posh dining, dancing, mingling, sunset toasts, and more. Rooftop parties provide scenic backdrops above the hustle and bustle below.

70. Historic site events

Take guests on a trip back in time by hosting events at storied museums, mansions, gardens, and other historic spaces. Costumed actors, decor from the era, and period-appropriate food all add old-world charm. 

71. Pop-up events

Stage a surprise event in an unexpected public space to surprise and delight attendees. Consider flash mobs, outdoor concerts, theater acts, or impromptu games in parks and plazas. Passersby take pause, have fun, and ask, “What’s this all about?”

72. Interactive experiences

Engage your attendees’ senses with interactive components people can see, touch, hear, smell, and even taste. Ideas include digital graffiti walls, augmented reality coloring books, ball pits, personalized scent bars, and immersive sound environments. Interactivity brings events to life!

73. Virtual reality experiences

With VR headsets, attendees can explore captivating worlds like deep seas, outer space, fantastical realms, and simulations tailored to your brand or event theme. This next-level digital interactivity offers perspectives they couldn’t have otherwise.

74. Augmented reality scavenger hunts

Turn your next event into a high-tech scavenger hunt by having attendees use a special app to find virtual objects around the venue. Players scan special markers to unlock AR surprises, clues, and challenges, testing their knowledge in fun ways.

75. Interactive art installations

Surprise and delight attendees with interactive displays triggered by sound and motion. As people weave between responsive columns, their movements create dazzling patterns. Interactive installations become creative “playgrounds” at events.

Seamlessly Execute Your Next Event

Planning your next corporate event takes creativity, strategic thinking, and tireless coordination. But with so many innovative options to choose from, you’re bound to find the perfect theme that will make your next event stand out. 

This guide covered event categories ranging from health and wellness events ideas to seasonal celebrations and technology and innovation events. The key is choosing ideas and themes that align with your company’s values and purpose.

At EventUp Planner by Tripleseat, our all-in-one event management platform streamlines coordination so you can focus on creating exceptional experiences. From online registration to branded apps and on-site badging, we provide the tools to manage your catalog of events from start to finish seamlessly.

Don’t waste time juggling multiple vendors and spreadsheets. EventUp Planner provides a simplified, intuitive solution that enables flawless execution. See how we can make your next event a success! Request a demo today.

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Manage your entire event portfolio and drive down the cost per event with each additional event you execute. EventUp Planner has flat-fee pricing, with no surprises.

  • For all meeting and event types
  • Unlimited events and attendees
  • No per-registration fee
  • No percentage of ticket sales

Book a call with our team to learn how EventUp Planner can fit your needs.

Top 10 Event Planning Trends to Expect in 2024

  • Event Trends
  • January 13, 2024
Top 10 Event Planning Trends to Expect in 2024

In 2023, the event industry underwent changes that revolved around sustainability, diversity, and inclusion. It also faced challenges relating to rising costs, AI integration, and emerging technologies. These developments impacted event professionals, creating a period of adaptation and transformation within an industry valued at $1 trillion worldwide.

As we step into 2024, the event planning industry is projected to experience a growth rate of 6.4% from 2023 to 2032. This growth is primarily driven by shifts in event trends regarding technology advancements and evolving expectations from attendees. 

It underscores event organizers’ importance in embracing innovation and flexibility when crafting their strategies. Events have become crucial for lead generation, relationship building, and driving sales; therefore, staying up to date with the changing trends becomes essential.

Drawing insights from a study involving professionals representing top companies in the field, expert opinions, and reports, we have compiled a list of key trends that will shape the events landscape in 2024. 

9 Key Factors for Choosing Event Management Software

10 Event Planning Trends to Follow in 2024 

Let’s quickly move on to the top event planning trends not to miss in 2024. 

  1. The Modernization of In-Person Events

There has been a dramatic increase in the number of events being organized in recent years. Because of the pandemic, events had to become more virtual. This comeback shows a move toward a more standard but modern event framework. 

Because of this, planners are being forced to reevaluate their financial resources and approach because of the rising demand for venues and associated services. Booking event spaces in advance and adjusting to accommodate rising demand is absolutely necessary. 

To set up a successful event and build a loyal clientele, create visual assets showcasing credibility. Get an event planner logo design that is modern and earns the trust of potential clients from the first look. 

  1. The Race to Get Good Event Space

As the number of events held in person continues to rise, so does the demand for good venues. Now more than ever, planning and choosing an ideal location is crucial. In addition to identifying an appropriate venue, the difficulty lies in controlling increasing venue expenses and overcoming continuous staffing shortages.

  1. Immersive Technologies

Events held in 2024 will be significantly impacted by Augmented and Virtual Reality (AR & VR). With the ability to create interactive 3D environments, virtual site visits, and product demos, AR and VR have the potential to impact events both online and in person greatly.

  1. Personalization and AI

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is going to be the topic of conversation in 2024. We have seen how AI helps in changing the way events are planned. AI continues to make life easier; it helps customize event experiences via algorithms that are designed to look at attendee data and their preferences. 

AI helps in saving time and financial resources if used correctly. 

  1.  First-Party Data from Events

Events have been the sole source of first-party data since eradicating third-party cookies. 

Data is vital for customizing user experiences. Event planners offer a more customized experience for attendees with all the information they gather. 

  1. The Surging Popularity of Customized Hybrid Events 

Blending real-world presence with online participation, hybrid events are on the rise. They’re easy to satisfy everyone’s tastes without breaking the bank. Because of the increased accessibility and adaptability they provide, hybrid formats are quickly becoming a necessity for event organizers.

  1. Effective Event Promotion Using Social Media

Social media continues to be an indispensable tool in the promotion of events. Organizers may draw more people to their events by using tools like targeted marketing, trending hashtags, and interesting content. It is impossible to overestimate the importance of social media in today’s hyper-connected society for successful event promotion.

  1. Experiential Events

People will still be looking for memorable event experiences this year more than ever, as we have seen in previous years. More and more event organizers will strive to provide guests with an unforgettable experience. 

Audiences won’t just sit back and watch but will instead seek ways to interact with the event. Planners are likely to push for more engaging, participatory events. Among the many that make a lasting impression are workshops, practical exercises, and multisensory events.

  1. Eco-friendly Events

Sustainable event planning has become more important in light of the present environmental awareness. Sustainable approaches and eco-friendliness are becoming significant in event organization. The demand for eco-friendly events contributes to this change but also fulfills an ethical obligation.

  1. Culturally Rich and Diverse Events

In a nutshell, the future of event planning is set to embrace cultural richness and diversity by leaps and bounds. Recent years have seen a shift toward a greater emphasis on diversity and inclusion on the part of event planners. 

This commitment means showcasing a wide spectrum of speakers, selecting locations that are gender-neutral and accessible, and streamlining entry requirements for all. It will make events more inclusive and interesting for a broader range of people and better reflect the rich diversity of our global society. 

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