You have probably heard that work and play don’t mix, but company parties are an ideal setting for team-building activities. The most memorable corporate events usually have a theme, and it is good to plan events regularly to show your employees how much you value and appreciate their hard work. If you’re searching for inspiration for your next corporate event, you’ve come to the right place. Continue reading to learn about seven unique corporate event ideas that are sure to make a lasting impression on all your attendees.
80s Nostalgia
An 80s nostalgia-themed party is one unique way to encourage camaraderie among your employees. There were a lot of trends in the 80s, such as big hair, tracksuits, Ray-Ban sunglasses, leg warmers, and bright neon colors. Consider these gnarly ideas if you’re digging the nostalgic theme.
Set the mood for this retro atmosphere by getting all the neon signs you can find. Be sure to lay out some Rubik’s Cubes to see who can solve them the fastest, and maybe set up hit movie posters such as Footloose, The Princess Bride, and Top Gun. No 80s party would be complete without a trip to the arcade! If you can, rent some classic arcade games like Pac-Man, Donkey Kong, and Space Invaders to keep everyone entertained. If you’re thinking about an interactive display, set up a photo booth and add props to make sure everyone has a fun and memorable night.
Food ideas for this kind of corporate party include mini quiches, pigs in a blanket, and fruit cocktails. You should also consider having a retro candy bar stocked with Pop Rocks, Nerds, and Fun Dip. Beverage wise, classic cocktails such as Cherry Blossoms, Tequila Sunrises, or Blue Hawaiians are sure to bring back memories of the good old days. On top of that, Tab, Mr. Pibb, and New Coke should be among the non-alcoholic drinks available at an 80s Nostalgia themed party at an outdoor corporate venue.
Under Construction
If your company is breaking new ground or hitting a significant milestone, an ‘under construction’ themed party could be a fun way to savor the moment. This unique theme would also be perfect for celebrating the completion of a new building or the start of a renovation project.
This is one event that works really well at an outdoor corporate venue. If you’re planning on holding the event outdoors, you may want to park construction equipment outside the guest area to tie the theme together. Nail down the construction-themed setting by surrounding the party space with caution tape, road signs, and traffic cones. Set up a “construction zone” area full of Legos or puzzles and see how long it takes for everyone to finish building something together. An activity that’s more fun than construction is… deconstruction! A themed piñata would definitely give everyone something to smile about too during the party.
Consider serving things like sub sandwiches, DIY lunchables, pretzel sticks, “dirt” (chocolate pudding topped with crushed Oreos and gummy worms), and Chex mix. You could even get a custom cake made in the shape of your new office space, then add candy corn to the display as mini “construction cones.” Be sure to serve cocktails from the ‘concrete mixer’ bar and offer non-alcoholic options like ‘cement milkshakes’ to help everyone stay cool at your outdoor corporate venue.
Murder Mystery
There is nothing quite as classic as a murder-mystery themed dinner party. Hosting this unique corporate event would give everyone the opportunity to do a little role-playing, and it would be especially ideal during a company anniversary.
Set the mood with dim lighting, fog, and eerie music. Position all the tables so that everyone is in line with one central focus point, such as a chalk-line figure. Begin the murder-mystery game by assigning everyone a character to play, along with a brief description of their background, motives, and connections to the other characters. Randomly select someone to be the “murderer,” and let the rest play the role of investigators trying to solve the crime. Reveal clues throughout the game so players can ask each other questions and make accusations until they solve the mystery.
Enhance the murder mystery atmosphere by serving clever dishes, such as meat kabobs, pasta with red sauce, and “to die for” desserts. You could also serve up cocktails from the film-noir era, including dirty martinis, white Russians, and the classic gin and tonic.
Into the Future
A futuristic company party at Eden Gardens could be a truly unforgettable experience! Sci-fi design elements such as metallic accents, galactic backdrops, neon lighting, glow sticks, multicolored disco balls, and other sci-fi-inspired decor would set the stage for a truly immersive experience.
Consider serving up futuristic-themed cocktails and appetizers, such as glowing blue martinis and alien-inspired onion rings of Saturn. An outdoor setting could also lend itself to a game of laser tag or mini golf with a futuristic twist. If you have the means, you could create a virtual reality activity where your event attendees explore another world.
Summer Barbecue
Who would say no to a summer barbecue work party? Not only is this theme a fun and laid-back way to celebrate your company’s success, but it is an ideal setting where everyone can socialize and relax.
As far as décor goes, you could incorporate colorful flowers, picnic blankets, and paper lanterns to set the mood. The outdoor seating arrangement could include picnic tables and Adirondack chairs. Lawn games and activities such as horseshoes, croquet, or bocce ball could keep everyone moving. When dusk hits, you should have a DJ and dance floor to keep the atmosphere alive and end the party on a high note.
Serve up delicious grilled items such as burgers, hot dogs, and chicken. If you’re wanting an outdoor bar or drink station, stock it with plenty of ice-cold beers, cocktails, and lemonade. For dessert, consider getting ice cream cakes or simply start a bonfire and have everyone roast marshmallows and make their own s’mores.
Casino or Speakeasy
A speak-easy themed party is another excellent idea if you’re planning to host something at a company party venue. Take everyone back to the Prohibition era, where they can experience the excitement and glamor of a secret underground bar.
As far as decor goes, be sure to incorporate vintage elements such as crystal chandeliers and plush velvet furnishings. To add to the excitement, you could create hidden password-protected entrances to different areas throughout the outdoor corporate venue. If nothing else, be sure to have an alluring cigar lounge area for those who need a place to wind down.
This boozy corporate event is perfect for those that enjoy cocktails and hors d’oeuvres, such as gin martinis and deviled eggs. You could set up a DIY cocktail station where guests can come up with unique cocktails. A live jazz band or swing dancing lessons could be the entertainment for the night. Setting up a speakeasy-themed photo booth with fedoras, big feathery hair accessories, and fake mustaches would surely make everyone smile.
African Safari
In an outdoor setting, it would be pretty easy to plan an African safari-themed event. Here are some key elements that can help you capture the exotic safari vibe.
The tables and seating arrangements should feature distinctive animal print linens or bamboo furnishings. A live drumming or dance performance would make the atmosphere come alive at your outdoor corporate venue, so consider doing something along those lines during the entertainment portion at your offsite corporate meeting & event venue.
African-inspired cuisine, including grilled meats, couscous, and spicy stews, will help this themed corporate event feel even more authentic. An exotic cocktail and mocktail menu featuring fruits like mango, tamarind, and pineapples would also add to the experience.
Conclusion
You can create more than memories by hosting a themed corporate event. Overall, the benefits of company parties and corporate events are numerous, and they have great potential to leave a positive impact on your organization. There’s no reason not to host a corporate event with us, so contact Eden Gardens and host your next company party here.