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Inspiration

200+ Event Ideas To Steal Today

Skift Meetings Studio Team

January 30th, 2022 at 9:30 AM EST

Over 200 unique event ideas to surprise your attendees.

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It’s so tough to impress attendees these days, won’t you agree?

That feeling of ‘seen it, done it’ is always lingering around.

We need inspiration and creativity more than ever.

Our boss demands them, our attendees want them, and our sponsors crave them.

So how do you impress attendees, regardless of the type of events you plan?

The devil is in the details.

Sometimes it’s those little twists you add to small details of your event that change perceptions. This is why we are giving you the most comprehensive database to date on event ideas. We are making it public and sharing it with you.

If you want the most comprehensive list of event ideas around, jump to one of the sections below for all our top picks organized by event type:

1. 20 VIRTUAL EVENT IDEAS TO CONNECT REMOTELY

2. 20 FUNDRAISING EVENT IDEAS THAT MAKE A DIFFERENCE

3. 20 CREATIVE CORPORATE EVENT IDEAS TO USE TODAY

4. 20 ENTERTAINMENT IDEAS TO MAKE YOUR EVENT GUESTS GO WOW!

5. 20 PROMOTIONAL IDEAS FOR EVENTS: START SELLING TICKETS NOW!

6. 20 COMMUNITY EVENT IDEAS THAT BRING PEOPLE TOGETHER

7. 20 COMPANY EVENT IDEAS TO GO FROM YAWN TO YAY

8. 20 PUBLIC EVENT IDEAS TO MAKE EVERYTHING GO AS PLANNED

9. 20 OF THE BEST INNOVATIVE EVENT IDEAS TO SURPRISE ATTENDEES

10. 20 SOCIAL EVENT IDEAS TO MAKE YOUR GUESTS CONNECT

11. 20 UNIQUE SPECIAL EVENT IDEAS TO IMPRESS YOUR GUESTS

20 VIRTUAL EVENT IDEAS TO CONNECT REMOTELY

Virtual social event ideas.

Escape rooms have become incredibly popular over the past several years and are a fun group activity. However, being locked inside an enclosed space for an extended period of time is clearly not consistent with pandemic safety guidelines.

Luckily, there’s still a way to experience the fun of escape rooms remotely by joining a digital version. Virtual escape rooms are a great way to get people to connect online, whether it’s for a casual social event or a competitive corporate team building activity. If you’re organizing the latter, try pitting different teams against each other and offering a prize to the winners to add to the excitement.

Game nights are a classic social event, and if it’s not possible to gather physically, organizing a virtual game night is a great alternative. There are countless games to choose from, from trivia to scavenger hunts to online editions of classic board games.

Depending on your comfort level when it comes to putting together an online game, you may consider working with professional hosts and/or organizers who can help you with the planning and execution. For company game nights, try including some icebreakers or company-related trivia questions to add some team spirit.

With many gyms still closed or implementing strict safety restrictions, getting in workouts and staying fit has become more difficult. However, there are now more online exercise programs than ever to help people keep up their workouts — and many are free.

Working out with others can be very motivating, especially after a slump. Use these tools to find pre-recorded workouts — or consider organizing a private, live exercise class — to incorporate fitness into your event and get friends or employees moving together.

Magic and hypnotist shows are fun and unusual additions to any type of social event. The hosts of these shows are generally also comedians, so they’re sure to entertain and delight attendees.

If you’re looking to switch things up at your next virtual event, including a magic or hypnotist show is an effective and unexpected way to get everyone engaged. Many event hypnotists and magicians are now offering their services virtually, which opens up options beyond who may be available in your immediate area.

VIRTUAL FUNDRAISING EVENT IDEAS

Auctions are staples when it comes to fundraising events, and they can also be organized virtually if it’s not safe to meet in person, or if you’d simply like to be able to reach more people. One of the main differences to think about when hosting an online auction is the items that you’ll be auctioning off.

Prioritize items that can be shared digitally, such as private online classes. If you include any physical items, be sure that they are easy and affordable to ship. There are several online auction and bidding platforms that you can utilize when building out and running your virtual auction to make it as seamless as possible.

If your fundraiser revolves around a venue — a museum, for example — that you would generally give donors a tour of, consider making this a part of your virtual event. Tourism destinations and corporate events have been creating virtual city and museum tours throughout the last year, and these can just as easily apply to fundraisers.

During your event, have a guide live-stream a tour of the venue for attendees, during which they can also answer any questions that donors may have. This will help inform attendees of any updates and feel more connected to the cause even if they can’t physically attend.

Paint nights are popular events that are typically held at bars and restaurants, where participants can join for a low price and snack while they paint. They make for great fundraisers, and are yet another event type that can relatively easily be pivoted to virtual.

You’ll need to look for an artist who can volunteer to teach the painting class virtually, and all ticket sales can go towards the fundraiser. Be sure to clearly list the materials that participants will need in advance, or consider sending them a kit as part of their registration.

Peer-to-peer fundraising relies on people sharing the fundraiser with their network in order to increase donations. Although this type of fundraising often includes a physical component, such as a marathon, it’s entirely possible to hold an all-digital fundraiser.

All you need to do is set up the donation platform and fundraising info. Participants can then join and create their own page with their fundraising goal, which they can share with friends and family. Combining this with a social media challenge is also a great way to get more people excited and involved.

VIRTUAL ENGAGEMENT

If you’re hosting a conference or other corporate event, including gamification is one of the best ways to engage virtual attendees and keep them interested in the event content. The basic mechanics of virtual event gamification include assigning point values for different actions, such as attending sessions, and displaying point totals on a leaderboard page.

Many virtual platforms now offer gamification features, some more advanced than others. However you decide to implement it, be sure to include worthwhile prizes to incentivize attendees to compete and engage.

Engaging remote employees can be tricky, especially for teams who are used to regularly interacting in the office and who have been apart for several months. One way to keep employees feeling engaged with their job while working from home is to implement virtual coffee breaks.

These breaks can simply be short meetings over video conferencing software that take place at regular intervals, such as every Friday morning. Scheduling virtual coffee breaks achieves two goals: encouraging team members to take breaks, which is proven to boost productivity, and giving them the opportunity to catch up and maintain their relationships.

One major advantage of virtual events is that they can reach a wider audience. That said, you can only reach and engage so many people before language becomes a barrier. In order to make your event more accessible to international audiences — as well as participants with disabilities — try to provide live captioning or translations.

Many virtual event platforms now include these features, powered by AI, and several third-party apps are available as well. Although AI-generated translations are not always completely accurate, they will go a long way to making your event more engaging, and some also allow for human input to make corrections if needed.

Online masterclasses are very popular and exist for just about anything you may want to learn.

Instead of having typical breakout sessions during your virtual events, try incorporating mini masterclasses to surprise and engage attendees.

Leverage the expertise of your speakers and/or exhibitors to create specialized sessions that attendees can join based on their areas of interest. Have attendees register in advance so you can get a sense of what they want more of and which classes they find less interesting.

VIRTUAL EVENT PRODUCTION

Pre-recorded sessions have their drawbacks, so they may not be appropriate for every event. However, one of the many advantages of recording sessions in advance is the level of control you have over the quality. This makes them ideal for evergreen content available on demand on an ongoing basis.

High production value is key for virtual events, so if you have any concerns about technical issues on the day of, or would like the ability to edit or enhance the session footage, then pre-recorded sessions may be the way to go.

If you don’t have the budget to partner with a production company for your virtual event, there are still lots of ways to up the production value of your presentation with plug-and-play equipment.

One way to do so is by preparing kits that will offer a consistent and professional look and feel across your lineup. These kits should include a green screen, a tabletop tripod that you can use to mount your iPhone, LED lighting, and a wired shotgun or lapel microphone. You can offer these to your speakers as a “thank you” gift, or you can include a return shipping label and reuse these items if budget is a concern.

The virtual event platform you build your event on is more than just an interface where guests access a webinar. The goal is to take full advantage of the digital format to provide a well-rounded, multi-faceted digital experience. For example, Fortnite created a concert space last year and hosted an immersive concert series within the game.

If you don’t have the budget to create some of the beautiful spaces that brands have created recently, such as the online House of Fenty, you can still place guests online in more subtle ways. For example, shoot pre-event videos that give guests the feeling of arriving somewhere and create the buildup of excitement before they walk through the doors.

HYBRID EVENT IDEAS

Depending on the type of event you’re organizing, using tech to bring virtual attendees into the physical venue can be a great way to make them feel included and boost engagement

For example, during their last season, the NBA implemented a virtual fan experience that enabled fans to join the game via LED screens in the stands. A key part of the experience was the two-way interaction it provided — the setup included the fans’ audio in addition to their video, so they could be heard in the venue as opposed to just being silent spectators.

Although most attendees at hybrid events in the near future will likely be joining virtually, it can be easy to focus on the live experience and put the virtual component on the backburner. However, virtual participants shouldn’t be an afterthought.

To keep remote attendees engaged, have a virtual host interact with the virtual attendees separately during coffee breaks, change of stage set-up, lunch breaks, etc. Imagine a second virtual stage in live events where the host can actually do a short interview with virtual attendees, or a quick “get to know the speakers” for the next day, a quick poll to get feedback on the previous sessions, or even a behind-the-scenes interview with organizers.

On the flip side, you also want to be sure to make the live component of your hybrid event compelling enough to make people want to attend in person instead of just joining virtually. One of the main appeals of physical attendance is the environment — regardless of the venue or destination, the big difference is that they’re not at home.

Consider the unique experiences and opportunities that the destination can offer, and take advantage of them for your event. Taking the risk of traveling to an event only to be stuck in a windowless ballroom all day just isn’t as appealing as being able to attend workshops on the beach, for example. Think about what Covid-safe activities you can do at smaller capacities that wouldn’t necessarily scale up, and thereby take advantage of the limited attendance numbers to provide a more memorable experience.

Mobile event apps are nothing new, but they will become particularly important for hybrid events as a way to connect the remote and in-person audiences. The event app will be common ground for all attendees and will allow them to view the same information and interact in the same chat conversations.

Look for virtual platforms that include fully-integrated apps that everyone will be able to access.

Using apps for things like Q&A and live polls will also help promote engagement from both virtual and live attendees.

Many event planners are used to lighting for in-person audiences, and some may even be used to lighting for a TV audience or other types of remote viewers. However, the challenge is how to bring that together in a hybrid experience.

Look at lighting as a fun way to add an experiential tie-in to the in-person audience that your virtual audience can also appreciate. For example, if you add a beautiful stage wash that has reds or yellows, why not add that to the virtual platform so the online audience can also feel the same thing? Lighting can be a vehicle for your theme or branding that should be reflected in your online platform.

20 Fundraising Event Ideas That Make a Difference

Fundraising events must be among the most difficult types of events out there. You are inviting people in a room to ask for their money. For a good cause, of course, but still you are asking for their money.

Coming up with cool fundraising ideas that make an impact is not always easy. Getting the audience to empathize with your cause can be a challenge.

No worries, we are here to help.

Let’s look first at some strategies to tackle the ever-changing world of fundraising events, then we will share some of the most effective event ideas out there.

Utilize Storytelling

Stories can truly connect your audience’s emotions to the cause you are fundraising for. Without a face or story to represent your fundraising need, your donors won’t be able to envision or feel exactly how worthy your cause is. People are inclined to give when they connect on an emotional level with a speaker or a personal journey. By sharing these types of heartfelt stories with your audience at an event, you are much more likely to increase your charitable contributions.

Tug the heartstrings:

• At the event, set aside a time to educate your audience about your cause and show them the impact they are making.
• Use storytelling through things like photographs, videos, quotations, and artwork.
• Providing your donors with actual examples of where the money raised is going and the impact it is having, will provide gratification to your donors and encourage them to continue giving during future campaigns. You should always be looking for the chance to show your donors what their gifts are accomplishing.

Cater to Your Donor

Everyone loves to feel special at an event, especially a high-level donor or top-tier sponsor. You should try to make each one of your guests feel like the most important person in the room, in order to provide a great customer service experience and make them more inclined to open their pocketbooks for your charity. By making attendees feel special, they will be much more inclined to give to your cause or spend some extra money while attending your event. Everyone enjoys feeling like a VIP, so do your best to show all of the guests attending your event that their dollar truly matters.

Make them feel special:

• Calling your guests by name upon arrival and recognizing them for their generosity at every chance you get, will go a really long way in providing a positive and lasting impression.
• Place VIP board members’ names on the invitation. When people receive an invitation if they recognize a name they feel more obligated and motivated to attend.
• Place VIPs on your event board. People who give buy-in and advice on something feel an added incentive to see how it turns out, which means they’ll also attend. This also helps you build a closer relationship with them.

Stay Connected

Being connected to your donors and supporters during the event is easier than ever with social media and digital devices. Being tapped into the vibe of your outing will give you a good perspective on the impact your event has had and perhaps the likelihood of your fundraising success.

Are people sharing information about your cause or event with their network? Fundraising is a very social project in this digitally connected world. Almost every day we see someone online who is raising money or awareness for a cause they care about. By making your events more socially connected you will increase your visibility and build upon your potential fundraising income.

Boost engagement:

• You can follow along with your group through event hashtags and apps during the event
• Don’t be afraid to ask attendees how they are doing with pre-and post-event surveys!
• Connect the digital and physical attendees with a live social wall during your event and flood with messages of donations and support for the cause.

20 Fundraising Event Ideas

Here are 20 event ideas to bolster fundraising revenue at your next event.

Silent Auction

Whether it is experiences or donated products and items, silent auctions can be an interesting way to raise funds during the event without the hassle of organizing a real auction. Bidders simply fill out a form with their information and the highest amount they would pay for each item. Highest bid wins. Make it interesting by adding valuable items or experiences such as coaching or speaker sessions for the corporate crowd.

Donation Matching

Find a sponsor or company to match the donation amount that you raise so that you can immediately double it. This incentivizes guests to donate more as they know it will be worth twice as much as they give. If you can’t find someone to do this for your event as a whole you could ask individual sponsors to double their bid if you reach a certain criterion, e.g. finish a sporting challenge or reach a milestone amount.

Digital Donations

Don’t forget about your digital attendees who may want to help raise funds but are unable to attend. Making digital donations available by sharing links to a secure funding page on your event social media can help expand reach and makes fundraising more accessible. It also works well during a live stream or social media wall and makes fundraising accessible before, during and after your event.

Donation Kiosks

The traditional donation box is getting a revamp with kiosks that take contactless or card payments, no more having to cash checks for your fundraiser.

Benefitted Keynote

Invite guests who are affected by the cause you are trying to raise to speak at the keynote on behalf of others. Motivational or inspiring stories, as well as seeing the affected can hit home for many and encourage more donations.

Highly popular, particularly with low budgets because you can have prizes donated and it’s simply the cost of the tickets that you have to pay for. Incentivize this further by introducing a 50:50 split where the tickets are placed into a bowl and the prize is half of the amount raised by the ticket sales. The other half goes to the designated charity.

Bring to Buy

From cakes and food to clothing or nearly new items, bring to buy are highly popular for fundraisers. It prompts others to have a declutter or get creative while working towards a good cause at the same time.

Sponsored Bar

Rather than a free bar, the sponsor agrees to match whatever was made in drinks and donate to a charity. This is perfect, particularly if they are marketing with a custom cocktail so it is a win-win and also encourages drinking for a good cause!

  A Red Carpet and Step & Repeat

Make your attendees feel like the VIPs they are by featuring a red carpet leading up to the entrance to your event. You can even kick it up a notch with a branded ‘step and repeat’ banner and “paparazzi” (professional photographer) behind a velvet rope taking photos of your guests. If your attendees feel like high rollers, they may even be more likely to be generous throughout your fundraiser!

Gamification

Attendees are more likely to pay to play games or activities they are participating in which makes sports and gamification popular for fundraising. Organize a simple pay to play mini-game such as guess the sweets in the jar or go big and organize an entire sports tournament as part of your event. The winners can receive a product or service from sponsors and the money

Diverse Keynote Speakers

It’s increasingly critical for event planners to not only look at keynote speakers who will be relevant to their attendees, but also to seek out those who will provide a diverse perspective. We hear time and again that representation matters. As you plan the keynote speaker lineup for your next fundraiser, be intentional about securing a keynote speaker who appropriately reflects the diversity of your audience and community.

Full Valet Service

An excellent corporate fundraising idea is to have a valet and car wash available for attendees while they are in the event. The proceeds go to the designated charity, guests are more likely to pay a bit extra for the cause and they have the car cleaned while having fun!

  Casino Night

A casino night event is a classic for a reason. Attendees have a ball as they sip cocktails, eat delicious hor d’oeuvres, play casino games, and win prizes. In addition to casino games, you can feature event enhancements like a charity poker tournament or live music. A casino night also offers several options for fundraising, including ticket sales, table sponsorships, or drink sales.

Homemade Carnival

If the budget allows carnival rides like the one below, excellent but if it doesn’t there are still plenty of fundraising opportunities for your event within the carnival theme. You could opt for smaller, homemade stalls such as the coconut shy, plate smash, raffles and tombola stalls or alternatively for corporate carnivals you could play dunk the boss!

Dando vueltas es más alegre !! 😁😁#chicaguito #intramuros #ruedasmecánicas #partyfun #eventfun #carnival #kids #fiestapartyelsalvador #eventoslindos Une publication partagée par Fiesta Party (@fiestapartypics) le 3 Mars 2017 à 2 :37 PST

Credit: Fiesta Party

Influencer Awareness

Get an influencer or celebrity guest involved in your fundraising for causes that they are passionate about. Even if you can’t get them to attend the event themselves they could still publicly donate to your cause, prompting others to do the same. Plus, it’s an excellent way to spread awareness.

Animal Guests

For animal fundraising, work with local shelters or sanctuaries to bring animal guests to your event to pose for photos or be part of the keynote. Animals strike a chord with people and chances are you’ll have attendees with pets so they will be more likely to donate seeing the animals themselves. Everyone loves an underdog (or cat) story.

Had the best day at the ekka yesterday. I look forward to ekka all year for the animals! #bestday #ekka #macaw #pets #animals #girlswithtattoos #malenybotanicgardens #birdworld #birdworld #facepaint Une publication partagée par Cookie (@cookiecookie84) le 20 Août 2017 à 11 :28 PDT

Credit: Megan Hunter

Charity Photo Booth

Capitalize on the selfie and photo booth popularity at your event by turning them into fundraising machines. You could have them branded with the charity or cause information to boost awareness or offer pay per print with the proceeds going to charity.

Fundraising Exhibition

Ask attendees to take photographs and submit them before the event, have the best ones blown up onto canvas and create a “crowdsourced” art exhibition. Charge for tickets and auction the photos at the end (or have a silent auction!)

Host a Slumber Party

Have pyjamas as the fancy dress idea and play an old movie, cinema style. Charge for movie tickets at your event as well as for popcorn and drinks. Offer other areas, for example a pamper zone or lounge, custom cocktails and pillow fight entertainment as part of the party to raise funds.

Fashion Show

Have local talent, boutiques or even attendees submit their fashion designs and charge for entry to the fashion show. You could offer this as part of the entertainment at your event or go all out and make it a feature itself.

20 Creative Corporate Event Ideas to Use Today

Making a corporate environment fun and engaging can be difficult when you also have to consider keeping a professional image at all times. The pressure is on to raise intrigue among attendees, whilst staying totally on brand.

If corporate events are your game, we have some essential reading for you in this post: Advanced Corporate Event Planning Guide: 100 Ideas, Checklists and Tips to Plan Successful Events .

And if you’re looking for insights into the ways that hybrid work is influencing the world of meetings and events, check out our latest report produced in collaboration with IMEX — Designing for Connection: How to create meetings and events that build culture and community .

In the meantime, if you’re looking for ideas and inspiration, we’re here to help with some of the most effective corporate event ideas we’ve seen to date. You never know, one of these ideas might just be the one that turns your corporate event into the event of the year!

Here are 20 corporate event ideas for you to steal.

Philanthropic Group Activities

If doing good in the world is a core value to your organization, a philanthropic group activity is a great corporate event option. A shared volunteering activity will enable your employees to feel good about making a positive impact in the world, bond with each other in a more informal setting, and, according to Fortune Magazine , create increased respect for your organization and leadership team.

Roaming Competitions

A funky guerrilla marketing tactic for corporate events is to create pop-up ideas that spark intrigue and excitement. Build on this by making them roam and moveable. You could do this across the country or even in the office with different elements popping up in different departments each day. They create surprise and buzz about where it could be found next and helps with immediate brand recognition.

The #loveplano ❤️ has made its way to Plano Event Center! Be sure to stop for a 📷 at @jlccntw #neaththewreath this week and tag your photos #loveplano for a chance to win a $50 VISA gift card to give to someone in need or to your favorite charity. ‘Tis the season for giving, y’all! . . #visitplano #planotexas #plano #planoeventcenter #venue #corporateevents #eventprofs Une publication partagée par Plano Event Center (@planoeventcenter) le 7 Nov. 2017 à 7 :26 PST

Credit: Plano Event Center , City of Plano , Visit Plano

Unique Staff Uniforms

Staff are just as important to the aesthetic so ensuring they are incorporated into themes and color schemes is important. Mix it up by having intricate uniforms, such as these pajamas at the annual meta mixer in line with their sweet dreams theme.

Credit: Destinations by Design, Four Seasons Hotel Las Vegas (catering)

Mindfulness Workshop

Mindfulness is “the basic human ability to be fully present, aware of where we are and what we’re doing, and not overly reactive or overwhelmed by what’s going on around us.” ( Mindful.org ) Though research on the benefits of mindfulness in the workplace is still in its infancy, the idea is that mindfulness can help attention, self-regulation, well-being, and overall performance. ( Psychology Today ) Help your employees develop this important skill by offering a free mindfulness workshop conducted by an expert trainer.

Balloon Ceiling

Corporate events need excellent styling and while this theme is a Gatsby one, it remains classy and sophisticated. Drawing on the black and cold, a trailing balloon ceiling that spread outwards added a level of intimacy to the event. Balloons are an important décor trend for 2022 and are multi-functional too, so don’t count them out.

Dessert Signage

A classic, but still incredibly effective, particularly if you get the right food choice and make it shine! These are the perfect example of dessert branding done right with these sophisticatedly stylish treats. The more appetizing, the more they will be photographed and shared, improving the sponsor’s reach.

It wouldn’t be an opening reception without cake! #fermaforum – – – #fermarisk #ferma #montecarlo #monaco #grimaldiforum #exhibitions #conference #standbuild #standbuilders #exhibitionstand #exhibitionstandconstruction #exhibitionstanddesign #fermaforum2017 #ferma2017 #marketingagency #agencylife #branding A post shared by brandformula (@brandformula) on Oct 15, 2017 at 11:20am PDT

Credit: Brand Formula

Digital Mapping

Digital mapping at this gala showcases different images and projects them, which creates an interactive and engaging way to bring to attendees. The images themselves can be automated and moving and in some cases, integrated with the ability to interact with attendees when they are near for some thrilling fun and wow factor.

Canape Spoons

Buffets and canapes tend to remove some catering options because, logistically, you can’t serve difficult foods or those needing utensils without plates. Canape spoons are the latest things to make this possible and open up a realm of possibilities for your menu.

Dine Around the World

A “Dine Around the World” event is a great way to shake up a traditional corporate party; it features food stations throughout the space that offer traditional foods from across the globe. A “Dine Around the World” event works especially well for companies that have offices or customers in international locations. For example, if you have offices in Mexico City, London, and Beijing, you could offer food stations for Mexico, the UK, and China. As an added bonus, you can create a passport where attendees get stamps in their booklet for each location they visit and are entered to win prizes for visiting them all.

Big Scalextric

Be big kids at the event with Scalextric races and gamification. You could create an incentivized leaderboard or tournament lasting throughout the event with prizes for the winners. Even without the incentives, you’ll find it is quite popular and unique.

Corporate Penthouse

Converting corporate spaces can be difficult but this penthouse creation is stunning. With a marble bar and lounge area for networking and comfort, as well as seated dinner and candle-lit walkways it’s definitely transformative.

Is it a Penthouse or a Corporate Cafeteria? Custom Wallpaper on our Wall System, Styled Lounge, Marble Bar with a Roaring Fireplace + a Gorgeous Table for 16 = Holiday MAGIC ✨✨✨. @peakeventservices @ryandesignsri @sbllighting #partnersindesign #holidaze2017 A post shared by Nilda Martin (@reservemodern) on Dec 8, 2017 at 4:44pm PST

Credit: Reserve Modern , Peak Event Services , SBL Lighting , Ryan Designs

You can offer branded swag before the event, as an early bird incentive, giveaway or to bring to the event. This gives attendees the opportunity to show it off and encourage others to look into registering or signing up before the event. Alternatively, give swag at the registration desk and entrance or in goody bags on the way out.

Branded Segways

Plenty of branding opportunities and perfect for large event transportation or pre-event build-up. Segways are still interesting and a novelty for many, even though they were released years ago. You could make them available to rent from your booth at trade shows, giving you excellent reach as they make an impact, or ride them in public to market your event.

Dinner Boxes

Food is normally the next point of call after a long or out of hours meeting, so take away the worry and send them home with dinner and dessert. These combination boxes have a variety of amazing food and can be adapted to suit your attendee preferences.

Branded Furniture

From tables, chairs and food stations to cushions, marques and shelving, branding can be used on a variety of furniture surfaces which is why lounges are such a good idea.

Gesture Control Presentations

Increasing technology now means we can avoid the awkward clickers and weird pointing to the presentation control for a seamless speech or presentation. These gesture control armbands allow those on stage to motion when it is time to move on which can be integrated into the presentation for better delivery.

Private Chef

Go all the way with food and remove the buffet entirely. Opt for a private chef who can create tailored meals to suit the vibe, dietary preferences and what you ask for. The food is fresh, you can see it being made and you know it will be customized and hot!

Simple GOBO’s

An excellent way to make a larger venue feel more intimate is with lighting or similar effects and these simple but effective GOBO’s create a speckled effect that enhances the natural features of this venue.

It’s amazing sometimes as to what simple uplighting and gobo patterns can do to this amazing room . . . . . . #weddings #uplighting #gobo #distraction #weddinglighting #wedding #lightdesign #lighting #purple #purplelights #chicago #adlerplanetarium #beautiful #fancy #creatingravingfans #gorgeous #welovewhatwedo #teamwork #teamworkmakesthedreamwork #luxeproductions #luxeproevents A post shared by Luxe Productions (@luxeproevents) on Oct 26, 2017 at 4:17am PDT

Credit: Luxe Productions

Overnight Stay/Accommodation Paid

For retreats, workshops or events that last several days, you could offer free accommodation as part of a giveaway package before or during the event. Before the event would offer more flexibility and allow you better rates to negotiate a hotel package beforehand but even during the event you could offer to cover accommodation costs for the event. Alternatively, you could simply offer an unrelated overnight stay in a luxury hotel that has other amenities such as a spa or fitness center as a mini-break.

Segmented Escape Rooms

Escape rooms are growing in popularity as a team building exercise but you can now create your own so attendees don’t have to travel. Using cleverly thought out planning, draping partitions, lighting and plenty of themed décor you can create an immersive experience at the same venue as other team building exercises for a fraction of the cost.

20 Entertainment Ideas to Make your Event Guests Go Wow!

Experience is more than just a buzzword. Creating a great experience for event attendees is essential if you want your event to be memorable. To keep your attendees’ interests piqued, you need to keep them engaged. One of the best ways to do that is through entertainment.

Capture the imagination of your attendees with unique performers, fun activities and unique experiences to create a buzz around your event. It can attract attendees, give audience satisfaction and increase brand exposure in a big way. Get it right and your attendees will do your social media marketing for you!

3 Tips For Event Entertainment

You want to entertain on various levels, big and small. Of course, a big entertainment act is a great event idea but what will attendees do while they wait? Consider different tiers of entertainment for continued amusement that hits the right note.

Different tier mentality:

• Consider queuing. If you have elements of your event that may turn into queues and these are unavoidable, entertain them! Having walking entertainers to interact or big screens near the waiting area will make time fly by for guests.
• Amuse crowds. Just because you have minimal space to maneuver everyone doesn’t mean you are limited to stage entertainment. Simply adding props or interactive crowd games can make it more enjoyable and engaging.
• Think small. Don’t forget to think small and consider the personal touches that make entertainment memorable. This could be something as simple as ensuring there is table trivia at a corporate gala for networking, to interactive speakers or roaming entertainment.

Don’t just entertain your attendees, entertain your audience by making it go viral! This improves brand reach by getting your event trending and shared globally.

Time to connect

• Get emotive. People will want to post and share your event if it evokes strong emotions; be it surprise, excitement, awe or amusement! If you use an act, a show or a performer that is so unique (and can also incorporate the brand!) that people are stirred to feeling amazed or surprised, then they are going to want to share their experience with others.
• Record it. Don’t rely on attendees to capture the entertainment (particularly if it is a surprise) so ensure you have someone recording it, you never know when the footage may come in handy for full previews or exclusives.
• Plan ahead. Don’t be afraid to put some thought into how to make the entertainment viral. Do some research on what is popular, create a buzz that includes entertainment teasers on social media and you could even invite press for coverage!

Your event style and type will largely dictate what is appropriate or not. Corporate event profs will first have to take a few factors into consideration when ensuring that the entertainment ‘fits’ the event:

Know who you’re talking to:

• Analyse your demographic. Determine age, social background and sex, and choose entertainment accordingly. A tribute to ‘One Direction’ or ‘Justin Bieber’ may be suitable for a corporate family day event, but not for a black-tie gala dinner.
• Consider venue space. Venue size and location is a factor that many event planners and organizers forget (or remember at the last minute!). This is important, as it will play a part in deciding whether or not you can have that aerial team you want or full-scale swing band!
• Budget. Do you have a strict budget that you have to work within, or is money not a problem? The amount of money a company is prepared to spend on entertainment will affect the options available.

20 Entertainment Ideas

Hungry for entertainment e event ideas? Here are 20 things to inspire your next event.

Interactive Audience Games

Keep your audience engaged and invested by integrating audience games into your general session content. Audience games can include the use of live props — a beach ball, for example, or famously an inflatable whale that, when tossed around by the crowd, controlled a video game on stage. It could also include trivia questions that attendees can respond to via your conference app and more.

One thing to keep in mind – don’t let your audience game be just a fun distraction. It should meaningfully reflect your content and drive home your messaging with attendees.

Digital Caricatures

Forget pens and paper, this is caricature art for the New Media Age! Digital caricaturists are one of the most popular options for corporate events that require walkaround entertainment that incorporates technology. Not only will guests want to tweet or post their personal works of art (which can include company logos, branding or products!), but the artist can also email the caricatures to attendees or post them live on to company social media sites!

Group Dance Lesson

If your event includes music and dancing, a group dance lesson can be a great way to reflect your overall event theme and get attendees out of their shell and having fun. For example, at a recent Cuban-themed event in South Florida, the host offered a salsa lesson. The dancers did a fantastic job engaging with the crowd, and eventually the CEO, leadership team, and key clients were all up joining in. It led to lots of laughs and a great conversation point the next day.

Corporate Percussion

Geared towards corporate clients, artists will perform using products i.e. ladders, machinery, etc. These shows also have added wow factor, as they are a fast paced, high energy performance.

They say that smells trigger memories right? Well, why not ensure your guests remember your event with an aroma DJ! Using an ‘aroma laboratory’, these new and exciting DJs mix a blend of oils, incense and real pheromones; “controlling the vibes of the dance floor by mixing a seamless blend of scents!”.

This act gives the term ‘instant art’ a whole new meaning! Your attendees will be bursting to share these little, drinkable, personal works of art via social media. The artist uses a portable coffee machine to capture the likeness of event attendees in their very own cup of delicious coffee.

Retro Video Games

Nostalgia can enhance enjoyment at an event, and adding retro video games can bring attendees back to their youth. This awesome idea takes it up a notch by adding a giant element to it and having the traditional Super Mario on a massive controller which can also get others involved playing together!

Yes that is our NEW •MEGA MARIO• arcade game. All of you that are a kid at heart & are SUPER-MARIO excited let me here your comments say “WAHOOO!” 🎮#perfectpartiesusa #punintended #supermario #mario #nintendo #videogame #arcadegame #eventrentals #eventplanner #barmitzvah #college #corporate A post shared by Perfect Parties USA (@perfectpartiesusa) on Mar 27, 2017 at 1:15pm PDT

Credit: Perfect Parties USA

Live Bands/MCs

Music is emotive and generally speaks to people so can be an excellent entertainment idea that appeals to many attendees. Make this more interesting by having unique instruments or something different for example dueling pianos on stage. You could also split the crowd into groups and have a musical riff-off against one another or have them complete musical challenges such as singing lines one after the other to create an echo effect.

Classy Table Tennis

A favorite game with a sophisticated twist! Table tennis is easy to create into mini competitions and you can have up to 4 attendees playing at a time. Create a round robin tournament with teams for a corporate retreat or have “first to five” games to keep it short and sweet!

Ping Pong, anyone? THE GOLD GAMES. #MMBbelatedsummerouting #newenglandeventstylists #newenglandeventrentals A post shared by Nilda Martin (@reservemodern) on Oct 14, 2016 at 9:18am PDT

Credit: Reserve Modern

Responsive Flooring

Whether it’s for a dancefloor, event entrance or the main hall floor, responsive and interactive flooring can be an interesting event idea that is a big hit and makes the venue more engaging without permanent fixtures or adjustments. This can usually be achieved by using projectors and tracking cameras for different effects; some involve moving scenes being displayed with elements interacting with the user as they walk past e.g. a koi pond where the fish swim away when you walk near them. Alternatively, you could have a game where attendees have to run and catch different elements to create a high score, creating an interactive floor game. This could be incorporated on larger floors or upscaled to suit interactions with more guests.

iPad Magician

For technology and gadget lovers/events, iPad magicians are the perfect act to amaze and entertain your guests. iPad magicians perform bespoke shows for the digital age, and many high-profile brands and events are eager to experience this unique brand of magical entertainment.

 Liquid Nitrogen Ice Cream Station

A liquid nitrogen ice cream action station is a fresh and exciting take on more traditional dessert stations. Attendees pick their flavors and toppings to create a custom flavor. An attendant then uses liquid nitrogen to flash freeze the ingredients and create their ice cream right in front of their eyes. This type of dessert station works particularly well with a crowd that geeks out on science!

Child’s play! 🐤 #duck #legoman #giantlego A post shared by Prue Boalch (@prueboalch) on Aug 11, 2017 at 2:41am PDT

Video Mapping Dance Crews

These are proving to be a big hit for corporate events. New technologies have allowed performers to take their dance/visual performances to the next level as humans and computers merge. These acts can incorporate specific music and graphics, as well as logos and corporate messages.

Interactive Wait Staff

If you have large crowds but minimal space, particularly for staging, you can get on their level by having interactive wait staff. This could be in the form of singing or dancing staff as well as impersonators, rollerbladers or wearable tables all serving food and drinks while interacting with guests. Ideas like this get people talking and act as conversation starters as well as memorable ideas and experiences.

Aerial Performers

A sure-fire way to involve the audience when you have little floor space or room is to have aerial décor, artists and entertainers, performing above their heads. It makes the venue more interactive as a whole while attendees look upwards and can make use of dead space without impacting the floor area if you have a large crowd or audience. Aerial performers also add a thrill element because they are so high up and above the attendees that they feel a part of the act itself.

Celebrities/Influencers

Hire celebrities or influencers to attend, speak or interact at your event to generate a buzz. Alternatively, you could have them do a remote Q&A session on your social media channels as part of the entertainment. Don’t have the budget? Try a lookalike to pose with guests on the event floor or entrance, it will definitely get people talking on social media, particularly who is the best one!

Street Entertainers

Invite street entertainers to create an urban atmosphere at your event. They are always popular because of their innovative approach to performing and you could offer a variety of options from beatboxers, tricking, break dancers or homemade instruments.

Sand Artists

These talented artists will perform custom made sand animations for a variety of corporate events. These shows have a definite wow factor that will ensure your event is remembered!

Laughter can create positive memories associated with your event and a good comedian can also act as an MC for other elements of the event. Make sure you hire a comedian whose subject matter will fit your tone and demographic, otherwise you could be memorable for all the wrong reasons.

Stunt Performers

From fire eaters and sword swallowers to stunt bikes or ball tricks, stunt performers leave a lasting impression and have serious wow factor.

Hungry for more? Here are 122 more Event Entertainment Ideas.

20 Promotional Ideas for Events: Start Selling Tickets Now!

Even if you are the best event planner in the world, if people don’t know about your event, they won’t come.

With the ever-competitive event market it is important to stand out and while this may come at a price, it makes the effort worthwhile.

Good promotion can generate more income from sponsors, as well as improve ticket sales, as brands only want to work with events that can improve their reach as well.

But how do you stand out with so much noise out there?

Event planners said that increased competition was their biggest hurdle as far back as 2018.

So let’s look at some tactics first to approach event promotion, then 20 incredible ideas to sell out!

Work With Your Venue

Often, your venue has its own PR team that will be able to lend a helping hand and understands its specifications to promote itself meaning that you can focus on the event at hand. After all, it is in the best interests of the venue that your event is a success.

Utilize your assets:

• Discuss what you need. Always talk about what your end goal is for promotion. Creating hype, building awareness or driving ticket sales can have slightly different approaches, so make sure you are on the same page.
• Get your event listed on their event website with a ticket link as early as possible.
• Do the venue have a newsletter of interested event goers? Can they feature your forthcoming event?
• Tap into their local knowledge. Do they have contacts and suppliers that may extend reach or have they got inside knowledge into the city you are hosting your event in that might help?

Stay Current

People have busy lives, so it is important to keep in the forefront of their minds or they will forget about your event. It’s nothing personal!

Get to the forefront:

• Grow your email list. Do everything you can to grow your email list with those that are truly interested in your event. Having a pop up on your site is a great way to encourage people to receive updates so you can keep in touch if they are not ready to purchase tickets yet.
• Newsletter reminders. Use your email list to share tantalising content with newsletter subscribers, but target it towards those that have bought tickets and those still to book. Make the subject line pop so you have better open rates.
• Social media updates. Engage on social media and ensure that you are around to ask any questions or alleviate issues in the lead up to your event.
• Keep it interesting. If you bore them at this stage, chances are they won’t be attending. You could use different mediums or graphics on your channel as well as a temporary change of colors or profile pictures to add that reminder.

Content Accessibility

Make sure that you are putting your efforts into being accessible when it comes to promoting your event. This could be sharing on different media where your audience are active or simply not confusing your message and diluting interest.

• Adapt to your audience. If your audience favors Snapchat, start getting up to date on stories and filters you can use. If it’s Instagram, design stunning images that will turn heads! Promotion is all about breaking through the noise and reaching your demographic.
• Be wherever it matters. Don’t just limit yourself to the normal social networks (although these are useful too.) be where your audience is and this means understanding where is best to reach them.
• Native checkouts. Allow tickets to be purchased via the different sites and mediums you have promoted on e.g. Facebook. This makes the process efficient meaning you’re more likely to get sales rather than distracted potential guests.

20 Promotional Ideas for Events

Drawing a blank when it comes to promotional ideas? Here are 20 ideas to kick start your promotions right now.

Associated Webinar

Put together a free two-part webinar that precludes the event and gets attendees excited and educated which could include sneak peeks from speakers as well as industry relevant information. Make part 2 available post-event that includes highlights and key takeaways.

Device Charging Stations/Branded Cell Phone Chargers

Convention centers are notorious for having poor cell reception and quickly draining the life out of your battery. Offering a device charging station at your booth not only puts you in your attendees’ good graces, it also provides you with a captive audience for engaging with your products or organization. If a device charging station is impractical, you could instead consider giving away branded cell phone chargers. This can be a powerful branding tool, as attendees view your logo each time they charge their phone.

Strategic Influencer Marketing

18% of event planners say that influencer marketing is the most effective tactic to sell tickets. Identify the influencers in your niche that tend to collaborate with events. We are not talking about general influencers popular on a given social networks. We are talking about only those that attend similar events. Invite them to speak, offer VIP treatment, pay for accommodation and expenses. Expect them to blog, tweet, insta and video about your event in return. Remember to get them to disclose your partnership. It’s not just cool, it works!

Security Lane Signage

For a limited time, change the colors of your website to include the theme or vibe of your event. You could add a landing page that takes you straight to the event details with FAQ’s and the information attendees would need. You could also include page pop-ups for commonly used posts or pages to highlight the new event to market and let people know. The important thing to remember is to keep with your brand but make it pop and stand out so that users are aware that it is something new and something to be excited about.

Experiential Art Installation

Experiential art installations are an interesting and novel way to create brand awareness and engage with the public. Though an experiential art installation can be expensive – you have to pay for space in a well-trafficked location, as well as for the art and maintenance during the duration of the installation – it can also create a ton of buzz around your brand.

Gamify Your Executive Team

Scavenger hunts can be a great way to gamify your conference or event through your event app. Gamifying your executive team is a valuable twist on this conference staple. It’s a pretty simple concept – you provide your team with codes that attendees can then redeem for points if they seek out and have conversations with key execs. Gamifying your executive team offers a few key advantages: it offers attendees who might be nervous about approaching your leadership an easy and informal ice breaker, and it can lead to great follow-up conversations about their relationship, challenges, license renewals, cross selling opportunities, etc.

What About Remarketing?

Event professionals wildly ignore the power of remarketing when it gets to event promotion. It is a great idea to convert more attendees. If someone visits your site, you have two special pixels installed to follow them everywhere on Facebook and Google network. If they abandoned your ticket purchase process, you can incentivize them with a small discount. They are hot leads, you just need to push the decision.

Featured Speaker Videos

Ask your speakers to send short videos shot from their smartphones (in landscape mode) telling your audience why they need to attend their session and what are they going to cover. This is usually a great incentive to make the audience comfortable with the topics that will be discussed and quickly evaluate whether attending your event is worth it. Speakers have an incredible influence on attendees.

Suppliers and Local Government Event Promotion

While we know how paid speakers and performers can be valuable to help promote an event, especially on social media, we often forget about suppliers that already signed up to attend. You’re also bringing business and revenue to your event destination.  Leverage your supplier network, CVBs, DMOs and local government (or business authority, chamber of commerce, or tourism board) to help promote your event by creating specific collateral and messaging that they can use on their social channels..

Sustainable Giveaways

If used effectively, giveaways can be an effective marketing tool that increases customer engagement and brand awareness. Too often, though, giveaways are used without regard to their environmental impact. If your organization is looking to become more environmentally conscious, consider opting for a sustainable giveaway. Promotional companies now offer items made from sustainable materials (for example, totes made from recycled plastics or bamboo pens) or that encourage attendees to conserve waste (for example, reusable straws, glass water bottles, etc.).

Host Meetups

In the lead up to the event you should nurture your local community with monthly meetups to keep the interest alive in the topic of your event. You need to invest in your core community if you want them to act as ambassadors once the big event comes. If you don’t have time to run your own, sponsor some little events with similar attendee profiles, especially if they are user run. You can get incredible value by tapping in the actual audience that will attend the event.

Step up your press factor

Do you have a press strategy for your event? Local news stations are always on the lookout for the event of the day. You really need to make sure you reach out to local press to the best of your ability. It is vital to secure as much free coverage as possible. One mention in one outlet could mean a disproportionate amount of tickets sold. Therefore make sure you reach out to local stations with a good pitch that has a story built inside. Don’t just send press releases, send a story to cover. That can be one of your performers, the type of the event.

Step up your social media game

Many many times, social media handles for events wake up a couple of months before the event, only to go to sleep a month after the event is gone. In modern days, you will lose your algorithm influence on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook. While it was possible in the past to keep your influence at all times, that is not the case anymore. With the recent announcements Facebook made, either you keep an ongoing strategy all year long or you are out! Other social networks are catching up so keep yourself up to date.

Use content marketing strategically

If you want to rank higher on Google and convert attendees that may search for events, you need to sort out your SEO strategy. Read this comprehensive event marketing guide with hundreds of event marketing tactics to keep you on top of things.

Behind-the-Scenes Build-up Videos

Post videos of the set-up or exclusive clips behind-the-scenes during the day to generate a buzz. Audiences love to “see behind the curtain” so give them a glimpse of what your event has taken to get them the end result they love.

Pre-event Q&A for Attendees

Some attendees may be turned off by some unknowns and you haven’t been as communicative as you could have. Hosting a Q&A that is event specific not only allows you to promote the line-up and key features but can give you the option to answer any logistical questions “straight from the horse’s mouth.”

Some may argue that radio is dead but it shouldn’t be underestimated. For local events, the local station can key into your target audience and raise awareness while national radio, although more expensive has a much wider reach. It is important to remember that well-known stations are used regularly by motorists so securing a top rush-hour spot will have your event heard by thousands in the car, not just for those listening at home. So, if you have the budget it is worth tapping into. Also, invite a station to cover your event live for exclusive access and fun promotion!

Run a giveaway to build event hype with the prize including event tickets or a VIP experience for guests! This will get everyone sharing before the event and encourages guests to follow up, plus you would hope the winner would share their experience too for a bit of FOMO!

Snapchat Lenses

Make these ahead of time or encourage sponsored lenses at your event so that attendees can augment their reality. These lenses allow users to create layers that interact with real-life so you could make several elements or props animated when viewed through the lens. This gets attendees interacting via Snapchat and sharing all over social media for promotion.

Ambassadors

This could be anyone from an industry professional to a celebrity or influencer but this involves paying them to promote your event. Use technology tools to involve your core fans to share and get a commission on each ticket sold. There are tools available to generate codes and share your event with the top contacts that may purchase a ticket. Be specific with your ambassador program.

Want more ideas on how to promote an event ?

20 Community Event Ideas That Bring People Together

There’s nothing quite like a community event for creating a local call to arms or bringing people together over a common cause. Whether trying to affect local change, raise funds or simply bring a group of people together, community events can be the best way to do this if done correctly.

For more on the importance of community in hybrid working environments, check out our latest report — Designing for Connection: How to create meetings and events that build culture and community .

Like any event, organizing a community event comes with its own pitfalls and challenges. People need to be informed, engaged and motivated; and like any event, attendee security and safety are paramount.

If you want to organize better community events, you’ve come to the right place. These tips and event ideas will help you inspire your attendees and create amazing community events.

3 Considerations of Community Events:

Protect yourself.

There can be increased liability with community events and this is something you’ll need to consider while planning, to make sure you can have the event that you have in mind!

• Research insurance. You will often need special types of permits and insurance when dealing with the public and the liability that goes with it so do all of your research to keep completely protected.
• Collate your paperwork. Request and create risk assessments for certain activities e.g. those that involve risk, kids or fireworks. Ensure your paperwork is in order BEFORE the event, if you don’t you could leave yourself liable.
• Do further health and safety checks on the day to make sure everything is operating as it should be. For larger events have a dedicated health and safety officer.

Create a Team

They say it “takes a village” and community events have a village at their disposal so don’t be afraid to ask for help.

• Find the specialists. Is there someone in the community is a catering expert? Ask their advice for the best deals in town or who to bring in for mobile catering options. The joy of communities is that you have a network of information to tap into. Use it.
• Get together a passionate team. The downside to community organizing is that it can snowball and you’ll find yourself with too much work or many people to manage, so keep things tight knit and delegate what you can, within reason.
• After every meeting make sure that everyone is clear on their own specific actions and deadlines.

Think Community During Planning

It’s important to remember the primary objective of a community event and that is usually to benefit the community! With this in mind, aim for local sustainability and keep this in the forefront.

Thoughtful planning:

• Supply from local businesses. It’s for a local cause and you’re more likely to get excellent rates because the event will directly benefit them. Even better, see what they can contribute and provide.
• Consult with the community. What do they actually want from the event and how could it be achieved?
• Think about how local schools, youth groups, churches, sports teams, local interest groups and activities can have a platform at the event.

20 Community Event Ideas

Ready to produce a fantastic community celebration? Here are 20 ideas that are guaranteed to be popular….

A fantastic community catering idea that involves each attendee bringing a food item to contribute to the buffet table. A variation on a traditional potluck can involve hosting an outdoor BBQ, where a designated griller makes the entrees and other neighbors are responsible for sides and fixings. For larger events, you want to make sure you have everything from starters to sweets so you can allocate meal (or drink) types to groups of people who can then organize with each other what they are going to specifically bring. This is an excellent way of bringing people together and starts a conversation on what everyone has brought.

Cardboard Boat Regatta

If you have access to a lake or even a large pool, a cardboard boat regatta is really fun way to engage the community. Teams work together to design and construct their boats using only cardboard, duct tape, and paint and then race their boats in a tournament style competition. You can use the event as a fundraising tool by charging a fee to enter the race, selling merchandise, or by having teams seek out sponsorships.

#Rent us NOW! We cater for #familyday, #carnivals, #birthdayparties , #exhibitionstand , #exhibition Red shirt skater invasion 💞😛Like-Ice!Asia booth @Dell Event 07 Oct.2017 #likeiceasia #likeicedome #likeice.com #likeiceasia.com #fitforlife #iceskating #portableiceskating #kidsforkids #icehockeyfederation #kurtharand #redbullchallenge #franchise #businessforyou #samuelbrukhethal #sunwayvelocitymall #syntheticrinkmalaysia #bazaarinspirasikubyssm #amansentral #amansentraliceskatingrink #aeontebrau #aeontebrauskatingrink #ministryifhealthmy #dell #dellglobalbusinesscenter #penang Une publication partagée par LIKE-ICE!Asia (@likeiceasia) le 7 Oct. 2017 à 11 :03 PDT

Offer cooking classes and workshops with the attendees being able to add their creations to the buffet (or sell them for fundraising.) Local restaurants could set-up a pop-up stand to accommodate in exchange for signage as an interesting sponsorship idea. Of course, you could also make it a competition too.

Street Party/Block Party

While these can be difficult to get permits for (if you need to close the street), they are excellent and memorable because they involve bringing neighbors together so are more likely to become recurring. These traditions help to create safer neighborhoods and give children an opportunity for a warmer environment to grow up in.

Pancake Breakfast

How best to get everyone motivated for a morning event than serving a pancake breakfast? It’s delicious and fairly cost effective because you can offer a variety of topping but don’t need to worry about other catering options.

Local Walking Tours

Add a walking tour to your event so that attendees can see some of the best community sites. This could be themed such as restaurants, breweries and local cuisine or opt for historical or cultural significance.

Crowd Activated Interactive Games

Enhanced technology means that you can use large digital screens to display games that are controlled by audience participation. For example, audience voice activated arm wrestling involves splitting the crowd in half and giving them, two separate sounds e.g. clapping or shouting. The software picks up the sounds and the loudest sounds win the game. This results in the digital display showing it as an arm wrestling match. There are plenty of other options, from table tennis to soccer on screen, with different interaction techniques but it is bound to get the crowd pumping.

Community Clean Up

The benefits of a community clean up are two-fold. First, neighbors get out into community spaces, connecting and working toward a common goal. Second, the entire community benefits from having well-maintained gardens, parks, and public spaces. You can make a community clean up even more fun by creating t-shirts, offering refreshments, and awarding prizes to those who collect the most trash, plant the most trees, trim the most shrubs, etc.

Fitness Workshop

With attendees putting increasing importance on health, fitness workshops or those ideas with healthy undertones can always be a hit. Have a leader on stage taking the crowd through the warmup and exercises, play some upbeat music and get everyone moving. Although this is most effective with large open areas (festivals are also quite compatible) you can still make this work with limited space by adapting the type of exercises and opting for intermittent high-intensity moves on the spot.

Admit it. We all want to know what the inside of our neighbors’ houses look like. Home tours give proud homeowners the chance to show off their digs and curious visitors the opportunity to see how their neighbors live, get home design ideas, and connect and network with others in the community. A home tour is also an easy event to turn into a fundraiser, as you can charge a fee for tickets.

Community Drive

Give back to the community by incorporating a drive for something that directly benefits them. For example, blast some music and get everyone picking litter in the local park before being rewarded with event fun and games. It adds a sense of community pride and the work gets done much faster (and cheaper) than if the local authority has to deal with it.

Craft Stations

Adding a participatory idea such as craft stations offer a shortstop for the creative types which could be turned into a memento from the day. You could make this extra sustainable by sourcing from the local art and craft store or working towards a community initiative like these throwing and painting bowls that aim to raise money to fight hunger in the community.

Students and community members are hard at work throwing and painting bowls for our upcoming fundraiser Empty Bowls 2018 on February 15th. Join us for this event and you’ll get to take home a handmade bowl, enjoy delicious soup, and most importantly, fight hunger in our community. Learn more through link in bio and plan to join us! . . . . #food #foodbank #fooddrive #fortcollins #loveland #larimerco #plantitforward #hunger #hungerfree #hungerfreelarimerco #solveseniorhunger #nokidhungry #noseniorhungry #northerncolorado #wellington #windsor #estespark #EndHunger #FightHunger #feedingamerica #feedingitforward #charity #charityevent A post shared by Food Bank For Larimer County (@food4larimerco) on Jan 18, 2018 at 8:27am PST

Credit: Food Bank For Larimer County

Giant Garden Games

Tug on the nostalgia and create a family games day where you can divide into teams to play oversized games such as chess, connect 4 or Jenga.

Open Air Movie Screen

Organise a drive-in screening of an old movie, where cars can pull up but still be waited on and have their orders taken by staff. It’s a great way to bring everyone together but allow them their own space, perfect for the introverted community.

Invest in the local scenery by starting a gardening community event where you aim to spruce up the public areas, take care of the existing plants and potentially plant more trees. You could create “swag” with potted plants and seeds for attendees to take home and grow in line with some of the garden plants!

Dance-a-Thon

Use music to make your event emotive and have an eclectic mix from all genres to appeal to everyone. Offer a dance-a-thon alongside your event that couples can enter or simply have non-stop music until the party ends. Make this more interesting by having duelling bands or pianos or a skilled MC to mix things up and try new musical combinations of classical and current music.

Mobile Drinks

Order a drinks or food truck to cater your event. It’s informal but you can have sophisticated options and bespoke drinks that can park up and leave at the end of the day. Alternatively, you could opt for carts or cycling stations that can roam your event, particularly useful on a summer day in the park.

Cleaning Wakeboarding

Is your community or event near water? A new popular trend is to take paddleboards or small boats out and collect litter from waterways to keep them clean and be sustainable. You can have volunteers on hand to help raise awareness and educate passers-by in terms of the damage rubbish can do to local wildlife and habitats. You could print signage and leaflets or work with a local charity who already has these resources.

Treasure Hunts

Turn a communal or local public area into the perfect place for treasure hunts! These could be innovative with QR codes offering digital rewards or something simpler such as sweet treats for the players. It could be another idea for local sponsorship ideas with community suppliers offering prizes to find.

Encouraging teams at a community event can encourage more guests to attend and adds a competitive element that most enjoy. You could raise funds by making it a pay to play trivia where the teams chip in some money to play shorter versions of a pub quiz throughout the day and then see how their scores tally up.

20 Company Event Ideas to Go From Yawn to Yay

All work and no play can make your event a dull place. Boring company events leave attendees feeling tired and more likely to walk away feeling like they have learned nothing.

Time has run out on boring company events. If attendees are disengaged, they aren’t retaining information. This has to change. It’s time to think beyond “death by powerpoint” and create an event that will excite and engage delegates while keeping the boss happy too.

For insights on how hybrid work is transforming company events, check out our latest report — Designing for Connection: How to create meetings and events that build culture and community .

We’ve got everything you need to bring your company events to life. Here are some ideas and tips to take your company events to the next level.

3 Top Tips For Creating Exciting Company Events

Creative theming.

Give your guests a break from the glass and steel world of business and dress your event to impress. Design your meetings to wow your attendees.

• Consider using creative themes that relate to the to topic of the day
• Take inspiration from local landmarks, scenery and customs. For business guests flying in from afar, local themes can be a big hit.
• Take time to assess all aspects of meeting design. Use creative seating layouts to promote engagement between attendees.

Gamification and Competition

Use eventtech to add excitement and create some healthy competition between staff. Get groups to work together collectively and get to know new colleagues and departments.

• Allocate points to reward behavior you want to encourage, such as connecting with other staff, visiting exhibitors, completing a survey, sharing on social media.
• Incorporating a leaderboard will ensure that the battle for the top spots is fierce.
• If your company supports a charity the points earned by attendees could be turned into a donation to the cause and encourage greater participation.

Food and Drink

Food and drink can be a big part of the event experience and it can be a unique opportunity to add a touch of luxury or additional branding to the event.

• The menu for food and beverage – and the display and service of them – are excellent opportunities to reflect your brand. Walking service and food stations might be a lot more appealing than a 3-course dinner.
• Make sure you have plenty of options for all allergies, dietary preferences, religious beliefs and health choices. Ask in advance for staff to share their dietary requirements.
• For small group events consider a participatory experience where teams have to create dishes on the menu and then come together for a feast afterwards. This can be a great team bonding activity.

20 Company Event Ideas

Need some advice on company event ideas that your boss and staff will love? Here are 20 as a starter.

Corporate Flash Mob

Add a sophisticated corporate twist to the traditional flash mob to surprise VIP guests. This Charleston flash mob was definitely entertaining and memorable.

This #throwbackthursday let’s go back to last summer when we had the great honour to meet @monty_roberts before our Charleston flashmob performance at @sunsetpolo. Summer is definitely coming again and we can’t wait for those long beautiful nights! . . #charlestondancers #flappergirls #1920s #roaring20s #gatsbytheme #greatgatsbyparty #greatgatsbytheme #charityevent #fundraiser #fundraisingideas #eventinspiration #partyideas #1920stheme #partytheme #eventprofsuk #eventplanner #nicroldan #montyroberts #unikagirls #unikadanceevents #cowdrayhouse Une publication partagée par UnikaDanceEventsOfficial (@unikadance) le 18 Janv. 2018 à 2 :18 PST

Credit: Unika Dance Events , Nic Roland’s Inaugural UK Sunset Polo & Gatsby Party

Hashtag Mosaics

Hashtag Mosaics allow guests to participate more deeply in your event by engaging on social media and contributing to the creation of an event mural. Here’s how it works: attendees take a picture at your event and then post the photo on Twitter or Instagram using your event hashtag. The photo is then printed out as a sticker, which the attendee then places onto the larger mural. Attendees experience the excitement and satisfaction of watching an artwork they contributed to take shape.

Dear #corporateevents world: Please stop using pipe and drape! #customstaging #eventdesign Une publication partagée par Encore Live (@encorelive) le 11 Janv. 2018 à 2 :15 PST

Credit: Luster

Another adrenaline filled idea that can utilize open space and be an incredible experience. For team building alternatives you can try zorb football which involves hilarious attempts at football while strapped into a giant zorb ball.

Escape Room

Growing in popularity, the escape room is a problem-solving idea that puts teams under pressure which is good practice for the working world and gauging who can handle it, and who can’t!

Get out of the office, eat delicious food, and experience the culture and history of your city on a food tour. On a food tour, attendees meet at a pre-determined location and then set out to explore the city, stopping for food tastings along the way. A food tour gives your attendees the opportunity to get out into the community, engage with one another, and create lasting memories.

Roundtable Discussion

An excellent way to get rid of titles to help generate ideas and brainstorming at a corporate event. Roundtables are exactly as they insinuate and allow everyone the chance to speak freely, making innovation more likely and strengthening teams.

Walk-a-Mile

Particularly fun at corporate retreats, attendees have to partner up with someone with a different job role or department (the more different the better.) They then spend half a day each performing tasks from each other’s’ jobs to give an idea of what it’s like to walk a mile in each other’s shoes.

Chocolate Making

An interesting alternative to cooking workshops is a sweet treat that many can’t turn down. It allows for chocolate decoration and bespoke packages such as tours of a chocolate factory (and chocolate tasting). Will be a huge yes for those with a sweet tooth.

This sporting trend is becoming an excellent addition to conferences, offering a healthy activity that gives a sense of achievement for many. Increase the difficulty by turning it into an obstacle course or mud run and turn it into a fundraiser by getting pledges for finishing within a certain time or guessing the finishing times.

Live Stream

For those who can’t make it but still want to benefit from the keynote or influential speaker,s you can set up a company live stream at the event, exclusive to employees or those who still purchase tickets.

Guess The Baby

A hilarious icebreaker that helps to break the barriers between management levels is to guess the baby. Everyone brings in a picture of them between 1 and 3 years old, everyone has to try and match the baby to the photo!

Ax Throwing

Axes aren’t just for lumberjacks anymore. You can now enjoy delicious snacks and drinks as you and your company try ax throwing – think a game of darts, but with axes. Private ax throwing events can include renting out lanes or the entire range, private instruction, and more. There are now even mobile ranges that will set up at your location to allow for maximum convenience.

360 Staging

Allow for more attendees and an engaging seating layout where they are spoken to in the round. It feels more intimate and if you choose your speaker right it is far more memorable. Plus, it’s an excellent idea to promote discussion and free-thinking

Credit: Encore Live

Sweepstakes

Friendly betting on sporting events or outcomes can add a competitive atmosphere and gets everyone talking and interacting in participation. In office sweepstakes, you can bid on the outcome of anything, from when a baby is due to what the weather will be like on a certain day, the winner gets to keep half of the final pot.

Outing to a Local Sporting Event

If you live in a city that has local sports teams, an outing to a sports arena is always a popular company event. Attendees can relax, enjoy a beer and snacks, and bond over their love for the home team. Sporting events are also a surprisingly flexible option, enabling you to select the package that best fits your budget. For instance, you can do everything from renting out a box and offering catering to just reserving a block of seats in the nose bleeders.

Orienteering

Add team-building exercises such as orienteering to your agenda because it also promotes problem solving and creativity which are all elements you want from your working team.

Dress The Boss

A corporate fundraising idea that could be adapted for the event if a team meets their sales targets! Everyone votes on the costume and when the milestone is reached, the boss has to wear the costume in the office for the day. The boss has the option to defer, for a huge sum to the employee of their choice (who can also do the same.)

Offering food and drink on the table means that professionals can focus on their conversations and discussions with food being an aside. This idea of guests being able to pour their own tea and cut their own snacks adds a level of informality that makes the group more comfortable.

Good morning! How about a cup of #tea ? #teapot #greentea #puertea #teaset #torontolifestyle #iphonephoto #iphonephotography #iphonepic #charityevent #yeehong #dragonball #sponsor #pureluxurymagazine A post shared by Helen K. Li Purel (@lipurel) on Jan 18, 2018 at 6:12am PST

Credit: Helen K. Li Purel

Offer the air of mystery by creating a corporate event such as a gala or awards dinner with the masquerade theme. It helps allow everyone to feel comfortable and ignoring roles or titles for the evening.

Modern Conference Venues

Don’t want your conference to look like a conference? Use sleek or modern venues that are usually suited to black tie affairs and give them a spruce to meet the essentials you need. This way you get the atmosphere you want with the logistics you need.

This is a really cool and modern event space 👌 thanks to @sktpetri for great hospitality and service. We’ll be back🙏 #qvistgaardco #corporateevents #copenhagen #atyourservice #nextlevelevents #ibyen #københavn A post shared by Qvistgaard & Co. (@qvistgaardco) on Jan 18, 2018 at 7:32am PST

Credit: Qvistgaard & Co ., SKT. Petri Hotel

20 Public Event Ideas To Make Everything Go as Planned

Hosting an event in public can strike fear into the heart of event the hardiest of event planners. In an uncontrolled, unfamiliar environment the number of things that can go wrong can increase considerably.

Don’t worry, EventMB has come to the rescue with a public event toolkit full of ideas that will help you get the best out of your public events. We’ve got ideas to inspire and excite attendees and tips to help you get your public events totally on point.

3 Tips For Producing a Public Event

In public spaces, you may need permits or a license to host an event. Work with the relevant authorities and services to ensure you are doing everything you should be, as this will vary depending on the company you are operating in and according to the state/area/region the event is taking place.

• Lead times for public events can be long. Check on any extra paperwork you need to complete and the deadlines for it.
• Do you need to close roads? Do you need to have a police presence? Who will provide first aid cover?
• There may be a requirement to attend safety meetings with the relevant blue light services.

Think about communication between staff on site. Event radios are likely to be the best method of communication for a public event. Ensure all radio holders are fully trained in operating the devices.

• Sign radios in and out so you keep track and don’t misplace any.
• Charge radios up fully before the event and every evening. Have spares available.
• Provide headsets for staff that want them, particularly those working in noisy or quiet areas.
• For larger events, have an event control room and keep a log of all radio activity.
• [emb_numbered_subtitle number="3." text_color="" number_color="" font_size="100"] Manage Attendance Numbers[/emb_numbered_subtitle]

Manage Attendance Numbers

How will you monitor numbers and safety on site? If it is a ticketed event with a clear event perimeter you have control over the flow and number of people on site. If overcrowding is likely to be a concern this needs to be addressed within the event risk assessment.

• Even if it is a free event consider making it a requirement to register for a ticket, to control numbers.
• Use clever programming to control audience movement and avoid one element becoming too overcrowded.
• Have systems in place to manage a “one out, one in” process if any areas get too busy.

20 Public Event Ideas

Want to attract maximum numbers to your public event? Here are some event ideas to inspire you.

Tethered Hot Air Balloon

This works two-fold because it creates an experience at your event that many won’t have tried, allowing attendees a ride while also being a massive promotional or signage opportunity to draw attention to the event!

Open Mic Night

From poetry slams to karaoke and musical talent showcasing their original music, an open mic can accompany a variety of events and help bring a public event indoors to transition to the evening. Just be sure to book some good musicians in between to perk things up if the submissions aren’t great!

Helpful Booths

Add a booth that can offer free (or minimally charged) helpful services that guests can’t always access. For example, a free baby car seat check, oil test or tire pressure which can be an excellent sponsorship idea for public events.

Wishing Tree

This involves placing notes or ornaments on a tree and making a wish. This can be a fundraising option for public events as well as a unique alternative to a guestbook if you have guests sign cards to add.

Coffee Morning

Offer an opportunity for informal chats and collaborate with venues with a message, you get people in the door with free coffee (or tea) and then wow them with other events or campaigns. Plus, they become the perfect focal point for parents with young children or the elderly.

Local Art Exhibitions

Create an open house for aspiring artists to showcase their work easily. Open spots for different mediums from photography, sculpture and painting to make the selection more diverse and offer it as the participatory part of your event.

Recycling Parties

Repurposing is an increasing trend and one that is quite popular so move your focus towards crafts and exciting projects. Tell attendees to bring certain recyclable materials and these can be turned into beneficial alternatives e.g. public bird feeders!

Food Festivals

Food festivals are huge at the moment, particularly those focused on specialty foods, themes and local produce, such as Farmer’s Markets. Offer a variety of food options at stalls from providers with taster samples as well as offerings to purchase as a unique public event catering idea. Ensure variety by limiting the stalls selling different foods to maximize interest and profit for all involved. Don’t forget to ensure that different diets are catered for and provide health-conscious alternatives. Even the displays, service and method of service can be exciting. The big craze at the moment is for food trucks, with camper vans, double decker buses and bicycle trucks, just some of the ideas you may find.

“Nearly New” Sales

These fairs are designed to help communities waste less by selling on the items they no longer want or need and they are often particularly successful for children and baby items that are worn less frequently.

Polar Bear Swim

Not for the faint of heart, a polar bear swim is a fun and exciting way to get your community to come out when the weather turns cold. A polar bear swim generally involves participants taking a quick plunge into the ocean, a lake, or an outdoor pool. These events are a great opportunity to raise money for a specific charity or cause. Be sure to provide warming blankets and take precautions to ensure participant safety, including having emergency workers on standby.

Pop-Up Shops

Keep the community on their toes by having pop-up shops that cater to needs on the fly. A fun idea is an outdoor pizzeria that rolls around once a month to cook stone-baked pizza in the open air. It creates a meeting point and gets everyone chatting!

Give the public a chance to show off their sweet rides with a car show, an event that can be hosted on a fairly modest budget. For example, you can save money on your venue by hosting it in a public or school parking lot, large field, etc., though you will need to provide traffic control and bathroom facilities. Other ideas that make for a stand out car show include live music, food trucks, and prizes for best in show.

Local Services Training

Kids (and adults) love a fire truck or police car up close and you could incorporate fun activities and learning at the same time. Have demonstrations by your local services to raise awareness and create better relationships with communities at the same time.

We all know the importance of giving blood, so invite the blood drive van to your event to park up and offer incentives such as freebies, swag or free food to everyone who donates. If nothing else it will raise awareness so it’s a win-win.

Seasonal Festivals

Seasonal festivals are fantastic events to draw in the public and create a sense of community. Seasonal festivals can be as simple or elaborate as your budget allows and can be customized to suit your venue and community. Just a few ideas include holding an ice sculpting contest for a winter festival, hosting a May Day celebration and gardening workshops for a spring festival, having a carnival in the summer, and featuring a fall festival with pumpkin carving, a cider press, and apple butter making.

Music on the Green

Community officials.

Invite the mayor or local government officials to your event to run a Q&A or panel session so that attendees can build community relationships while also getting vital information they need to keep them informed!

Health Fairs

These are extremely beneficial in communities with lower health rates and could include the local nurse or dentist popping along to your event and offering free health or dental checks, taking blood pressure or offering advice. Be aware these are very popular so you may want to invite other professionals too.

Endurance Events

Host a sporting event such as a swim or bikeathon (on stationary bikes) that keeps going throughout the day. There could be a distance goal to get to or instant motivation such as powering something electronic with the energy to an immediate result.

Local Business Show

Do something simple by inviting local businesses to an outdoor, informal trade show that allows them to offer free products, interact with the public and make an impression. Add participatory activities as well as entertainment and charge attendees for tickets and business owners for a booth stand.

If you have access to a town green or a local park, a concert (or concert series) is a fabulous option to bring out guests with their lawn chairs and picnic blankets for an evening of local music.  Music on the Green can work well during spring, summer, and fall (and even winter, depending on your location.) Offering rental space for local food trucks or selling drinks or merchandise can help you offset or even entirely cover the costs.

20 of the Best Innovative Event Ideas to Surprise Attendees

Nothing grabs people’s attention like being surprised. By using the psychology of surprise, you can turn your event into a memorable experience that will have your attendees reminiscing for years to come.

Use innovation to create moments that your attendees will want to share. By giving them something they have never seen before, you’ll be giving them a unique and memorable experience.

If you’re looking for some inspiration to be cutting edge in your events, look no further. We’ve got just what you need right here.

3 Tips to Create an Innovative Event

Innovate for the Right Reasons

• Never be innovative just for the sake of being innovative. Otherwise, your attempt at innovation could seem gimmicky and disjointed from the focus of the event.
• It is important to keep sight of your true event objectives and think about how you can work differently, and in exciting ways to achieve them.
• Take small steps. Completely revamping an annual event and losing all previous elements of its identity is probably too drastic for your loyal attendees.
• Don’t worry about the competition, just focus on your own priorities.

Innovate to Strengthen the Brand

Think about your brand or organization. What does it represent? This could spark ideas for how to be innovative around your true values.

• Brainstorm ideas big and small.
• Get your whole team involved in the process and commitment to innovate.
• This approach should shine through in your event communications too.

Innovate with Technology

Technology is often a great way to be recognized as a truly innovative brand. There are lots of exciting developments in event technology and those that resonate with your audience and help you to understand them better can bring lots of benefits.

• Use the expertise of event technology providers and ask them for innovative solutions to your objectives and challenges.
• If you have a limited budget there are still some free and freemium products available, so don’t discount the use of technology until you have explored the options.
• Check the venue WiFi can hold up to your plans.

20 of the Best Innovative Event Ideas

If you want your next events to be cutting edge, here are 20 ideas to lead the way.

Inception Events

I’ve been quiet on here this week and this is why – I’ve been busy in Leeds working on an event. This is a quick snap I took last night of the festival themed dinner… amazing 😍 . . . . . #eventprofs #events #eventplanner #eventdesign #event #eventplanning #design #eventphotography #inspiration #eventinspiration #eventmanagement #eventstyle #stagedesign #eventdetails #conference #corporateevents #instagood #eventprofsuk #party #eventpros #entertainment #eventstyling #meetingprofs #eventdecor #eventlife #partytime #eventideas #eventmanager #whatkellidoes Une publication partagée par ✨ (@whatkellidoes) le 18 Janv. 2018 à 5 :09 PST

Credit: What Kelli Does

Augmented Mazes

Reali-team Maze Race! The perfect way to kick-off the year. #1upevents @111minnagallery #maze #race #teambuilding #dronegoggles #reversedperspective #trippy #virtualreality #augmentedreality #games #videogames #happyhour #saleskickoff #kickoff #corporateevents #corporateevent #companyfun #treasuremap #treasurehunt #trippy Une publication partagée par 1up Events (@1up_events) le 18 Janv. 2018 à 7 :14 PST

Credit: 1up Events , Minna Sf

Flip Disc Display

Designate play zones.

Designate areas of your conference specifically for open play at all times to not-so-subtly promote play. Giant nostalgia games like Jenga, Connect Four, and Twister are becoming a staple at large receptions, on trade show floors, and at outdoor events. These oversized games are like beautiful interactive decor that helps people network while they play in a unique way. They can be grouped together in fun ‘zones’ so they don’t disturb the other components of the program.

More independent Play Zones with sheets of adult coloring book pages, kitschy craft stations, video games, or collaborative mural painting are another way to promote playfulness, and can be enjoyed independently or with friends.

Hire A Meeting Learning Coach

A combination of an expert facilitator and MC who in an ideal world also has a background in education and professional speaking. This person will not just give housekeeping notes, introduce speakers, and give out awards – he/she should (like your participants) have an active role in the program. Your coach should help you train your speakers to be more engaging, curate and facilitate your content, and lead your participants in thought-provoking and knowledge-sharing discussions that reiterate your most important objectives for the conference.

Beacons aren’t just for the B2C world anymore. This innovative technology is revolutionizing the way event organizers interact with their attendees during and after their event.

Beacons use RFID chips embedded in attendees’ name tags to track the flow of people throughout your event. You can use this information to push customized messages or promotions to attendees. It can also help you understand which attendees attended which session. You can then use that information to get a clear picture about which sessions were most popular, which customers are interested in a particular topic or product, how those clients should be followed up with, etc.

Silent Conference

3d photo booth.

We can’t wait to share @joysquadsocal with our client tomorrow for their holiday party. How fun is this 3D photo booth?!! . . . . #photobooth #corporateevents #eventprofs #meetingprofs #luxurytravel #incentiveevents #holidayparty A post shared by Twenty156 Events (@twenty156events) on Sep 27, 2017 at 1:55pm PDT

Projection Mapping

Take your event staging to the next level with projection mapping. Projection mapping takes the physical features and contours of your space and turns them into a display surface for video content. You can wow your attendees and create a buzz around your event by using projection mapping to create an immersive guest experience.

Fishbowl Chats

This is a new dynamic at conferences for brainstorming whereby a center circle of attendees sit and discuss a topic at length, while an outer circle observes! The outer circle can contribute if they have an idea but it’s an interesting way to include introverts and extroverts in planning and activities.

Sustainable Trade Shows

For trade shows or exhibition, the cardboard booth is becoming popular. Not only does it showcase CSR for a brand but they are also quirky, easy to sign and highly adaptable for space and needs. Plus, they are easy to transport yourself to the event.

Video Booths

If you need content for the event highlight reel, a video booth is the perfect way to capture sentiment that attendees can record. It can then be edited together or used as the perfect video testimonial, just let attendees know how you intend to use it.

Speed It Up

Attendees have short attention spans and it is becoming important for events and brands to get the point across quickly. Speed presentations are becoming a favorite format where speakers get a set amount of slides or time to complete their presentation in 5 minutes or less! No more long keynotes and space for a variety of speakers.

Gamify Sponsorship Activations

Showcase your sponsors in fun, playful ways by incorporating interactive ways for them to showcase their product or service. Think giant vending machines to give away swag, fun ball pit chill-out spots, or even CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) give-back stations (think building a bike for kids or making care packages for the needy). Guests passing by your sponsorship areas should feel compelled to get involved and play while they are exposed to your sponsor’s services.

Give Everyone A Voice

Putting the power in the hands of the participants leaves all kinds of room for fun and playful design formats for education. Consider using fun tools like throwable microphones to promote interactive sessions or polling apps to determine which content is presented next. You could also use fun physical props like giant foam fingers and noisemakers for voting or betting on correct answers. Putting more demand for active participation in fun ways will make your participants be more willing to let their voice be heard in a playful way.

Augmented Booth Tours

Provide touchscreens and headphones to give an augmented reality booth tour and add fun elements like in this example which brings the backdrop and booth walls to life. It not only increases time spent at your booth but also saves staff from needing to show visitors around, allowing them to have their own experience and dwell on the parts that they want to, freeing other staff to answer questions and interact elsewhere.

Giant Touch Screens

We are all so used to smartphones and touch screens but these jumbo versions that take more than one attendee to operate are going to wow them and draw them in. Having games and activities on a large scale that encourage others to work together makes them reliant on each other and more invested than the passing visitor, making them commit more and be fully immersed in the task at hand.

Mixed Reality Photo Opps

Give attendees a memorable token to take away from the event in the form of a mixed-reality photo. The options for scenarios are endless and you can seamlessly integrate products, branding, and sponsorship into the end result.

Augmented Reality Thrills

Part of creating an immersive experience is appealing to different emotions, so using augmented reality to add a fear or thrill element takes it up a notch. Using big LED screens and a focal standing point, you can create opportunities to immerse attendees into certain situations. This monster example shows a simulation where attendees have to narrowly avoid oncoming cars. Scaling this down and adding some walls can make this more effective and remove the outside distractions, making it even more Immersive.

20 Social Event Ideas to Make Your Guests Connect

Creating connections between attendees is a key objective for many events but getting people to make those connections is often easier said than done.

For events of this type, the onus is on the event planner to make sure the right wheels are greased to make connections and conversations happen. It’s time to think outside the box and create an atmosphere that makes people feel comfortable and promotes engagement.

Once you’ve got the right environment, it’s time to get creative and think about creating opportunities for your guests to connect. We’ve compiled a list of the most effective tips and tricks to get attendees connected at your events. Read on to find out more…

3 Tips to Producing a Networking Focused Event

Encourage Pre-Event Chatter

Do everything you can to reduce nervousness and ensure that everyone has connected with someone in advance of the event.

• Having active social channels and providing Twitter chats for those attending for the first time will help attendees to feel more relaxed.
• Discussions around a topic or subject area can naturally bring out affinities or interesting debate and better identify who to connect with.
• Encourage those attending for the first time to arrive half an hour earlier to meet others in the same situation.

Think of Your Audience

Understand that not everyone is confident or comfortable in networking situations. Some attendees need more support and encouragement than others. Whether your attendees and extrovert or introvert, try to maximize the opportunities to make new contacts for everyone attending.

• Introverts will appreciate more structured and facilitated networking, or anything that can aid the connection process. This could include being matched with someone with similar interests and letting both parties know that they should talk.
• Group work can be a discreet way of getting people to chat
• Have dedicated staff looking out for anyone that looks uncomfortable and be ready to strike up a conversation or introduce them to someone new.

Utilise Eventtech for Better Connections

If you have an event app encourage people to reach out to others with similar interests so they have people to look out for at the event.

• You can set up meetings via some event apps.
• Gamify the networking process by offering points for every person connected with. This can give a fun and gentle nudge to make people more proactive.
• Consider using AI-powered smart matching apps to ease the process and make better matches.

20 Social Event Ideas

Here are 20 ways to be social at your next event…

Smart Badges

As the name suggests, smart badges are a clever technology to improve networking. Fundamentally they use an app and mobile device to help pinpoint people of similar interests or specifically preset people to talk to and notify or light up when close to a match. These wearable devices can help to avoid the awkward “walking up to people” phase and give an immediate reason to strike up a conversation, as well as prioritizing those you specifically want to talk to.

Personalized Name Tags

For a low-cost and easy idea, you can aim to put extra tidbits of information about the attendee on their name tag. When filling out registration forms merely add an extra box that allows attendees to fill in the information and this allows similarly minded guests to find each other at the event as well as starting interesting talking points to break the ice. Some ideas you could try are:

Describe yourself in 3 words

Talk to me about….

Your most interesting quality

How they take their coffee

Place they would most like to visit in the world

Or you could opt to make it a question about the event theme, their job role or event experience (e.g. previous events that they attended)

Murder Mystery

While it may start making everyone suspicious, they will quickly bond and form relationships using teamwork to guess the murderer! It also creates for perfect conversation post-event, particularly with a murder mystery that is a bit more elaborate.

Invite Storytelling

It’s one thing to tell a story about your event but it’s another to get attendees to share their own. Being open and encouraging storytelling makes deeper connections and memorable networking.

Disable The WiFi

It may sound like a shock and maybe not for the whole event but removing the internet and taking everyone offline can give the perfect opportunity to network and converse “old-school.”

Drinks Receptions

A drinks reception can be used as a transition for attendees if you are using your venue for different purposes and need time to transform it. While this is happening it allows guests to mingle without any restrictions, particularly if you are having a seated dinner.

A lounge is an essential for being event social! They offer an informal, comfortable space that is excellent for networking and offering a place for attendees to congregate and converse. Some events are providing themed lounge areas, such as an English tea party or Eastern inspired bazaar, high in terms of photo-sharing opportunities. Whether it is a quiet space to catch up on work or a place where people can connect with like-minded people, having a dedicated space will be appreciated by attendees.

Turn a lengthy event into productive fun with a hackathon, designathonor any other -athonyou can think of! You can adapt these to your industry and they are more intense than a roundtable or breakaway and everyone focuses on working together to achieve a common goal.

Fireside Chats

Make presentations more personable with fireside chats which allow an up close conversation that attendees are more likely to learn from. It allows nervous speakers to be more comfortable and therefore engage better with the audience on a personal level, particularly with the questions and answers involved.

Virtually Social

Many people find introducing themselves online to be easier than in person. Connecting your participants via social media can help reduce the anxiety of not knowing anyone else at the event. Create a private event group on Facebook or host a Twitter chat to help people to get to know each other.

Alternatively set up a medium where guests can create their own avatar and customize it to suit them and talk to each other in a virtual world. This is a fun way to transition to a real-world situation and create talking points. Virtual reality networking is now possible.

Add a picnic area to your event, it doesn’t have to be outside simply some comfortable blankets or beanbags with floor seating! Picnics transport attendees to summer and socializing so recreate this year-round.

For large long tables, seat swap part way through the event by having one side of the table move down three seats! It encourages everyone to talk and allows plenty of interaction when you don’t have space for round tables. If it is a particularly long event, you could do this multiple times!

Mini Laser Tag

Adding a sporting element gets everyone’s adrenaline pumping which is particularly good for bonding! Mini laser tag could be incorporated into your event without taking up much space, particularly if you combined it with a virtual or augmented reality element.

Wine/Brewery Tours

Chatting while wine tasting is a given and it’s an excellent facilitator of conversation because it offers something else to discuss, so if the chat dries up, the wine won’t.

Crescent Formats

Create atmospheres that are open to inclusion and discussion by using semi-circles, crescents and U shape table layouts for conferences or breakaways.

Offer Follow-Up Opportunities

Help attendees continue their conversations by offering a way they can follow up, whether this is forms that they can exchange, a list of attendees and companies they came from (make sure you get permission first!) or even a follow-up event or mixer they can attend!

Use Social Media

Of course, you can use social media during an event to encourage attendees to interact. This could be with a competition or live wall where attendees can collaborate together and start a conversation.

Out of Hours

Mix things up and turn an event into an out of hours speakeasy or overnight lock-in! It provides the perfect bonding and socializing opportunity and it’s memorable to be networking overnight!

Open Brainstorming

Have an open area or question that attendees can answer or add to as they are passing through, it encourages collaboration and makes guests stop and think. Using digital whiteboards or touch screens you can record all the comments and get attendees working together to solve issues or brainstorm.

Speed Networking

Take dating out of the equation and build relationships quickly with speed networking designed to ignore those awkward moments (who has the time!) Take your business cards, ask about sectors and industries that could be relevant and note who to talk to at the mixer afterwards, it’s an excellent ice breaker and a quick way to find who is important to you.

20 Unique Special Event Ideas to Impress Your Guests

When it comes to glitz and glamor, event planners need to be able to turn it up to the max. Your clients want their special event to be spectacular, delivering a unique experience that will leave guests speechless. That’s a lot to ask…

Whether it’s a gala, concert or high-profile award ceremony, it pays to come to the table with a broad range of milestone event ideas that can be used together to create a completely unique experience for those most special occasions.

How To Make Your Event Extra Special

To make an event really extra special you need to think about every single touchpoint of the attendee journey.

• If the event journey can start by providing transport and accommodation to the guest too this can elevate the VIP feeling.
• Add personalized gifts in the hotel room or offer beverages as part of the transfer.
• Capture a picture of every guest on the red carpet and share it with them as a momento after the event.

If you have a theme it needs to flow and be noticed by attendees throughout the whole event experience.

• Ensure the invitation hints at the theme, so guests have an idea what is in store.
• The little touches can be really captivating.
• Avoid cliche and overused themes and be original.

Don’t give away everything before the event, keep some details to yourself. The element of surprise will have guests talking about it for long after the event.

• Forget traditions and ceremony and mix everything up. Change the program, timings, way that food and drink are served.
• Use the human element and have specific surprises for guests, to instance to reward and recognize their achievements or hard work.
• Rehearse surprises from the stage with the tech team, host and all key staff to ensure timing is impeccable.

20 Unique Special Event Ideas

We’ve pulled together some of our favorite ideas for bringing glamour, excitement and a touch of class to special events. Never run out of ideas again; add these tips to your special events arsenal now.

Confetti Cannons

Go out with a bang and have confetti cannons over the audience attached to the stage for a finale or to signal the end of the night at a New Year Event. You could exchange these for handheld options and have roaming entertainment let them off at intervals during a special event.

Personalized Gifting

It’s important to get gifts that attendees will remember and cherish, particularly for special or memorialized events and the perfect way to do this is with personalization. This could be an engraving of an employee’s name or nickname as well as something that suits their personality and represents them. They are much more likely to keep and look after it if it is meaningful.

Countdown Clocks

Waiting for something big to happen? Whether it’s the New Year, a new contract or simply the end of tax season for some, incorporate a countdown clock to build suspense! For larger events, you could upscale this to a digital wall projection of the countdown for all to see.

Invite Past and Present

Long-standing employees or figures as part of a company’s history should be invited to celebrate milestones and this would make them realize they are not forgotten about. For corporate events invite retired employees who served longer than 10 years at the company to celebrate their contributions as well as those who are working now. It’s also excellent networking practice for employees of all ages to mingle.

Gourmet Chef

For smaller corporate events have seated service with a gourmet chef who is able to make a menu catered to your company as well as your guest’s preferences. Everyone wants their favorite food so give it to them with a gourmet twist!

Balloon Drop

You may be thinking high school prom but the balloon drop can be adapted for the corporate crowd too! Add balloons of your branding colors in keeping with themes and offer an interesting sponsorship opportunity by having them branded too.

VIP Chauffeur Service

Treat VIPs or important corporate guests to their own chauffeur service to and from your event. It gives them greater flexibility with drinking and avoids having to park, plus being driven somewhere and taken home is a luxurious feeling and avoid much forethought. You could offer a chauffeur service as part of a VIP package too and pick up groups for other special events

Company Achievement Awards

Reward your employees by offering annual awards that keep on giving! The awards could come with prizes such as a trip away, experience or simply exclusive perks at the office (think prime usage of the best parking spot). Rewarding your employees gives them something to strive towards and motivates them year round.

Commission artwork or have a mural created in honor of your event. It could contain your branding and what makes your business special or stand out as well as key features that define you. It could also depict a significant time for your company e.g an anniversary.

Signage Table Confetti

Make the finer details matter by adding customized table confetti in your tablescaping. Colored confetti that is the name of your brand or a quote is a personal touch that will go down a treat for seated meals.

Videography

Use videos to your advantage as entertainment and for sentimental value. This could include making a company history to showcase or interviewing attendees before the event to compile a video they see on digital screens that will be playing throughout the night.

Iconic Guests

Always wanted a celebrity, influencer or industry-specific spokesperson to attend your event? Now is the time to splash out and get them, it’s a special event and you want to make a huge impact to really mark the occasion!

Free drinks for everyone! An open bar stops attendees having to worry about money and drinks and focusing on the event itself. If you don’t have the budget you could either put a set amount behind the bar or give out free custom cocktails instead.

Look To The Future

Normally special events will be looking to the past to see how things got to where they are and while this is important, use it as a chance to show how much potential you have too. Set goals and unveil milestones or new projects on the way to inspire attendees that there is plenty to look forward to.

Create An Event Time Capsule

Give yourselves something to look forward to for your next milestone and make history at the event by creating a time capsule. Invite attendees to bring a personal item to include or simply have the capsule on display with what will be included which can also have memorabilia from the evening. Just be sure to get permission when using names or personal information in the capsule.

Temporary Rebranding

In commemoration of the event, change your branding colors or create a special logo that will be used for the year of your anniversary. This can highlight progress and spark interest in customers and employees who would welcome a way to spice things up.

Custom Seating

Use seating to make attendees comfortable and give them a unique experience. This could be playful swings, seats with charging ports or massage chairs for relaxation, anything that shows you care!

Paper Invites

It might seem small but in the digital age with everyone receiving e-vites and an emphasis on technology, fancy paper invites with a wax seal on thick paper with calligraphy can show you mean business.

Reward Loyalty

Offer custom rewards for particularly loyal attendees, whether this is a personalized gift for longstanding employees or discounts for guests that attend annual events frequently. Loyalty rewards breed appreciation and recommendation, keeping everyone happy.

Grand Venues

Pick a venue that defines how big the occasion is to leave a lasting impression on your guests. This doesn’t have to be a big historical venue but could also include something like visiting a famous race track and having dinner overlooking the cars or hiring a museum where the exhibits and private tours are on offer.

IN CONCLUSION

Whatever type of event project you are working on, we hope you have found inspiration with these 200 ideas, covering 10 different types of events.

Now onto you:

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The Bright Future of Meetings and Events

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• Increase Online Bookings

Set-jetting, Forest Bathing, and Hush Trips: 20 Innovative Tourism Business Ideas and Trends for 2023

In This Article: Trends to Inspire Your Tours and Activities

Top tourism trends of 2023.

It’s that time of year again to ask ourselves, “What’s new, cool, and innovative in tourism?”. We’ve compiled a list of new, innovative tourism business ideas for 2023 so you can find your niche. 

The travel and tourism industry is in a state of constant flux, never more so than in the last few years. Every change and new trend brings with it an opportunity for tour operators to deliver what their customers old and new want—as well as add new tours and experiences they don’t yet even know they want. 

  As countries began to ease restrictions, 2022 saw the travel industry rebound from 2021 and 2020. Despite new global challenges appearing during 2022 and continuing into 2023, including the Russian-Ukraine war and the global economic fallout, the most important trend of all is that people still want to travel and are even budgeting for more travel.

As one travel professional interviewed for TravelAge West ’s article on travel trends put it: “It’s almost like travel went from a discretionary spend to an essential spend for a lot of people.”

Despite all that is still happening in the world, around the industry there is a continued air of optimism in 2023. Travel Pulse noted that “ while 2022 was the year of recovery [recovered almost 60 percent of its pre-pandemic levels], 2023 is poised to be the year of reinvention.” Booking.com research prompted them to label 2023 as a year of “creative imagination of travel.” Skyscanner’s Travel Trends report concluded that “Post-COVID restrictions, travellers continue to prioritize adventures abroad and embrace travel freedoms with relish.”

Here are some of the latest major trends and innovative tourism business ideas to keep an eye on and potentially incorporate into the tours and travel experiences you offer. We’ll also highlight a few of the more unusual and niche trends that could take off during 2023 or in the longer term, or just inspire some “out of the box” thinking when looking at your own products and services.

1. Transformational trips

A buzz phrase you’ll hear a lot in 2023 is “transformational retreat.” This refers to travel experiences that cater to people who want to undergo a significant personal or spiritual transformation. Retreats and activities include meditation, yoga, therapy, workshops, and other experiential practices. Most promote self-awareness, personal growth, and positive change, typically taking place in a secluded and peaceful setting and led by experienced facilitators or coaches. 

Booking.com’s Travel Predictions 2023 report called these trips “peace and pleasure pilgrimages.” The report found that 42 percent of travelers want to focus on their mental and physical health, including retreats to smooth the processes of pregnancy and menopause.” A large proportion of travelers are interested in meditation or mindfulness retreats. Some retreats even take the word “trip” literally, catering to people interested in the potential therapeutic benefits of the controlled and supervised use of “magic mushrooms” and other psychedelics.

Innovative tourism business ideas:

• Beckley Retreats : Science-backed psychedelic retreats
• Explorer X : A tour operator dedicated to transformational trips
• Organic Tuscany : Organic cooking retreats in Tuscany.

2. Forest bathing and digital detoxing

Not everyone is looking for a transformational outcome from their vacation; many simply want to unwind and enjoy some quality “me time.” Wellness vacations have been a growing tourism business trend for some time, with demand accelerated by the pandemic. Tours that offer people the chance to pamper themselves and generally recalibrate are likely to be extremely popular for the foreseeable future.

Two specific innovative tourism business ideas that look likely to be especially popular in 2023 are “forest bathing” and “digital detoxing.” 

Forest bathing, or Shinrin-yoku , originated in Japan. It involves becoming immersed in nature to enhance physical, mental, and emotional well-being. It can be as simple as going for a long walk through a forest, or sitting by a lake and taking in the sights, sounds, and smells of the natural surroundings. Research has shown that forest bathing can reduce stress and anxiety, improve mood, and even boost the immune system and reduce blood pressure and heart rate. After the last few years we’ve all been through, it’s no wonder it’s proving popular with travelers.

In a similar vein, many people want to unplug and undertake a “digital detox” where you never need to ask for the Wi-Fi password because there is no Wi-Fi. They could be seeking respite from “doom scrolling” through social media and news feeds on their digital devices, or they just want a break from the glowing screens so prevalent in their day-to-day. Trips that encourage travelers to leave their devices at home will be popular, whether to wellness retreats that ban or discourage digital devices or an out-of-the-way destination that makes electronic communication extremely difficult.

• Gaia Wellness Retreat : Digital detox packages in a forest setting
• Sheldon Chalet : A luxury chalet in Alaska
• Talaysay Tours : A corporate tour to “connect to the forest with all your senses”

3. Off-grid and “survival” travel

One way to both commune with nature and unplug from your digital life is to go where no signal can reach you. Booking.com’s report found that 55 percent of travelers want to spend their vacations off-grid, resulting in an increase in tour operators offering trips to places where you can’t easily be reached. This could be a lodge in a remote part of a country or backcountry camping.

A related trend is the opposite of “glamping.” A growing number of travelers want to challenge themselves to survive in inhospitable conditions (you know… just in case), while learning new skills at the same time. In Booking.com’s report, 58 percent of travelers want to learn survival skills on holiday—everything from fire lighting and food foraging to the more full-on prepping for societal breakdown. Zombie survival camp anyone?

• Off Grid Travel : Company offering a variety of off grid accommodation around Europe
• Docastaway : Offers a desert island castaway experience
• Black Tomato : Offers a “Get Lost service” for people who want to challenge themselves

4. Hush trips, workcations, and micro-cations

Shhh, don’t tell anyone (especially your co-workers and definitely not your boss), but “hush trips” are on the rise. A hush trip is a secret trip taken by an employee without their employer’s knowledge. It’s all linked to the huge rise in remote working. People who work in a different city and country from their employer can theoretically do their work from anywhere. However, a hush trip can be slightly different from a “workcation,” another popular trend in the age of remote working, when an employer’s permission is often sought. On a hush trip, no actual work might be done; the employee wants a real holiday to escape the hustle and bustle of daily life and recharge, but they may not use their vacation days to take it. They complete their work and take a day or two off without anyone knowing (they hope,) perhaps logging in now and then for appearances’ sake. Or, they may travel somewhere and continue to work, while enjoying their downtime in a new place, again without telling anyone. 

Many hush trips are “micro-cations,” short trips often taken close to home, often at the last minute. The micro-cation trend has continued to grow for the last few years, as people look for quick, convenient, and often budget-friendly getaways that don’t require a lot of planning. 

When you combine the acceptance of remote working among many more employers with a large number of people who left the office behind and didn’t miss it for a second, you have an opportunity to create workcation and hush trip experiences for digital nomads and remote workers.  

• Selina : Opportunities for people to stay, travel, and work in interesting places around the world
• Ethos Remote Habitat : Remote working retreats
• Work from Hyatt : Packages for people who want to work from a Hyatt hotel

5. Traveling for “bleisure”

The travel industry does love a good old word mash-up to describe the latest trend. Hot on the heels of workcations, we have the related trend of “bleisure”—a name coined to describe the trend of business travelers tacking on some leisure time to the end of business trips. Where a workcation is often a longer trip designed around work, the growth of bleisure trips reflects the fact that as business travel bounces back, people still want as much vacation time as they can get. 

Although the economy could affect business travel in 2023 as companies cut costs, it’s worth keeping an eye on the business and conference market to target business travelers who want to carve out some vacation time to explore a destination on their own time.

6. Set-jetting

If you’ve ever wanted to visit the set of your favorite movie or TV show, you’re not alone. A top travel trend for 2023 is “set-jetting,” when travelers visit destinations primarily because they were featured in a popular movie, TV show, or book. According to research, 39 percent of travelers have booked trips to places featured on shows or movies ( Expedia ). While people have long been drawn to iconic movie locations, perhaps the earliest example of mass set-jetting was New Zealand’s tourism industry getting a huge boost after the country played a leading role in the “Lord of The Rings” movies. Fans of the “Outlander” books and TV series have also been making pilgrimages to Scotland to see the country that provides the backdrop for their favorite show.

People don’t just want to visit the actual physical set and filming location, but also just the cities or countries featured in a particular production. Keep an eye out for popular shows where the location is as much the star of the show as the actors, such as “The Crown” (England,) “Emily in Paris” (Paris,) and “The White Lotus” (Sicily), as they could trigger a surge in demand for particular locations and experiences relating to the shows, such as a themed tour.

• The Potter Trail : Harry Potter-themed walking tours in Edinburgh, Scotland
• Red Carpet Tours : “Lord of the Rings” set-jetting specialists
• On Location Tours : TV- and movie-themed tours in New York, Chicago, and Boston

7. Sustainable tourism and electric travel

“Ecotourism” has been on the rise for several years, and continues to be popular. According to Booking.com’s Sustainable Travel Report 2022 , 81 percent of global travelers say sustainable travel is important to them, and 50 percent are influenced by news reports on climate change when it comes to booking choices. 

So-called “ecotours” let tourists enjoy a vacation while also learning about environmental and sustainability issues in a particular location. Some enable people to do something tangible to help, such as volunteering to plant trees or help to restore habitats. Many travelers these days also seek out “small footprint” or socially-responsible travel. This may not be an eco-tour as such; it could just mean they favor tour companies that take steps to minimize the impact of their tours or incorporate a social responsibility element. 

Many travelers also want to stay in planet-friendly accommodations. According to Booking.com’s report, 57 percent of travelers prefer accommodation with sustainable certification. Another related trend to watch is road trips or other travel using electric vehicles. Some car rental companies are adding electric cars to their fleets, and VW has even built an electric version of their classic camper van, the ID Buzz. Within cities, travelers might want to do tours on electric bikes and focus on other more sustainable modes of transport rather than the traditional taxi and car hire approach. In the not too distant future, electric air travel may even become the norm thanks to companies like Eviation that are developing electric planes.

• Jumbari Family Safaris : Eco-safaris in Africa.
• OneSeed Expeditions : Responsible adventure travel around the world.
• EV Travel : Sustainable adventures in Iceland

8. Indigenous experiences

Countries around the world are making an increased effort to reverse past wrongs when it comes to treatment of Indigenous peoples, while also empowering Indigenous communities to take a lead in areas like travel and tourism. Canada is one nation going through a period of reconciliation as it faces up to and attempts to make amends for its colonial past. This has resulted in a huge growth in Indigenous-led travel companies, experiences, resorts, and accommodation options. 

Australia and New Zealand are also seeing a growth in opportunities for travelers to support and learn about Indigenous communities, histories, and cultures.

If you are an Indigenous entrepreneur, you may find great opportunities available with an increase in programs that support Indigenous tourism in these countries. For others, there may be opportunities for partnering with or supporting Indigenous-led businesses and organizations in your region.

• Worn Gundidj at Tower Hill : Tours offering the chance to connect with Australian aboriginal culture
• Road Scholar : Offers a New Zealand cultural experience, learning from local experts  
• Haida Style Expeditions : Cultural trips on Haida Gwaii on Canada’s west coast

9. Budget-friendly travel

The economic upheaval we saw through 2022 looks set to continue through 2023. Inflation and cost of living rises mean while the desire to travel is still strong, many travelers will still have at least one eye on their budget. This could mean more interest from thrifty travelers in camping, self-catering, and all-inclusive holidays. Activities and vacations that involve renting rather than buying equipment could also be more popular. 

Packlist : Camping gear rentals in Canada

Lazy Days : Camper van rentals in Ireland

Tampa Bay eBikes : eBike rentals on the Gulf Coast

10. Luxury cruises and upscale all-inclusive

While there will be a lot of budget-conscious travelers in 2023, there are also plenty of opportunities in the luxury travel market, including two types of travel luxury travelers may previously have turned their noses up at—all-inclusive trips and cruises. The luxury cruise market, as well as the cruise market in general, is set to rebound in style. CN Traveller reported on “ a new breed of luxury yachts from the world’s leading hotel brands,” including  The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection , which boasts  “ the most sophisticated and expensive civilian ship ever built in Spain.” Cruise companies like Scenic and Emerald Cruises are expecting high demand for spots on their luxury ships . If you are on a luxury cruise route, catering your activities to a luxury-seeking clientele, with prices to match, might be worth considering.

Cruises tend to be all-inclusive as standard, but there is also a growth in upscale all-inclusive vacations in general. These experiences offer the best of everything—food, accommodation, and experiences, all for a set (and premium) price. Ikos Resorts will open a new five-star all-inclusive resort in Mallorca in June 2023.

• Ama Waterways : Luxury river cruises in Europe
• Windstar Cruises : Luxury small-ship cruises
• Conrad Maldives Luxury Island : All-inclusive resort in the Maldives

11. Train travel

From the “Flying Scotsman” to the “Orient Express,” there are few more romantic ways to travel than by train. However, train travel is also increasingly overlapping with other trends in our list, as it becomes more popular as a way to travel more sustainably by reducing car and air travel, travel slower (unless we’re talking train travel in Japan) and for longer, and travel to more countries on the same trip.

Train travel can also offer scenic views, comfortable travel with spacious seats, sleeping accommodation for longer or overnight trips, and the opportunity to socialize with other travelers, and convenient access to city centres. Piggy-backing the trend toward more immersive travel experiences, train travel also lets travelers see more of a country while mixing with locals. Many countries and rail companies, especially in Europe, offer passes that let travelers visit multiple places in one trip without leaving the ground. If your tours and activities are near a popular rail route, look for ways to capitalize on the increase in train travel by catering to people who may want something to do for a day or two before they move on.

• Byway : Lets travelers build their own train vacation
• Intrepid Travel : Offers a range of “Train it” itineraries
• Glacier Express : Cultural and foodie train trips in Switzerland

12. Glamping

During the pandemic, with international travel off the menu for most people,  RV rentals spiked dramatically . Road trips made it easier for tourists to physically distance from other travelers in a post-COVID world, and “glampervan” vacations became popular. Glamping is still on the rise in 2023; the glamping market is expected to reach US$4.1bn in 2028 ( Stratview Research ). Glamping lets people enjoy sleeping and living in the great outdoors, but with a step-up in comfort from traditional camping. Glampers can stay in everything from classic Airstream trailers to yurts and all manner of other non-tent accommodation.

• Woods on Pender : Stay in a classic Airstream trailer on an island.
• Huttopia : Glamping getaways in Canada and the US 
• Under Canvas : Upscale camping in Moab, the Grand Canyon, and other spectacular locations 

13. Go solo or go social

While “travel bubbles” are no longer required for COVID-related reasons, group travel continues to rise in popularity. Hotels and tour companies increasingly cater to family groups or groups of friends who want to take a memorable trip together. For example, Atticus Hotel  in Oregon’s  Bunkhouse room for groups . It’s not just families making up for lost time with “reunion” or “celebration” travel. Tour operator Contiki noticed an upswing in demand for what they call “social travel” from groups of Gen Z-ers who want to get together on a trip to celebrate birthdays, graduations, and other milestones: “Gen Z want to make up for lost time spent together and get travelling.” Another type of social travel piggybacks the rise of “travel influencers” on social media platforms like Instagram. Some popular influencers are pivoting to provide the opportunity for their followers to literally follow them on a trip. People can go on a trip or do an activity with their favorite influencer and a group of fellow followers.

Of course, not everyone has a posse to travel with or wants to travel with others. Solo travel continues to be very popular and has moved from a niche to a mainstream market. A Skyscanner report found that 40 percent wanted to travel solo for mental health wellness reasons, while singles and divorcees ranked highly for being ready to take a solo trip. The report concludes: “There is no longer any stigma attached to taking a trip on your own, and many tour companies cater specifically to this market.”

• Flash Pack : Small group adventures for solo travelers in their 30s and 40s.
• On the Go Tours : Pre-designed tours for private groups.
• My Life’s a Travel Movie : Join social media influencer Alyssa Ramos on a trip

Watch this space: Unusual and niche  tourism trends to track in 2023

14. flat pack hotels.

In a move that reflects the growing interest in responsible and sustainable travel, hotel company Habitas have opened a number of flat-pack hotels around the world for “like-minded people seeking connection, inspiration and a better future together.”

15. Crypto trips

A number of tour operators and travel companies now offer travelers the ability to pay with cryptocurrency. Some examples include Borrow a Boat , Soneva Resorts  and Get Your Guide . 

16. Dark tourism

There has been a rise in so-called “dark tourism,” when people travel to places or sites associated with disasters and darker historical events. Famous examples include Pearl Harbour, Alcatraz, and Hiroshima. If this is the first you’ve heard of this term, it can sound a bit ghoulish. However, travelers who explore these sites generally do so to pay their respects or learn more about important historical events that hopefully will never be repeated.

17. Sober travel

Sober travel has been around for a while, but it mostly catered to people in recovery. In 2023, sober travel is a subset of wellness travel. Travel companies like Travel Sober and  Sober Outside have pivoted to target anyone who wants a sober vacation.

18. Virtual travel

Forbes Magazine thinks 2023 will be “the year that tourism in the metaverse takes off.” Travel companies can use VR to give potential customers a taste of the experience they can expect from a tour or location. VR can be accessible through web browsers or people can enjoy a much more immersive experience using VR headsets.

19. Nostalgic travel

Booking.com’s 2023 travel predictions found that 88 percent of travelers want to go on a “nostalgic getaway,” whether that’s theme parks we went to as kids, nostalgic movie locations, or other trips down memory lane. 

20. Sleep tourism

Everyone likes a good night’s sleep, especially on vacation, and the travel is waking up to the opportunities offered by a rise in “sleep tourism.” The Park Hyatt New York now offers a stay in their  One Bedroom Sleep Suite by Bryte , while Swedish bed brand Hastens opened a branded Sleep Spa . Good night, sleep well.  

How to take advantage of innovative tourism business ideas

The key to taking advantage of these innovative tourism business ideas and other tourism industry trends is to always be thinking of your next profitable business opportunity. Here are a few ways to keep on top of what’s new and interesting in the travel business:

Maintain an ideas file

Include those “out there” trends that seem absurd the first time you hear them. Think about some recent innovations that would have been dismissed with a laugh not that long ago: Self-driving cars, passenger space travel, drone deliveries… Even that Holy Grail of futuristic inventions, the personal jetpack, is getting closer to reality. All but the most outlandish trends are worth tracking in case there’s a germ of an idea for a new business opportunity in there.

Listen to your audienc e

Hang out in online travel discussion forums, on social media, and in other places where travelers gather to swap notes and ideas or express needs and dreams. You might uncover a new business idea no-one else has come across yet.

Follow your competitors

Monitor what your direct competitors and others in the tourism business are up to. Subscribe to every industry newsletter you can, including those of your competitors, to keep up with emerging trends and help with your business idea generation.

Solicit customer feedback

Be proactive in asking your customers for feedback. Don’t just ask them what they liked and didn’t like about their experience with your company; ask them if there’s anything they would like to do that they currently can’t. 

Invest in the right booking system

It goes without saying that every tour operator should offer online booking and take a mobile-first approach. Not doing both of those things makes taking advantage of the above trends very difficult. The customer experience starts the moment they enter your website. Online booking enables them to easily browse, book, and pay for tours anytime and from is anywhere. Learn more about how Rezgo booking software is tailor-made for adventure companies.

At Rezgo, we always have our ear to the ground when it comes to the latest tourism trends and business opportunities. The Rezgo booking system is a comprehensive platform that enables you to become a more profitable business. It can also help you future-proof your business so you can develop and grow as the tourism industry changes.  Book a demo today or  sign up for free and start using Rezgo

Wondering what to read next? Here are our suggestions: The Future of Tourism: 10 Things Tour Companies Need To Prepare For in 2022 A Guide to Branding in the Travel and Tourism Industry Low Season Strategies to Prime Your Tour and Activity Company for Success

Written By | Rob Mathison

Rob Mathison is a Vancouver-based freelance writer focusing on tech, travel, digital marketing, and education. He is a co-author of The Complete Resident’s Guide to Vancouver.

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90+ Awesome Event Ideas For You

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It’s always safe to be a bit ahead of time when it comes to hosting events.

Whether it’s a large public assembly or a small get-together, a proper event planning is a must, and an excellent idea can make the whole arrangement successful and enjoyable to everyone.

So here we are, jotting down some great event ideas that will save your worries for the after-party exhaustion only! If you’re mastering a jaw-dropping event and looking for unputdownable articles online, make your hot chocolate and put your stress on our shoulders! We have come up with some innovative ideas aimed for 2020 and onwards. As always, a bit ahead of time!

For your convenience, we’ve put all the events into 6 different categories. However, keep in mind that many of these may overlap with each other.

Public Event Ideas

Social event ideas.

• Team Building Event Ideas
• Event Ideas for Parties
• Event Ideas with Friends
• Event Ideas Just for Fun
• Event Ideas for College Students

“Make a solidarity bridge, bring out the harmony within.”

Let’s label a vast category of broad public activities into one hub, “public event”. This category includes all the master ideas of nailing any public event with the easiest web navigation.

A bit of mindfulness! Key issues to ensure before hosting any public event:

• Public safety and easy communal access
• Building ground security assets
• Video surveillance for a larger crowd
• Access to data collection from multiple security devices and systems
• Setting an online/offline help facility
• Controlling the movement of the audiences

1. Cycle-A-Thon

Are you addicted to cycling? Many are, and for those, a cycling event can be both refreshing and stimulating.

You can select a venue with a beach on one side. Or you may go for something more adventurous like a mountain pathway. Start with a bunch of your friends. Include as many mutual friends, colleagues, batch mates possible.

The Tour of the Dragon is a popular cycling event where a large group of riders compete against each other going through a variety of terrain.

Some tips if you may –

• Providing enough safety is the key issue of this event. Provide a sufficient amount of first aids supply.
• Hire professional medical personnel to assist the biker if there’s any injury
• Have an adequate amount of volunteers spread out throughout the route to assist the bikers in case they face any difficulty
• You can provide the same tee shirts for all participants with an aspiring slogan to give your event an extra boost

2. Pepper Festival

Do you live in a place where pepper is available in abundance?

Then you can go to organise a pepper festival. Invite people and give them an opportunity to taste the flavour that pepper gives to our food. People coming to your event will be accompanied by friends and family. So, you need to keep them entertained.

Why not bring in a band and keep the whole venue jolly?

Through your event, you can let the whole world know about your culture and country. The small town of Espelette is well known for its Pepper Festival, which takes place throughout the last weekend of October. This is an excellent example of how you can arrange a popular public event using a seemingly strange idea.

3. A Day of Comedy

Laughter is the best medicine.

After a hectic week of work, what people want is to experience some fun. Why don’t you organise an event with that in mind? The best way to relieve a person from all the stress that has built up within is through some quality comedy.

You can make a structure on your own by using these –

• Start by fixing a venue and letting people know about your show
• Then you have to create your branded website through which anyone can view your program schedule and also register for it
• Be sure to bring in some professionals to make your event more attracting
• Also, with professionals coming, the media should also be there

4. Replicate Oktoberfest

Public Oktoberfest get-togethers are becoming popular all over the world and are essentially imitating the traditional German festival that takes place in Munich. There are popular mock Oktoberfest events in South America, Canada, USA, and Australia too.

There’s no reason why you can’t plan your own and sell tickets to the public. There are many good things about these festivals such as the costumes, the German beer, and the general spirit.

Tips of the month (October) –

• If you’re from North or anywhere apart from Germany, bring out the versatility of the fest by whisking your culture with it. Make it a field of exercising multiculturalism!
• Make it more eventful by adding costume party, photo booth party, firework party etc.

This post might help you as well.

5. Kite Flying Festival

Kite flying will let you feel an essence of freedom.

Invite people to come and take the sky with you. Journey together like a flock of birds to see who can reach the highest peak. Organising a kite flying festival is sure to bring back everyone’s childhood memories.

The best time for you to arrange a Kite Festival is the month of April. April is known as the National Kite Month. Now, if you are new to organising a kite festival here are some guidelines for you.

• Select a ground which is open and preferably plain. Avoid areas which are hilly or has tall trees and buildings
• As you cannot precisely determine the wind speed, it is a good idea to ask people to bring a variety of kites if possible
• As this is your first event, why not bring some celebrities for publicity. You should also invite some specialists in kite flying.

6. Music Concert

There is nothing quite like losing yourself to good music, and live music events will always have strong demand, particularly if the artists are well-known. But hey, you can rock a show without the known artist if the electric mazes of colours are on; people can be grooving around to have a good time.

So as long as you’re not the singer, be artful! Set the play onto the soft grass, keep keen attention to details like the good sound system, the spacious field for everyone, welcome drinking and make their day unforgettable.

Read more: 80 Creative Event Ideas and Success Tips to Inspire Your Next Successful Event

7. Film Festival

If you want to arrange a film festival, you need to grow an aesthetic sense of art and literature and a very persistent mind to research for the perfection of selecting the right movies for compatible audiences. Right marketing to the right crowds will get you certain niches within the industry and instant success. Focusing on indie and lesser-known filmmakers and giving them a platform to get their message out is one strategy often utilised.

Here are some key tips for you –

• Take the assistance of freelance journalists and digital media to spread the news your event out there
• Build partnerships with different screenwriting agencies, advertising agencies to run the fest with the least stress
• Document your initiation well to get sponsorships next year
• Creative and innovative promotions like handmade cards, decorations can get you a long way
• Try to focus on a theme or subject matter to help the audiences follow your fest beforehand

8. CookBook

There’s nothing better than a festival where you can try out different dishes. Tbh , we all love to eat, right?

Throw a cooking event where anyone may join in.

• Choose the participants on a first come first serve basis, as there might be a limited workplace within your kitchen
• Be sure to arrange a large kitchen enough for all the participants and have enough raw materials in the store
• One more thing is to have the involvement of the Health Department  throughout the event to avoid any unwanted food issue
• At the end of the event, let people taste different dishes.

Give them awards or just fill their appetite with their favourite food! Can anything be any bigger award than food?

9. Chocolate Mayhem

Whenever we see delicious chocolate, our mouth starts to water. Just think about how popular an event hosting a variety of chocolates would be. The Salon du Chocolat held in Paris is an event where every chocolate lover wishes to go.

Be a bit easy on the participants a beginner. Like the following –

• Along with famous judges, let the people become the judge too. Based on the combined marks given, reward those fantastic chocolatiers who deserve it.
• For your event, if possible, invite a bunch of famous chocolatiers and professionals to come to a single platform and show the magic of their hands. It will give the public coming to your event an opportunity to enjoy the delicacy that has been extracted from cocoa.

10. Fun Run

If you are conscious about your health, then there is no alternative to running.

So, why not turn this beneficial health factor into a fun event?

Make this an open event for all. Invite people to join you for a run, jog or walk. You can also divide the route into several distances. Include a spectacular sight in your path.

Through such an event, you can bring your whole community together and create a place for interaction. The City-Bay Fun Run is such an event that takes along the beach of Glenelg.

Some useful suggestions –

• Make it free for all age
• Don’t forget to make easy access to water and healthy snacks

By using our flagship application, EventBookings, you can easily set up your own event page and smoothly manage your event registration and event ticketing for any scale of the event . Our practical pricing model is one of the most convenient (and cheapest!) in the market, with an option to use the full solution without paying any service fee for event organisers.

If you’re interested, you can take a quick look at how EB works for you.

11. Talent Show

Whether it involves children or adults, a talent show is a great way for people to show off their skills and entertain others. One of the great things about these events is that just about anyone can enter – you can have actors, singers, comedians, gymnasts, musicians, and people with other skills performing at the same event.

Tips for you –

• If you want to keep it as a light-hearted platform of motivation in the future, you can create an online polling or voting system for the audience to decide who to win!
• The subjective opinions are better kept aside! Who wants to go home feeling unfair anyway?

12. Fun Science

There is no better way to share your research ideas than a friendly science gathering.

Invite people to join your science event. A place where you can learn about the new technology and system is sure to attract a lot of people.

Just be a bit careful about the following stuff –

• Be sure to complete the registration procedure a couple of days before the event. It will help you estimate how many participants will be displaying their projects at your event.
• Based on this number, your next step would be to search for a suitable ground for hosting this fair.
• You have to provide those participating with a stage from which they can convey their knowledge to others.
• Based on your budget, determine how many days the fair will take place.
• You must always keep track of is if the audience coming to your event is having fun .

13. Puppetry

We may compare Puppetry to storytelling, and all of us love listening to stories. Puppet shows have the potential to become vibrant events that everyone can enjoy. The World Puppet Theatre Festival is an international exhibition on dolls that is held after every two years and brings thousands of people together.

To arrange an event of this kind, you’ll want to bring together expert and prominent puppeteers from all over the globe to display their story, culture and comedy through puppets. Within your whole event, keep some puppet shows should focus exclusively on children.

14. Art of Craft

Why not arrange something more exciting and challenging, like a sculpture exhibition?

You may organise an event open to the public, and the person making the best sculpture will get a reward. Do you know why people will want to participate? It’s because making anything with clay is fun, and they will have an opportunity to give their thoughts a form.

Take a look at the wonders that can be made from clay. It’s a budget-friendly event, you can be among the crowd just for fun too!

Tips? Use your imagination and creativity to the fullest!

15. Discovery through Dance

How about creating an event where you communicate with one another through a universal language ? Yes, it’s the language of dance.

If you want to show the variety, then invite people from the far corners join your event. You may decide to emphasise on representing the culture, life, time and emotion through dancing. Or you can just make it a casual dance event, targeting a younger group of audience.

Any tips? Sure!

• Bring all the colours a festivity can offer, don’t hesitate
• The more culturally diverse your fest is, the more it may reach out to the mess

16. Local Workshop

Now let’s briefly come back to a serious event. You can organize a short-term workshop on something you have expertise in. Team up with a bunch of enthusiastic geniuses set up a narrowed-down objective, and find a manageable number of applicants. You can do it as selfless public service, or with a commercial purpose- but it all depends on you and your expected team.

Here are some useful tips for you –

• Schedule your workshop in the daytime to utilize the natural sunlight and everyone’s convenience!
• Submit a research paper on the workshop beforehand for more promotion
• Groom the participants for the workshop after their registration

17. Writer’s Festival

A writer’s festival is the perfect event for book lovers to meet with their favourite writers. By bringing both authors and readers together, this event is sure to create hype among people. People coming from all around can entangle themselves through interviews and discussions about their favourite writer and their writings.

• There is a vast category of books available to choose from for a writer’s festival. Pick one genre or a selective few.
• If you want to focus on a particular topic, then you should also add a related theme to your event. The Canberra Writers Festival is a place for gathering those bookworms.

18. Battle of the Band’s Competition

A battle of the band competition functions quite similarly to a talent show, in terms of how it is planned and organised. As the event manager, you can allow bands to enter the competition – whether the entry is restricted or open to all is up to you. You can also sell tickets to those that want to come and watch.

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“Let’s change it faster than politics!”

Any event can be regarded as a social event  as long it’s aimed at the welfare of society! Charity and fundraising events can range and vary considerably, but they are often focused on social activities and community involvement.

So why not think out of the box and develop new innovative ideas? Let’s take a look at some good examples for you.

Just some general tips before you start –

• Document and preserve all your activities and data. Keep NPS (Net Promoter Score) as your digital manager
• It’s always safe to have anthropological knowledge to transfer your event planning outside of your territory
• Have a concrete plan for promoting your event and set a budget accordingly
• The more specific your objective and administrative implementation, the easier for you to sustain compatible audiences consistently
• Corporate sponsorship will give you a realistic ambition of the event

1. Casino Night Fundraiser

It’s not gambling when you’re raising money for a good cause! But it’s still a lot of fun. In the spirit of giving, you always have the option of setting up a temporary casino with the earnings going to charity. Hire professionals and mimic the décor of a casino as closely as possible. Couple it with the homely and generous nature of a charity event , and you’ve got the recipe for success.

2. Children’s Arts & Crafts Exhibition

Schools do a lot to promote creativity and inspire young talent. However, today we are beginning to see a decline in interest in the arts in several school programs. Having an event to support this kind of initiative can be an excellent idea whether it’s put on by the school or an external party.

3. Charity Date Auction

This is a way to introduce the potential future couple, or just embarrass the men involved depending on how you look at it! The idea here is to find a few young, attractive fellas that don’t take themselves too seriously and are willing to give up a bit of their time for a good cause. At a charity event, you then have women (or men possibly) bid on them. The winner has the chance to take them out for a nice date. The winnings are given to charity.

Keep in mind that these are generally wholesome, family events and ultimately a bit of fun, rather than something to be taken seriously.

4. Pets Show

For all the animal lovers out there, you can organise a pet show open for everyone. It will be way easier for you if you promote your program, call out all the pet lovers-owners along with their pets and try to get a sponsor. Don’t forget to take the necessary precautions while arranging the show at a spacious venue.

5. Multicultural Jam

Communities are becoming more and more lenient and welcoming towards multiculturalism. Societies are turning into open exhibitions of more colours, more variations and more ways of celebration. So you can throw an event regarding the multicultural hustle where local people from different ethnic backgrounds get to showcase their own culture and the universal triumph of the cultures altogether!

6. Explorer Club Session

If you are a wanderlust yourself, arrange an explorer club session. At your club event , people will be invited to talk and discuss their desired destinations. With the help of sponsors and travel agencies, you can help them with different queries, or help yourself with some clarities from them! You can also arrange a tour annually for the subscribed members too.

7. Food Art Exhibit

Food is made to be eaten, yes, but also to be exhibited as art. It is art, after all. These shows display food in various shapes, designs, and arrangements. These events are quite different and unique, but are genuinely enjoyable and showcase some amazing creativity.

Invite talent from all over and promote their achievements by helping them collaborate with patrons for their future projects.

8. DIY Crafting Challenge Fest

Gather around all the creative people out there and arrange a DIY crafting challenge. As a platform of showcasing the talent, you can categorise the crafting session into different sections like clay crafting, paper crafting, wool crafting etc. you can put the products in a sale as a means of fundraising as well.

9. Social Skills Workshop

Social skills include professionalism, etiquette, mannerisms, body language, appropriate gestures etc. With a few professionals, you can open a workshop that emphasises different social skills in different situations open for everyone.

Worrying about how to get the maximum exposure for your event? Proper utilization of social media could be your best bet. Here’s the   complete guide on how to promote an event on Social Media

10. Conference or Convention

Conferences and conventions are the best way for professionals in a certain industry to connect, network and share ideas. Often, these kinds of events span multiple days, and a great deal of work needs to go into the planning and organisation phase. Because conferences are usually large gatherings, finding a suitable venue can be quite challenging. Safety, media and who you will find as keynote speakers are also important considerations.

11. Speed Dating Event

A singles speed dating night creates an atmosphere where strangers can get together, have a chat and meet new people. These events are usually fairly easy to set up, with the majority taking place in a bar or pub. Guests are matched up for mini-dates throughout the night, and eventually, nearly everyone has a chance to talk and get to know each other.

12. Raffle Draw

Keep the raffle draw option in mind, which can be a welcome addition to a larger event. The idea is that attendees pay for tickets in a raffle for the chance to win a prize on the day/night. Creating an event solely based on the raffle draw around a holiday or a season or the event of a sale can also draw in large crowds and enhance your brand identity.

13. Ball or Formal Dinner

Formal events like these are often put on as a part of a larger organisation or institution, whether it be a school/university, company or society. Regardless, these can be memorable occasions and usually involve speeches or presentations of some description.

14. Fireworks Show

Visual imagery and explosions are one of the best ways to get people’s attention. In the case of fireworks, it’s particularly hard to look away. A fireworks show is a great addition to another event idea for large groups and can help drum at interest for some other display or initiative you might be organising. Just be wary of the fact that there are usually government and council regulations associated with the use of large fireworks.

To create your own fireworks template, you can use a photo template editor to design it with your logo, message and color scheme. Then you can use this template on your event flyers or social media posts to promote your event.

Corporate Team Building Ideas

 “strengthen your partnership.”.

We realise how important team-building events truly are once we get into the corporate world. Teamwork stimulates our cognition and expands more and more. Hence, team-building events require a bit more teamwork and help create a solidarity bridge between parties. They’re also a lot of fun and can often make you think outside the box.

1. Team Bowling Event

Who doesn’t like bowling? For your coworkers and employees, you can arrange a bowling night event between two teams. The first team may go for the strike; first, the next group will bowl for the spare. Spare will have more scores or vice versa. Teamwork and engagement will be remarkable.

2. Group Scavenger Hunt

The scavenger hunt is another team building event for all the employees. According to the overall convenience, arrange an exciting mission with a series of riddles and let the adults have fun like teens.

3. Karaoke Night

There is a singer in all of us, even if it only comes out in the shower for some! Arrange a karaoke night and allow people to showcase their singing abilities while having a laugh. Truly a great bonding experience.

4. Rock Climbing

Adventure sports is a thrilling niche unto itself. Rock climbing works on many levels as a team-building exercise because it requires a lot of teamwork and it’s physically testing. Whether you make it an outdoor adventure or just get together with your colleagues and drive down to the local indoor rock climbing center, you’re sure to have a grand old time.

By using our flagship application EventBookings you can easily set up your own event site and smoothly manage your event registration and ticketing for any scale of events. Our practical pricing model is one of the most convenient (and cheapest!) in the market, with an option to use the full solution without paying any service fee for event organisers.

5. Wine Tasting

Even if you don’t know much about wines, a wine tasting outing is a lot of fun. There are wineries and wonderful wine districts within a reasonable distance from most Australian cities, so you have plenty of options!

6. Cooking Class

They say the way into someone’s heart is through the stomach and a cooking class is a good way to polish up those important skills. A cooking class can be a fun, interactive event for people of all ages. Try picking a dish that is a little unusual and challenging to cook. This just adds to the fun! Cooking classes can be put on and organised by chefs, or you can plan such an event yourself and bring an expert to run it for you.

7. Improv Class

Nothing binds a team together like doing an improv class. They can be very challenging and put people out of their comfort zone like nothing else. There tend to be a few embarrassed people and a lot of laughs – it’s all a part of the fun. It also builds chemistry between those partaking in the class and creates connections.

8. Impersonation Challenge Session

This is going to be a hilarious ice-breaking session for everyone! Make a list of the favourite celebrity or fictional characters. The employees will randomly pick a name and impersonate in front of the audience. You can arrange relevant costumes for all the participants and a voting poll for the best impersonator!

9. Reverse the Role Challenge Session

Mutual understanding, empathy, these are vital issues when it comes to teamwork. You can arrange a psychodrama event where the coworkers will get to reverse each other’s role for a day. You will see a significant change among the employees’ perspectives about each other’s purposes and importance even more.

Do you consider yourself a successful event manager? Check how many skills you’ve got!

10. Employee Appreciation Day

An employee appreciation day is all about showing gratitude for the exemplary work of an employee or a team or a project – anything that says to the person their work is valuable and valid. It is a great morale booster and allows management to give back to their team in however way they see fit.

11. Motivational Speaking Session

Everyone has a motivational story on their own, a survival story of their journey, their daily struggles and the ways they overcame all those. Give a floor to your employees to be your motivation along with each other. Arrange a very inspirational session of the employees opening up to themselves in front of all the others and spread positive energy among the audiences.

12. Go Green Campaign

Arrange an environment-friendly campaign for your employees as a fundraising revenue. With a strategic set of initiatives like distributing recycled products, sustainable food items, planting trees etc. you can also promote the eco-friendly corporate policy of your business.

13. Group Volunteering

Volunteering for a community purpose with your workmates is an excellent way of strengthening the mutual understanding and solidarity between coworkers. You can organise a fundraising event where all the coworkers from different positions get to work together selflessly.

14. Webinar

The learning experience of the Internet age, Webinar’s are more than just a fad. In fact, they might be described as an online workshop. They remain a popular way for consultants and experts in a certain field to educate and/or train their others. Or just a means of sharing information among team members. A Q/A session, for instance, is a popular webinar format in the professional space.

15. Group Crosswords Challenge

Playing crosswords in a group setting is a stimulating mind game. The amount of brainstorming each group will have to go together will lead to sustainable teamwork even in a work setting.

Ideas for Parties

“let the night be young”.

Here we have mentioned a few of our favourite ideas you might consider for your next party. Some of these are a little challenging to get right but they can certainly be pulled off!

1. Roaring Twenties Party

The Roaring Twenties remain one of the defining times in the modern era, a time in which culture was transforming. The music and outfits make this period unforgettable and themed parties are actually quite common and popular. Planning an event around the Roaring Twenties is sure to draw in plenty of costume geeks, with many different options including the Great Gatsby look, Chicago gangster look, and many others.

2. Historical Figures

Dress up parties can work really well when the costume acts as an ice-breaker and conversation starter. The trick here is to give your party a theme where everyone where’s something different or has their own interpretation. Having your guests dress up as a famous person from history can make for all kinds of wonderful costumes.

3. Thematic Flash Mob

Get out of your regular party ideas and do something exhilarating for everyone! Arrange a thematic flash mob of 20-50 people in an open space. Come up with a unique theme or message you want to deliver. Have a mashup of songs that are very popular and catchy. Incorporate the main motto in every dance move and stun the audience with it! The thematic flash mob can also be a significant fundraising revenue!

4. Pop Culture Role-Play Contest

No matter how young or old you are, you certainly have a pop cultural idol you have been obsessing over for years. Maybe it’s tough luck encountering them in real life, but how about you pull off their roles for a day and become an idol. You can arrange this role-play contest of all the iconic pop culture idols. Cosplay, impersonation, imaginary ole alteration, you can make this show a versatile as you want!

Promote your next event to the maximum number of crowd. Find our exclusive tips on   how to creatively use social media for event marketing

5. Halloween Bash

The good old Halloween party is a very American concept, but it’s made its way into Australian culture now too. The concept is really fun and remains one of the year’s best dress-up events that people look forward to. So many costume options to play with!

6. Back to School Theme

It is never too late to step into a time machine and relive your high school years! There are plenty of options with this kind of party theme, whether you choose to dress up as a nerd, a jock, cheerleader, goth or whatever else. Guests can even pack their lunchbox too.

Geek parties follow a similar theme where guests dress up in school outfits and play up the nerd troupe, with painted-on freckles, suspenders and propeller hats.

Entire generations have grown up in heart-warming Disney films. We all relate to a particular (or several) princes, princess or any character, and we all know the stories so well! Whether it’s a simple dress-up party or if you want to go all out and have a Disney ball, there’s definitely potential for this theme to be a raging success with the right kinds of people.

8. Ugly Jumper Party

This needs zero introductions. The irony of wearing your ugliest jumper makes these get-togethers an instant hit and creates a fun, humorous atmosphere from the outset. Nearly everyone has an ugly Christmas jumper hiding away in their closet somewhere!

9. Glow in the Dark Party

You can arrange a surreal “Glow in the Dark Party” for a big hit. Arrange different kinds of chandeliers, light sticks, Balloons and other party tools made of phosphorescent materials. Come up with enchanting party themes for the most exotic party in your locality!

10. Adult Prom Night

Prom night is probably the most anticipated night of teen life. But some people have bittersweet memories, some people have never been at a prom! You can arrange an adult prom night for all the adults out there! Bringing those silly yet nostalgic vibes into it will be a great way of reminiscing the old days we have all left behind!

11. Hawaiian Love

The Hawaiian theme is relaxing, comfortable and perfect for a summer’s night. If you have a beach nearby, it’s basically a must. It can also help you choose the cocktails on offer, music at the party and food that is served, which can all have Hawaiian touch.

Events with Friends

“you surely don’t want to miss this out.”.

Sometimes it’s nice to spice things up and do something a little different with those people you know best. Why not try out one of these small events with a few of your closest pals?

1. Outdoor Movie Marathon

This is one of the best events you can host for your friends. Arrange a series of favourite movies for your friends. An open meadow nearby with a stockpile of snacks, drinks and comfortable divans for everyone- a perfect movie venue. You can also make this event as a fundraising revenue with your friends.

Dont Miss 35 Creative Outdoor Event Ideas for Your Next Gathering

2. Mario Kart Tournament

Mario Kart remains one of the most iconic games of the past few decades. Earn bragging rights between friends Obviously, you can get together with people and organise a night centred around any video game, but Mario Kart makes a great option because nearly everyone has played it or is familiar with it, and it’s easy to learn and compete for those who haven’t.

3. Walking or Hiking

Getting out there and exploring can be a lot of fun, particularly on a nice day. Organising an event where we re-familiarize ourselves with the environment on foot and embrace the area raising us can bring about new-found love for the locality. Trekking and hiking trips are also very popular and can fit a range of different settings – whether it be with friends, colleagues, or strangers.

4. Group Camping Trip

If you haven’t gone on camping trips with your friends yet, you are surely missing out something great big time! A getaway camping with friends out of the busy schedules will you give a tremendous boost of motivation to go back to work! Have planning, pick the right venue and advertise your event on social media!

5. Team Sporting Days

Humans are social animals, it is in our nature to take part in group activities and there is no grander expression of that than sports. Football, Basketball – you name it. Any team sport to ignite the inner competitor in us will be a big draw, at any time.

6. Innovative Gift Exchanging Events

If you think about it, your bosom friends have been sticking around with you through thick and thin for years. But maybe you never got to tell him how much you appreciated their presence and support. On holiday, make a gift exchanging event just among the friends! Let them write appreciation letters for each other and let the receivers read the notes out. Some of may shed some tears out of emotions, who knows?

7. One Dish Party

Everyone masters in cooking at least one dish. Throw an event where your friends get to bring their signature dish, one meal per person. It can be a secret competition too! Everyone will vote and announce the “chef of the party” after devouring the delicious meals!

8. Reunion Fest

We miss nothing more than the good old days with friends we left behind years ago. So why don’t you organise a friends reunion fest this time? Jot down a long list of names you want to invite months before the reunion. Set a perfect weekend depending on everyone’s convenience and availability. You can arrange a mini photo exhibition of those old days with friends. Having a tone of nostalgia and reminiscences will allow the guests to have a very heartfelt time altogether.

9. Iron Chef Night

A great event for small groups is an Iron Chef night. This is something of a competition. Friends or even strangers get together and put their cooking skills to the test! The idea is that each cook has a set time to prepare a meal with certain ingredients. In the end, the group eats both meals and decides whose was the best.

10. Adult Slumber Party

Sometimes, you need to stay in and spend quality sleepovers with friends. And it doesn’t have to be as lazy as the typical slumber party! Just make sure everyone gets cosy blankets to sleep after 4 am, but up until then, make the night memorable! Flooring, patio decorations, food arrangements, perfect cocktail mixtures, recreational games/ activities- trust me, it all needs planning. And you don’t want to make your friends yawn before midnight, do you?

12. Board Game Night

Who doesn’t love a board game night? Before the days of video games and modern technology, people would often get together for a few laughs playing such classics as Monopoly, Pictionary, Cluedo, Risk and/or Battleships to name a few.

13. Fortune Telling and Tarot Cards

A little suspension of disbelief is not too bad for us from time to time. This is an option as an event on its own or part of a themed party – regardless of the nature of the event, it is hard to resist the temptation of the unknown. Fortune tellers can even be hired for simple get-togethers if you’re in the mood!

Ideas Just for Fun

“it’s time for you to be the event planner.”.

Now after exploring all other categories of events with us, let’s chew over a mashup of all the planned schemes altogether. These kinds of events maybe a little more off-the-wall and daring – not necessarily for everyone. Or they might just be useful in all kinds of “living it up” situations.

You may have heard about the Comedy Central Roasts. Well if you’re feeling daring you always have the option of putting on a roast of your own. Usually, this would be appropriate only between people that know each other very well, but it really depends how far you want to go with it. The basic idea is that you have a guest of honour, who everyone else gets up and makes a few jokes about. It’s all in good fun if you can find the right scenario – and people – for it.

2. Strongman Competition

The success of this kind of event can depend on how seriously you take it and the kind of guests you’re aiming for. As a bit of a laugh, you might plan a strong man or some other kind of sporting competition between family members, groups of friends, or people in the office. There are so many fun ways to dress this kind of event up and a lot of potentials to make it pretty unforgettable! Such make sure you plan it out properly and think about the kind of events you’d include.

3. Rap Battle

Certainly not for everyone, a rap battle can be taken super seriously or just be a chance for a bit of silly fun! Often your ability to put on this kind of event will depend on the talent of the people you have performed, but keep in mind you can also dress it up as a bit of a parody of a true rap battle. It’s not easy to get this right but it can be a lot of fun and is truly unique if you have the right kinds of performers!

4. Geeks and Fanatics Assembly

If you are into multi-fandoms of different fictional books, movies or series – this is a perfect event you can arrange and find all the geeks in your locality. Make a database of all the popular fandoms in your area and invite all the fanatics to your event on social media. The assembly can include cosplay, exchanging books or collections, open discussions, fan arts, fanfiction competition etc.

5. Live-Action Gaming Tournament

Who doesn’t like binge playing video games all day long? For those gamer junkies, arrange an exciting live-action gaming tournament! Don’t forget to have audiences around them to make each match a total nail-biter and to enjoy their hilarious reactions while playing!

6. Drinking Game Series

Every cocktail party has some drinking game series that leaves people even drunker as time passes. Whether it’s a cocktail party or a non-alcoholic get-together, drinking games are always fun. Come up with some unique riddles and schemes of quizzes for the game to keep it going.

7. Sumo Throwdown

Don’t be triggered; Sumo throwdown contest is not literally for “Sumos”. Sure, it’s a Japanese form of ancient wrestling by enormous wrestlers, but that doesn’t stop you from trying it. It’s instead been massively popular among people. You can order jumbo-sized Sumo bodies for the participants and have a hilarious wrestling show for everyone.

8. Hilarious Adult Skit Series

For hours of contagious laughter and hilarious Snapchat stories, arrange funny adult skit segments. Participants will be divided into different teams and come up with themed skits. Both for kids and adults, this is a very healthy and entertaining way of icebreaking in between.

9. Lip-Syncing Challenge

With people who have a questionable singing talent can be added into the lip-syncing challenge participants category. There will be a list of popular songs; participants will have to sing as realistically as possible. The most realistic “performance” will win the contest!

10. Dramatic Parody Challenge

All the serious drama that you encountered or watched on TV, read in books- how about you arrange an event where participants get to make a silly parody version of those “hyper-serious” characters? Form different teams, each team will script their skit. And the dramatically hilarious team will win the event! You can have exclusive guest appearances as well! Just make sure the parody doesn’t evoke offensive issue or political turmoil.

11. Colourful Slip and Slide Party

For a perfect summer party, arrange a colourful water slide party. With colourful water bombs, water balloons and inflatable slides- organise an ideal party for friends and family. It’s probably not the cleanest party idea out there, but sometimes the cleanliness has to be sacrificed in the name of having fun!

12. Giant Trampoline Fun

No matter how childish it sounds, you can’t deny not having fun bouncing on a trampoline. To let the “big babies” have fun, you can arrange a giant trampoline and include a scheme of games for all the participants.

13. Fortnite Dance Challenge Contest

Fortnite dance moves have been winning over the internet! So why not arrange an entire contest over a Fortnite dance? Contestants will randomly choose dance moves. Unless they groove accurately, they’re out!

14. Puzzle Games

There is a range of different kinds of puzzle or treasure hunt-style events that create a sense of excitement in participants. Whether there be a Sherlock Holmes-type narrative where participants are solving a crime, or it’s more of a fitness, orienteering challenge, there are plenty of options to choose from.

Escape games are all the rage nowadays, where a team is trapped in a room and must follow clues to escape. Usually, these kinds of events are great for kids, but they can be a fun activity for adults as well.

15. Secret Events

One way to drum up interest and intrigue about your event (although it is quite risky) is to keep the actual details quiet. If the actual event is a bit of a mystery, and guests just know the where and when, it can pique people’s interest. If presented and marketed in the right way, the curiosity can build up excitement and hype pretty quickly.

So there you have it, 90+ event ideas that if nothing else, provide you with food for thought for your next big event! Keep in mind, you can combine and mix-match these event ideas if it’s appropriate, after all, it’s about making things as interesting and fresh as possible. Good luck!

If you have been considering implementing any of the mentioned ideas, there is a lot that can go wrong. Here’s when an all-in-one event platform can help. And platforms like EventBookings includes all the feature you need to plan, manage and host any sort of event. The platform can handle ticket sales, promotion, management, check-in, analytics, tracking and whatnot! So buckle up to deliver the best event experience possible to your attendees.

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125 Unique & Fun Event Ideas For Your Next Event

Planning an event can be an exciting and challenging experience. It can be difficult to come up with unique and fun event ideas that will make your event stand out.

In this blog, we've compiled 125 event ideas that you can use to plan a successful and memorable event. Just make sure you find an event ticketing and booking platform like TryBooking to help with accepting online bookings, manage attendees and reduce admin while you focus on your event. Check out our list of easy-to-use features that can help you manage your event all for one simple low price .

Types of event ideas that suit might you:

• 1. Corporate Event Ideas
• 2. Fun Social Event Ideas
• 3. Virtual Event Ideas
• 4. Kids and Family Event Ideas
• 5. Unique Event Ideas
• 6. Themed Event Ideas
• 7. Final Tips For Your Event

Corporate Event Ideas

Are you in charge of planning a corporate event, but feeling like you're stuck in a rut of boring hotel conference rooms and stale coffee?

Fear not! We've got you covered with some fresh and fun corporate event ideas that will leave your co-workers and clients talking for months to come.

From themed parties to team-building activities, we've scoured the internet (and our own creative brains) to bring you the best of the best in corporate event planning.

1. Product launch events:

You've been working hard on your latest project and it's time to show it off! Product launch events are the perfect way to generate buzz and excitement around your new product or service.

With creative decorations, engaging demonstrations, and giveaways, you'll leave attendees eager to try out what you have to offer.

2. Team-building events:

It's time to strengthen the bond between your colleagues and improve communication skills.

Team-building events can take many forms, from outdoor activities like paintball or obstacle courses, to indoor challenges like escape rooms or trivia games.

By promoting teamwork and collaboration, you'll be sure to boost morale and foster a positive workplace culture.

3. Holiday parties:

Who doesn't love a good holiday party? Whether it's Christmas , Halloween , or even National Donut Day, there's always a reason to celebrate.

With festive decorations, tasty treats, and fun games or activities, holiday parties are the perfect way to bring your team together and let loose.

4. Networking events:

Connecting with other professionals in your industry is key to success.

Networking events provide an opportunity to meet new people, exchange ideas, and build valuable relationships.

Whether it's a cocktail hour or a conference, networking events are the perfect platform to showcase your skills and make lasting connections.

5. Conferences and trade shows:

Industry events like conferences and trade shows are great for showcasing your business, connecting with potential clients, and staying up-to-date on the latest industry trends.

With engaging keynote speakers, informative panels, and networking opportunities, these events are the perfect place to make valuable business connections.

6. Employee appreciation events:

Your employees are the backbone of your company, so it's important to show them how much you appreciate their hard work.

Employee appreciation events can take many forms, from casual happy hours to formal dinners.

By recognizing and rewarding your employees' efforts, you'll keep them motivated and committed to your company's success.

7. Charity events:

Giving back to the community is important, and hosting a charity event is a great way to do it.

Whether it's a fundraiser , a donation drive, or a volunteer day, charity events can make a real difference in the lives of those in need.

Plus, they're a great way to show that your company is committed to making a positive impact on the world. 

8. Award ceremonies:

Recognizing exceptional performance and achievement is important for morale and motivation.

Award ceremonies are the perfect way to celebrate your employees' hard work and dedication.

With creative awards and engaging speeches, you'll leave attendees feeling proud and appreciated.

9. Sales kick-off events:

It's time to rev up your sales team and get them motivated for the year ahead.

Sales kick-off events are the perfect way to energize your team and set them up for success.

With inspiring speeches, team-building activities, and sales training, your team will be ready to take on any challenge.

10. Executive retreats:

Sometimes you need to get away from the office and focus on big-picture thinking.

Executive retreats provide an opportunity for leadership teams to strategize, plan, and build camaraderie in a relaxed setting.

With engaging activities and plenty of time for brainstorming, you'll leave the retreat feeling rejuvenated and ready to take on the world.

11. Trade shows:

Trade shows provide an opportunity to showcase your products or services to a wider audience.

With creative booth designs, engaging demonstrations, and giveaways, you'll leave attendees eager to learn more about your business.

12. Investor events:

When it comes to securing funding for your business, investor events are key.

By showcasing your business plan and demonstrating your value proposition, you'll attract potential investors and secure the funding you need to grow your business.

13. Workshops:

Are you tired of boring corporate events that feel more like chores than actual opportunities to learn and grow? Well, say hello to workshops!

These events are designed to be interactive and engaging, with hands-on activities and discussions that will help you improve your skills and knowledge.

Whether you're interested in learning about leadership, marketing, or a specific industry, there's a workshop out there that's perfect for you.

Plus, you'll get the chance to network with other like-minded professionals and exchange ideas and insights.

So why not spice up your next corporate event with a fun and informative workshop?

14. Leadership summits:

Are you a leader or aspiring to be one? Then you won't want to miss out on a leadership summit!

These events bring together some of the brightest minds in business and management to share their knowledge and expertise on topics such as communication, team-building, and strategic planning.

You'll leave feeling inspired and equipped with the tools you need to lead your team to success. And who knows, you might even make some valuable connections along the way.

15. Recruitment fairs:

Looking to attract top talent to your company? Then a recruitment fair is the perfect event for you!

These events are designed to showcase your company's culture, values, and job opportunities to potential candidates.

You'll have the chance to meet and chat with job seekers, answer their questions, and even conduct on-the-spot interviews.

It's a great way to make a positive impression on potential employees and fill any vacancies in your organization.

16. Industry-specific conferences:

Are you passionate about your industry and want to learn more about the latest trends and innovations? Then an industry-specific conference is the perfect event for you!

These events bring together professionals from a particular industry to discuss the challenges and opportunities facing their field.

You'll hear from experts in your field, network with other professionals, and gain valuable insights that you can apply to your work.

Plus, you might even get to attend some fun social events and after-parties!

17. Golf tournaments:

Want to mix business with pleasure? Then a golf tournament is the perfect event for you!

These events bring together golf enthusiasts from various industries for a day of fun, networking, and friendly competition.

You'll have the chance to play a round of golf with other professionals, chat with them about work and life, and even win some prizes.

And even if you're not a golf pro, don't worry - many golf tournaments are designed to be inclusive and welcoming to players of all skill levels.

So grab your clubs and get ready to tee off!

18. Team Building Retreats:

Let's be real - work can be a bit of a grind sometimes. That's why team building retreats can be such a breath of fresh air!

These events are a great opportunity for coworkers to get to know each other outside of the office, bond over shared experiences, and build stronger relationships.

Activities can range from outdoor adventures like hiking and zip-lining to more low-key team-building exercises like trust falls and group problem-solving challenges.

It's a great way to rejuvenate your team and come back to work feeling more connected and productive.

19. Brainstorming Sessions:

Need to come up with some fresh ideas for your next big project?

Brainstorming sessions are the perfect way to tap into the creativity and innovation of your team.

These sessions can be structured or unstructured, depending on your needs. Some ideas for structured sessions include design thinking workshops, hackathons, and idea generation sessions led by a facilitator.

Unstructured sessions could be as simple as a group brainstorming session over coffee or lunch.

Either way, the goal is to get your team thinking outside the box and coming up with new and innovative ideas.

20. Customer Appreciation Events:

Happy customers are the lifeblood of any successful business.

That's why it's so important to show them some love and appreciation every once in a while!

Customer appreciation events are a great way to thank your customers for their loyalty and support.

They can take many forms, from a simple thank-you card or email to a full-blown event featuring food, drinks, and entertainment.

The key is to make your customers feel valued and appreciated, and to show them that you're committed to providing them with the best possible experience.

21. Panel Discussions:

Do you have a hot topic or issue that you'd like to explore in more depth? A panel discussion might be just what you need!

Panel discussions bring together experts and thought leaders from different backgrounds and perspectives to discuss a particular topic or issue.

They can be formal or informal, and can take place in-person or virtually.

The goal is to provide your audience with valuable insights and information that they can't get anywhere else.

Whether you're looking to educate your team or your customers, a panel discussion is a great way to spark conversation and encourage learning.

22. Networking Breakfasts:

They say breakfast is the most important meal of the day, and we couldn't agree more!

Networking breakfasts are a great way to start your day off right and make valuable connections with other professionals in your industry.

These events typically take place early in the morning, and feature a light breakfast and coffee or tea.

The focus is on informal networking, with attendees mingling and chatting with each other over food and drink.

It's a great way to meet new people, share ideas, and build your professional network.

Who knows - you might just meet your next business partner or collaborator over a cup of coffee!

Fun Social Event Ideas

If you're anything like us, you're always on the lookout for fun and exciting ways to bring people together and celebrate life.

Whether you're planning a birthday bash, a charity fundraiser, or just a good old-fashioned get-together with friends, we've got you covered.

From themed parties to wine tastings to game nights, we're here to give you all the inspiration you need to throw the party of the year.

23. Themed Parties:

Themed parties are always a blast! It's a great opportunity to dress up and let loose with your friends.

From retro parties to costume parties, the possibilities are endless. You can go all out with your costume, decor, and food to create an immersive experience.

It's a chance to be creative and step out of your comfort zone. Whether it's a Halloween party or a retro themed birthday party, a themed party is a great way to make memories and have fun.

24. Fundraisers:

Fundraisers are events that bring people together for a good cause. These events raise money for various charities and organizations.

Fundraisers can be anything from a charity run to a benefit concert. It's an opportunity to support a cause you believe in and make a difference in the world.

You can meet new people, enjoy great food and entertainment, and know that you're contributing to something worthwhile.

Fundraisers can be a great way to give back to the community and help those in need.

25. Art Exhibitions:

Art exhibitions are a great way to explore new artwork and connect with the local art community.

These exhibitions showcase a variety of mediums, from paintings to sculptures and everything in between.

It's a chance to admire the beauty and creativity of others and perhaps even purchase a piece of art to take home.

Art exhibitions can also provide a platform for emerging artists to gain exposure and recognition for their work.

26. Concerts and Music Festivals:

Concerts and music festivals are a great way to enjoy live music and connect with like-minded individuals.

It's a chance to see your favorite bands and discover new music.

Music festivals are an opportunity to enjoy multiple bands and genres all in one place.

You can dance, sing along, and create unforgettable memories. From outdoor music festivals to intimate club shows, there's something for everyone.

27. Sporting Events:

Whether you're a die-hard sports fan or just enjoy the social aspect of it, attending sporting events can be a fun experience.

From football games to basketball tournaments, it's a chance to cheer on your favorite team and connect with other fans.

You can enjoy the excitement of the game, grab some food and drinks, and root for your team.

Sporting events can create a sense of community and camaraderie that's hard to find elsewhere.

28. Film Screenings:

Film screenings are a great way to enjoy movies in a communal setting.

Whether it's an outdoor screening or a classic movie theater, it's a chance to watch films on the big screen with others.

Film screenings can also provide a platform for independent filmmakers to showcase their work and receive recognition.

It's an opportunity to discuss and analyze the movie with others, creating a deeper appreciation for the art of cinema.

29. Food and Wine Festivals:

Food and wine festivals are a food lover's dream come true.

It's an opportunity to taste different cuisines and wines from around the world.

These festivals can provide a platform for local restaurants and wineries to showcase their offerings and gain exposure.

You can learn about the history and culture of different dishes and wines, and perhaps even discover a new favorite.

It's a chance to indulge in great food and drink and connect with other foodies.

30. Comedy Shows:

If you're looking for a good laugh, a comedy show is the perfect place to be.

Whether it's a stand-up comedian or an improv group, it's a chance to enjoy live comedy and connect with others through laughter.

Comedy shows can also provide a platform for emerging comedians to gain exposure and recognition.

It's a great way to relieve stress, forget about your worries, and enjoy a night out with friends.

31. Art walks:

Art walks are one of the coolest ways to explore different forms of art and discover new artists in your community.

Typically held in local neighborhoods or art districts, they feature a variety of art galleries, studios, and exhibitions that you can walk around and check out.

Art walks are a great way to mingle with other art enthusiasts, meet local artists, and learn more about the creative process behind each piece.

Some art walks even feature live performances, music, and refreshments.

So, if you're looking for a fun and unique way to spend a weekend afternoon, grab your friends and head to your local art walk!

32. Poetry slams:

If you're a fan of spoken word poetry or just love a good competition, then poetry slams are the perfect social event for you.

These high-energy events feature multiple poets performing their original works in front of a live audience and a panel of judges.

The judges then score each performance based on a variety of criteria, including content, delivery, and audience response.

Poetry slams often have a lively atmosphere and can be a great way to connect with other poets, performers, and poetry enthusiasts.

So, whether you're a seasoned poet or just looking to experience something new, don't miss out on the excitement of a poetry slam!

33. Photography exhibitions:

Photography exhibitions are a fantastic way to appreciate the beauty of the world through a photographer's lens.

These exhibitions feature a range of photographs, from stunning landscapes and portraits to abstract and experimental works.

Photography exhibitions can be a great way to learn more about different photography styles, techniques, and artists.

Many exhibitions also offer opportunities to meet and chat with the photographers themselves.

So, if you love photography or just appreciate the art of capturing moments in time, be sure to check out your local photography exhibition.

34. Dance parties:

If you're looking for a fun and energetic way to let loose and dance the night away, then dance parties are the perfect social event for you.

Dance parties can be centered around a particular style of music or genre, or they can be more eclectic and feature a mix of different styles.

They often have a lively atmosphere, complete with DJ's, light shows, and sometimes even dance competitions.

Dance parties can be a great way to meet new people, let loose, and enjoy a night out with friends.

So, put on your dancing shoes and hit the dance floor at your next dance party!

35. Talent shows:

Talent shows are a great way to showcase your skills and perform in front of a live audience.

These events often feature a variety of talents, including singing, dancing, comedy, and more.

Many talent shows are held in schools or local communities, but they can also be found at larger venues or festivals.

Talent shows can be a great way to discover new talents, support local artists, and have a fun night out with friends.

So, if you have a talent to share or just love watching others perform, be sure to check out a talent show near you!

36. Charity auctions:

Charity auctions are a fantastic way to raise money for a good cause while also bidding on unique and valuable items.

These auctions typically feature items donated by individuals, organizations, or businesses, and all proceeds go towards a particular charity or cause.

Items can range from art and collectibles to experiences like trips or events.

Charity auctions can be a great way to support a cause you believe in while also scoring a one-of-a-kind item.

So, if you're looking to do some good while also snagging a unique item, be sure to attend a charity auction!

37. Fundraising Galas:

Alright, who doesn't love to dress up and feel fancy every now and then?

A fundraising gala is the perfect opportunity to do just that while also supporting a great cause.

Typically, these events involve an elegant dinner, entertainment (hello, live music!), and silent or live auctions to raise funds for the organization.

You'll have a great time, feel good about contributing to something important, and who knows, maybe even win that luxury vacation package you've had your eye on.

38. Block Parties:

If you're looking for a low-key and neighborhood-focused event, a block party is a fantastic option.

Imagine this: closing off your street, inviting all your neighbors, and celebrating with food, music, and games.

It's a perfect way to connect with those around you and build a sense of community.

Plus, who knows, maybe you'll meet your new best friend (or find out that your neighbor makes the best grilled cheese sandwiches you've ever had).

39. Wine Tastings:

Wine lovers, this one's for you! A wine tasting is a great way to expand your palate and learn more about different varietals.

Many wineries and tasting rooms offer tastings, but you can also attend events that bring together a variety of local wineries for you to sample.

Some even offer food pairings to enhance the tasting experience.

And hey, even if you're not a wine connoisseur, it's still a fun way to spend an afternoon with friends.

40. Craft Fairs:

Do you love supporting small businesses and finding unique, handmade items?

Then a craft fair is right up your alley. You'll find everything from handmade jewelry and clothing to artwork and home décor.

Plus, it's a great opportunity to chat with the artisans themselves and learn more about their creative process.

Who knows, you might just find that perfect piece to complete your gallery wall or a one-of-a-kind gift for someone special.

41. Silent Auctions:

Alright, picture this: you're walking around an event, browsing all the items up for auction.

But instead of shouting out your bid like a traditional auction, you simply write down your offer on a sheet of paper.

That's a silent auction! These types of auctions are often used for fundraising purposes and can offer a wide range of items up for bid.

And the best part? You don't have to worry about getting into a shouting match with someone over that signed baseball you're both eyeing.

42. Food Truck Festivals:

Foodies, this one's for you! Food truck festivals bring together a variety of food trucks, each offering up their own unique cuisine.

You'll find everything from tacos and BBQ to vegan and gluten-free options.

It's a great opportunity to try new foods and support local businesses.

Plus, who doesn't love the convenience of having all these food options in one place?

43. Costume Parties:

It's time to break out your creativity and dress up!

Costume parties can be themed or simply a free-for-all, but the point is to have fun and let loose.

Whether you're channeling your favorite movie character or dressing up in a group costume with your friends, you're sure to have a great time.

And let's be honest, who doesn't love an excuse to wear a ridiculous wig or a superhero cape?

44. Game nights:

Looking for a low-key night with friends or family?

Grab some snacks, pull up some chairs, and break out the board games - it's game night!

From classic games like Monopoly and Scrabble to new favorites like Settlers of Catan and Codenames, there's a game for everyone.

It's a great way to bond with your loved ones, and maybe even learn a new strategy or two.

So roll the dice, draw some cards, and let the games begin!

Virtual Event Ideas

In the age of social distancing, we have all had to adapt to new ways of connecting and celebrating with one another.

While in-person events may not be possible, that doesn't mean the party has to stop!

In fact, virtual events have opened up a whole new world of possibilities and creativity for event planning.

Whether you're looking to celebrate a special occasion, host a team-building event, or just want to have some fun with friends and family, we've got you covered with some exciting virtual event ideas.

45. Online concerts:

Get ready to rock out in the comfort of your own home! Online concerts are a great way to experience live music from your favorite artists without leaving your couch. From intimate acoustic sets to full-scale productions, online concerts allow you to stream performances and sing along to your favorite tunes. You can even invite friends to join in and create your own virtual concert experience.

46. Virtual cooking classes:

Want to learn how to cook like a pro? Virtual cooking classes offer the perfect opportunity to brush up on your culinary skills or learn something new. From basic techniques to more advanced dishes, you can take classes from professional chefs from around the world. The best part? You get to eat your creations right after!

47. Online trivia nights:

Are you a trivia buff? Then virtual trivia nights are the perfect way to test your knowledge and compete against others. You can join in with friends or strangers to answer questions on a variety of topics, from pop culture to history. It’s a great way to socialize and have some fun while learning new facts and information.

48. Virtual art exhibitions:

If you love art, you don’t have to miss out on the experience of visiting galleries and museums. Virtual art exhibitions allow you to explore exhibits from the comfort of your home. You can view works from established and emerging artists, attend virtual artist talks, and even participate in online auctions to purchase art.

49. Virtual book clubs:

If you’re a book lover, virtual book clubs are the perfect way to discuss your favorite books with like-minded individuals. You can join groups that focus on a specific genre or theme and share your thoughts and insights with others. It’s a great way to connect with people and explore new literature.

50. Online fitness classes:

Don’t let social distancing get in the way of your fitness goals! Online fitness classes offer a wide range of workouts, from yoga and pilates to high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and dance fitness. You can exercise at home with professional trainers and get the motivation you need to stay healthy and fit.

51. Virtual happy hours:

Want to catch up with friends over a drink? Virtual happy hours allow you to socialize with friends and colleagues while enjoying your favorite beverages. You can even have a virtual mixology class and learn how to make your own cocktails.

52. Online gaming tournaments:

Are you a gamer? Virtual gaming tournaments offer the perfect way to compete against others and show off your skills.

From online card games to multiplayer video games, you can join in with players from around the world and battle it out for the top spot.

53. Virtual museum tours:

If you’re a history buff, virtual museum tours allow you to explore exhibits from around the world.

You can visit famous museums and galleries and view collections and artifacts from the comfort of your home.

It’s a great way to learn about different cultures and historical events.

54. Online speed dating:

Looking for love? Virtual speed dating allows you to connect with potential partners in a safe and convenient way.

You can join in with other singles and go on a series of virtual dates, all from the comfort of your home.

It’s a great way to meet new people and find a potential match.

55. Virtual magic shows:

Bring the wonder and amazement of a magic show right into your living room!

Watch as talented magicians perform incredible illusions and tricks via video conferencing.

You can even participate in some of the magic yourself from the comfort of your own home!

56. Live Q&A sessions:

Get up close and personal with your favorite celebrities, experts, and thought leaders through live Q&A sessions.

You can submit your questions ahead of time or even ask them in real-time during the session.

Learn from the best and gain valuable insights and knowledge.

57. Virtual cocktail making classes:

Mix and shake up some delicious cocktails with the help of professional bartenders in virtual cocktail making classes.

From classic cocktails to innovative concoctions, you can learn how to make the perfect drink to impress your friends and family.

58. Online art auctions:

Bid on stunning works of art from the comfort of your own home through online art auctions.

Browse through an extensive collection of paintings, sculptures, and other art pieces, and place your bids on your favorites.

Who knows, you might just end up with a masterpiece on your wall!

59. Virtual hackathons:

Join forces with like-minded individuals and develop innovative solutions to real-world problems in virtual hackathons.

You can collaborate with participants from all over the world and put your skills to the test in this exciting and challenging competition.

60. Livestreaming concerts:

Experience the thrill of live music without leaving your house!

Watch your favorite artists perform in real-time through livestreaming concerts.

Get front-row seats to some of the biggest concerts and festivals from the comfort of your own couch.

61. Virtual escape rooms:

Solve puzzles and clues to escape virtual rooms in this exciting and interactive game.

Work with your friends and family to solve the mystery and escape before time runs out.

It's a fun and challenging activity that will test your problem-solving skills.

62. Online cooking competitions:

Show off your culinary skills in online cooking competitions.

Compete against other aspiring chefs in challenges that will test your creativity, speed, and precision.

Who knows, you might just impress the judges with your cooking prowess!

63. Virtual film festivals:

Watch some of the best films from around the world in virtual film festivals.

You can explore different genres and themes, and even interact with filmmakers and actors through Q&A sessions and panel discussions.

64. Online lectures:

Expand your knowledge and learn new things through online lectures.

From science to history, and from art to politics, there's a wealth of knowledge to be gained from expert speakers and thought leaders.

You can even participate in discussions and ask questions to deepen your understanding.

65. Virtual open mic nights:

Showcase your talent and perform for an audience in virtual open mic nights.

Whether you're a musician, poet, comedian, or storyteller, you can share your art with others in a supportive and welcoming environment.

66. Digital dance parties:

Get your groove on and dance the night away in digital dance parties.

You can join a virtual dance party with people from all over the world, or even organize your own with friends and family.

With great music and fun dance routines, it's a great way to stay active and have fun.

Kids and Family Event Ideas

Whether you're a parent, grandparent, or just someone who loves planning fun activities for kids and families, we've got you covered.

In this section, we'll be sharing a wide variety of event ideas that are sure to keep kids and families entertained, from themed parties and craft fairs to sporting events and talent shows.

Let's dive into some cool event ideas for your next family-friendly event!

67. Children's birthday parties:

Everyone loves a good birthday party, especially kids!

From themed decorations to fun games and activities, there are endless ways to make your child's special day unforgettable.

You can choose to host the party at home, a park, or a venue, and customize everything from the cake to the party favors to fit your child's interests and personality.

Get creative with games like pin the tail on the donkey, scavenger hunts, or even a bounce house!

68. Family fun days:

Looking for a way to spend quality time with your family? Why not plan a family fun day!

This can be as simple as a picnic in the park or as elaborate as a day trip to a nearby amusement park.

You can also plan activities like hiking, biking, or swimming to get some exercise and fresh air.

Just make sure to bring plenty of snacks and drinks, and don't forget the sunscreen!

69. School carnivals:

School carnivals are a classic way to bring together the entire community for a day of fun and games.

With booths featuring games, prizes, and food, there's something for everyone to enjoy.

Parents can volunteer to help run the booths, and students can get involved by setting up their own game or activity.

You can also add a fundraising element to the carnival by selling tickets or offering a silent auction.

70. Community events:

Whether it's a neighborhood block party or a town-wide festival, community events are a great way to get to know your neighbors and make new friends.

You can organize a potluck, a talent show, or even a movie night in the park.

These events can also serve as a platform to raise awareness for a cause or charity, such as a food or toy drive for the holidays.

71. Parent-child sports tournaments:

If your family loves sports, why not host a parent-child sports tournament?

You can choose from a variety of sports, such as basketball, soccer, or even kickball.

Make sure to keep the teams evenly matched, and have prizes for the winning team.

This is a great way to bond with your child while getting some exercise and having fun.

72. Science fairs:

For kids who love science, a science fair is a great way to showcase their knowledge and creativity.

Kids can choose from a variety of projects, such as building a volcano or a homemade robot.

Parents and other attendees can come and see the projects, and the kids can explain their ideas and methods.

This is a fun and educational way to encourage kids to explore their interests in science and technology.

73. Summer camps:

Summer camps are the perfect way for your children's to spend their vacation learning new skills, making friends, and having a blast.

From outdoor adventures to arts and crafts, there are so many exciting camp options to choose from.

Get ready for campfires, sing-alongs, and memories that will last a lifetime!

74. Lego building competitions:

Perfect for all little builders! If your child loves playing with Legos, then they'll love competing in a Lego building competition.

Give them the chance to show off their creativity and imagination as they build their way to victory.

And who knows, they might even discover their inner engineer in the process!

75. Teddy bear picnics:

What could be cuter than a teddy bear picnic?

Grab your child's favorite teddy bear and create a fun-filled day of games, crafts, and of course, a delicious picnic.

Don't forget to dress up the teddy bear in their best outfit for the occasion!

76. Science workshops:

Is your child curious about how the world works? Then look to go to a science workshop!

The little scientist will get to explore and experiment with all sorts of cool scientific concepts, from chemistry to physics to biology.

77. Music classes:

Do you have a little rockstar in the making? Let them go jam at a music classes!

They'll learn all about rhythm, melody, and harmony as they strum, drum, and sing their way to musical excellence.

Whether they're into pop, rock, or classical music, there's something for everyone.

78. Puppet shows:

Get ready for some puppet fun!

A puppet shows are a great way to enjoy some family entertainment while also encouraging everyone's creativity and imagination.

You'll get to see all sorts of fun characters come to life on stage, and maybe even learn a thing or two along the way.

79. Trivia games:

Trivia games are a great way to get the whole family involved.

With a mix of easy and challenging questions, everyone can get involved and have a great time.

Whether it's a general knowledge quiz or a themed game, trivia games are perfect for family game nights or even long car rides.

80. Balloon twisting workshops:

Kids will love learning the art of balloon twisting, and they can create all sorts of animals, hats, and even swords.

Balloon twisting workshops are perfect for kids' parties and other events where kids need to be entertained.

A balloon twister will teach kids the basics of balloon art, and they can even take their creations home as a fun souvenir.

81. Face painting:

Let your creativity run wild with face painting!

Get an expert face painter that will transform your family's face into all sorts of cool designs and characters, from butterflies to superheroes.

It's a great way to for them to express their personality and have some fun at the same time.

Plus, it's the perfect addition to any birthday party or special event!

82. Scavenger hunts:

Scavenger hunts are an exciting and engaging activity for kids and families.

You can organize a scavenger hunt in a local park, neighborhood, or even around the house.

Kids will love solving clues, finding hidden objects, and working together to complete the hunt.

83. Dress-up parties:

Dress-up parties are always a hit with kids.

Whether it's a princess party or a superhero bash, kids love to dress up and get into character.

You can organize a dress-up party at home, in a park, or even at a local venue.

Kids can play games, have a dance party, and take photos in their costumes.

84. Nature walks:

Nature walks are a great way to get kids outside and exploring the great outdoors.

You can organize a guided nature walk in a local park or forest, or even in your own backyard.

Kids can learn about different plants, animals, and ecosystems while getting some fresh air and exercise.

85. Storytime sessions:

Storytime sessions are perfect for younger children.

You can choose books that are age-appropriate and engaging, and read them aloud to the kids.

Kids can also get involved by acting out parts of the story or asking questions.

Storytime sessions are perfect for libraries, bookstores, or even at home.

86. Cooking classes:

Cooking classes are a great way to teach kids about food and healthy eating habits.

Kids can learn how to prepare simple and delicious meals, and they can even create their own recipes.

Cooking classes are perfect for kids' parties or even after-school programs.

87. DIY craft sessions:

DIY craft sessions are a great way to get kids' creative juices flowing.

Kids can learn how to make a variety of crafts, including painting, drawing, and even sewing.

You can organize a DIY craft session at home or even in a local community center.

88. Indoor bounce house parties:

Indoor bounce house parties are perfect for kids who love to jump and play.

You can rent a bounce house and set it up in a local gym or community center.

Kids can bounce around, play games, and have a great time with their friends.

Indoor bounce house parties are perfect for rainy days or colder months when outdoor activities aren't feasible.

Unique Event Ideas

You're tired of attending the same old boring events, you've come to the right place.

We're here to help you plan and attend events that are anything but ordinary.

From themed parties to charity auctions, we'll provide you with all the inspiration you need to make your next event one to remember.

Check out a list of unique event ideas that will leave your guests talking for years to come.

89. Escape room challenges:

Ready for a thrilling adventure? Gather your friends and test your problem-solving skills in an escape room challenge!

These interactive experiences will put you to the test, as you and your team have to solve clues and puzzles to escape from a locked room.

From spooky themes to mystery adventures, escape rooms offer a unique and exciting event for all ages!

90. Silent disco parties:

Want to dance the night away without disturbing the neighbors? Silent disco parties are the perfect solution!

Each guest wears a pair of wireless headphones, allowing them to tune into different channels of music.

This means everyone can dance to their favorite tunes without any noise complaints.

It’s a fun and unique way to enjoy a night out with friends and dance the night away!

91. Outdoor cinema screenings:

Imagine watching your favorite movie under the stars, surrounded by nature and fresh air.

Outdoor cinema screenings offer a relaxing and unique experience that’s perfect for movie buffs and families alike.

From classic films to new releases, outdoor cinemas offer a cozy and charming atmosphere to enjoy a movie.

92. Murder mystery events:

Ever wanted to play detective and solve a crime?

Murder mystery events are the perfect way to put your sleuthing skills to the test!

You and your guests will be part of a thrilling murder mystery scenario, as you work to uncover clues, motives, and suspects.

It’s a fun and interactive way to spend an evening with friends, as you try to solve the mystery before the night is over!

93. Circus-themed events:

Want to add a touch of whimsy to your next event? A circus-themed party might be just the ticket!

From jugglers and acrobats to clowns and tightrope walkers, circus performers offer a thrilling and fun entertainment experience.

Add in some popcorn, cotton candy, and a colorful décor, and you’ll have a party that’s sure to be remembered!

94. Medieval feasts:

Travel back in time and experience the grandeur of a medieval feast!

A medieval-themed event will transport you to a time of knights, kings, and queens, as you feast on hearty foods and enjoy live entertainment such as minstrels and jugglers.

With a rustic décor and costumes, a medieval feast is a unique and memorable event for any occasion!

95. Vintage-themed parties:

Love the vintage look and feel? A vintage-themed party is the perfect way to indulge in nostalgia!

From the 1920s to the 1980s, there’s a vintage style for everyone.

Dress up in your favorite decade, listen to classic music, and sip on retro cocktails for a party that’s both chic and fun!

96. Haunted houses:

Ready to get spooked? A haunted house event will send chills down your spine and leave you with goosebumps!

From elaborate mazes to haunted trails, these events are perfect for those who love a good scare.

Gather your bravest friends and explore the eerie rooms and spooky corridors, but beware of what’s lurking around the corner!

97. Fashion shows:

Want to experience the glamour and style of the runway? A fashion show event is the perfect way to do just that!

From high-end designer shows to local boutique showcases, fashion shows offer a unique and exciting event that’s both entertaining and educational.

Sit back, relax, and enjoy the latest fashion trends and designs on display!

98. Art battles:

Imagine a boxing ring, but instead of fighters, you have two artists going head to head in a live art competition.

Art battles are unique and exciting events where artists compete against each other in a timed art competition, with the winner decided by audience votes.

These events can feature a variety of mediums, from painting and drawing to sculpture and mixed media, and are a great way to showcase local artists and promote creativity in the community.

99. Beer gardens:

Who doesn't love a cold brew on a sunny day?

Beer gardens are outdoor events that offer a variety of beers on tap, often featuring local breweries and food vendors.

These events are a great way to socialize and enjoy a laid-back atmosphere, often with live music or entertainment.

With the rise of craft beer culture, beer gardens have become increasingly popular and are a fun way to discover new brews and support local businesses.

100. Rooftop parties:

Take your party to the next level - literally - with a rooftop party!

These events offer stunning views and a unique atmosphere, often featuring a DJ or live music, and can be customized to fit any theme or occasion.

Rooftop parties are perfect for celebrating milestones or just enjoying a night out with friends in a stylish and unforgettable setting.

101. Drag shows:

For a night of glitz, glamour, and fierce performances, check out a drag show!

These events feature drag queens and kings performing lip syncs, dances, and comedy routines that are sure to entertain.

Drag shows often have a vibrant and inclusive atmosphere, and are a great way to support the LGBTQ+ community and celebrate diversity.

102. Dog shows:

Who doesn't love a good pup parade?

Dog shows are events where owners can showcase their furry friends and compete for awards in categories such as obedience, agility, and best in show.

These events are a great way to bond with other dog owners and appreciate the talents and beauty of our four-legged companions.

103. Masquerade balls:

Get ready to dress up and step into a magical world of mystery and elegance with a masquerade ball.

These events feature elaborate costumes and masks, live music or a DJ, and a luxurious atmosphere.

Masquerade balls are perfect for celebrating special occasions like proms or weddings, or for indulging in a night of fantasy and romance.

104. Snow sports competitions:

Whether you're a seasoned pro or a newbie to winter sports, snow sports competitions are a thrilling way to watch or participate in events like skiing, snowboarding, and sledding.

These events often feature challenging courses, exciting jumps, and breathtaking stunts.

For adrenaline junkies and winter sports enthusiasts, snow sports competitions are a must-see.

105. Beach parties:

Sun, sand, and good vibes - what's not to love about a beach party?

These events are perfect for celebrating summer, with a variety of activities like beach volleyball, swimming, and sunbathing.

Beach parties often feature live music or a DJ, food and drink vendors, and a laid-back atmosphere.

Whether you're looking to party or just relax, a beach party is a great way to enjoy the outdoors and soak up some sun.

Themed Event Ideas

Here in our themed party ideas section, we've got all the inspiration you need to throw the ultimate shindig that will have your guests talking for weeks to come.

From retro 80s dance parties to elegant masquerade balls, we've got a theme for every occasion and taste.

106. Alice in Wonderland Tea Party:

Transport your guests down the rabbit hole and into the whimsical world of Alice in Wonderland with a tea party.

Set the scene with elaborate decorations like giant teacups, over-sized playing cards, and hanging lanterns.

Encourage guests to dress in costume as their favourite characters, from the Mad Hatter to the Queen of Hearts.

Serve up themed snacks and treats like "Eat Me" cakes, "Drink Me" potions, and mini sandwiches.

Keep things interactive with a game of croquet or a costume contest.

107. Casino Night:

Bring the excitement of Las Vegas to your event with a casino night.

Transform your venue into a classic casino with poker tables, blackjack tables, and slot machines.

Hire professional dealers to lead the games and offer prizes to the biggest winners of the night.

Set the mood with dim lighting, jazz music, and signature cocktails.

Guests can dress up in their finest suits and dresses, or go for a more casual look with a Hawaiian shirt and sunglasses.

108. Harry Potter Themed Event:

Take your guests on a magical journey to Hogwarts with a Harry Potter themed event.

Decorate your venue with Hogwarts banners, broomsticks, and floating candles.

Encourage guests to dress in their best wizard robes and sorting hats.

Offer themed activities like potion-making, wand-making, and trivia contests.

Serve up wizard-inspired food and drink like Butterbeer, pumpkin pasties, and cauldron cakes.

109. Masquerade Ball:

Add an air of mystery and intrigue to your event with a masquerade ball.

Ask guests to come dressed in formal wear and provide masks for a touch of anonymity.

Set the scene with lavish decorations like chandeliers, draped fabrics, and candelabras.

Offer a live band or DJ for music and dancing.

Offer themed activities like fortune-telling and tarot readings.

110. Superhero Party:

Embrace your inner superhero with a superhero party.

Encourage guests to dress up as their favourite heroes or create their own unique character.

Offer themed activities like obstacle courses, superhero training, and rescue missions.

Serve up food and drink inspired by famous superheroes, like Spiderman cupcakes or Captain America cocktails.

Add a photo booth with superhero props and backdrops for fun photo opportunities.

111. Western/Cowboy Hoedown:

Yeehaw! Get your guests into the spirit of the Wild West with a western/cowboy hoedown.

Decorate your venue with hay bales, cowboy boots, and bandanas.

Offer a live band or DJ playing country music for line dancing and two-stepping.

Serve up themed food and drink like chili, cornbread, and margaritas. Encourage guests to come dressed in cowboy boots, hats, and denim.

112. Hollywood Glamour Event:

Roll out the red carpet and bring the glamour of Hollywood to your event.

Decorate your venue with star-studded walls, Oscar statues, and paparazzi cut-outs.

Encourage guests to dress up in their finest formal wear and provide a photo booth with a Hollywood backdrop.

Serve up champagne and signature cocktails inspired by classic Hollywood stars like Marilyn Monroe and Frank Sinatra

113. Tropical Luau:

Aloha! Get ready to transport yourself to a tropical paradise with a fun and festive luau.

Think leis, tiki torches, and all things Hawaii. Decorate with colourful flowers, bamboo, and grass skirts.

Set up a bar with tropical drinks like mai tais and piña coladas and serve Hawaiian-inspired dishes like poke bowls and kalua pork.

Have your guests dress in Hawaiian shirts, grass skirts, and flower crowns.

Add in some fun activities like a limbo contest and hula dancing lessons to really get the party started.

114. Disco Inferno Party:

Get ready to groove with the Disco Inferno party!

This themed party is all about the 70s, with disco balls, funky lights, and all the disco classics.

Dress up in your bell-bottoms, afros, and platform shoes and dance the night away with your friends. Set up a dance floor, DJ, and bar to really set the mood.

Get creative with your decorations and make sure to have plenty of glitter and shiny metallics.

Serve classic disco-themed snacks like fondue, shrimp cocktail, and Jell-O shots. You'll have a blast boogieing down and showing off your disco moves.

115. Underwater/Mermaid Party:

Dive into an underwater world with an underwater/mermaid party.

Transform your venue into an underwater paradise with blue and green decorations, seaweed, and seashells. Encourage guests to dress up as mermaids or sea creatures.

Offer themed activities like a scavenger hunt for hidden treasures, underwater photo booth, and face painting.

Serve up food and drink inspired by the ocean, like seafood skewers and blue cocktails.

116. Enchanted Forest Event:

Create a magical evening with an enchanted forest event. Set the scene with trees, fairy lights, and lots of greenery.

Create a whimsical atmosphere with elements like hanging lanterns, mossy decorations, and mystical creatures like unicorns and dragons. Serve themed cocktails like "fairy dust" and "dragon's breath."

You can even have a tarot card reader or a fortune teller for added mystical entertainment.

Encourage your guests to dress up in fantasy-inspired costumes, like woodland fairies and forest creatures.

This event is sure to be a night of enchantment and magic!

117. Vintage/Retro Party:

Take a step back in time with a vintage/retro party.

This theme can be based on any era you choose, from the roaring 20s to the funky 70s. Decorate with vintage posters, record players, and retro accessories.

Serve classic cocktails and snacks from the era, like martinis and devilled eggs.

Encourage your guests to dress up in vintage clothing and costumes to really set the mood.

Have a playlist of music from the era and maybe even hire a swing dance instructor to get everyone moving!

118. Arabian Nights Event:

Transform your venue into a Middle Eastern oasis with an Arabian Nights event.

Use colourful fabrics, lanterns, and Persian rugs to create a luxurious atmosphere.

Serve exotic drinks like Turkish coffee and mint tea, and traditional Middle Eastern cuisine like kebabs and baklava.

For entertainment, you could have belly dancers or hire a tarot reader or henna artist.

Encourage your guests to dress in traditional Middle Eastern clothing like kaftans and turbans, or in costumes inspired by Disney's "Aladdin."

119. Sports Themed Event:

Calling all sports fans! A sports-themed event is perfect for your next gathering.

Decorate with sports memorabilia, pennants, and team colours.

Have a big screen set up to play games and create a bracket for a mini tournament among your guests.

Serve game-day snacks like wings, sliders, and beer. Encourage your guests to dress up in their favourite team's gear or jerseys.

If you really want to go all out, rent an inflatable obstacle course or giant Jenga set for added fun!

120. Pirates of the Caribbean party:

Ahoy mateys! If you're looking for a swashbuckling good time, a Pirates of the Caribbean party is the way to go.

Decorate your space with pirate flags, treasure chests, and rope nets.

Have guests dress up in pirate costumes, and make sure to provide plenty of props like eye patches, hats, and fake swords.

Serve up some seafood and rum-based drinks and have fun with pirate-themed games like a treasure hunt or a pirate-themed escape room.

121. Winter wonderland event:

Snowy scenes, twinkling lights, and festive cheer - a winter wonderland event is the perfect way to celebrate the holiday season.

Create a magical atmosphere with twinkling lights, fake snow, and winter-themed decorations.

Set up some fun activities like ice skating, snowball fights, and hot cocoa stations.

And don't forget to have a special guest appearance from Santa himself!

Serve up some warm and cosy comfort food, like soup and grilled cheese sandwiches, to warm everyone up.

122. Medieval banquet:

Transport your guests back in time with a medieval banquet.

Dress up in medieval attire and decorate your space with banners, tapestries, and candelabras.

Serve up hearty, rustic dishes like roasted meat, bread, and hearty stews.

Have guests eat with their hands and drink from goblets to fully immerse themselves in the experience.

Set up some fun activities like a jousting tournament or a sword-fighting demonstration.

123. Beach party:

Nothing screams summer like a beach party! Get your swimsuits on and head down to the shore for some sun, sand, and good times.

Set up a beach volleyball net, bring some beach balls, and don't forget the sunscreen! Crank up some music and dance the day away.

Set up some fun activities like a sandcastle building competition or a beach scavenger hunt.

And of course, make sure there's plenty of delicious food and cold drinks to go around.

124. 1920s speakeasy party:

Get ready to swing into the roaring twenties with a speakeasy party.

Set the mood with dim lighting, vintage decor, and live jazz music.

Encourage guests to dress in their best flapper dresses and suits.

Serve up some classic cocktails like martinis and old fashioned, and have some prohibition-era snacks like devilled eggs and canapes.

Set up some fun activities like a dance contest or a casino night with classic games like blackjack and roulette.

125. Black and white ball:

For a sophisticated and elegant event, a black and white ball is the way to go.

Guests should dress in their finest black and white attire, and the decor should be classic and timeless.

Set up a dance floor and have a live band or DJ playing some classic tunes.

Serve up fancy hors d'oeuvres and elegant cocktails. And don't forget to have a photographer on hand to capture all the glamour and glitz of the night!

Final Tips For Your Event

In conclusion, planning an event can be a daunting task, but with the right ideas and resources, you can create an unforgettable experience for your guests.

Remember to check out our how to market your event guide for help promoting your event. Also, if you are still hunting for the right venue for your event look through our guide on finding that perfect venue .

From corporate events to social gatherings, virtual events to themed parties, there are countless event ideas to choose from to suit your needs and preferences.

By keeping event goals in mind, collaborating with vendors, and staying organized, you can ensure a successful event.

Don't be afraid to get creative and think outside the box when planning your next event.

With these 125 event ideas, you're sure to find something that will inspire and help you plan an event that will leave a lasting impression. If you are still looking for an event ticketing and booking platform like TryBooking to help with accepting online bookings, manage attendees and reduce admin while you focus on your event. Check out our list of easy-to-use features that can help you manage your event all for one simple low price .

Also don’t hesitate to seek help from our local Customer Success team to help you get started or to assist you with your event.

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By Tristan Parker

With a global travel situation over the past two years that can be labelled ‘temperamental’ at best and a sudden over-familiarity with the word ‘postponed’, it’s entirely possible you’re lacking inspiration for your 2022 calendar. That’s why we’ve put together a guide to 50 events taking place this year that we feel you need to know about.

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London International Mime Festival, England

12 January-6 February

Think again if you’re expecting three weeks of Marcel Marceau impressions, as this undersung London gem is an exhilarating exploration of physical theatre . The wide-ranging schedule covers contemporary dance, puppetry, cinema, circus and lots of great children’s shows. Two of many highlights are a circus strong-lady performance combining personal storytelling and wince-inducing lifting, and The Chosen Haram, a powerful reflection on faith, sexuality and addiction, performed on two Chinese poles.

Price: Events priced individually Address: Various London venues Website: mimelondon.com

Kiruna Snow Festival, Sweden

26-30 January

Winter doesn’t seem so bleak when you’re at what’s claimed to be the world’s cosiest snow festival. The highlight is a snow sculpture competition that attracts international talent and spawns genuinely amazing work, but there’s also the Snow Blower World Championships, figure skating and a kids’ playground – made from snow, naturally. Being in Sweden ’s northernmost town also means you have a fine chance of glimpsing the Northern Lights .

Price:  Free Address: Gruvvägen 1, 981 31 Kiruna, Sweden Website: snofestivalen.com

Noć Muzeja (Museum Night), Croatia

This popular annual event sees museums across Croatia open their doors for free on the last Friday in January, from 6pm-1am, with some hosting special exhibitions and events. Hundreds of museums take part, but the biggest concentration is in Noć Muzeja’s birthplace, Zagreb, where venues as varied as the Chocolate Museum, the Museum of Contemporary Art and the Nikola Tesla Technical Museum all welcome night-time visitors.

Price:  Free Address: Venues around Croatia Website: nocmuzeja.hr

Yves Saint Laurent aux Musées, Paris, France

29 January-15 May

To celebrate the 60th anniversary of Yves Saint Laurent’s first runway show, six major Parisian museums are staging a simultaneous exhibition to honour the iconic fashion designer. Each institution will display YSL creations alongside artwork from their collections, highlighting how the designer was influenced by artists like Matisse and Picasso, and looking at wider links between fashion and art. Give yourself a few days – at least – if you want to attempt all six venues.

Price:  Entry fee for each venue priced independently Address: Six museums across Paris (Musée du Louvre, Musée d’Orsay, Centre Pompidou, Musée d’Art Moderne de Paris, Musée National Picasso-Paris, Musée Yves Saint Laurent Paris) Website: museeyslparis.com

Armagh Fusion Festival, Northern Ireland

4-20 February

If you’ve never visited Armagh before, there couldn’t be a better occasion than this culture-crammed celebration of the region’s history and heritage – if you have been before, there’s still plenty to learn. Take your pick from theatre-hopping walking tours, ceilidhs, road bowling and brunch, an ‘art after dark’ showcase, printmaking workshops, a silent disco, mindfulness days in the grand Palace Demesne and much more besides.

Price:  Events priced individually Address: Venues  around Armagh city Website: visitarmagh.com

Carnevale di Venezia, Venice, Italy

12 February-1 March

Those who like their carnivals classy will do well at one of Venice ’s biggest calendar dates. Seeing the city awash with elaborate period costumes and distinctive masks is a big draw, but there are also canal parades, competitions, street performances, masquerade balls and fancy suppers if you want to splash out. St Mark’s Square is a constant hub of activity and theatrical goings-on throughout.

Price:  Free with some ticketed events Address: Across Venice Website: carnevale.venezia

Marrakech International Storytelling Festival, Morocco

12-20 February

Hear tales big and small, funny, moving, magical, educational and eye-opening, relayed by 50 poets, performers and experienced tellers from around the globe. Stories take place at cafes, museums and riads around Morocco , alongside workshops and social events. The festival is also the next step in the World Storytelling Cafe, a digital project born during the pandemic that allowed international storytelling to continue safely.

Price:  Free Address: Venues around Marrakech Website: worldstorytellingcafe.com

Madeira Carnival, Funchal, Portugal

23 February-1 March

If you can’t stretch to Rio Carnival , the festivities on this sometimes-overlooked Portuguese island are a suitably extravagant substitute. No expense is spared and you’ll find all the parades, floats, samba bands, colourful costumes and dancing you’ll need for a surprisingly wild time. The main parade hits the streets on Saturday 26 February, before the fun ends on Shrove Tuesday with the trapalhão parade (‘slapstick’ or ‘clumsy’ parade), with lots of kooky costumes.

Price:  Free Address: Avenida do Mar and nearby, Funchal, Madeira Website: visitmadeira.pt

Altitude Comedy Festival, Mayrhofen, Austria

28 March-1 April

Combine slopes and jokes at this Alpine comedy festival, hosted in ski -obsessed Mayrhofen. The idea is to ski to your heart’s content in the daytime and then kick back in the evenings at daily comedy shows. This year’s line-up includes co-founders Marcus Brigstocke and Andrew Maxwell, Rich Hall, Zoe Lyons and Shaparak Khorsandi.

Price:  From £149 (five-day ticket) Address: Sport & Spa Hotel Strass, Hauptstraße 470, Mayrhofen, 6290, Austria Website: altitudefestival.com

Cartagena International Film Festival, Colombia

16-21 March

This will be the 61st edition of Latin America’s oldest film festival, and while the primary focus is on Colombian and Latin American cinema, diversity in filmmaking is also prioritised. At the time of writing, the 2022 schedule hasn’t yet been announced, but sections of the programming highlight work from communities and cultures around the world. Look out for starry special guests, as previous editions have welcomed the likes of Tilda Swinton, Ethan Coen and Isabella Rossellini.

Price:  TBC Address: Venues around Cartagena Website: ficcifestival.com

Las Fallas, Valencia, Spain

15-19 March

While the origins of Valencia ’s biggest celebration are uncertain, what’s clear is that today’s incarnation is a loud ride. Ready yourself for daily ‘concerts’ of firecrackers, huge firework displays and bonfires burning the towering ninots (painstakingly crafted papier-mâché sculptures, usually satirical versions of politicians and celebrities) that are paraded through the streets all week. It’s not for the faint-hearted, but it is welcoming and a whole lot of fun.

Price:  Free Address: Across central Valencia Website: visitvalencia.com

Monarch butterfly migration, Mexico

Throughout March

Every autumn, millions of monarch butterflies leave North America’s chilly temperatures and journey around 3,000 miles to a sprawling, far-warmer forested area in central Mexico for five months. This forest is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and sections of it can be visited to witness orange-and-black swathes of these beautiful creatures in their toasty winter habitat, resting amongst trees and darting through the air. It’s a life-affirming spectacle.

Price:  Free Address: Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve, Michoacán, Mexico 

Cherry blossom, Mount Yoshino, Japan

Throughout April

Japan ’s Instagram-breaking cherry blossom trees can be viewed from numerous locations during their spring bloom, but Mount Yoshino remains the most revered, and it’s hard to argue with its popularity. Get there early (we’re talking 6am) to beat the crowds, then ascend through the four sections, marvelling at some 30,000 trees lining the slopes, and the carpets of pink and white snaking across the hillsides.

Price:  Free Address: Mount Yoshino, Yoshinoyama, Yoshino-cho, Nara 639-3115 Website: yoshino-kankou.jp

Children’s Culture Festival, Reykjavík, Iceland

Providing yet-another reason to visit Reykjavík is this week-long celebration of creativity, where children and young people can lose themselves in activities hosted in schools, museums, libraries and theatres across the city. Participation is key to the festival and the schedule includes theatre workshops, puppetry, music, dance, storytelling, film, visual arts and circus performance. Because why should adults get to hog all the Nordic-cool vibes?

Price:  Free Address: Venues across Reykjavík Website: childrensculturefestival.is

Sónar Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal

Barcelona ’s benchmark of festival cool launches a new chapter in the Portuguese capital. Sónar Lisboa follows the same blueprint, mixing cutting-edge electronic music with visual art across the separate day and night showcases, with some parties lasting through the night. Confirmed artists so far are a mix of progressive producers, DJs and musicians, including Charlotte de Witte, Honey Dijon, Thundercat, Nina Kraviz and Floating Points.

Price:  £36.55-£54.82 (single event night ticket), £45.68 (single day-only ticket), £100.51 (two-day ticket), £228.42 (full day and night ticket) Address: Venues across Lisbon Website: sonarlisboa.pt

The Reel Store, Coventry, England

April (opening date TBC)

As Coventry ’s UK City of Culture status draws to a close, the opening of the UK’s first permanent immersive digital art gallery will help cement its cultural legacy. Housed in the former offices of the Coventry Evening Telegraph, the 800m2 space will launch with a fittingly innovative statement. Machine Memoirs: Space, by tech-focused artist Refik Anadol, uses AI and machine learning to display heady 360-degree digital interpretations of NASA space photography.

Price:  Ticket prices TBC Address: The Reel Store, Telegraph Hotel, Upper Well Street, Coventry, CV1 Website: coventry2021.co.uk

Fowey Festival of Arts and Literature, Cornwall, England

This blissful Cornish harbour town was the home of celebrated author Daphne du Maurier, who provides the influence for this festival. As such, book readings, writing workshops and other literary goings-on are a big focus, but the event is still huge fun for non-bookworms, thanks to live music, art exhibitions and Fowey’s cosy pubs, restaurants and nearby coastal walks .

Price:  Events priced individually Address: Venues around Fowey Website: foweyfestival.com

Edinburgh International Children’s Festival, Scotland

This expertly curated festival with 30 years under its belt handpicks children’s theatre and dance shows from around the world. The resulting programme features diverse performances for all ages – from toddlers right the way up to teenagers – including intelligently presented shows for the older audiences that don’t shy away from difficult issues. There are also free pop-up events around Edinburgh .

Price:  Shows priced individually Address: Venues around Edinburgh Website: imaginate.org.uk/festival

Berlin Design Week, Germany

Unsurprisingly, Berlin ’s annual design deep-dive is a slick affair with an eye firmly on current trends. Exhibitions, tours, open studios, parties and business speed dating are offered in the programme, which will appeal to artists, creatives and anyone with an eye for aesthetics. But the event is more than just a visual feast, and will explore how design can address sustainability and societal challenges through its 2022 theme, ‘higher purpose’.

Price:  Events priced individually Address: Venues around Berlin Website: berlindesignweek.com

Dak’Art, La Biennale de Dakar, Senegal

19 May-21 Jun

One of Africa ’s largest and most established biennales, Dak’Art focuses on contemporary art from around the continent, alongside international contributions. For its 14th edition, 59 artists and collectives will exhibit paintings, installations, photography, sculpture, textiles and audio. Make sure to also seek out work from Dak’Art OFF – hundreds of unofficial exhibitions happening across the city, showcasing local talent.

Price:  Free Address: Ancien Palais de Justice, Dakar, Senegal Website: biennaledakar.org

Temecula Valley Balloon and Wine Festival, California, United States

Kudos to whoever thought of combining two marvellous things – hot air balloons and wine – into a three-day festival. See Temecula’s spectacular vineyards from above as you drift over in a balloon, before sampling the goods when you land at daily wine tastings – local microbreweries will be on-hand if beer’s more your thing. There’s also a ‘balloon glow’ (grounded balloons are inflated and lit up at dusk), plus live music TBA.

Price:  £25-45 (one-day ticket), £74-£92 (three-day ticket) Address: Lake Skinner Recreation Area, 37701 Warren Road, Winchester, CA 92596, United States Website: tvbwf.com

National Museum of Art, Architecture and Design, Oslo, Norway

The largest art museum in the Nordic region opens in June after a seven-year wait, merging collections from three other prestigious Norwegian institutions. Among the 5,000 century-spanning items on display will be a van Gogh self-portrait and The Scream by Norway ’s own Edvard Munch, who gets a dedicated room. There’s also contemporary art, photography, textiles and fashion (including items from Norwegian designer Edda Gimnes), alongside the striking architecture of the new venue.

Price:  TBC Address: Brynjulf Bulls plass 4 0250, Oslo, Norway Website: nasjonalmuseet.no

FLUGT, Refugee Museum of Denmark, Oksbøl

Opening date TBC

A former hospital in what was Denmark ’s largest refugee camp following the Second World War is being transformed into a museum, to tell the stories of some of the 35,000 refugees who were housed in the camp. FLUGT will also explore the lives and challenges of refugees in modern-day Denmark.

Price:  TBC Address: Præstegårdsvej 21, 6840 Oksbøl, Denmark Website: vardemuseerne.dk

Pride Toronto, Canada

Toronto ’s Pride is one of the largest in the world, meaning lots is going on throughout June leading up to the main parade, Trans March and Dyke March – plus music and parties galore – at the festival weekend (24-26 June). Performers include dancehall artist Spice and former RuPaul’s Drag Race winner Symone, and there’s a welcome sustainability gesture in the event’s banning of flatbed floats and petrol vehicles in parades.

Price:  Free with some ticketed events Address: Across Toronto (parade routes TBC) Website: pridetoronto.com

Montreux Jazz Festival, Switzerland

Nowadays, jazz is just one component of this highly respected festival. The 2022 line-up is still under wraps, but considering Montreux has hosted everyone from Nina Simone to David Bowie to Kendrick Lamar over the years, assume you’re in safe hands. There’s also a sizeable free programme (concerts, pool parties, star-studded jam sessions) and the dreamy Lake Geneva shoreside location to enjoy.

Price:  TBC Address: Montreux Music & Convention Centre, Avenue Claude-Nobs 5, 1820 Montreux, Switzerland Website: montreuxjazzfestival.com

Galway International Arts Festival, Connacht, Ireland

A mix of international entertainment and local culture is what you’ll find at this festival in beautiful Galway . Starry musical headliners playing a riverside big top tent include The Flaming Lips, Sinead O’Connor and Jon Hopkins, but traditional Irish folk music, literary readings and poetry are never far away. And that’s before you’ve explored Galway’s charms, such as Michelin-starred restaurants and the buzzy Latin Quarter.

Price:  Big top shows from £30, other events TBC Address: Venues around Galway Website: giaf.ie

Cambridge Folk Festival, England

One of the longest-running folk festivals in the world has evolved into a big deal but still feels intimate and fun. Wandering around the site, you’ll hear far more than ‘just’ folk music – blues, soul, jazz, and other global sounds are all readily available. Acts for 2022 include Seasick Steve, Suzanne Vega, Chico Trujillo and heralded guitarist Christone ‘Kingfish’ Ingram.

Price: £31-£78.28 (adult day ticket), £187.46 (adult weekend ticket) Address: Cherry Hinton Hall, Cherry Hinton Road, Cambridgeshire, CB1 8DW, England Website: cambridgelive.org.uk

Commonwealth Games, Birmingham, England

28 July-8 August

Lace-up your running shoes and prepare for a spectating marathon, as Birmingham hosts some of the world’s top sporting talents from 72 nations. Events include judo, diving, wrestling, beach volleyball, swimming, triathlon, athletics and what’s claimed to be the largest integrated para-sport programme in history.

Price: From £15 for adults and £8 for under-16s Address: Venues across Birmingham  Website: birmingham2022.com

Seoul POPCON, South Korea

25-28 August

The Seoul chapter of Comic-Con will transform into Seoul POPCON (Pop Culture Convention) for 2022, broadening its remit to represent gaming, NFTs, metaverses, animation, film and music – as well as comics, of course. Exhibitors and a wider schedule are yet to be announced, but judging by the hype, POPCON promises to unleash a whole universe of cult delights.

Price: TBC Address: Coex 513, Yeongdong-daero, Gangnam-gu, Seoul 06164, South Korea Website: seoulpopcon.org

Tahiti Pro Teahupo’o, French Polynesia

11-21 August

Surfing is a great spectator sport, especially when you’re in Tahiti . Every year, the small village of Teahupo’o is the setting for one of the World Surf League’s most thrilling championship events (on both the men and women’s tours), thanks to some truly monstrous waves arising in a select spot. It’s a remote location but well worth seeking out for the thrills and the scenery.

Price: Free Address: Teahupo’o, Tahiti-Iti, French Polynesia Website: worldsurfleague.com

Jersey Battle of Flowers, British Isles

11-12 August

If the Chelsea Flower Show is just too static for you, this horticultural carnival dating back to 1902 should do the trick. Impossibly intricate flower sculptures, ranging from 12-45 feet in length, travel the streets in two parades, including an illuminated night-time parade. Previous battles have featured floral versions of Arctic wildlife, scenes from Avatar and mock-ups of The Muppets while marching bands, fireworks and dancers add to the fun.

Price: £19-£35 (single parade ticket) Address: Victoria Avenue, Jersey, British Isles Website: battleofflowers.com

Melbourne International Film Festival, Australia

4-21 August

Melbourne ’s film festival was launched in 1952, making it one of the world’s oldest and a big date on the city calendar. The event presents innovative films plucked from around the globe and one of the world’s largest Australian film showcases. Broaden your horizons even further with masterclasses on acting and directing techniques.

Price: Events priced individually (multi-film passes cost £58 and £105) Address: Venues around Melbourne Website: miff.com.au

The Great Migration, Maasai Mara, Kenya

Throughout August

Yes, a Kenyan safari at any time of year will reap rewards, and there are certainly less-crowded months than August, but sometimes the main event is worth a little inconvenience. The Great Migration – when over 1.5 million wildebeest (plus zebras and antelopes) make their way from the Serengeti in Tanzania to Kenya’s Maasai Mara – is one such event. The migration is an ongoing cycle throughout the year, but the Maasai Mara section is the most famous, due to the mighty herd’s epic Mara River crossing. It’s a sight you won’t forget – just make sure to do some research and choose an ethical safari.

Price: Varying depending on safari Address: Maasai Mara National Reserve, Rift Valley Province, Narok, Kenya

Abergavenny Food Festival, Wales

17-18 September

Any self-respecting – or just hungry – foodie needs to visit this market town ’s acclaimed annual festival, when chefs, traders, producers and punters from around the UK gather in the streets to cook, eat, drink, talk and eat some more. Local and wider Welsh producers are – quite rightly – heavily represented, and there are chef demos and a kids’ cookery school alongside an array of global food stalls.

Price: TBC Address: Abergavenny, Monmouthshire, Wales Website: abergavennyfoodfestival.com

Dieppe International Kite Festival, France

Every two years, the skies above an eight-hectare seafront strip of Dieppe are filled with astronauts, unicorns, seahorses, dinosaurs and thousands of other characters and colourful shapes, as one of the world’s largest kite festivals hits town. There are acrobatic kite competitions and workshops for all ages, but just observing the hypnotic aerial action alongside several hundred thousand other visitors is the most rewarding activity.

Price: Free Address: Dieppe seafront, Normandy, France Website: dieppe-cerf-volant.org

Whale watching, Hermanus, South Africa

Throughout September

Whale watching presents its own set of ecological concerns. One way around this is to visit Hermanus , one of the best whale watching spots on Earth, which has an abundance of shore locations where southern right whales can be observed – surprisingly closely – without disturbance. The 12km Cliff Path is peppered with viewpoints, such as Dreunkrans and Roman Rock, and September is the perfect month for shoreline spots.

Price: Free Address: Cliff Path, Hermanus, 7200, South Africa Website: Hermanus.co.za

Sun in a Glass, Pilsen, Czech Republic

16-17 September

European beer festivals aren’t all lederhosen and Löwenbräu, as this small but perfectly formed microbrewery festival proves. Sip through as many craft beers as you dare from around 80 brewers, including many homegrown Czech operations like Urban Třebíč and Malý Janek, all taking place in Purkmistr Brewery’s courtyard.

Price: Free Address: Selská náves 21/2, 32600 Pilsen, Czech Republic Website: slunceveskle.cz

Lauren Burvill , CN Traveller

Olivia Morelli

CNT Editors

CNT Editors , CN Traveller

Ottobrata Zafferanese, Sicily, Italy

2, 9, 16, 23, 30 October

For over 40 years the village of Zafferana Etnea, near Mount Etna, has hosted gastronomic gatherings every Sunday in October to trade and champion regional produce. The markets and food stalls are a big focus, and you’ll find blissfully fresh porcini mushrooms, pistachios, chestnuts, olive oil, grapes, mustard and wine – each Sunday highlights different items. Art exhibitions, documentary screenings and live bands accompany these lively local meetups. 

Price: Free Address: Zafferana Etnea, Catania, Sicily, Italy Website: ottobratazafferanese.it

Cheltenham Literature Festival, Gloucestershire, England

7-16 October

If you’re going to celebrate the power and enjoyment of the written word, the world’s oldest literature festival (as organisers say) seems the place to do it. As well as readings from high-profile authors and guest curators (Bernardine Evaristo, Maggie O'Farrell and Richard Dawkins are previous contributors), there’s a substantial children’s offering and a Lit Crawl with comedy and parties popping up around town.

Price: Events priced individually Address: Venues around Cheltenham Website: cheltenhamfestivals.com/literature

Exmoor Dark Skies Festival, England

14-30 October

Designated an International Dark Sky Reserve in 2011, Exmoor is privy to some of Britain’s clearest night-time skies, making it a stargazing hub. The region’s popular Dark Skies Festival celebrates this status, featuring activities like dusk safaris, stargazing suppers, guided night walks exploring the area, children’s craft sessions and astrophotography workshops.

Price: Events priced individually Address: Venues around Exmoor Website: darkskiesnationalparks.org.uk

Diwali, Jaipur, India

There are countless fantastic locations across India in which to spend Diwali – the Festival of Lights and a time for celebrating – but the ‘Pink City’ is one of the most magical. It’s a visually intoxicating place year-round, but during Diwali, its landmarks and streets are draped head-to-toe in lights – Johari Bazar and Albert Hall Museum both look dazzling for the occasion. Also, consider heading up to Nahargarh Fort for superlative views across an illuminated city.

Price: Free Address: Jaipur, Rajasthan, India Website: tourism.rajasthan.gov.in

Iceland Airwaves, Reykjavík, Iceland

2-5 November

Not all the best music festivals happen in summer, as proven by the Icelandic capital’s deep dive into forward-thinking sounds. Established international names usually headline (though still on the alternative side of things – think Caribou and Blood Orange), but the real joy for non-locals is being introduced to tons of Icelandic acts. Another bonus is hopping between impromptu gig venues across the city, such as museums, record shops, churches and bars.

Price: £102 (Four-day ticket) Address: Venues around Reykjavík Website: icelandairwaves.is

Somerset County Guy Fawkes Carnivals, England

Begins 5 November

Why celebrate Bonfire Night just once when there are so many days in November? This seems to be the ethos behind one of the UK’s oldest illuminated processions, consisting of eight separate carnival dates in different towns (and one city, Wells). Beginning in Bridgwater, each carnival features elaborately decorated, illuminated ‘carts’ (similar to carnival floats), some up to 100 feet in length, plus bonfires, fireworks and other festivities.

Price: Free Address: Regions around Somerset throughout November (Bridgwater – Saturday 5; Burnham-on-Sea – Monday 7; Weston-Super-Mare – Friday 11; North Petherton – Saturday 12; Midsomer Norton – Monday 14; Shepton Mallet – Wednesday 16; Wells – Friday 18; Glastonbury – Saturday 19) Website: somersetcountycarnivals.com

Real Ale Wobble, Llanwrtyd Wells, Powys, Wales

Find out what happens when you combine mountain biking with pint-quaffing at this marvellously muddy adventure. The boozy bike ride launches the Mid Wales Beer Festival in Llanwrtyd Wells (Wales’ smallest town) and offers riders a choice of 15 or 25 miles through show-stopping Cambrian Mountain scenery. ‘Refreshment’ stops on route provide choice ales from a local brewery, hence the inevitable wobble.

Price: TBC Address: Llanwrtyd Wells (starting point TBC), Powys, LD5, Wales Website: green-events.co.uk

New York Comedy Festival

Laugh your way through a chunk of November at this respected comedy festival, which has showcased hundreds of big names and up-and-coming comics since launching in 2004. It’s a rewarding exploration of the US comedy scene for both super-fans and newcomers, with some international talent represented, too. Previous guests include Jon Stewart, 2 Dope Queens, Amy Schumer, David Cross, Margaret Cho, Jimmy Carr and so many more.

Price: TBC Address: Venues around New York Website: nycomedyfestival.com

Queenstown Marathon, New Zealand

19 November

If you’ve resolved to run a marathon in 2022, make it a special one – like Queenstown ’s 26.2 miler, one of the world’s most scenic marathons. Glimpsing Lake Wakatipu’s blue expanse, the aptly-named Remarkables mountain range and the cute, gold rush chic of Arrowtown will help weary legs power through. You can also enter as a walker or opt for a half-marathon or 10km.

Price: £110 (full distance), £80 (half-marathon), £45 (10km), £18 (kids’ run) Address: The Avenue, Millbrook Resort, Arrowtown 9371, New Zealand Website: queenstown-marathon.co.nz

Hong Kong WinterFest

Throughout December

If you want a far-flung Christmas getaway but can’t do without tinsel, artificial snow and twinkling fairy lights, go revel in Hong Kong ’s annual WinterFest, featuring all of the above and a towering Christmas tree in Statue Square. Victoria Harbour and the surrounding areas hold the richest concentration of illuminations, making it the ideal way to get your holly jolly fix amid the urban sprawl.

Price: Free Address: Victoria Harbour, Hong Kong Website: discoverhongkong.com

Art Basel Miami Beach, United States

1-3 December

Before winter moves in, stock up on Vitamin D by basking in Floridian sunshine at the Miami chapter of this unapologetically hip art fair. The contemporary programme is packed with bold and experimental work from galleries around the globe, but the sheer scale means there’s enough to appeal to pretty much everyone. A big part of the experience is hunting out the numerous satellite art fairs and afterparties (some decidedly glitzy) that flood the city.

Price: TBC Address: Miami Beach Convention Center, 1901 Convention Center Drive, Miami Beach, Florida 33139, United States Website: artbasel.com/miami-beach

Réveillon, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

31 December

Go all out for New Year and spend it in party-primed Rio , where the traditional celebration, Réveillon, is second only to carnival in terms of size. The highlight for many is the vast party on Copacabana Beach, attracting over two million people and featuring live music stages (with plenty of samba), plus an almighty firework display erupting at midnight. Follow local good luck traditions by wearing white and (safely) jumping through seven waves in the sea, facing away from the beach .

Price: Free Address: Copacabana Beach, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil Website: visitbrasil.com

Amsterdam Light Festival

Throughout December and January, launch date TBC

Every December, light artworks and installations by international artists are scattered around Amsterdam ’s canals, parks and streets, giving the city a heart-warming glow. The works also form a trail that can be followed by purchasing a digital map and audio guide, or by boarding a Light Festival canal cruise . Or just work out the route for yourself – either way, it’s an illuminating experience.

Price: Free/ticket prices for audio guide and cruises TBC Address: Around Amsterdam Website: amsterdamlightfestival.com

•  Guest Posts

24 Fun Ways to Celebrate World Tourism Day in the Office in 2023

24 World Tourism Day celebration ideas at the workplace for a cultural adventure. Expand the office boundaries and explore the world from the desk.

Table of Contents

Imagine taking a whirlwind trip around the world without leaving the comfort of your office! Sounds exciting, doesn't it?

Well, that's exactly what we have in store for you as we gear up to celebrate World Tourism Day right here at work. It's a day dedicated to the love of travel, exploration, and the diverse cultures that make our world so fascinating.

Explore these 24 fantastic ideas on how to make the most of World Tourism Day in the office. Whether you're an enthusiastic globetrotter or simply someone looking for a fresh twist on your workplace celebrations, you're in for a treat.

From culinary adventures to virtual expeditions, we've got something for everyone.

So, fasten your seatbelts, and let's embark on this journey of creativity and camaraderie as we celebrate the spirit of wanderlust within the confines of our workspace.

When is World Tourism Day celebrated and why?

World Tourism Day is celebrated on September 27th every year. The day was established by the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) to raise awareness about the role of tourism within the international community and to demonstrate how it affects social, cultural, political, and economic values worldwide.

• Awareness: Established by the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) in 1980, this day serves to raise awareness about the importance of tourism and its impact on societies worldwide.
• Economic Impact: Tourism is one of the major revenue sources for many countries. It helps stimulate economic growth, provides employment opportunities, and drives the development of infrastructure.
• Cultural Exchange: Tourism promotes the exchange of cultures. It allows people from various parts of the world to understand, appreciate, and learn from diverse cultures, traditions, and ways of life. This can foster global understanding and peace.
• Education and Enlightenment: Travel broadens the mind. Through tourism, people get firsthand experiences of places, histories, and traditions, which can be a form of education outside the conventional classroom environment.
• Sustainable Development: In recent years, the concept of sustainable tourism, which respects both local communities and the traveler, cultural heritage, and the environment, has come to the forefront. World Tourism Day often emphasizes the significance of sustainable tourism and its role in ensuring that the benefits of tourism reach every corner of the world.

Each year, a theme is chosen for World Tourism Day that reflects the current issues, challenges, and trends in the tourism industry. This theme guides discussions, events, and celebrations related to the day.

12 World Tourism Day celebration ideas in the office

Here are 12 World Tourism Day celebration ideas in the office:

1. International food day

This celebration is all about bringing the flavors of the world into your workplace. Encourage your colleagues to prepare and share dishes from different countries or regions they've visited.

You can set up a communal eating area where everyone can try a variety of international foods. It's like having a global potluck! This idea not only celebrates diverse cuisines but also allows employees to bond over their shared love for food and travel.

2. Travel story sharing

Traveling is full of exciting adventures and sometimes hilarious mishaps. Organize a session during a lunch break or as part of a casual meeting where employees can share their travel experiences.

It could be a heartwarming story about a memorable trip or a funny anecdote about a travel mishap. This activity helps coworkers get to know each other better and learn about different parts of the world through personal stories.

3. Travel trivia quiz

Put together a fun and engaging travel-themed quiz for your colleagues. The quiz can include questions about famous landmarks, world capitals, unique customs, and interesting facts from various countries.

You can divide everyone into teams and make it a friendly competition to see who knows the most about world trivia. It's a great way to infuse a bit of friendly rivalry and learning into your World Tourism Day celebration.

4. Cultural dress-up day

Encourage your coworkers to showcase their appreciation for different cultures by coming to the office dressed in attire representing a country or culture they admire or have a connection with.

It could be as simple as wearing a traditional scarf or something more elaborate like a kimono or a sarong. This activity not only allows employees to express their cultural interests but also opens the door to conversations about the significance of the attire and the cultures they represent.

5. Travel destination décor

Transform your office into a mini global tour by decorating it with travel-themed elements. Hang up world maps, and travel posters, and display souvenirs from various destinations.

You can even have a friendly competition for the best-decorated workspace. This idea not only sets the mood for a travel-inspired celebration but also sparks conversations and curiosity about different parts of the world among your colleagues.

6. Global art exhibition

Encourage employees to showcase their artistic talents by organizing a global art exhibition. Invite them to create and display artwork inspired by their travel experiences or the cultures they've encountered.

It could include paintings, drawings, photography, or even crafts. This not only celebrates creativity but also provides a unique perspective on different parts of the world.

7. Language exchange workshop

Foster cross-cultural understanding by organizing a language exchange workshop. Invite colleagues who are fluent in different languages to teach basic phrases or expressions from their respective countries.

It's a fun way to learn a new language and appreciate the diversity of world languages.

8. Travel documentary screening

Set up a cozy corner in the office and screen travel documentaries or films that highlight the beauty and culture of various destinations.

Provide popcorn and drinks, and let everyone take a virtual journey around the world through the power of storytelling and visuals.

9. Travel-themed puzzles and games

Dedicate a section of your office to travel-themed puzzles and board games. Include jigsaw puzzles featuring famous landmarks, world map puzzles, and geography-based board games.

It's a great way to engage coworkers in friendly competition and learning while celebrating World Tourism Day.

10. Travel tips and hacks sharing session

Organize a casual session where employees can share their travel tips, hacks, and recommendations.

They can talk about their favorite travel apps, packing techniques, or budget-saving strategies. This idea not only promotes knowledge sharing but also helps colleagues become more travel-savvy.

11. Virtual reality travel experience

Bring a taste of different destinations to your office by setting up virtual reality (VR) stations. Employees can put on VR headsets and take immersive virtual tours of famous landmarks, cities, or natural wonders from around the world.

It's an innovative way to celebrate tourism and allows coworkers to "visit" places they may have never been before.

12. Global recipe swap

Encourage employees to participate in a global recipe swap. Each person can bring in a dish from their favorite travel destination, along with the recipe. Create a booklet with all the recipes and distribute it to everyone in the office.

This not only celebrates international cuisine but also allows coworkers to recreate dishes from different parts of the world at home.

12 World Tourism Day celebration ideas in the office virtually

Here are 12 World Tourism Day celebration ideas in the office virtually:

1. Around-the-world cooking challenge

Invite your colleagues to embark on a culinary journey from the comfort of their kitchens. Ask participants to choose a country or region, research its traditional dishes, and then prepare one of those dishes.

During a virtual lunch or dinner meetup, employees can showcase their culinary creations, share the cultural significance of the food, and even provide cooking tips. It's a delicious way to explore different cultures and cuisines while bonding over a shared meal.

2. Global trivia and quiz

Test your team's knowledge about world geography, famous landmarks, and travel facts with a lively virtual trivia and quiz session. Create teams and have them compete to answer questions related to various countries and cultures.

To make it more engaging, you can incorporate multimedia elements like photos and videos. Offer prizes or recognition to the winning team to add a competitive edge to the celebration.

3. Virtual travel showcase

Encourage employees to share their passion for travel by creating short video presentations or slideshows about their favorite travel destinations. They can include personal photos, anecdotes, travel tips, and recommendations.

This interactive session allows team members to learn from one another's travel experiences, discover hidden gems around the world, and find inspiration for their future adventures.

4. Cultural exchange hour

Foster a deeper understanding and appreciation of cultural diversity within your team by dedicating time to a virtual cultural exchange. Invite colleagues to share aspects of their own culture or a culture they admire.

This can involve storytelling, music performances, dance demonstrations, or even a crash course in basic phrases from another language. By celebrating different cultures, you promote inclusivity and create a more culturally rich work environment.

5. Travel-themed costume contest

Inject some fun and creativity into your virtual celebration by hosting a travel-themed costume contest. Encourage employees to dress up as characters, historical figures, or elements inspired by different countries or cultures.

During a virtual meeting, participants can explain the significance of their costumes and why they chose them. To add an element of interactivity, you can have colleagues vote for the most creative or culturally authentic costume, with prizes awarded to the winners.

6. Wanderlust photo contest

Organize a virtual photo contest where employees submit their best travel photos along with captions that describe their experiences.

Create different categories such as "Scenic Landscapes," "Cultural Encounters," and "Adventure Moments." Encourage team members to vote for their favorite photos, and award prizes to the winners.

This activity not only showcases the beauty of our world but also allows colleagues to share their travel stories visually.

7. Virtual escape room adventure

Transport your team on a virtual adventure by hosting a travel-themed escape room experience.

Choose a destination or scenario related to travel, and challenge employees to work together to solve puzzles, riddles, and challenges to "escape" from a virtual location. It's an interactive and team-building way to celebrate World Tourism Day.

8. Travel book club

Start a travel-themed book club within your office. Select a travel-related book, memoir, or novel and encourage employees to read it in the weeks leading up to World Tourism Day.

Host a virtual discussion where participants can share their thoughts, insights, and favorite travel-related quotes from the book. It's a literary journey that sparks conversation and inspires wanderlust.

9. DIY souvenir swap

Ask team members to dig into their travel memories and share a meaningful souvenir they've collected during their adventures. They can present these items during a virtual meeting, explaining the significance and story behind each one.

Then, you can organize a virtual souvenir swap, where participants can choose to exchange souvenirs with their colleagues. It's a unique way to bring a piece of the world into each other's homes.

10. Travel-themed scavenger hunt

Create a virtual scavenger hunt with travel-themed clues and challenges. Participants can use the internet to search for clues related to different countries, famous landmarks, or cultural traditions.

They can collaborate in teams to solve these challenges within a set time frame. The first team to complete all the tasks wins the scavenger hunt. It's a fun and educational way to explore the world from your computer.

11. Virtual travel film festival

Transform your virtual celebration into a cinematic adventure by organizing a travel-themed film festival. Have employees suggest their top travel movies or documentaries beforehand, and plan a screening schedule leading up to World Tourism Day.

After each movie, facilitate a discussion for participants to chat about their thoughts, travel inspirations, or personal ties to the places in the films.

12. Global recipe exchange

Encourage employees to explore different cultures through their taste buds by organizing a global recipe exchange. Each participant can select a recipe from a foreign cuisine they'd like to try, prepare it at home, and then share their cooking adventure during a virtual meetup.

This can include cooking demonstrations, tasting sessions, and discussions about the cultural significance of the dish.

Celebrating World Tourism Day in the office is not just about marking a date on the calendar. It's about embracing the spirit of exploration, promoting cultural understanding, and fostering a sense of unity among colleagues.

The 24 ideas we've shared in this blog offer a diverse range of ways to commemorate this day, whether it's through mouth-watering international cuisine, engaging activities that test your global knowledge, or even simple acts of kindness that pay homage to the hospitality found in different corners of the world.

Remember, the beauty of celebrating World Tourism Day at the office lies in the opportunity it provides to broaden our horizons, break down barriers, and appreciate the rich tapestry of cultures that make up our global community.

So, go ahead and bring a touch of wanderlust to your workplace this September 27th, and let the spirit of travel and adventure inspire your team to explore the world, one idea at a time. Happy World Tourism Day!

20 Unique Ways to Celebrate World Environmental Health Day in the Office

65 world tourism day quotes to ignite the wanderlust in your employees, unlock the biggest secret of engagement to retain your top performers., -->guest contributor -->.

We often come across some fantastic writers who prefer to publish their writings on our blogs but prefer to stay anonymous. We dedicate this section to all superheroes who go the extra mile for us.

Let's begin this new year with an engaged workforce!

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National travel and tourism week.

Nationwide, United States

National Travel and Tourism Week (NTTW) is an annual celebration that underscores travel’s essential role in driving our nation's economy, cultivating vibrant communities and forging connections.

Established in 1983, NTTW has become a cherished tradition, celebrating the U.S. travel community and highlighting how travel stimulates economic growth, creates quality jobs, inspires new businesses and elevates the quality of life for Americans every day.

Get ready to celebrate NTTW from May 19-25, 2024.

While NTTW has historically been celebrated during the first full week of May, this year’s NTTW dates were shifted due to a conflict with U.S. Travel’s IPW.

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Protect Your Trip »

30 vacation ideas for every type of traveler.

Here's the inspiration you need to book your next vacation.

(Courtesy of Rocky Mountaineer) |

These exciting vacation ideas will have you packing your bags in no time.

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Sip, cook and dine your way through Europe on a culinary tour

Attend the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival

Chase the northern lights in Iceland

Raft down the Colorado River in the Grand Canyon

(Courtesy of Adventures by Disney) |

A Galápagos expedition with Adventures by Disney

(Courtesy of Marriott International) |

A golf and sporting getaway in Georgia

Sip wine in Arizona's Verde Valley

An adults-only getaway to Key West, Florida

Fly-fishing in Wyoming

Family fun in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

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Sail on a country-intensive voyage with Azamara

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Escape to an all-inclusive resort in Turks & Caicos

Take a bucket list trip to French Polynesia

Explore New Zealand's North Island

Mountaintop glamping in Asheville, North Carolina

Cross-country skiing in Glacier National Park

Visit London during the coronation

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Sail to the Caribbean on the world's largest cruise ship

Wellness retreat in St. Lucia

Theme park thrills at Ohio's Cedar Point

Girls weekend in Manhattan

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Eco-friendly resort in Costa Rica

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Take a music-themed cruise on Celebrity Cruises

Reserve accommodations at a new luxury resort in the Riviera Maya

Acadia National Park and Ullikana Inn in Maine

Catch the annular solar eclipse

Ghost tours and Southern charm in Savannah, Georgia

(Courtesy of C Lazy U Ranch) |

Head west for a dude ranch vacation

(Alyssa Rosenheck | Courtesy of The Hermitage Hotel)

Spend a weekend dining out in Music City

See the Canadian Rockies by rail

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• The Best Travel Insurance for Seniors and Retirees

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What is event tourism and why is it important?

Disclaimer: Some posts on Tourism Teacher may contain affiliate links. If you appreciate this content, you can show your support by making a purchase through these links or by buying me a coffee . Thank you for your support!

Event tourism is big business- read on to find out what event tourism is and why it is so important.

What is event tourism?

Types of events, benefits of events tourism, limitations of event tourism, sporting event tourism, music event tourism, entertainment event tourism, business event tourism, the hotel industry, the transport industry, the hospitality industry, the advertising industry, event tourism- further reading.

Event tourism is essentially any tourism that relates to events. Events come in all shapes and sizes- they can be large scale events or small events, private events or public events.

Event tourism can bring a lot of money into the host community, making it a valuable contributor to the tourism economy.

Traditionally, events have always been viewed as being part of the tourism industry, however that has been slowly changing in recent years, with many people recognising the event industry as an industry in its own right. In fact, it has become so separated that many universities now offer event management degrees that are totally separate from travel and tourism !

There are different types of events that happen around the world and these often fall under different types of tourism . I have written a detailed article on the major types of events , but for now, here is a brief breakdown-

• Business events
• Sporting events
• Recreation events
• Local interest events
• Entertainment
• Celebrations
• Social enterprise events
• Conferences
• Promotional events
• Exhibitions

Event tourism is hugely beneficial to the tourism industry because it bring in money!

Events attract people and people spend money- people need a place to stay and somewhere to eat. Events also create jobs- someone needs to build the venues, there needs to be security working on the door and a customer service agent selling tickets. The events industry contributes to many of the jobs in travel and tourism .

Events can also help to put destinations on the world map. You may never have heard of a place before but if they host a big event, especially if it is a global event like the Football World Cup or the Olympics, then people all over the world will learn about the destination! This can often have long lasting effects and can even be a catalyst for the start of a booming travel and tourism industry.

With large amounts of visitors to a destination, however, there are bound to be some negative impacts too. Events can bring many unwanted social impacts of tourism and environmental impacts of tourism . It can also encourage economic leakage in tourism . There are sadly many negative impacts of event tourism as: the increased cost of living, traffic congestion, crowding, crime, property damage, pollution, deterioration of natural, cultural or historical resources and other various forms of discomfort experienced by residents or local businesses.

There are many specific examples of where event tourism has led to negative issues. For example, during the construction of the Olympic village for each 4-yearly Games, there have been many recorded fatalities. 14 people died building the Olympic village for the 2004 games in Athens – and seventy people lost their lives during the construction of the Olympic village for the Russian Winter Olympics. The huge levels of tourism associated with the Games mean that a lot of work goes into ensuring the stadiums, accommodation and fan zones are built to a high standard. However, this doesn’t always correspond with worker safety.

Another example is living in Wimbledon during the tennis championships. Everything about life is made a little bit more difficult due to the heavier-than-normal traffic, the long queues everywhere you go, an inability to book restaurants or access public transport and so on. This overcrowding is typical of event tourism, and it is one of the downsides for people living in areas affected by large events.

Examples of event tourism

There are so many examples of event tourism which we can look at. You can read about some of them below…

With sports, many people support teams or clubs based in or near their hometown – so for league games, sport is unlikely to generate a LOT of tourism , though there will be some. But for cups and championships, as well as large competitions or sports where the same people or teams compete in different places, there will be a lot of tourism generated from fans who are required to travel to watch it live.

Little to no event tourism:

• League and cup matches at home grounds

Large amounts of tourism:

• Cup finals at neutral venues
• International sporting competitions e.g The Olympic and Commonwealth Games
• International championships e.g Wimbledon or the US Open (Golf)
• Sports where the venue changes e.g Formula 1

When it comes to music events, there are also different levels of tourism.

Little to no tourism:

• Tours where the artist is playing in so many cities that generally people won’t need to travel far to see them
• Short tours with only a few locations
• Music festivals e.g Reading and Leeds Festival

Other entertainment events such as Comic Con and other conventions, food shows, flower shows and so on tend to be in one set location each time. This means they generate a lot of tourism as most people will need to travel if they want to attend.

Similarly to entertainment events, business events tend to be in one place. A conference will take place in a specific venue in a specific city, for example, and attendees will need to travel to get there. This obviously generates event tourism as people use transport and book places to stay.

Impacts of event tourism on different industries

The rolling impact of an event touches every part of the tourism industry, which you can read about below through specific examples.

Accommodation is highly in demand for any event. It is usually not just locals who attend an event – unless it is something small-scale like a village fair, which does not generate event tourism per se. But for football games, music festivals and so on, hotels and Airbnbs in the surrounding area get booked up super quickly.

The example I will use here is the Champions League Final in Kyiv in 2018; hotels were like gold dust even before it was decided which two teams would be battling it out for the title. Prices were hiked, and people who had booked before the location of the final was actually confirmed (e.g people who were visiting Kyiv for other reasons) saw their booking cancelled to make way for football fans travelling from Liverpool and Madrid. This was obviously beneficial for hotel owners. It was also beneficial for locals in Kyiv, however, who were able to open up their homes as temporary accommodation for travelling fans.

Transport is affected in that when an event is taking place, there are a lot more people travelling to and within the area via public transport.

If we take the specific example of Oktoberfest in Germany, an annual beer festival, we can see that flight prices to these areas are more expensive in the lead up to it. On top of this, trains within the area are getting booked up already – and smaller local public transport which can’t be booked in advance will see a busier-than-normal time.

It stands to reason that when an event is taking place, people will use public transport especially if there is little or no parking at the venue. Events create congestion, which is one of the negatives discussed earlier in this post. But Oktoberfest also creates a lot of revenue for hotels, bars, restaurants and shops!

Working in hospitality is often a thankless job – and during large events it can be even more difficult as bars, cafes and restaurants fill up with visitors.

Using the specific example of the London Olympics in 2012, there were streams of visitors to the city who each spent an average of around £1300 during the Olympic period. Restaurants, cafes and food outlets were full of tourists ; many wanted quick service, and there were of course foreign languages for the staff to contend with.

All in all, jobs seemed harder during this period but there was not actually an increase in revenue. This article explains how and why the restaurant, hotel and pub industry saw a £55 million loss in revenue during the London Olympics… The Games were, however, a big deal for tourism generally. The ONS stated that visitor numbers were up by 2.63m and visitor spending reached a whopping £1.9 billion. This has had a lasting impact over the past decade with visitor numbers remaining high.

Of course, event tourism brings with it a lot of marketing. When there is an event, it needs to be advertised.

Let’s take, for example, the annual music festival Coachella. This is big business, with visitors coming from worldwide to enjoy seeing their favourite artists in sunny California . Like any festival, however, it needs to be advertised. A lot of their marketing is digital – primarily across Instagram and Twitter. However, this still costs money and people are employed to do this across different levels: from the people who write the Tweets to the staff at Twitter itself. Other marketing like posters, billboards and so on have costs involved too. Whether it’s a page in a magazine or a slogan on the side of a bus, event tourism undoubtedly has a massive impact on the marketing industry.

If you enjoyed this article on event tourism, I am sure that you will love these too-

• What is a Travel Influencer? How to become a Travel Influencer
• What is special interest tourism and why is it so popular?
• What is alternative tourism and why is it growing so fast?
• Tourism demand determinants- made simple

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35+ creative travels and tour ideas for your tourism business

By Kevin Tjoe — 7 Feb 2022

business ideas   customer experience   marketing

Updated August 2023 – Are you weary of the monotonous 9 to 5 routine or feeling confined to your desk on a glorious day? Whether you’re aiming to break free from the grind or seeking to elevate your tourism business to new heights, the realm of possibilities awaits. Within the vast expanse of the tourism industry lies the canvas for an incredible business venture. It’s not just about forging a lucrative business, but about channeling your passion into a travel-related venture that resonates with your know-how and aspirations.

Amidst this landscape of opportunities, the spark of a great business idea can set the stage for crafting a truly profitable business. If you’re prepared to infuse your love for experiences with strategic thinking, get ready to unveil over 35 exciting tours and travel business ideas in our latest compilation. Your journey toward a rewarding and unforgettable business experience begins here.

Getting into the tour operator industry

The tourism industry is such a rewarding one to work in. As a tour or activity operator, you can spend your days with great people, share your special part of the world and even raise awareness of important cultural or environmental values.

Of course, even if you don’t directly run tours and activities there are many different ways to build an amazing career in tourism. You could run a travel-related business. For example, if you’re a travel photographer, you could run your own travel photography business. Some other type of business ideas are souvenir shops, hiking gear rentals, running a travel blog or becoming a travel blogger, or even providing catering for tour and activity operators.

Staying open-minded will help you find your ideal niche in the industry and help you achieve your goal of becoming an entrepreneur within the tourism space!

5 tourism business ideas to get started with

When you offer travel tours, you’re offering an enjoyable journey of some kindled by an experienced guide. Some of the hottest tours and travels business ideas right now include:

• Walking tours and bike tours
• Snorkeling tours
• Tours that take into account growing wine and food tourism trends , such as Hideaway Private Tours , Black Swan Tours , Darwin Gourmet Tours , and Mullarkey Tours
• Ghost or haunted location tours
• Scenic guided tours, such as Italy Pass Tours , Wineglass Bay Discovery Tours, Meteora Thrones , and Bruny Island Safari

There may also be a gap in your local area for a niche tour guide business. For example: if your hometown was the birthplace of a famous musician or even a centuries-old famous cuisine, there could be a perfect opportunity to tap into that interest!

Keep in mind there are two big growth areas to consider when it comes to offering tours for the modern traveler:

• Sustainable and ecotourism, because guests increasingly want to minimize their environmental impact when traveling. Find out more about proactive steps that sustainable tour operators can take here
• Culturally and socially responsible tours , where guests look for a genuine experience connecting with local people and practices

2. Activities

Tourism activities can encompass a vast array of options from the relaxing to the extreme! These could involve physical activities, connection with natural environments, or even incorporate virtual reality. Unique experiences such as hot air balloon rides are also an option for relaxing activities that involve a thrilling side to them. You could also consider more recent technology that people might be itching to try out, such as jet boarding , flyboarding,  and indoor skydiving . There may also be an opportunity to offer intentionally tech-free experiences – such as a retreat with no mobile reception where people can unwind!

Here are some other popular tourist activity ideas:

• Escape room experiences 
• Glowing art rooms or VR rooms
• Themed corporate retreats  or glamping
• Modern summer camps or school camps
• Survival or bushcraft trips
• Fitness or wellbeing retreats

There are two big notable areas to consider for tour operator activities. Think about:

• Activities that are family and group friendly , which are becoming popular within the travel industry as social restrictions ease.
• Accessibility . Tourism business owners should be actively looking for ways to support equal access so everyone can enjoy their activities – as best as possible for the activity in question.

3. Attractions

As a travel software provider , we can say with certainty that experiential travel is huge right now. Considering that experiential tourist attractions have both local and long-distance appeal for travelers, they offer an impressive amount of opportunities for growing tourism businesses. These can range from heritage attractions and natural formations to cutting-edge art exhibitions.

Here are more relevant ideas for building an attraction that guests will be keen to visit:

• Amusement parks 
• Niche museums and art galleries
• Festivals with amazing settings
• Garden and maze experiences
• Instagram-worthy photo rooms and experiences , such as Selfie Factory or Happy Place
• Magic shows,  such as Gentleman Magician
• Farms, petting zoos , and horse riding such as Sun Valley Mares and Swan Valley Wagon Tours

Nostalgia and retro appeal are also big right now in attractions, with everything from arcade games to Australia’s ‘ big things’ providing popular. Travelers are increasingly looking to explore the road less traveled and find novel experiences. So – even if you’re in a small regional area you could get in on the action by embracing the bizarre, weird, and wonderful!

4. Shuttles

As interstate and international travel resumes, there will be demand for airport transfers, shuttles , and unique transport options to and from accommodation. You might tap into the wedding transportation market, or offer fun journeys for birthdays, bachelor and bachelorette parties. Consider how you’ll separate your shuttle service from the rest with either a unique form of transport, added options like food and drink, or a distinctive driver who adds to the experience. You might consider offering:

• An airport shuttle business
• Traveler shuttles to accommodate tour and travel bookings
• A party bus or ferry
• Specialist pet or luggage delivery
• Unique transport such as tuk-tuks, school buses, or a custom limo 
• Premium shuttle services .

It’s also worth considering the notable events in your area and how people might want to travel to these. Guests may get excited about a festival bus that transports them from the city to the festival site complete with karaoke, as just one example!

5. Charters & equipment hire

Travelers love charter services because they can have a luxurious or far-flung experience without having to buy all the equipment or vehicles themselves! There are numerous forms of rental businesses you could run such as self-driven charters, car rentals, or equipment hire. You could even go a step further by providing an experienced skipper or pilot as part of the product package. Ideas for modern charter businesses include:

• Party yachts for relaxed island days
• Fishing charters 
• Houseboat charters
• Private river cruise charters
• Hovercraft charters
• Kayak,  rafting, small boat hire , or paddle board
• Helicopter or small plane charters

For tour guides looking at how to run a charter boat business , it’s a great idea to promote the destination as well as the charter experience itself as the two go hand in hand.

A great charter experience is almost always about the escape from the everyday. It’s something guests are willing to splurge on, so be sure to consider ways you can elevate the experience. You can achieve this by offering optional extras and added services. If you are wondering how to sell tour packages with your charter service, extra bonuses like drink options, catering, entertainment, and DJs can help to boost your revenue.

6. Luxury vacation operators & Travel agency business

Guests love Luxury Vacations because they are money-rich but time-poor. They want to draw on the experience and expertise of their trusted travel agent or operator to discover the finest travel arrangements, boutique properties & off-the-beaten-track destinations. However, they may not have the time to research the thousands of options available to them. And because they may well only visit these destinations only once in their life and want to be sure they get the greatest possible experience. They’ll want the security of knowing they will be well looked after whilst visiting far-off countries with different languages and customs with which they are not familiar.

A great example of one such Luxury Vacation Operator is  The Luxury Peru Travel Company . Their services provide guests with a chance to discover one of the Seven Wonders of the World – Machu Picchu – in absolute luxury.

Building your tours and travels business ideas in the tour operator industry

If you have a brilliant business idea in mind, then you may be raring to put the wheels in motion. There will be a few things to think about as you build out your business idea, such as finding the best name for your business , developing your business plan , and deciding how you’ll take bookings securely online with real-time availability. One big advantage in the tourism industry is also the ability to partner with resellers , distributors, and other tourism and travel businesses to grow your bookings faster.

Rezdy supports you with both online bookings and a distribution platform  developed specifically for the experiences industry. We’re also here to support you as you start your business – simply register for your free 21-day trial or book a demo with the Rezdy team to see how we can help your business.

You can also explore our Resources section to find industry-specific guides across business operations, marketing, and more, with a range of free ebooks available to help you save time and increase your bookings. If you enjoyed this article – 35+ tours and travels business ideas – then make sure to follow the Rezdy blog . There are a lot of marketing tools and tour operator tips designed with businesses like yours in mind.

Create your business ideas with Rezdy

Enjoy a free 21-day trial to take a look around and see if we are a good fit for your business.

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10 original ideas for organizing corporate events

Posted by Fuerte Hoteles on Tuesday, January 19, 2021 · Leave a Comment  

Business tourism and business travel is increasingly aiming for original activities that complement working life. The difficulty lies in determining a competitive offer and satisfying the traveller seeking rest, work and effective care. A new way of working that can open new expectations. Why not make a business trip enjoyable and fun? Here are 10 ideas for you to enjoy the nicer side of your business meetings:

1. Regatta at sea

Regatta at sea

There is nothing better for strengthening bonds between peers than having an adventurous time and release adrenaline. Sailing can be an excellent opportunity to build team and improvement spirit among the members of a company. The competition can be carried out with teams in different sailboats to end up having a fun day to release the tensions of workaday. If you are travelling to Costa del Sol do not miss the chance of doing this activity.

Walk through the prettiest Andalucia marinas

2. Automotive Road Show

The Automotive Road Shows are one of the most intense activities that can be experienced with work colleagues. It’s about testing vehicles in authorised circuits for different types of driving skills. There are also approved speed circuits that will make you feel like a real Formula 1 driver. A new way to relieve tension while being on a business trip. The province of Malaga has a wide range of options that can adapt to this idea.

Google Maps

3. Mini Olympics

Team Building

The mini Olympics are an ideal activity for a company “team building” activity. Different teams of co-workers compete against each other as if it were the Olympic Games. Sport is the centre of this initiative that combines fun and challenge. It is a new way of bonding with one another through physical effort. Competition can be made even more realistic with the awarding of medals.

4. Photo-marathon

Photo-marathon

Photo-marathon is the ideal combination of coexistence and tourism. This idea becomes the best way to get to know a place together with your team. Participants receive instructions for tests they need to gradually overcome as they travel in groups or pairs around the most significant parts of the city they need to photograph. This not only enhances creativity, but also relieves the tensions that may come up during a business trip.

5. Selwo Adventure

Selwo Aventura

This area of Costa del Sol is undoubtedly the ideal destination for MICE tourism . If you travel to Estepona it is a great idea to share an unforgettable experience with everyone visiting this wildlife theme park, Selwo Aventura. A journey through the heart of Africa where you can spot animals in a semi free-ranging setting, such as the cheetah, vultures or the rhino. A journey that can become a real safari.

6. Wine tasting

Wine tasting

The good thing about doing MICE tourism in the province of Málaga is the food and wine offered here. If you decide to choose this destination you cannot miss Ronda. Here you can take a wine making guided tour with your partners, learning about the skills and activities related to wine. After the experience of sharing knowledge of this interesting area, participants can enjoy a tasting of different wines.

The Andalucian wine, a culture of life

7. Bicycle route

Bicycle route

A good option to enjoy with your colleagues and relieve labour unrest is sports, particularly cycling. Outdoor activities help relax the body while the mind expands, especially surrounded by nature. This is the case of the beautiful route “la Vía Verde”(Greenways) de la Sierra Gaditana, which can be done in groups   These greenways are former prime location rehabilitated railways for tourist use, and they are emerging as an ideal location for business tourism.

8. Tapas Circuit

Tapas Circuit

If you go to Andalusia don’t miss the tapas routes offered all throughout the Andalusian region. On one side there is the unparalleled taste of “pescaíto” frito (fried fish) from Málaga and on the other side we have traditional products from the interior of the region such as the payoyo cheese from Sierra de Grazalema. Moreover, Ronda and the eastern part of Huelva are the queens of chacina. If you want to treat your stomach after a day of conferences, get together with your colleagues and enjoy the best cuisine.

Discover the history of tapas in Spain

9. Orientation games

Orientation games

This activity can be carried out with teams and is very interesting. Participants receive a short talk on guidance and a map of the area to be explored. The aim of these games is to find the marked points. Ideal for integration, teamwork and decision-making. What you experience there transcends everyday life and the work routine.

10. Gymkhana

Gymkhana is a fun way of integration and relieving tensions. Besides competition itself, games and sports are also factors that are included in this increasingly popular activity within MICE tourism. It is about solving puzzles and successfully complete tests with your team in a circuit that can be adapted to any kind of area. The group that first reaches the goal wins. An original way of bonding among peers during a business trip.

Now you know that if you do MICE tourism , do not miss this chance of enjoying this trip. The best and most fun way to work and meet colleagues. New experiences created so that business meetings are a success.

WHERE TO STAY

Fuerte Hoteles  is always the best option to stay in Andalusia, know its cities and rest. The chain has facilities where you can enjoy, in addition to its services, the best of each point of the region. More than 60 years of experience are the best guarantee and an exceptional starting point for each experience you want to undertake.

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50 Travel & Tourism Business Ideas

Introduction

Wanderlust! The urge to travel, explore new places, and experience different cultures is deeply rooted in the human spirit.

As the world becomes more interconnected, the travel and tourism industry continues to thrive, presenting numerous opportunities for entrepreneurial minds.

In this blog post, we’ll embark on an exciting journey, exploring 50 creative business ideas that cater to the ever-growing demand for unique and memorable travel experiences.

Accommodation

1. tiny house rentals.

Offer a unique and eco-friendly accommodation experience by renting out tiny houses in scenic locations. Tiny houses are not only charming but also appeal to travelers seeking a minimalist and sustainable lifestyle.

2. Glamping Retreats

Combine the luxury of a hotel with the adventure of camping by setting up glamorous camping sites in picturesque natural settings. Provide luxurious tents, high-end amenities, and personalized services for a one-of-a-kind outdoor experience.

3. Homestay Network

Create a platform that connects travelers with local hosts, allowing them to experience authentic cultural immersion by staying in a family’s home. This concept promotes cultural exchange and provides an affordable alternative to traditional accommodations.

4. Treehouse Resorts

Tap into the childlike wonder of tree-dwelling by constructing eco-friendly treehouse resorts. These unique accommodations offer guests a chance to reconnect with nature while enjoying modern amenities.

5. Houseboat Rentals

Capitalize on the growing trend of water-based accommodations by offering houseboat rentals in scenic waterways or coastal regions. Houseboats provide a unique way to explore destinations while enjoying the comforts of home.

Transportation

6. electric bike tours.

Offer eco-friendly and active tours of cities or natural landscapes using electric bikes. This concept appeals to travelers seeking sustainable and engaging ways to explore their destinations.

7. Luxury Coach Service

Provide a high-end transportation service for travelers seeking comfort and convenience. Offer luxurious coaches with amenities like Wi-Fi, entertainment systems, and gourmet snacks for long-distance travel or city tours.

8. Vintage Car Rentals

Cater to the nostalgia and charm of classic automobiles by offering vintage car rentals. This unique transportation option can be a hit with travelers seeking a retro experience or those attending special events.

9. Private Aviation Services

For affluent travelers, offer private aviation services, such as charter flights, helicopter tours, or private jet rentals, providing a luxurious and convenient way to travel.

10. Campervan Rentals

Capitalize on the growing trend of road trips and van life by offering campervan rentals. These versatile vehicles allow travelers to explore destinations at their own pace while enjoying the freedom and convenience of a mobile home.

Tours and Activities

11. virtual reality tours.

Leverage the power of virtual reality (VR) technology to offer immersive tours of destinations, historical sites, or even outer space. This innovative concept appeals to tech-savvy travelers and those seeking unique experiences.

12. Food Truck Tours

Combine the love for food and exploration by organizing tours that guide participants through the local food truck scene, sampling diverse culinary offerings along the way.

13. Experiential Workshops

Offer hands-on workshops that teach travelers new skills or crafts, such as pottery, painting, dance, or cooking classes, allowing them to immerse themselves in the local culture while acquiring new knowledge.

14. Adventure Sports Tours

For thrill-seekers, organize tours that incorporate adventure sports like rock climbing, zip-lining, surfing, or skydiving, catering to travelers seeking adrenaline-pumping experiences.

15. Sustainable Ecotours

Promote responsible tourism by offering sustainable eco-tours that educate travelers about conservation efforts and sustainable practices while exploring natural wonders and wildlife habitats.

Food and Beverage

16. pop-up dining experiences.

Create unique and temporary dining experiences by setting up pop-up restaurants in unconventional locations, such as rooftops, abandoned buildings, or scenic outdoor spaces.

17. Craft Brewery Tours

Tap into the growing popularity of craft beer by offering guided tours of local breweries, providing insights into the brewing process and allowing visitors to sample unique flavors.

18. Farm-to-Table Dining

Collaborate with local farmers to create a farm-to-table dining experience, offering fresh, locally sourced ingredients and promoting sustainable food practices.

19. Wine Tasting Tours

Organize tours that take visitors through local wineries, vineyards, and tasting rooms, providing an educational and indulgent experience for wine enthusiasts.

20. Street Food Tours

Guide travelers through the vibrant street food scene of a destination, introducing them to authentic local flavors and culinary traditions while exploring the city’s cultural fabric.

Retail and Souvenirs

21. artisan marketplace.

Curate a physical or online marketplace that showcases unique and handcrafted products from local artisans, providing travelers with authentic souvenirs and supporting local economies.

22. Sustainable Fashion Line

Tap into the growing demand for ethical and sustainable fashion by creating a clothing line using eco-friendly materials and promoting fair labor practices. Offer stylish and responsible travel apparel and accessories.

23. Personalized Photo Books

Offer a service that creates personalized photo books, allowing travelers to capture and preserve their journey’s memories in a beautifully curated keepsake.

24. Local Artisan Workshops

Organize workshops where travelers can learn from local artisans and create their own souvenirs, such as pottery, jewelry, or woodcarving, providing a hands-on experience and a unique keepsake.

25. Virtual Museum Tours

Leverage technology to offer virtual tours of museums, allowing travelers to explore exhibits and collections from anywhere in the world, catering to those seeking cultural experiences without the need for physical travel.

Technology and Apps

26. travel planning app.

Develop a comprehensive travel planning app that assists users in researching destinations, booking accommodations and activities, and creating personalized itineraries based on their preferences and interests.

27. Augmented Reality City Tours

Enhance the traditional city tour experience by incorporating augmented reality (AR) technology, overlaying historical information, interactive visuals, and storytelling elements onto the real-world environment.

28. Language Translation Earbuds

Offer innovative language translation earbuds that provide real-time translation, enabling travelers to communicate effectively and break down language barriers during their journeys.

29. Travel Insurance Comparison Platform

Create a user-friendly platform that compares and recommends the best travel insurance options based on specific trip details, destination, and traveler needs, ensuring peace of mind for adventurers.

30. Contactless Payments for Tourism

Develop a contactless payment solution specifically designed for the tourism industry, allowing travelers to make secure and convenient payments for attractions, tours, and services without the hassle of carrying cash or cards.

Wellness and Relaxation

31. yoga retreats.

Offer immersive yoga retreats in serene locations, combining physical and spiritual practices with healthy cuisine, meditation sessions, and access to natural surroundings for a holistic wellness experience.

32. Digital Detox Getaways

Create a sanctuary for travelers seeking to disconnect from technology and reconnect with themselves by offering digital detox getaways in remote or nature-focused destinations.

33. Spa and Wellness Resorts

Establish luxurious spa and wellness resorts that provide a tranquil escape, offering various treatments, fitness programs, and healthy dining options for travelers seeking rejuvenation and self-care.

34. Mindfulness Retreats

Organize mindfulness retreats that combine meditation, yoga, and other mindfulness practices with scenic locations and expert guidance, catering to travelers seeking inner peace and personal growth.

35. Forest Bathing Experiences

Capitalize on the growing interest in the Japanese practice of “Shinrin-yoku” or forest bathing by offering guided nature walks and immersive experiences that promote relaxation and connection with the natural world.

Sustainable Tourism

36. eco-friendly tour operator.

Establish an eco-friendly tour operator that prioritizes sustainability and minimizes the environmental impact of travel. Offer responsible tours that support local communities and promote conservation efforts.

37. Upcycled Lodging

Create unique accommodations by repurposing and upcycling materials from various sources, such as shipping containers, abandoned buildings, or recycled materials, promoting sustainable and innovative lodging options.

38. Carbon Offset Travel Services

Offer a service that calculates and offsets the carbon footprint of travelers’ trips by investing in verified carbon offset projects, appealing to environmentally conscious consumers.

39. Sustainable Souvenir Marketplace

Establish an online or physical marketplace that curates and sells sustainable souvenirs, locally made products, and ethical handicrafts, promoting responsible consumption and supporting local artisans.

40. Eco-Tourism Consultancy

Provide consulting services to travel companies and destinations, helping them implement sustainable practices, reduce their environmental impact, and promote responsible tourism initiatives.

Niche Experiences

41. pet-friendly travel services.

Cater to pet owners by offering pet-friendly accommodations, activities, and travel services, allowing furry companions to accompany their owners on adventures.

42. Accessible Travel Solutions

Create travel solutions that cater to individuals with disabilities or special needs, offering accessible accommodations, transportation, and tailored experiences that ensure comfort and inclusion.

43. Genealogy Tourism

Tap into the growing interest in ancestry and family history by offering genealogy tourism services, assisting travelers in tracing their roots, visiting ancestral homelands, and connecting with their heritage.

44. Dark Tourism Experiences

For those interested in the macabre and historical tragedies, offer curated tours and experiences focused on dark tourism sites, such as battlefields, cemeteries, and sites of significant historical events.

45. Culinary Immersion Tours

Organize in-depth culinary immersion tours that go beyond traditional food tours, allowing travelers to fully immerse themselves in the local food culture, from farm visits to cooking classes and dining with local families.

46. Literary Tours

Create literary-themed tours that take book lovers on a journey through the settings of famous novels, visiting locations that inspired authors, and exploring the literary heritage of destinations.

47. Spiritual Pilgrimage Tours

Offer guided tours to sacred sites and spiritual destinations, catering to travelers seeking personal growth, spiritual enlightenment, or a deeper connection with their faith or beliefs.

48. Astro-Tourism Experiences

Capitalize on the growing interest in astronomy and stargazing by offering astro-tourism experiences, including dark sky observatories, guided night sky tours, and stargazing retreats in remote locations with minimal light pollution.

49. Adventure Wedding Services

Cater to adventurous couples by offering unique and memorable wedding experiences in stunning outdoor locations, such as beach ceremonies, mountain elopements, or adventurous honeymoon packages.

50. Gaming and Esports Tourism

Tap into the rapidly growing gaming and esports industry by offering tailored travel experiences for gaming enthusiasts, including attending major gaming events, visiting gaming-themed attractions, or participating in gaming-related activities and competitions.

• The travel and tourism industry offers a wealth of opportunities for entrepreneurs to tap into unique niches and cater to diverse traveler interests.
• From accommodation options like tiny houses and treehouses to experiential tours and sustainable tourism initiatives, the possibilities are endless.
• Technology plays a crucial role, enabling virtual reality tours, augmented reality city experiences, and innovative travel planning apps.
• Wellness and relaxation-focused offerings, such as yoga retreats and mindfulness getaways, cater to travelers seeking rejuvenation and self-care.
• Niche experiences like pet-friendly travel, accessible tourism, and dark tourism experiences cater to specialized interests and needs.
• Sustainable and eco-friendly practices are becoming increasingly important, with opportunities in eco-tourism consultancy, upcycled lodging, and carbon-offset travel services.

Q: What are some unique accommodation ideas for travelers? A: Tiny house rentals, glamping retreats, treehouse resorts, and houseboat rentals offer unique and memorable accommodation experiences for travelers seeking something out of the ordinary.

Q: How can technology enhance the travel experience? A: Technology can enhance the travel experience through virtual reality tours, augmented reality city experiences, language translation earbuds, travel planning apps, and contactless payment solutions for tourism.

Q: What are some sustainable tourism business ideas? A: Sustainable tourism business ideas include eco-friendly tour operators, upcycled lodging, carbon offset travel services, sustainable souvenir marketplaces, and eco-tourism consultancy services.

Q: What are some niche travel experiences that cater to specific interests? A: Niche travel experiences include pet-friendly travel services, accessible tourism solutions, genealogy tourism, dark tourism experiences, culinary immersion tours, literary tours, spiritual pilgrimage tours, astro-tourism experiences, adventure wedding services, and gaming and esports tourism.

Q: How can wellness and relaxation be incorporated into travel business ideas? A: Wellness and relaxation can be incorporated through yoga retreats, digital detox getaways, spa and wellness resorts, mindfulness retreats, and forest bathing experiences, catering to travelers seeking rejuvenation and self-care.

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Kim and Kalee

Building a Life You Love

Around the World Themed Party Ideas | 25+ Food, Drinks & Games

Hosting an Around the World party is a fun way to celebrate all the different countries of the world. With these Around the World party ideas, you’ll have fun themes and food ideas that are perfect for hosting a great party with your friends!

From authentic recipes and refreshing drinks to fun games for guests of all ages, these easy party ideas are the best way to put together an amazing celebration.

These ideas also work well for a graduation party, bridal shower, baby shower, and first birthdays!

29 Popular Around the World Themes

Whether you’re planning a corporate event, a themed birthday party, or starting a new tradition, there are creative ways to add a lasting impression on your guests! The first way is to pick a theme!

Here are a few ideas to get your creative juices flowing! We’ve linked to any helpful ideas for each theme, too!

• Welcome to Paris (French Theme)
• African Safari
• County Fair (hay bales, corn on the cob, etc)
• Chinese New Year
• Christmas in July
• Arabian Nights
• Tailgating or Sports Theme
• Mexican Fiesta
• Coachella/ Music Festival
• Las Vegas Casino Night
• British Afternoon Tea
• California Palm Trees & Pool Party
• Beach Party
• Egyptian / Toga Party
• Medieval Dinner
• Western (Cowboy hat, Boots, etc)
• Eat Pray Love Movie Theme
• Christmas Traditions Throughout the World
• Cheese & Wine 
• Cheers to 30 Years
• Murder Mystery (set in a foreign place)
• Roaring 1920’s Great Gatsby Theme
• A Taste of …(Pick any state or country)
• Bollywood 
• Around the World Menu (Buffet of different foods)

Special Touches for a Travel Theme Party

• You could send invitations that look like plane tickets. (Bonus points if you attach an inflight snack for your guest!)
• It’s also a great idea to decide the number of guests you’ll have before planning out your full world party theme.
• Don’t forget to let your guests know ahead of time that it’s a themed event and of any dress code options for the theme.
• Vintage suitcases, maps, paper lanterns, colorful balloons, and string lights are all great party decor ideas.
• Set up special food stations along the party venue.
• If you have server(s), they could dress up as a flight attendant!

• Consider a photo booth or post card as a souvenir from their “trip” at the party.
• You could also do a baggage claim area where guests can pick up their coats or party favors before leaving the party.

We also have specific ideas for a 50th Birthday Party for Adults or for  37 Cool Outdoor Birthday Party Ideas for Teens & Tweens you may also like.

Around the World Themed Party Menu

An around the world theme can be so much fun! Below, you’ll find amazing recipe ideas for your next party!

Sacher Torte

Your party guests will love this chocolate Austrian cake with apricot jam and a chocolate ganache glaze from I Heart Eating.

Prepare a delicious Cuban beef stew made in the Instant Pot in under one hour with this easy recipe from Eating in an Instant.

Ukrainian Beet Salad

Whip up a colorful Ukrainian side dish made with beets, carrots, potatoes, and pickles with this recipe from Savas Kitchen.

Lebanese Baklava

This recipe for Lebanese baklava from A Pinch of Adventure is a flaky pastry crust filled with sugary walnuts and topped with a rose water syrup.

Mini Roast Beef Yorkshire Pudding Bites

These mini bites from Culinary Ginger are filled with roast beef and Yorkshire pudding, making them a great option for the London stop on your around the world celebration.

Malaysian Fried Noodles

Head to Malaysian at your celebration with this recipe for Mee Goreng Mamak from Joyous Apron, a fried noodle dish with fried tofu and red potatoes.

Papel Picado Craft

Keep the kids at your party entertained with this fun Mexican paper flag craft from Confessions of an Over-Worked Mom.

French Macarons

Add a pop of color to your dessert display at your party with some classic French macarons with the help of this fool proof recipe from Partylicious.

Pierogies are a classic Polish dumpling made with a variety of filling options. This easy recipe from Spend With Pennies would make a delicious side dish or appetizer for your Around the World celebration.

Around the World Escape Room

Have some educational fun while keeping your party guests entertained with a fun printable around the world escape room kit.

PACANGA BOREGI

Whip up this recipe for Pacanga Boregi from Cooking Gorgeous for your International party menu – a Turkish snack stuffed with cheese, tomatoes, and peppers.

Japanese Rice Balls

This recipe for Onigiri from Drive Me Hungry is a fun way to enjoy some Japanese cuisine at your Around the World party.

SPANISH TORTILLA

Add a traditional Spanish snack to your party food spread with this recipe for Tortilla Espanola from Merienda’s de Pasion.

Brazilian Lemonade

The younger guests at your party will love the combination of sweet and sour flavors in this nonalcoholic Brazilian lemonade recipe from Simple Living Recipes.

German Schnitzel

This crispy pork schnitzel with alpine fondue sauce recipe from Food Worth Feed is a simple main course that allows you to add German flavors to your dinner menu.

Mexican Wedding Cake

Enjoy a classic dessert from Mexican that’s made with just six ingredients with this easy recipe for Mexican wedding cake from Persnickety Plates.

Swedish Meatballs

These classic Swedish meatballs from Sweet and Savory Morsels would make the perfect appetizer or simple main course for your Around the World dinner party.

Irish Potato Candy

Serve some traditional Irish candy to your party guests with this fun sweet treat recipe from Saving Dollars and Sense.

Make your own homemade churros for a sweet Mexican treat to serve at your party using this recipe from Cookie Dough and Oven Mitt.

A mangonada is a vibrant and delicious Mexican drink made with juicy mangoes, chamoy, and chile-lime seasoning.

Prosciutto and Melon

The sweet and salty combo of prosciutto e melone from It’s Not Complicated Recipes is a classic Italian appetizer perfect for an Around the World celebration.

Korean Corn Dog

This fun recipe for crunchy Korean corn dogs from Braised and Deglazed is a fun way to bring some Korean street food to your party.

Printable Plane Tickets

Get your Around the World party started with the help of these fun printable plane tickets from Barley and Birch to pass out to all the kids at your celebration.

Around the World Trivia

Have some fun testing your international knowledge with your friends with this printable around the world trivia game.

Need more ideas? You may also like:

• 33 Fun Dress Up Party Themes for Adults
• Easy Couples Dinner Party ideas, Recipes & Games
• 99 Fun Party Quotes for Instagram

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Chapter 6. Events, Culture, Heritage, and Sport (Entertainment)

6.1 Festivals and Events

When travellers enter Canada, there is a good chance they will be asked at the border, “What is the nature of your trip?” Whether the answer is for business, leisure, or visiting friends and relatives, there’s a possibility that travellers will participate in some of the following activities (as listed in the Statistics Canada International Travel Survey):

• Attend a festival or fair, or other cultural events
• Visit a zoo, aquarium, botanical garden, historic site, national park, museum, or art gallery
• Watch sports or participate in gaming

These activities fall under the realm of entertainment as it relates to tourism. Documenting every activity that could be on a tourist’s to-do list would be nearly impossible, for what one traveler would find entertaining, another may not. This chapter focuses on the major components of arts, entertainment, and attractions, including motion pictures, video exhibitions, and wineries; all activities listed under the North American Industry Classification System we learned about in Chapter 1 .

Festival and Major Events Canada (FAME) released a report in 2019 detailing the economic impacts of the 17 largest festivals and events in Quebec, which amounted to a whopping $378 million in tourist spending. Let’s take a closer look at this segment of the sector and its impact across Canada.

The International Dictionary of Event Management defines a festival as a “public celebration that conveys, through a kaleidoscope of activities, certain meanings to participants and spectators” (Goldblatt, 2001, p. 78). Other definitions, including those used by the Ontario Trillium Foundation and the European Union, highlight accessibility to the general public and short duration as key elements that define a festival.

Search “festivals in Canada” online and over 900 million results will appear. To define these activities in the context of tourism, we need to consider two fundamental questions, “Who are these activities aimed at?” and “Why are they being celebrated?”

The broad nature of festivals has lead to the development of classification types. For instance, funding for the federal government’s Building Communities through Arts and Heritage Program is available under three categories, depending on the type of festival:

• Local festivals funding is provided to local groups for recurring festivals that present the work of local artists, artisans, or historical performers.
• Community anniversaries funding is provided to local groups for non-recurring local events and capital projects that commemorate an anniversary of 100 years (or greater, in increments of 25 years).
• Legacy funding is provided to community-initiated capital projects that restore or transform event spaces and places. Eligible projects are those that commemorate a 100th anniversary (or greater, in increments of 25 years) of a significant local historical event or local historical personality.

Funds awarded in BC ranges from $2000 for the Nelson History Theatre Society’s Arts and Heritage Festival in 2012 (Government of Canada, 2014a) to $100,200 for the Vancouver International Film Festival in 2017 (Government of Canada, 2017). In 2017-2018, federal funding from the Canada Arts Presentation Fund, Canada Cultural Spaces Fund, and Canada Cultural Investment Fund resulted in $183 million in infrastructure and program development funds to support organizations that professionally present arts festivals or performing arts series (Government of Canada, 2019).

Spotlight On: International Festivals and Events Association

Founded in 1956 as the Festival Manager’s Association, the International Festivals and Events Association (IFEA) supports professionals who produce and support celebrations for the benefit of their communities. Membership is required to access many of their resources. For more information, visit the International Festivals and Events Association website .

Festivals and events in BC celebrate theatre, dance, film, crafts, visual arts, and more. Just a few examples are Bard on the Beach, Vancouver International Improv Festival, Cornucopia, and the Cowichan Wine and Culinary Festival.

Spotlight On: Cornucopia, Whistler’s Celebration of Wine and Food

For the “epicurious, cornucopia is food + drink unleashed.” Dubbed “so wild you can taste it” this 11-day event showcases tasting events, drink seminars, chef lunches and demos, avant-garde parties and more. For additional information, visit Cornucopia .

An event is a happening at a given place and time, usually of some importance, celebrating or commemorating a special occasion. To help broaden this simple definition, categories have been developed based on the scale of events. These categories, presented in Table 6.1, overlap and are not hard and fast, but help cover a range of events.

Events can be extremely complex projects, which is why, over time, the role of event planners has taken on greater importance. The development of education, training programs, and professional designations such as CMPs (Certified Meeting Planners), CSEP (Certified Special Events Professional), and CMM (Certificate in Meeting Management) has led to increased credibility in this business and demonstrates the importance of the sector to the economy. Furthermore, there are a variety of event management certifications and diplomas offered in BC that enable future event and festival planners to gain specific skills and knowledge within the sector.

Various tasks involved in event planning include:

• Conceptualizing/theming
• Logistics and planning
• Human resource management
• Marketing and public relations
• Budgeting and financial management
• Sponsorship procurement
• Management and evaluation

But events aren’t just for leisure visitors. In fact, the tourism industry has a long history of creating, hosting, and promoting events that draw business travelers. The next section explores meetings, conventions, and incentive travel, also known as MCIT .

(As it relates to tourism) includes attending festivals, events, fairs, spectator sports, zoos, botanical gardens, historic sites, cultural venues, attractions, museums, and galleries.

Public event that features multiple activities in celebration of a culture, an anniversary or historical date, art form, or product (food, timber, etc.).

Organization that supports professionals who produce and support celebrations for the benefit of their respective communities.

A happening at a given place and time, usually of some importance, celebrating or commemorating a special occasion; can include mega-events, special events, hallmark events, festivals, and local community events.

All special events with programming aimed at a business audience.

Introduction to Tourism and Hospitality in BC - 2nd Edition Copyright © 2015, 2020, 2021 by Morgan Westcott and Wendy Anderson, Eds is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License , except where otherwise noted.

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Party Games, Holidays, Paper Crafts, DIY Room Decor, and Gifts!

21 Fun Travel Themed Birthday Party Ideas

• Party Ideas

The best ideas on how to host an amazing travel party . These travel party themes  includes everything you need {and more} for a birthday bash, farewell party or even graduation party!  These party ideas are a First Class experience for the soon-to-be world traveler!

Tip Junkie Style has over 2,000 party ideas  all with pictured tutorials to learn or how to make. You can always search there if you’’re looking for more  Party  tutorials with step-by-step instructions. {wink}

Do you have a new a travel themed tutorial ?  If so, add it to your Tip Junkie  craft room  by clicking ‘ add a project ‘.

Party Travel

1.   Fly Away With Me {Farewell Party Ideas} ~ Fly away with me to this amazing farewell party! Hot air balloons, globes and vintage suitcases adorned the dessert table. Some of the delectable desserts included divinity clouds, raspberry macaroons, and coconut cupcakes. All white to represent the clouds!

2.   Travel Theme Party {lucky 7 birthday}  ~ Celebrate lucky birthday number 7 with a travel themed party. Party guests receive a passport and visit stations that represent the seven continents, North America, South America, Europe, Australia, Asia, Africa and Antarctica. You will be blown away by the inspiration for this party. And, all of the resources are listed to make things easier. {wink}

3.   The Airplane Party  ~ Fly high with this sunny airplane party featuring a vintage map, suitcase and map bunting.

4.   A Grown Up Paper Airplane Party {adult party ideas} ~ This grown up paper airplane party is zooming with cleverness! An old atlas was used to construct a paper airplane garland, cake bunting, cupcake toppers and food picks. Enlist the kiddos to help you make the airplanes.

5.   Kids Travel Theme Party ~ From custom place settings to globes and mini suitcases this travel themed party is perfection!

Travel Party Invitations

6.   Boarding Pass Travel Invitation ~ Use this boarding pass example as an invitation to a travel party or any creative way you dream up. It’s not an editable file so I made it a generic as possible. You can add text on top of it or print it to use as is.

7.   Luggage Tags & Passport Invitation ~ The invitations look like a passport and you can use the luggage tags for table decor, or add some plastic and really use them as luggage tags.  Bon voyage!

Decorations

8.   Hot Air Balloon Photo Booth {children’s party}  ~ Up, up and away with this adorable diy hot air balloon photo booth! Your party guests will have a blast sitting in the basket and taking their picture. Follow the step-by-step tutorial to create your own hot air balloon. It’s not as hard as you might think and only uses minimal supplies.

9.   Paper Airplane Garland  ~ Check out this super clever paper airplane garland! Great for the kids to help make.

10.   Airplanes and Clouds  ~ Shannon hung batting from the ceiling to look like clouds along with wooden model airplanes, giving the decor a fun vintage feel.

11.   Sweet 16 Travel Party Games ~ Super sweet 16 birthday party game stations perfect for an airplane, Travel themed party, or ‘Oh the places she’ll go!’ party. These fun party game signs include Travel Agent, U.S. Customs Declaration, departing flight, in-flight snacks, in-flight beverage, souvenir station, travel advice, and baggage claim.

12.   Airplane Party Food Ideas ~ Zoom zoom zoom! This airplane party is ready for take off with it’s runway, control tower cake and faux grass. At the 10,000 foot altitude guests can snack on pretzels, nuts, packaged sandwiches and bottled water. This party is utter perfection!  

13.   Airplane Party Food Ideas ~ This adorable airplane party features a plethora of food ideas.  They include life vest bagels, control tower sandwiches, aeroplane jelly, seat belt cheese straps, first class petit fours and even a drink cart.

Dessert Table

14.   Pan Am Party {Party Theme Ideas for Adults} ~ Lynlee threw a Pan Am-themed party to celebrate her mother’s birthday, who used to work at the iconic airline. With the debut of the new show on ABC this week, this may become a popular party theme.

15.   Hot Air Balloon Cupcakes ~ Give your travel birthday party the WOW factor with these Hot Air Balloon cupcakes made into a garland or banner. You can put anything inside the muffin cups like candy, muffins, or cupcakes!

16.  Vintage Airplane Dessert Table ~ This vintage airplane party will take you to new heights with the exceptional decor!  A yellow, blue and brown color palette was incorporated throughout the party from the food to the decor.

17.   Donut Cake ~ Stack your favorite palm-sized treats for a fun birthday cake alternative! You can dress the donuts up by drizzling on colorful glaze and fun sprinkles. And, of course, don’t forget to add some adorable flags and candles!

Party Favor

18.   Airplane Party Favor ~ Assemble a candy airplane using push up pops, fruit striped gum, colored hair elastics, and lifesavers for a fun party favor.

19.   Flight Plan ~ Travel Agenda ~ Here is the flight plan or Travel Party Agenda I made when I hosted the Sweet 16 Travel Party Game Stations. Each guest received one from the Travel Agent. It was an organic way to show each guest what to expect from the party, what games we were doing, and when they were going to eat!

20.   Travel Party Games ~ Here is my printable file of party ideas I created when I was planning a travel themed birthday party I hosted for a Sweet 16. This printable party ideas file contains party game stations, paper plane games, travel photo booth props, as well as craft activities ideas.

21.   Pan Am Stewardess Cap ~ Use this incredible 1963 inspired Pan Am Stewardess Cap to dress up as a flight Attendant to accent your Halloween costume or a fun Sweet 16 Travel Birthday Party like I did!

If you love these parties – then you’ll find HUNDREDS more just as creative over on the Tip Junkie Party site !

You Also Might Like:

• 27 Ideas for the Best Graduation Party on the Block
• 20 Amazing Boy Party Themes {party ideas}
• 20 Lego Birthday Parties and Lego Cakes
• 17 Super Super Girl and Superhero Parties  {printables}
• 25 Popular Tween and Teenager Birthday Parties

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7 Sensational Adventure and Travel Themed Party Ideas

Oh, the places you’ll go! From birthday parties to bridal showers, there are so many adventure-filled ideas you can use to inspire your own celebration. We’ve curated the top travel themed party ideas to spark your creativity! 1. Up, Up and Away in Hot Air Balloons Hot air balloons […]

Oh, the places you’ll go! From birthday parties to bridal showers, there are so many adventure-filled ideas you can use to inspire your own celebration. We’ve curated the top travel themed party ideas to spark your creativity!

1. Up, Up and Away in Hot Air Balloons

Hot air balloons are the cutest vintage touches to a travel theme. Make beautiful table centerpieces with a helium-filled balloon, string, ribbon and a basket filled with colorful flowers!

Create one stunning eye-catching display by hanging paper lantern hot air balloons from the ceiling. This is a great idea for an “Up In The Air” baby shower or birthday party!

One genius idea for a baby shower: take hot air balloons one step further by using diapers for the base!

2. High-Flying Up Inspired Decor

Looking for a fantastic birthday party theme? Disney’s movie Up is an adorable way to incorporate the beloved characters, balloons, and adventure into one fun party!

We love this creative idea! Hand out mini adventure books as favors so little guests can document their own adventures.

3. Pack Your Suitcases

Find inventive ways to present sweets and treats! Open a vintage suitcase and place tiers of cupcakes for a beautiful display.

Small suitcases are also great for displaying favors and drinks!

These adorable vintage suitcase favor boxes filled with candy make fantastic gifts to bid “bon voyage” to your guests.

4. For the Bicycle Lover

Create one fun and creative party theme with bicycles! A Party Studio combined bicycles with a pink, blue and purple color scheme for a darling little birthday party.

Bicycle place card holders and vintage-inspired bicycle favor boxes added a whimsical touch to the party.

Plus, you can spray paint the same bicycle place card holders gold for different look!

5. An International Themed Menu

From South Africa to Peru, take your party guests around the world with a variety of international eats.

6. Vintage Maps & Globes

DIY a glam globe by adding a calligraphy quote and ask guests to sign it!

Send guests off on their journey home with map favor boxes filled with a surprise.

7. Airplanes Ready for Takeoff

Get ready for takeoff! Use airplanes as the main theme mixed with maps, globes and clouds for one charming boyish birthday party.

Vintage airplane bottle openers would make unique and delightful favors to give everyone!

What other adventure or travel ideas do you love? Tell us in the comments!

Happy Planning!

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Fun Dinner Party Themes to Level Up Your Next Event (or Holiday)

Forget the everyday dishes and get creative with these thematic menus, dinner party decor, and DIY ideas.

SolStock/Getty Images

The holidays and entertaining go hand in hand, but it doesn't have to be the holidays to throw a dinner party or get creative with it. Whether you're throwing a formal dinner party or doing some casual entertaining, dinner parties are a fun way to bring people together.

If you need a little inspiration, these creative starting points will guide you to the perfect dinner theme idea—there are even some specific themes (and recipes!) in each category that you can run with for your own culinary adventure.

Dinner Party Themes Ideas

If you're getting ready to host friends and family for a dinner party, picking a theme might feel overwhelming. First, consider your surroundings or situation. Be sure to consider factors like the occasion, time of year, weather, and location when deciding on a theme. With this in mind, here are some dinner party themes to explore.

Pick Destinations Around the Globe

Pick a favorite vacation destination (or something from your travel bucket list), research a menu from there (don't forget dessert!), and perhaps go a little further by playing music or watching movies from that country.

Don't be afraid to travel to more than one destination either; you can offer a trip around Asia with a dish from each destination, or opt to serve different cultures' versions of dumplings as appetizers, main dishes, and desserts. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

• Mexican food with mojitos
• Indian curry or a vegetarian masala
• Fish and chips and English trifle
• Italian lasagnas (and affogato!)
• Vietnamese banh mi sandwiches
• French crepes and clafoutis
• Greek-style orzo and shrimp with avgolemono soup
• Japanese okonomiyaki and udon
• Korean bibimbap and bulgogi with cucumber kimchi salad
• Middle Eastern falafel and hummus
• Chinese dumplings and fried rice

Want to keep it all American? Consider choosing delicacies from places you've visited or lived. Here are a few suggestions:

• New Orleans Cajun or Creole fare
• Chicago-style deep-dish pizza
• New York cheesecake
• New England lobster rolls
• Tex-Mex fajitas and enchiladas

Set Up a DIY Food Party

If you're looking for a fun dinner theme idea that's low-effort, high reward, choose a menu theme that's really interactive. Setting up DIY food bars may require a bit of prep and presentation, but your guests (or your family) will take it from there to build customized creations.

Bonus: This is an excellent option when your fellow diners have dietary restrictions or are simply picky eaters, as they can skip over any ingredients that don't work for them. Some make-your-own-dinner theme inspiration includes:

• Tacos , burritos, or nachos
• Mac-and-cheese (with fun toppings!)

You might even choose to turn your next dinner into a Chopped -style competition, where you give a set secret ingredient, open access to the kitchen or DIY bar, and offer a time limit to produce something awesome.

Think Outside the Dinner Box

Sometimes, the best dinner isn't actually dinner. Consider dining options that aren't usually served in the evening (or as a full meal). Some options to consider include:

• Breakfast for dinner (think egg dishes or waffles)
• Charcuterie boards (add enough veggies and fruit alongside the meat and cheese, and it's a meal)
• Hors d'oeuvres as a meal

You can also look for ways to minimize (or maximize!) your menu to have a little fun with your dinner. Consider serving all miniaturized foods (think sliders, French onion soup bites , mini hot dogs, and mini desserts ) or supersize (giant cookie for dessert).

Consider Time Travel

Take a trip back in time, whether you opt for retro favorites from a bygone era. Or maybe you want to take it way back to medieval times or the Victorian era. Dinner parties like this are even better if costumes are involved—think disco costumes and a menu with a 1970s vibe. A few dinner menu theme ideas include:

• 1970s style with cheese fondue , old-school casseroles, and a 1970s-style icebox cake
• Medieval with meat pies, hearty stews, and desserts with fruit and honey
• 1920s with deviled eggs (invented in the 1920s), tea sandwiches, canapés, and oysters with Roaring '20s cocktails like Tom Collins and French 75

Celebrate Minor Holidays

Obviously, there are the big holidays like Thanksgiving, New Year's, and the 4th of July. If your dinner party falls around the holidays, it might be fun to go with a holiday theme. But honestly, any day can be a celebration. Get inspiration from those fun food holidays like Ice Cream Day on July 16th, or National Hamburger Day on May 28th. Celebrate minor holidays (like creating a red, white, and blue something for Flag Day on June 14th). You can even make up your own holiday and make a menu perfect for it.

Be mindful of the presentation. The presentation of your dishes (and decor) can really enhance the guest experience—and it's half the fun for a holiday-themed dinner party.

Get Pop Culture Inspired

If you're plotting dinner party associated with a binge watch or movie marathon, take inspiration from what you're showing. Your book club may also love having a book-inspired menu. (I recently hosted my book club's discussion of Lessons in Chemistry, and I opted for a chicken pot pie and brownies , as they were featured in key plot points in the book.)

Or maybe you'll want to find a theme with a twist, like only serving TikTok famous recipes. (A dinner party is the perfect opportunity to revisit the viral baked feta pasta, cowboy caviar, upside-down puff pastry, or whatever TikTokers dream up next.)

Stick to the Season

Consider having a seasonal theme for your next dinner party (or do a dinner party every season!). A season theme offers you the opportunity to celebrate the flavors of the season with the freshest ingredients.

For instance, a summer dinner party might be a picnic theme with refreshing cocktails, barbecue, and vibrant salads with ripe tomatoes or even strawberries. Incorporating seasonal elements into the decor, like fresh flowers (perhaps with edible flowers as well!) for the spring or warm vanilla candles in the winter, adds to the memorable experience for guests.

The seasons don't have to do with the weather either; you can also consider sports seasons. For example, if it's football season and you're gathering for or before a game, a tailgating theme may also make sense for you.

Opt for creative menus, decorations, and mood music to match. Perhaps even what you wear can be part of the whole experience.

Pick a Color

A color dinner party theme might sound silly, but it can be lot of fun to get creative with different foods of the same color. For example, you might have a pink-themed dinner party to celebrate the birthday of your friend who loves the color pink.

For a pink-themed dinner party, you might have smoked salmon canapés or pink radish soup. A purple theme might incorporate veggies like graffiti cauliflower, beets, purple potatoes, or fruits like grapes, plums, blackberries, and elderberries.

For a color-themed party, experiment with food coloring. Make the cake for dessert blue. Top the brownies with green icing. Use red sprinkles on the ice cream. Whatever color you choose, there are tons of ways to get creative with adding it to your dishes.

Entertaining Preparation Tips

There are plenty of ways to make any dinner—regardless of the theme you choose—more fun. Here are some tips to keep in mind when thinking about your dinner party menu.

• Offer a range of options to suit all dietary restrictions. For example, you might include vegetarian or gluten-free options depending on your guests. Ask your guests if they have any allergies and label any dishes that contain allergens like eggs, nuts, shell fish, and other common kinds.
• Aim for a balanced meal. Your dinner party menu should include a variety of flavors and textures to create an exciting and satisfying experience for your guests. This might also mean including drinks that pair well with each dish.
• Choose dishes that you can prepare in advance. If that's not possible, at the very least, choose dishes that require minimal last-minute preparation. This way, you can spend more time enjoying the meal with your guests (and entertaining them) than cooking during the event.

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