Social Event Ideas

Are you an event planner responsible for the social event ideas for a company, business, or office event? Or maybe it’s a private affair. Do we have this right? Listen, we have plenty of excellent event ideas listed below, but whether it’s a product launch, leadership retreat event, or a corporate party, the main point is this. The more you can get your attendees and invited guests involved, engaged and talking about the event, the better! The objective is to have an event that gives everyone memorable experiences while achieving the main goals of the event itself. All your event decisions need to be lined up to support the achievement of that objective. Once you get all your ideas lined up, begin thinking about how to integrate those ideas into your event.

Creative Social Event Ideas

When it comes to creative social event ideas, there is one problem you are likely to encounter. The feeling of “been there, done that” lingering around in the minds of your guests the moment they are invited to the event. The truth is, they are likely right. But you can change that perception by doing something different and innovative from very the start. You can make them feel good when they think about the upcoming event. You can make them feel excited and eager to attend. You can make them feel important! And the sooner, the better!

So how do you accomplish that? You do something that no one else is doing. You do it with the most overlooked, untapped and underutilized opportunity available to you. The invitations! It’s true; the way you invite your guests and VIPs will make all the difference. So, be different!

Sending Gigeo® personalized video invitations is the easiest way to engage your guests and VIPs while creating a buzz long before your event begins.

Social Event Ideas – Get Talking

 Below you will see a large variety of creative, inspiring, innovative and out of the ordinary event ideas to get your event planning going in the right direction.

Smart Badges
As the name suggests, smart badges are innovative technology to enhance networking. They use apps and mobile devices to help identify people with similar interests and get them talking to one another. These wearable devices can help avoid awkward small talk and give reasons for direct conversations and prioritize whom you want to talk to.

Personalized Name Tags
You can aim to put extra snippets of information about attendees on their name tag for a low-cost and easy idea. When filling out registration forms, add an additional box that allows attendees to fill in extra information about themselves, allowing similarly minded guests to find each other at the event. It can also act as an ice breaker.
Example 1. Describe yourself in 3 words
Example 2. Talk to me about ____.

Murder Mystery
Although this may start to make everyone suspicious, they will quickly establish connections and build relationships through teamwork to guess the murderer! It also creates the perfect environment for discussion after the event, especially when the murder mystery is more complex.

Invite Storytelling
Let your attendees share their experiences with the group. The openness of storytelling creates deeper connections between people.

Disable the WiFi
This may shock some people but disconnecting the Internet and getting everyone offline can provide an excellent opportunity to communicate in the “old school” way.

Drinks Receptions
A drinks reception can be used while you finish getting your venue ready. Guests can mingle and get to know each other before sitting down for dinner.

Lounges
A lounge is essential for social events! They provide an informal and comfortable space, which is ideal for social activities and a place for attendees to gather and talk. Some events provide themed leisure areas, such as English tea parties or oriental bazaars. Whether it is a quiet office space or a place where people can communicate with like-minded people, having a dedicated space will be appreciated by attendees.

Athons
Organize hackathons, design-a-thons or other a-thons to turn longer activities into fun events! You can adapt them to your industry. They are more intense than round tables or seminars, and everyone is committed to achieving a common goal.

Fireside Chats
Fire-side chats allow attendees to have deep conversations. It makes any nervous speaker more comfortable engaging in personal interactions with others.

Virtually Social
Many people find it easier to introduce themselves online than in person. Connecting with your participants through social media can reduce the worry of not knowing other people at the event.

Picnics
Add a picnic area to the event; it doesn’t have to be outside; just put some comfortable blankets or bean sandbags on the floor! A picnic is perfect for summer!

Swap Seats
For large tables, get guests to switch seats during the event by moving three seats down from one side of the table! When you don’t have enough space on a round table, it can encourage everyone to talk and allow a lot of interaction. If this is a particularly long event, you can do these multiple times!

Mini Laser Tag
Adding sports elements will pump everyone’s adrenaline, which is especially useful for bonding! Mini laser tags can be integrated into your activities without taking up too much space, especially when combined with virtual or augmented reality elements.

Wine/Brewery Tours
Sipping wine whilst chatting is a must. It can help facilitate a conversation, and even if the chat goes dry, the wine won’t.

Crescent Formats
Use semicircular, crescent, and U-shaped table layouts to create a more inclusive and interactive atmosphere.

Offer Follow-Up Opportunities
Help participants continue their conversations by providing a way to follow up, such as providing a list of the participants and companies attending (make sure you get permission first!). You could also offer a follow-up event.

Use Social Media
Social media is a sure-fire way to encourage interaction among attendees during the event. This can be a competition or a live wall where participants can collaborate and start a conversation.

Out of Hours
Mix things up and turn the event into an all-nighter! It provides an exciting social opportunity and gives people longer to network.

Open Brainstorming
Providing an open discussion area that participants can pass encourages collaboration and allows guests to stop and think. Using a digital whiteboard or touch screen, you can record all comments and let attendees solve problems or brainstorm together.

Speed Networking
Quickly build relationships through a fast-networking session to ignore those awkward moments (who has time!?). Pick up your business card, ask about departments and industries that may be relevant, and write down who you will talk to in the future. This is an excellent icebreaker and a quick way to find people who are important to you.

The goals and objectives of corporate events can differ quite a bit from one event to the other. This makes the consequent planning, production and execution of your event very different from other types of events. As a result, it can be difficult to stay focused on the corporate goals and objectives for the event at hand. On top of that, there is always a demand for new innovative and creative guest experiences and event ideas. And it really doesn’t matter if the event is for live, in-person guests or a virtual event.

CORPORATE EVENT OBJECTIVES
+ Changing Customers’ Perceptions
+ Create Press Coverage
+ Entertain Executives And Managers
+ Making The Boss Happy
+ Making A Team Bond
+ Motivate Sales Personnel
+ Stimulate Social Media Coverage
+ Support Above The Line Marketing Activities

RESPONSIBILITIES OF CORPORATE EVENT PLANNERS
+ Meetings
+ Corporate Hospitality
+ Client Entertaining
+ Product Launches
+ Employee Training
+ Board Retreats
+ User Events
+ Conferences
+ Focus Groups
+ Sales Meetings
+ Seminars
+ Trade Shows
+ Team Building
+ Leadership Retreats
+ Dinners
+ Awards Ceremonies

CORPORATE EVENT VENUE MAIN FACTORS
+ Tech Facilities
+ Accessibility
+ Sustainability
+ Infrastructure
+ Staff
+ Timing
+ Location
+ Capacity
+ Catering
+ Services
+ Climate

CORPORATE EVENT TYPES
+ Focus Groups
+ Holiday
+ Celebrations
+ Awards Ceremonies
+ Board Retreats
+ User Events
+ Client Entertaining
+ Meetings
+ Employee Training
+ Business Anniversary
+ Product Launches
+ Milestones
+ Seminars
+ Team Building
+ Dinners
+ Corporate Hospitality
+ Corporate Parties
+ Trade Shows
+ Conferences
+ Sales Meetings
+ Leadership Retreats

CORPORATE EVENT EXPERIENCES IDEAS
+ Wine Blending
+ VR Game Experiences
+ VIP Shuttle
+ Selfie Props
+ Photo Booth
+ Performance Companies
+ Neon Light-Up Furniture
+ Matching Step and Repeat
+ Inflatable Games
+ Indoor Fields
+ Hover Ball Archery
+ Digital Walls
+ Digital Forest
+ Climbing Wall
+ Casino Tables
+ Bowling
+ 360-degree Photo Booth

CORPORATE EVENT NETWORKING GAMES IDEAS
+ Ball Pit
+ Big Scalextric
+ Casino Tables
+ Change Teams Each Time
+ Escape Rooms
+ Giant Chess
+ Ice Breakers
+ Inflatable Obstacle Courses
+ Networking Lounge
+ Peekaboo Step & Repeat
+ Segmented Escape Rooms

CORPORATE EVENT TECHNOLOGY IDEAS
+ 360-degree Photography
+ 360-degree Video
+ Circular LED Screen
+ Digital Graffiti Wall
+ Gesture Control Presentations
+ Headshot Lounge
+ iPad Food Ordering
+ Photo Booth GIF Maker
+ Virtual Reality Headsets
+ Wearable Feedback Technology

CORPORATE EXHIBIT IDEAS
+ Beacons
+ Corporate Stands
+ Cut Out Backdrops
+ Demo Stations
+ Slide Decks
+ Smart Badges
+ VR Demos

CORPORATE EVENT BRANDING IDEAS
+ Limited Pop-Ups
+ Branded Swag
+ Activation Pillars
+ Charging Stations
+ Branded Segways
+ Dessert Signage
+ Roaming Competitions
+ Unique Staff Uniforms
+ Branded Balloons
+ External Stair Wraps
+ Branded Furniture
+ Tethered Hot Air Balloons

CORPORATE EVENT DECOR IDEAS
+ Sustainability Concepts
+ Balloon Ceiling
+ Indoor Tailgate
+ Aerial Hoops
+ Branded Balloons
+ Focal Pieces
+ Props
+ Fabric Tunnels
+ Unusual Venues
+ Picture Profile Runway
+ Standing Desks
+ Cut Out Backdrops
+ Project Mapping
+ Unique Dance Floors

CORPORATE ENTERTAINMENT IDEAS
+ LED Shows
+ Synchronized Swimmers
+ Roaming Entertainment
+ Corporate Percussion Groups
+ Talking Robots
+ Dance Groups
+ Walking Robots
+ Video Mapping
+ Ipad Magicians
+ Sand Artists
+ Laser Shows

CORPORATE GIFTS IDEAS
+ Corporate Subscriptions
+ Gigeo Video Invitations
+ Community Focus
+ Accommodation Paid
+ Overnight Stay
+ Professional Coaching Day
+ Gourmet Hampers

CORPORATE EVENT CATERING IDEAS
+ Vintage Drink Bus
+ Sponsored Cocktails
+ Smoothie Jars
+ Servers
+ Private Chef
+ Niche Snacks
+ Mixologists
+ Interactive Gourmet
+ Ice Luge
+ Food Infusion
+ Drink Stations
+ Donut Wall
+ Dinner Boxes
+ Canape Spoons
+ Canape Junk Food
+ Bespoke Mini Boards

CORPORATE FOOD and BEVERAGE IDEAS
+ Willy Wonka-sized Chocolate Fountain
+ Trash Can Nachos
+ Tacos and Mini Margaritas
+ Sushi Rainbow
+ Strawberry Roses
+ Stir-fried Ice Cream Parlor
+ Shaved Ice
+ Share Boards
+ Savory Lollipops
+ Rainbow Chocolate-Covered Strawberries
+ Pretzel Station
+ Portable Shrimp and Grits
+ Personal Pineapple
+ Mini Pails of Food
+ Fruit and Veggie Animals
+ Floral Ice Bucket
+ Donut Wall
+ Creme Brulee Shooters
+ Charcoal Lemonade
+ Champagne Jelly Cubes
+ Caramel Garnish
+ Cactus Macaroons
+ Booze-Free Cocktail Bar
+ Bacon Bar

VIRTUAL EVENT IDEAS
+ Virtual Coffee Breaks
+ Virtual Concerts
+ Virtual Scavenger Hunt
+ Virtual Job Fair
+ Virtual Trade Show
+ Virtual 犀利士 Cooking Class
+ Virtual Dinner Party
+ Virtual Jam Sessions
+ Virtual Conference
+ Virtual Wine Tasting Kits
+ Virtual Guess Who
+ Virtual Murder Mystery Dinner
+ Virtual Open Day
+ Virtual Crime Scene Investigation
+ Virtual In-It To Win-It
+ Virtual Product Launch
+ Virtual Fitness Session
+ Virtual Poker Tournament
+ Virtual Murder Mystery
+ Virtual Escape Room
+ Virtual Improv
+ Virtual Education Fair
+ Virtual Bingo
+ Virtual Benefits Fair
+ Virtual Yoga Classes
+ Virtual Casino Night
+ Virtual Exhibition Fair
+ Virtual Charades
+ Virtual Onboarding Fair
+ Virtual Trivia Nights
+ Virtual Career Fair

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Certified_Meeting_Professional