Top 30 creative corporate event ideas to engage employees
Boosting employee engagement and fostering teamwork are crucial for any successful organisation. This article presents the top 30 creative corporate event ideas designed to energise your team.
From thrilling adventures to mindful retreats, and with the aid of a Team Building App, these ideas will help strengthen bonds and enhance productivity.
Ready? Let’s have a look!
Our top 30 ideas for a corporate event
Unique and thoughtfully planned corporate events can make a big difference when building a cohesive team and maintaining high morale.
A well-executed event provides a refreshing break from routine, strengthens relationships, boosts motivation, and encourages employee skill development.
There are countless ways to foster teamwork and creativity, from high-energy escape rooms to relaxing wellness retreats.
We have organised them into different categories:
- Corporate Team Building Event Ideas
- Team Challenges and Competitions
- Wellness and Mindfulness Activities
- Corporate Holiday Party Ideas
- Corporate Event Entertainment Ideas
- Creative Corporate Event Ideas for Virtual Attendees
- Themed Events and Parties
Corporate team building event ideas
1. Escape room challenge
Test your team’s problem-solving skills with an exhilarating escape room experience—one of the most thrilling corporate event ideas. Teams are locked in a themed room and must work together to solve puzzles and riddles to escape before time runs out. This professional event promotes communication, teamwork, and quick thinking.
Price Range: £20–£40 per person
Complexity Level: ★
2. Teamupp app interactive challenges
Use our Team-building software to set up bespoke, efficiently organised, and highly engaging team-building challenges—ideal for modern corporate event ideas. Whether a scavenger hunt or a series of mini-games, Teamupp provides a platform for seamless coordination and real-time feedback.
This digital approach allows flexibility and customisation to suit your team’s needs, making it an excellent idea for company events.
Price Range: £0,5 to £1 per employee
Complexity Level: ★
3. Outdoor adventure day
Organise a day of outdoor activities such as hiking, orienteering, or canoeing in the UK’s picturesque countryside—a fantastic corporate day-out idea.
This event encourages team bonding and a sense of achievement through physical challenges. Consider locations like the Lake District or Snowdonia for stunning backdrops to make your company event memorable.
Price Range: £75–£150 per person
Complexity Level: ★★
4. Cooking class workshop
Bring your team together in a fun and interactive cooking class—an ideal idea for work events that combine learning and leisure. Participants learn new recipes and culinary techniques from professional chefs, culminating in a shared meal they prepare together.
It’s a delicious way to encourage teamwork, creativity, and communication. Many venues offer corporate packages that cater to different dietary requirements, making it one of the most versatile corporate party ideas.
Price Range: £50–£100 per person
Complexity Level: ★★
Team challenges and competitions
5. Corporate sports day
Bring out the competitive spirit with a corporate sports day featuring activities like relay races, tug-of-war, and sack races—classic examples of fun and engaging corporate events. This nostalgic event encourages teamwork and healthy competition. You can host it at a local park or hire a sports facility.
Price Range: £500–£1,500 (depending on scale)
Complexity Level: ★★
6. City treasure hunt
Organise a treasure hunt around your city to create and manage clues and checkpoints—an exciting idea for corporate events that gets everyone involved. Teams navigate to various landmarks, solving puzzles and completing challenges. It’s a fun way to explore and collaborate, making it one of the best event ideas for companies looking to boost team spirit.
Price Range: can be free, up to £50 per person
Complexity Level: ★
7. Office olympics
Transform your office into an Olympic arena with desk chair races, paperclip archery, and wastebasket basketball—a creative idea for work events. It’s a light-hearted way to encourage teamwork and break the routine, serving as a perfect example of corporate company events that bring fun into the workplace.
Price Range: Minimal costs
Complexity Level: ★
8. Virtual quiz night
Host a virtual quiz night to bring remote teams together—ideal for companies seeking corporate event ideas that include virtual attendees. Customise questions to include company trivia, general knowledge, or themed topics. It’s an interactive way to engage employees, regardless of location, making it one of the top ideas for corporate events in today’s age.
Price Range: £5–£15 per person
Complexity Level: ★
Wellness and mindfulness activities
9. Corporate Yoga and meditation
Hire a professional instructor to lead yoga and meditation sessions—a wellness-focused idea for company events. This promotes relaxation, reduces stress, and improves focus among employees. Sessions can be held in the office or at a nearby studio and are suitable for all fitness levels. As a professional event that invests in employee wellbeing, it’s an excellent addition to your list of corporate event ideas.
Price Range: £100–£300 per session
Complexity Level: ★
10. Wellness retreat day
Plan a wellness day with activities like spa treatments, mindfulness workshops, and healthy eating seminars—a luxurious idea for corporate days out. It’s an investment in your team’s wellbeing, offering a refreshing break from the usual work environment. Consider venues that offer corporate wellness packages in tranquil settings. This example of corporate events prioritises health and rejuvenation, making it a standout among company event ideas.
Price Range: £150–£300 per person
Complexity Level: ★★★
11. Nutritional cooking classes
Offer classes focused on preparing healthy meals—an engaging idea for work events that promote healthier lifestyles. Employees learn about nutrition and enjoy cooking together, boosting morale and encouraging better eating habits. These classes can be tailored to accommodate dietary preferences, making them an inclusive corporate event example.
Price Range: £50–£100 per person
Complexity Level: ★★
12. Mindfulness workshops
Conduct workshops that teach mindfulness techniques to help employees manage stress and increase productivity—a thoughtful idea for corporate events. Professional facilitators can guide sessions on topics like mindful communication and stress reduction. As a work event idea, this demonstrates your company’s commitment to employee well-being.
Price Range: £200–£500 per session
Complexity Level: ★
Corporate holiday party ideas
13. Festive river cruise
Celebrate the holiday season with a river cruise on the Thames or another UK river—a unique corporate party idea. Enjoy dinner, music, and iconic sights illuminated at night. It’s a memorable way to reward your team and one of the most elegant company event ideas for the holidays.
Price Range: £75–£150 per person
Complexity Level: ★★
14. Winter wonderland theme party
Transform a venue into a magical winter scene with snow effects, ice sculptures, and festive decorations—a spectacular idea for a corporate event during the holidays. Include entertainment like live music or a DJ. This immersive experience can be customised to fit your company’s style, making it a standout among corporate parties.
Price Range: £2,000–£5,000 (depending on scale)
Complexity Level: ★★★
15. Christmas market visit
Take your team to a traditional Christmas market, such as those in Bath or Edinburgh, to enjoy festive food, drinks, and shopping—a relaxed company event idea. It’s a great way to celebrate and soak up the holiday atmosphere. As a more casual corporate event example, it allows employees to unwind and enjoy themselves.
Price Range: Variable (travel and expenses)
Complexity Level: ★
16. Secret Santa and festive games
Organise a Secret Santa gift exchange to coordinate festive games and challenges during an office party—a fun idea for work events during the holiday season. This adds excitement to your celebrations and fosters a sense of community. It’s an example of corporate events that are simple yet effective in boosting morale.
Price Range: £10–£20 per person for gifts
Complexity Level: ★
Corporate event entertainment ideas
17. Stand-up comedy night
Hire a comedian to perform at your event, providing laughter and entertainment—a delightful corporate party idea. This professional event is sure to leave a lasting impression on your attendees. It can be tailored to suit your company’s culture, with the option for clean or customised corporate material.
Price Range: £500–£1,500
Complexity Level: ★
18. Live music performance
Book a local band or solo artist to entertain guests—a vibrant idea for company events. Even better, ask your team if you have a musician that would be willing to play.
Live music creates an energetic atmosphere and can be themed to your event, whether jazz, pop, or classical. It’s an excellent addition to any corporate event, enhancing the overall experience.
Price Range: £500–£2,000
Complexity Level: ★★
19. Interactive magic show
Engage employees with a magician who performs close-up magic or a stage show—an enchanting idea for corporate events. Magicians are captivating additions to any event and can be interactive to involve the audience. This form of entertainment adds a touch of wonder to your corporate parties.
Price Range: £300–£1,000
Complexity Level: ★
20. Silent disco
Provide wireless headphones and let attendees choose from different music channels—a unique corporate party idea. It’s a fun way to cater to diverse musical tastes without noise restrictions.
As an example of innovative corporate events, a silent disco offers a memorable experience for your company event.
Price Range: £500–£1,500
Complexity Level: ★★
Creative corporate event ideas for virtual attendees
21. Virtual escape room
Challenge remote teams with an online escape room that requires collaboration to solve puzzles and progress through the story—a modern idea for corporate events in the digital age.
It’s engaging and fosters teamwork despite physical distance, making it an excellent example of work events adapted for virtual settings.
Price Range: £15–£25 per person
Complexity Level: ★
22. Online cooking experience
Send ingredient kits to employees and host a virtual cooking class led by a professional chef—an interactive idea for company events with remote teams. Everyone cooks together and shares the meal virtually, creating a shared experience that brings teams closer. It’s one of the most engaging corporate event ideas for virtual attendees.
Price Range: £30–£60 per person
Complexity Level: ★★
23. Virtual wine or whisky tasting
Deliver tasting sets to participants and organise a guided tasting session with an expert—a sophisticated idea for corporate events conducted online. It’s an engaging way to socialise remotely and learn about different beverages, making it a popular choice among virtual company events.
Price Range: £40–£80 per person
Complexity Level: ★★
24. Virtual scavenger hunt
Use Teamupp to plan a virtual scavenger hunt where participants must find items in their homes or online—a fun and creative idea for work events conducted remotely. This activity promotes quick thinking and ingenuity and serves as an excellent example of corporate events adapted for virtual environments.
Price Range: £10–£20 per person
Complexity Level: ★
Themed events and parties
25. 1920s Gatsby night
Host a glamorous event with 1920s night, jazz music, and classic cocktails—a timeless corporate party idea. Encourage attendees to dress in period attire for an immersive experience. This theme adds elegance and nostalgia to your event, making it a standout among company event ideas.
Price Range: £2,000–£5,000
Complexity Level: ★★★
26. International food festival
Celebrate diversity by featuring food stations with cuisines worldwide—an inclusive idea for corporate events. Include cultural decorations and music to enhance the experience. It’s an excellent way to acknowledge and appreciate different cultures within your team, making it one of the most meaningful corporate events.
Price Range: £50–£100 per person
Complexity Level: ★★★
27. Outdoor cinema experience
Set up an open-air cinema with a large screen, comfy seating, and refreshments—a relaxing idea for company days out. Choose popular films or company-related content. This setting is perfect for summer evenings and serves as an example of corporate events that are both entertaining and laid-back.
Price Range: £1,500–£3,000
Complexity Level: ★★
28. Teamupp quiz themed Trivia night
Use Teamupp to organise a quiz themed trivia night, such as movies, music, or sports—a fun idea for events at work or virtually. It’s interactive and can be tailored to your team’s interests, fostering a fun, competitive spirit. This is one of the simplest yet most effective corporate event ideas for engaging your team.
Price Range: £0.5–£1 per person
Complexity Level: ★
29. Masquerade ball
Create an elegant evening with a masquerade theme—a sophisticated corporate party idea. Include live music, dancing, and a formal dinner to make it a night to remember. Masks add an element of mystery and excitement, making it a memorable company event.
Price Range: £2,000–£5,000
Complexity Level: ★★★
30. Halloween themed party
Celebrate Halloween with costumes, spooky decorations, and themed games—a playful idea for work events during autumn. It’s a fun way to encourage creativity and let employees express themselves.
Price Range: £1,000–£3,000
Complexity Level: ★★
What to look out for in a corporate event?
When organising a corporate event, it’s crucial to watch out for common pitfalls such as inadequate planning, unclear objectives, poor communication, and technical glitches.
Failing to define clear goals can lead to unfocused events that waste time and resources. Insufficient communication may result in low attendance or disengaged participants.
To avoid these issues, you can follow these simple steps:
- Set specific objectives and desired outcomes for the event
- Don’t hesitate to use tools or apps like Teamupp to make your corporate event more fun
- Develop a detailed plan that includes: timelines, budgets and assigned responsibilities
- Ensure consistent communication with all stakeholders by providing clear instructions and regular updates to attendees
- Be mindful of budget constraints to avoid overspending
- Engage attendees by: Incorporating interactive elements and providing valuable content
- Stay informed about legal and compliance requirements relevant to your event
How do you organise a successful corporate event?
Whether you’re considering ideas for corporate events like team building exercises or corporate parties to celebrate milestones, careful planning is essential.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you plan an outstanding corporate event
1. Define the purpose and objectives
Begin by identifying your event’s goals. Knowing the purpose helps you select appropriate corporate event ideas. For instance, work event ideas focused on team building include workshops or outdoor activities. Clear objectives ensure the event aligns with your company’s needs and sets the foundation for all subsequent planning.
2. Set a budget
Establish a realistic budget covering all aspects, from venue hire to entertainment. This will help narrow down your options for event ideas for your company and prevent overspending. Consider all potential expenses, including catering, transportation, and professional fees. A well-planned budget keeps you financially on track and allows for better resource allocation to make your corporate event memorable.
3. Choose the right venue
Select a venue that suits your event’s theme and size. Consider locations like countryside retreats, historic sites, or modern conference centres in the UK for corporate days out ideas. The correct setting enhances the experience and makes your corporate event stand out. Ensure the venue has the necessary facilities and is accessible to all attendees, considering any special requirements.
4. Plan engaging activities
Incorporate activities that align with your objectives. Ideas for work events might include guest speakers, interactive sessions, or entertainment acts. Look at examples of corporate events for inspiration, such as successful company events that have effectively engaged employees and clients. Engaging activities keep attendees interested and contribute to the event’s overall success.
5. Arrange logistics
If necessary, handle all logistical details, such as catering, transportation, and accommodation. Ensure technical requirements are met to prevent glitches during the event. Attention to logistics ensures a smooth and professional experience for everyone involved. Consider hiring an event company if the scale of the event is large or complex.
6. Communicate with attendees
Send out invitations well in advance, providing all necessary information. Effective communication is critical to a successful turnout at company events. Use multiple channels to reach attendees and provide clear instructions regarding the schedule, dress code, and any preparations needed. Good communication demonstrates professionalism and respect for your colleagues’ time.
7. Execute and follow up
On the day, manage the schedule carefully and be prepared to adapt as needed. After the event, gather feedback to improve future work events. Thank attendees for their participation, appreciation, and commitment to continuous improvement. Sharing photos or highlights can keep the positive momentum and reinforce the event’s impact.
Now that you understand the corporate event ideas and how to set up the event, engaging your employees doesn’t have to be a challenge. Choose one of these creative corporate event ideas and take the first step toward a more cohesive team. Act now and use a team building app such as Teamupp to seamlessly plan your next unforgettable event. Get in touch with our team to get to discover our vision
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