Сorporate Award Ceremony Themes

There’s one fool-proof event entertainment idea that works for any audience: cocktails and finger foods! So why can’t you just add these magical ingredients to every other event and be done with your entertainment planning? Well, it might sound obvious, but people want a bit more than snacks.

The problem with award ceremonies in particular is that they split the audience into “nominees” and “observers”. Unless you’re in the first group, the whole show might be a drag for you. The only way to break free of this negative pattern is by adding a creative touch. Inspiring event themes can give your audience a one-in-a-million experience, from diving into a favourite movie to exploring new cultures and traditions.

There’s another challenge down the road as well. If you don’t really know much about the guests, it might be especially challenging to pick one mind-bending idea that will set the right mood. To help you out, we’ve compiled our list of the top five best theme ideas for a corporate award ceremony.

Reasons to go for an event theme

Here’s why a good theme can really skyrocket the event for you:

• Solve the “non-winners” problem: In his article for Special Events, Michael Caplan, the founder of Sensix Communications & Events, refers to two major audiences: winners and non-winners. According to the expert, the key to a successful award ceremony is building an equally exciting experience for both winners and non-winners. Indeed, an event theme gives you tools for driving engagement on the ground. For example, at a casino-style ceremony, you won’t get bored (although you may go broke at the casino instead!).
• Better sales: If you’re selling tickets for your award ceremony, you need to give people a good value offer. Tailored event experiences generate much more online buzz around the event because people are more eager to share information about a “Hawaiian awards party” than an “awards event at [insert location]”.
• Easier to plan: An event theme gives you even more ideas. From dress code to catering, you can plan the most important elements of your award ceremony based on the messages that your event theme communicates. For instance, if it’s a Vegas party, you don’t have to worry about branding colours since mixing red, black, gold, and silver is the go-to solution here.

The best theme ideas for your next corporate award ceremony

There are many themes for corporate award ceremonies that will inspire your audience. If nothing fits perfectly with the plan, your unique, crazy idea might work even better.

The list you’ll find below is here to awaken your creative genius and make it rock!

1. Medieval party

Do you feel like King Arthur and the knights of the round table would make the perfect audience for your next award ceremony? Well guess what—you can actually invite them! Build excitement by creating a “travel back in time” experience at your event.

Here are some effective practices for a memorable medieval party:

• Spectacular medieval-style dinner: Rich colours, fancy medieval dishware, and heavenly roasted meats will create a very special dining experience. To complement the atmosphere, add some candles and a smooth melody.
• Performance: Entertainment was a real big thing during the medieval times. To recreate the style of medieval entertainment, delight your guests with magicians, fire performers, and jugglers.
• Visual aspect: Use props and backdrops to transform the venue into an authentic medieval setting. From rich lighting and decor to a coat of arms logo, the list of ideas can be huge.

2. Yoga event

This is the perfect idea for corporate parties focused on sustainability and healthy lifestyle values. The growing trend of yoga festivals and retreats hasn’t gone unnoticed in corporate settings. You’ve probably heard the stories about your friends having yoga lessons in the office. Or maybe you’re considering going on one of those fancy yoga retreats soon.

Why not embed yoga practices into your award ceremony? You can invite local practitioners to teach yoga on site, incorporate a few short lectures on the benefits of yoga, or even run a “Yoga Guru” contest for guests.

The events that will fit well with the yoga theme include:

• Social responsibility ceremony
• Corporate sportsman of the year
• Award ceremonies organised by top sports brands
• Self-love awarding
• Green company competition

3. Masquerade

Old school? Probably yes; but the thing is, old-school event themes have a special power: they unite people through the spirit of one classic idea that everyone understands. A beautiful red carpet set-up, vases filled with feathers, and mysterious masks can add great romantic flavour to your award ceremony.

4. Nature

Organic food, recycled items, and natural lighting—complementing your awards event with the spirit of nature is the best way to showcase corporate sustainability. Here are three strong “greening” ideas for your awards event:

• Use a green prize. Award a winner with an electric bike or an exclusive yoga retreat ticket.
• Provide green transportation options. You can run a bike sharing campaign or organise group transit trips with the use of green transportation.
• Invite local farmers. We live in an age when healthy, nutritious food is at the forefront. Partner with local farmers who can complement your event with organic catering.

5. Party on Mars

If you’re in the events industry, you probably know about the capabilities of modern lighting technology. From LED to pin lighting and gobos, you have a huge array of instruments that you can utilise to create a ceremony in “outer space” style. Ask your guests to dress as spaceship characters, and transform the venue into a fancy interstellar space with interactive screens, LED walkways, and oxygen machines. If your budget allows for it, invite Elon Musk to the party!

Conclusion

Adding a “black tie” gala dinner number 24 to your annual corporate events calendar is a terrible idea. Our list of the top five theme ideas for corporate award ceremonies proves it’s actually super easy to skyrocket the experiences of your audience. All you have to do is awaken your creative genius and use awards planning solution!