Hey there, I'm Devin!
Most of the time you can catch me deep in the world of internal comms at Workshop (yes, the Happy Mondays folks!), and while I love AI, there are just some comms questions that need a human who really gets it… that’s me!
Hey Devin! My company (approximately 5,500 employees) does an on-campus event once a year to celebrate our company culture and employees. We usually have between 2,500–3,000 attendees. It’s been a rinse and repeat the past couple of years — food trucks, employee network and vendor booths, lawn games, a DJ, etc. I’m looking to blow it up and bring in some fresh ideas and activities. Right now I’m not concerned about budget. I’d rather have a bunch of things to choose from and skinny down the list to fit the budget.
First of all… what a dream to not be thinking about budget right out of the gate! That almost never happens, so let’s take full advantage of it.
I actually brought this question to our Marketing and Events Manager at Workshop, Kelsey, and between the two of us we had a lot of ideas. So here are the ones that stood out the most!
Bring in animals. I know, I know — but hear me out. We’re big animal people at Workshop, and we’ve partnered with local nonprofits to bring in baby goats and even (one time!) a three-legged alligator named Tripod. It’s unexpected, it’s memorable, and people absolutely love it. If you can find a local rescue or wildlife organization to partner with, it doubles as a feel-good moment too.
Swap the DJ for a live act — or better yet, look within. A headliner or a band instantly elevates the energy. But here’s what I’d really encourage: poll your employees. There’s probably someone at your company who’s in a band, DJs on the side, or does something creative that most people don’t know about. Showcasing internal talent brings the event back to what it’s all about — celebrating your people. Employees love seeing themselves, not just in comms, but in experiences like this too.
Think activations, not just booths. Instead of the usual vendor setups, what if employees could create something or experience something different? A caricature artist, a DIY station, a photo moment with some personality — these kinds of activations make the event feel less like a corporate fair and more like something people actually want to attend.
Give it a brand. One thing Kelsey really emphasized is treating the event like a campaign. Create a micro brand — a name, a theme, a look and feel that has that external-level polish. When you’re planning for 2,500–3,000 people, you’re basically producing a small festival. It should feel like one!
And one last thing — don’t forget the hype. Send out some teaser comms leading up to the event, but also ask your employees what they’d love to see there. It makes the day feel like it was built for them (because it was), and that’s what turns a good event into one people talk about for months. Best of luck with this one and please send pictures!
