Do you ever struggle to think of new event ideas? Wonder how to reinvent the attendee experience to make sure your attendees have lasting memories?
With the events industry projected to reach almost $2 trillion by 2028, there’s no better time to start brainstorming fresh and innovative ideas for your next themed event.
And with such a large industry, it’s more important than ever to make your events stand out as memorable and personal experiences.
To help you get inspired, we’ve compiled 66 popular event ideas and formats you can mix and match at will for your next great event, whether online, in-person, or a combination of both. On top of that, we have expert advice on how professionals would implement each type of event to make them exceptional.
Table of Contents
Community event ideas
The secret to professional event planners’ success in organizing community events is to bring together people with mutual interests.
Organizing a successful community event can foster community spirit, promote local businesses, and forge unbreakable bonds through a shared experience.
Take a look at these ideas to create a lasting impact and help to build strong relationships in your community.
1. Standup or comedy show
Everyone loves to laugh, and standup has been around as an event format since the ancient Greeks to serve this basic human need.
Today, you can check out spots like the Laugh Factory Chicago to have a fun and entertaining evening.
A standup or comedy show provides a great opportunity to have fun, relax and let loose. It also allows attendees to bond as they share in the same experience.
Do it like a pro: Hire local comedians or performers who specialize in your event’s topic. Allow everyone access to the audio source, and include an open mic session and improv games.
2. Book reading
Choose an author or particular book and host a virtual or in-person read-along like Octavia Butler’s Slow Read does.
You’ll see, book readings are a great way to spark conversation and foster deeper connections between community members.
Do it like a pro: Make sure attendees bring their own book copies for the read-along and choose topics relevant to community issues.
3. Cabaret
A cabaret is a stage performance, typically held in restaurants, bars, and nightclubs. But if you prefer, it can be adapted to an online format.
A cabaret is a good community event idea because it mixes music, song, dance, and drama with an overarching theme and allows for artistic expression more suited to adult audiences.
It’s a historic art form that helped jump-start the careers of celebrities like Nina Simone and Bette Midler.
Do it like a pro: Make it an inclusive event by collaborating with a wide range of performers from all kinds of backgrounds. Reach out to local musicians to see if you can bring a fresh, local twist on this historical classic.
4. Masquerade
Most common around Halloween, masquerade parties are a great excuse to get dressed up. Revel with others in equally outrageous, amusing, and esoteric clothing.
With the right atmosphere, going to a masquerade can be an unforgettable experience. Your guests will have great fun exploring new identities and wearing silly costumes.
Do it like a pro: Before the masquerade, lead a workshop where people can learn how to make their own costumes. That gets your attendees more heavily invested and will ensure there are plenty of outfits to remember. You can even do this online!
5. Dance, ball, or disco
Get your community moving with a lively dance. Whether you go ballroom dancing or clubbing, just for fun or to compete, the variety is almost limitless.
This is a fantastic choice because music and dance feature strongly in most cultures and have the ability to bring people together. Plus, they’re perfect to reduce stress and increase dopamine levels!
Do it like a pro: Bring in local musicians, DJs, or even dance instructors to make the dance unique to your community and accessible for everyone.
6. Fandom gathering
Held virtually or in person, this type of event focuses on fans of a particular part of popular culture — usually referring to subcultures such as science fiction, anime, gaming, or cult TV series.
The sense of community that can come from connecting with other fans who share the same passion is invaluable. It’s especially important for niche interests that don’t have widespread fandoms where it’s hard to meet other fans locally.
To make it attractive for your fandom, you could include a panel discussion and invite VIPs from the respective franchise, such as celebrities or authors.
Do it like a pro: Make sure you get the word out about your event — some fans are hard to find! Need help spreading your message? Eventbrite Boost is an all-in-one marketing platform that can help you simplify the process.
7. Festival
Festivals are often music-focused, but can cater to many interests. An organized concert series, like the one from the Contemporary A Capella Society, or film screenings or plays, are usually hosted at a single venue over several days. They typically use tools like Eventbrite to grow their attendance with more effective marketing and easy ticket management.
Festivals are a great way to bring people together who share a passion. They’re also ideal for introducing new music or other forms of entertainment to the public, and can help foster relationships between artists.
Do it like a pro: Clarify the purpose and theme of your festival and determine the target audience and the type of experience you want to create. And don’t forget to set a budget!
8. Networking evening
Often geared towards professionals, networking events are designed to bring like-minded people together to chat, share experiences, and hopefully find common ground.
This can lead to a mutually beneficial business relationship, but sometimes, it’s just about eating pizza and having a drink together!
Do it like a pro: Select a venue that aligns with the atmosphere you want to create. Consider a space that encourages conversation and interaction, such as a cozy lounge, rooftop terrace, or a unique and engaging location.
9. Participatory events
This is where attendees become a part of the event, helping to shape and change the experience and the outcome as it unfolds. You can make all kinds of events participatory, but it’s a significant component of an event that’s worth considering on its own.
This dynamic makes participatory events unpredictable, exciting, and always unique. It’s a great way to engage attendees actively rather than as passive observers.
Do it like a pro: If you run an online event, use technology like online polls to give attendees a voice during the event. Make sure you have a plan with activities for people to interact and discuss their thoughts and ideas.
10. Party
Parties can break down barriers between people who might not otherwise get to know each other. More than that, parties are a fun time for everyone!
Do it like a pro: Make your party memorable by paying attention to details — decorations, lighting, ambiance, and overall aesthetics can create a cohesive and immersive experience. And don’t forget to include some ice-breaker activities!
11. Prom
An American staple and movie classic, it involves giving your attendees the chance to relive their high school experience — with (legal) drinks.
A prom is a great way to give people the chance to live out their dream of being a princess, a prince, or whatever floats their boat. Plus, it’s a fun way to get everyone together and create some memories.
Do it like a pro: Like most proms, yours should have a unifying theme. Make sure everyone knows about it far ahead of time by creating an event page and reaching them early so they can get excited and plan their outfit.
12. Rally
A rally typically involves politics and social issues, and usually takes the form of a gathering in the streets — or on the internet — in support of (or against) a specific shared cause.
Rallies can be a great way to bring people together and take meaningful action in solidarity.
Do it like a pro: Make your event run smoothly by checking whether you need any permits and securing them in advance. Selecting a suitable location, coordinating with local authorities, and ensuring proper crowd management and safety measures are essential when organizing a rally.
13. Rave
Raves were in the 90s, maybe less so today… but what about getting your attendees to party like it’s 1999? A rave is a big dance party, usually featuring electronic music and some measure of neon.
Raves can be great to let people blow off some steam and have fun in new and creative ways. You might even end up with a few viral videos.
Do it like a pro: Make sure that the location is safe and secure, and that all attendees are aware of the rules (e.g. no drugs). Bring in a quality sound system, and put together a great playlist for people to enjoy.
14. Religious events
Religious events can vary widely, but often involve bringing a community together to celebrate as a group.
Whatever your religion, events will likely play a crucial role in bringing together believers, sharing a common message, or raising funds.
Do it like a pro: Most religions are big on helping the less fortunate — host a fundraiser with food plates or activities to help your favorite religious organization or charity! Be sure to research local laws and regulations to ensure the event runs smoothly.
15. Silent disco
If you want to hold a house party with no complaints about the music volume, this could be the solution. Instead of blaring out dope beats from loudspeakers, each attendee uses headphones and dances to the tunes only they hear.
Since everyone listens independently, this is an event you can easily turn virtual. You can even create virtual rooms with different music genres that the participants can tune into, and sync them so everyone’s rocking the same tune.
Do it like a pro: Before you start, decide on a theme for the tunes. You can theme specific genres or decades and even encourage attendees to dress up accordingly. If you’ve never been to a silent disco, how about you try one to see how it’s done?
16. Ribbon cutting
The classic “ribbon-cutting” event has the town mayor, dignitary, or famous guest come to open up a new public space, like a school or library. It’s a great way to gather the community — even virtually — and acknowledge the new amenities.
Ribbon-cutting events are a way to celebrate progress and the hard work of all those involved in the project. They’re also a great opportunity for local media outlets to cover the event and help spread the word about your organization.
Do it like a pro: Start by arranging a meeting with the mayor or other official, then decide on a date and time that works for everyone. To get media attention, reach out to local outlets ahead of time and give them all the information they need about the project.
17. Talent or variety show
A competition where entrants demonstrate their unique talent in front of an audience and judging panel. You can even offer enticing prizes to the people that have especially impressive talents to show off.
This is a great way to get people engaged and show off their unique abilities. Plus it’s great entertainment for the evening, it keeps people’s attention and generates excitement.
Do it like a pro: Don’t forget to plan out an award ceremony with special prizes for the winners! With a grand finale to close out the night, you can really take things to the next level.
Fundraising event ideas
Professional event planners use fundraising events as a great way to engage with the community, raise awareness about important causes, and generate funds for much-needed projects. They’ve helped US nonprofits raise over $100 billion in 2022 alone.
From silent auctions to charity runs, there are plenty of creative ideas out there that can help make your fundraising event successful.
Here are a few we like:
18. Auction
Items or services are sold, either in front of an audience or online, to the person who is prepared to pay the highest amount. Audience members place “bids” for each item or “lot,” with bids being managed by an auctioneer.
They place their bids in increasing value, until each person reaches their maximum bid, at which point the highest bidder has secured the item.
This is great for non-profit fundraisers. Not only does it attract attendees’ attention, but it can also help you get more donations than you would otherwise.
Do it like a pro: Contact local businesses to have them contribute with high-value items, such as artwork or vacations, to increase the amount of money raised.
In exchange, provide them with some visibility through banners or ads. Consider setting up an online auction platform and provide potential bidders with detailed information about each lot.
19. Gig
A gig is a smaller and more intimate musical performance, one where the performers may not be full-time professional musicians.
Gigs are memorable musical experiences because they let your audience get closer to the performers than they would at a larger concert.
Do it like a pro: Bring together a few friends or coworkers with musical talent and form your own band for a fundraising gig. You could even pull on a few threads (if you have any) and invite a celebrity to get everyone excited about the cause.
20. Fashion show
The buzz and theater of a runway at one of the major fashion weeks will likely be hard to replicate, but fashion shows work well on a smaller scale too. Plus, they’re a fun way to raise money for charity.
A fashion show is also a great way to promote local designers, retailers and boutiques. Plus, it’s a unique event that’ll grab everyone’s attention.
Do it like a pro: If you’re hosting a large-scale fashion show, consider working with a professional production company that specializes in fashion shows. They can help you produce a show that meets your budget and exceeds everyone’s expectations.
21. Improv show
Improvisational comedy is where the performers have no set script, and instead develop ideas from the audience into jokes and sketches on the fly. It’s like watching a live movie that unfolds as it goes along.
You can make a fundraiser event out of an interactive improv show that entertains everyone and raises money for a good cause.
Do it like a pro: To make it more original you can create teams and have a competition for the audience’s laughter and applause. And don’t forget you’ll have a limited venue capacity so you need to manage your ticketing accordingly.
22. Performance art
You never know what to expect from performance art. It’s as completely original and unique as the artist, with very little common ground between one event and another. They typically combine elements of theater, film, music, video, spoken word, or artistic discipline into an original statement.
Performance art pieces like the ones at the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events deliver powerful messages in unique performances while also providing fundraising opportunities for local nonprofits and artists.
Do it like a pro: Plan the piece in collaboration with the artist or artists to ensure they have what they need to make it unforgettable. Also, plan to have staff on-site to maintain order during the performance and be prepared in case of any technical difficulties.
23. Race
A race is a classic fundraiser, and it can be any type of competitive endurance event — usually running, cycling, or swimming, though it occasionally involves an egg and spoon.
Races are exciting and impressive ways to raise awareness and funds at the same time. They can also bring the community together through training for the event.
Do it like a pro: Raise funds by tying distance goals to donations. For example, for every five miles you run, donors will give a certain amount. Use a platform like Eventbrite to collect donations.
24. Film screening
Ranging from Saturday nights at the movies to exclusive documentary screenings, screening events can be surprisingly diverse and flexible.
You can host a film screening anywhere from a house, to a theater, to a park, and it’s easy to theme it in accordance with the cause you’re fundraising for.
Do it like a pro: Raise funds for your cause by charging for admission or offering some movie-themed refreshments at reasonable prices. Consider partnering with local organizations like the Alula Film Festival to make handling the logistics even easier.
25. The performing arts
Here we mean ballet, musicals, opera, and theater. Yes, we’ve lumped four major types of events into one, because they share a common factor — a center stage occupied by talented artists, appreciated by an attentive audience.
Performing arts events are about entertainment, but by hosting arts events, you can bring the community together to enjoy and appreciate the talents of the performers.
Do it like a pro: Consider hiring experts in their respective fields — theater, ballet, opera, etc. — to help you organize the event. This way, you can ensure that your event is in line with industry standards and expectations.
26. Silent auction
Like an auction, but bids are placed in a closed box, so no one knows how much the others have bid. The box is then unlocked and the highest bid wins.
Silent auctions are a great way to raise money by offering goods and services, usually donated by local businesses or individuals.
Do it like a pro: Consider contracting a professional auctioneer to manage the process, as they will have more expertise in running an effective silent auction with minimal fuss. They can also help ensure that all bids are collected securely.
Corporate event ideas
With the right combination of planning, networking opportunities, entertainment, and delicious food and drinks, you can create a memorable corporate event that brings together colleagues from around the world.
With the corporate event industry projected to grow more than 17% year-over-year, these events are only bound to get more popular.
But you’ll be juggling many responsibilities at once so we tried to make that job easier for you with this comprehensive list of corporate event ideas.
From themed galas to outdoor competitions – let’s take a look at some fun yet effective ideas that will wow any crowd:
27. Awards ceremony
Think the Oscars, the Emmys, or the Grammys. Of course, not all awards ceremonies are quite as slick and glamorous, but they’re a wonderful way to recognize and reward the hard work of teams and individuals.
A well-planned and skillfuly conducted awards ceremony can go a long way towards motivating people and encouraging excellence.
Do it like a pro: Put together a panel of judges to review nominees, select winners, and arrange for the presentation of awards. You’ll need to factor in costs for prizes or trophies, as well as any entertainment you choose to include.
28. Conference
Conferences are made up of several sessions, often mixing up formats including keynotes, panels, breakouts, and roundtables. They’re great for blending knowledge sharing with networking among like-minded professionals.
Conferences can be either in-person or online, like the Johnson Women in Technology conference.
Do it like a pro: Utilize social media to promote the event and create interactive experiences such as polls, quizzes, or virtual scavenger hunts during the event itself.
Additionally, make sure you have a follow-up strategy in place to stay connected with attendees long after the event has ended.
29. ConfEx
A ConfEx is part conference, part exhibition. As you’d imagine, there’s a heavy emphasis on talks and learning, but with a large number of exhibitors offering smaller presentations, and unique opportunities for networking and connecting either in-person or online.
The combination of talks/presentations and exhibitors allows for a lot more diversity in content, as well as exposure to a wider range of topics.
With an emphasis on networking and interacting with exhibitors, attendees can come away with unique insight and resources that they wouldn’t be able to find at a typical conference.
Do it like a pro: To facilitate a successful ConfEx, event, be prepared to manage both the presentation and exhibition sides of the event. You also need to plan for the logistics. A platform like Eventbrite can help with registration and scheduling.
30. Convention
This is another broad term that can sometimes mean a conference, a trade show, or, more commonly now, a virtual or in-person gathering of fans (i.e. a fandom).
Conventions help bring together an industry to discuss new best practices and technologies that everyone can benefit from.
Do it like a pro: Like trade shows and conferences, organizing a convention requires careful planning with vendors, volunteers, and other stakeholders. If you do it online, you’ll need to think about how to maximize attendance — which is just the topic of this Eventbrite post.
31. Congress
Congresses generally refer to formal meetings between politicians or government representatives. Many conferences also adopt the name of “congress” to sound more formal and important.
A congress is an excellent way to bring together professionals from different industries, countries, and backgrounds to share ideas, network and learn from each other.
Do it like a pro: Event organizers should set the tone for the congress by making sure that all participants are briefed on the topic, objectives, and expected outcomes. It’s also important to create a schedule of activities and speakers in advance.
32. Consumer show or fair
These are usually big events full of vendors selling their products or services, all linked by a specific theme.
You can bring vendors to an online version too, to market homeware, travel opportunities, or electronics — take inspiration from the Global Sources consumer shows.
These events are perfect for a wide range of industries, bringing together buyers and sellers in one place.
Do it like a pro: Onsite, ensure the layout of vendors is well planned with ample space between them. Provide adequate signage and directional signage to help visitors move around the venue easily.
33. Exhibition or trade show
Trade shows are similar to consumer fairs, but are normally restricted to professionals. They focus on selling high-value B2B goods or services, and can easily be held online.
Trade shows are a great way to share ideas, network with industry professionals, and find new opportunities for collaboration.
Do it like a pro: Create an organized event agenda with presentations that will engage the audience. It’s also essential to provide refreshments and other amenities, such as charging stations, to keep everyone comfortable.
34. Flash events
Flash events may be organized months in advance, but they are promoted merely days before the event.
These types of events are great if you have a large following or a high demand for your event. The sudden release of news of your event is sure to trigger impulse buying. For a little inspiration check out Flash Bob’s flash events.
Do it like a pro: Leverage your network of contacts for the best results. Recruit them to spread the word through email and social media posts. Keep in mind that you’ll need to put plenty of time and effort into planning, preparing and promoting it if you want your event to be successful — a checklist might come in handy.
35. Interview or fireside chat
An interview or a fireside chat is a simple format to get expert knowledge or perspective from an industry leader.
While one-on-one interviews are most common, you can also interview a group of experts at once. A fireside chat is similar, but may have a more casual and conversational atmosphere.
This is a great format for those who want a keynote speaker but can’t invest the time in creating a presentation. Instead, you can set up a microphone and camera or, if venues are open, put them on stage and ask all of the questions you and your audience want to know.
Do it like a pro: Prioritize your questions beforehand and practice them to ensure you stay on track during the conversation. And don’t forget to ask follow-up questions too!
36. Product launch
Product launch events are often held in a party format to showcase a company’s latest release, so they’ll generally involve a demo, lots of cool branding, important people, and, if in-person, plenty of drinks and nibbles.
Product launches are all about creating the most positive first impression possible and making sure the product looks polished and professional.
Do it like a pro: Make sure to establish measurable goals for your product launch to ensure that your planning is focused on accomplishing what’s important.
37. Q&A
Question and answer sessions are very common after a talk or panel at a business event, but they’re not limited to that situation.
Artists will often launch their latest film or book with a Q&A session so their fans get a chance to dig behind the scenes and ask their burning questions.
Q&A’s are a great way to engage with the audience on a more intimate level and to build trust. They can also help bring clarity to confusing topics by answering the audience’s questions.
38. Presentation
A presentation isn’t another word for “PowerPoint,” contrary to the popular understanding of most conference speakers. A presentation should inform, persuade, or build goodwill.
While usually found as part of a conference or other larger event, there’s no reason you can’t have a single presentation as the star of your event.
This can be a great way to unveil new products, services, or initiatives. It’s also a great tool for gaining public approval of your decision-making process and giving an audience the chance to ask questions.
Do it like a pro: Make sure the presentation has a variety of audiovisual cues, and consider finding ways to include audience participation through polls or questions.
39. Forum
Historically, “the Forum” was a Roman center of public life where citizens would gather. In the context of events, a forum is usually a great format for debate and airing of opinions and so associated with legal and political proceedings — although it’s just as useful for industry-related discussions.
Forums are a popular choice for professional events since they give attendees an opportunity to share their perspectives, ask questions, and network with like-minded individuals.
They’re also easy to do online.
Do it like a pro: Make sure your forum is well-structured, with a moderator who can keep everyone on track and guide the conversation. Provide plenty of time for questions and answers and make sure to have a way to record any insights gleaned from the discussions.
Do it like a pro: Prepare for your Q&A session by researching common questions you anticipate getting. For example, you can go on Reddit or Quora and search for questions people ask about similar products. Include some thought-provoking questions too, to get everyone talking.
40. Seminar
This event focuses on a single theme where attendees are invited to participate by following along with specially designed academic exercises.
This kind of event helps attendees learn and retain more knowledge by providing a structured format that’s easy to digest. It also encourages collaboration among the participants as they work together on their assigned tasks.
Do it like a pro: Have a plan in place for what you would like your attendees to accomplish during the seminar and ensure that your activities are well-suited for the allotted time.
Make sure to leave some room for unexpected questions or topics of discussion; these can be invaluable in getting attendees more involved and engaged in the seminar.
41. Signing engagement
Signings are generally associated with books, so fans and readers can meet their favorite author and get their latest release signed by them. They’re also a common component of fandoms and comic cons.
Signings are a great way to give attendees something tangible to remember their experience by. They’re also fantastic for raising awareness for new publications and creating relationships between fans, authors and publishers.
Do it like a pro: Have your author(s) prepared with plenty of books or other items they can sign, as well as markers or pens. It’s also a good idea to have an orderly line and seating area so attendees don’t get overwhelmed by the experience.
42. Breakfast briefing
Breakfast briefings are a morning event format often used when the host has an announcement or launch to present.
They’re great for those who want to reach a business audience, who would be unable to attend an event in office hours or after work. It’s also an ideal option for those who need online event ideas, as the format is easily adaptable to a virtual venue.
Do it like a pro: Make sure the breakfast briefing is tailored to your target audience’s preferences — consider offering a variety of options, from classic continental breakfasts to vegan and gluten-free selections.
43. Panel session
A perennial favorite at conferences, they can also be stand-alone events. Gather a few experts, throw in a moderator and a series of questions on their topic of expertise, and you’ve got yourself a panel.
It’s a great way to get multiple perspectives on a single topic without going overboard.
Do it like a pro: Prioritize the list of questions that you want answered, ensuring that each panelist is given equal time to answer them. Also, make sure the moderator keeps the discussion moving forward and provides closure for any tangents.
44. Endurance race
An endurance event is a special type of race that deserves its own section. We’re talking about any kind of individual feat of endurance where you race against yourself to complete a distance or time.
Like with races, the most common forms involve running, cycling, and swimming (or all three). But they can also involve dancing in your house for 24 hours, for example.
Endurance events are a great way to challenge people to push their limits. The feeling of accomplishment after completing an endurance challenge can be incredibly rewarding.
Do it like a pro: An endurance race may require careful planning in terms of safety and support for the participants — from pre-race medical check-ups to well-supplied aid stations along the way. Event professionals should also consider secure transport for personal belongings.
45. Food and drink
Food and drink events can be as varied as food and drink itself.
In-person events typically have a large variety of stalls and vendors selling their goods. Creators like Olive & Atlas Travel Design even offer these events online. They often involve obtaining ingredients to cook along with, and are a great way to sample a lot of variety and expand your palate.
Food and drink events are a great way to foster community, offer education and entertainment, and support local vendors. They also provide an opportunity for sponsorships as well as charities or nonprofits to benefit from the proceeds.
Do it like a pro: Incorporate sustainably-sourced, local food into the event to give it a local flair. You could also have the chef or another industry professional give a presentation about the food and its origins.
46. Gaming
Whether it’s gathering social gamers or attracting gamers that play for cash prizes as a sport, gaming is a big industry to penetrate.
Gaming events are a great way to bring together people from all walks of life, make connections and have some competitive fun. It can also be used as a tool for fundraising or educational activities, such as teaching people about coding, computer graphics or the history of gaming.
Do it like a pro: Utilize technology at your event such as virtual reality or augmented reality games, as well as mobile gaming options. To add an extra layer of fun, bring in experts to speak about different aspects of gaming such as game design and development, eSports, professional game teams, and more.
47. Yoga class
Improve your team’s flexibility — literally!
Yoga is a stretching-based exercise that can be low-intensity and accessible to everyone. While some yoga poses are quite difficult and can work up a sweat, others are relatively easy and can help the team relax.
It’s a great way to have fun, get some exercise and bond with your team.
Do it like a pro: Hire a professional yoga instructor and make sure there’s a mic and sound system if it’s a big group. Choose a venue that ensures your yoga class is as safe and accessible as possible. Consider variations like hot yoga for an exciting twist.
48. Hackathon
When you bring together programmers, designers, and other digital professionals and ask them to build a prototype within a set period of time, you’ve got yourself a hackathon.
According to stereotypes, the participants are fueled by pizza, caffeine, and beer.
Hackathons are a fun way for teams to brainstorm, design, and develop something new.
From having a local or global focus to creating solutions for specific challenges faced by businesses and organizations, your hackathons may lead to the development of useful digital tools.
Do it like a pro: To make your hackathon successful, determine what type of challenge it will address and decide on the format (timeframe and rules) beforehand. And don’t forget the pizzas!
49. Immersive
Immersive events normally follow a tight narrative that leads the participant through the story, with the help of actors who always stay in character and movie-set settings.
This is a favorite event for fans of zombies and apocalypse scenarios and can even be held online by asking attendees to tune into a livestream.
Immersive events are great for creating a shared experience that participants can talk about and remember for a long time.
Do it like a pro: Develop a compelling narrative with interesting characters and make sure the setting is believable (otherwise it isn’t immersive!). Also, ensure you test out the scenario or storyboard before the event day.
50. Pitch contest
The format is normally a rapid-fire session of startups or speakers pitching to the audience, or a panel of experts, usually to win a prize.
It’s a great way to discover new talent and encourage creativity — whether it’s entrepreneurs pitching their business ideas or speakers looking for funding. Plus, there’s always the potential reward of winning a prize at the end of it all.
Do it like a pro: Make sure you have an MC to announce each speaker or presenter and manage the time slots. It’s also important to have clear criteria for judging, so that everyone knows what they need to do in order to make a good impression.
51. Meet-up
A meet-up is just what it sounds like: people with a common interest meet up in a physical or virtual space.
Whatever your interest — punk rock fan club, property investors, book club — it’s always great to connect with like-minded people and enjoy conversation with those who share a passion.
Do it like a pro: Develop a set list of topics to discuss and find a location that’s convenient for everyone and provides an atmosphere conducive to conversation. You could even include a fun Q&A session.
52. Puzzle or escape room
Solve puzzles in a group, within a certain amount of time, in a closed space or online. This creates the right mix of excitement, curiosity, and agitation to make this format a recent stand-out success.
Do it like a pro: The trick is to spend some time creating an engaging, entertaining storyline and carefully choosing the puzzles you want your teams to solve. It’s also a great idea to assign a knowledgeable game master who can monitor the game and provide hints or guidance when necessary.
53. Quiz
This fun event usually consists of groups or teams competing against each other, and a “quizmaster” who poses questions to the competing teams. Each group then writes down (or types) answers to each question with the winning team having the most correct answers.
Quiz events are a great way to get teams engaged, while also learning and having fun.
Do it like a pro: Select topics that fit the interests of your attendees and prepare questions ahead of time, organized in rounds. Make sure you include some high-quality multimedia elements like music and visuals.
54. Retreat
A retreat can involve attendees coming together online or in person, often over a weekend or longer, to meditate, relax, and find peaceful conversation.
Retreats are great for allowing attendees to disconnect from their day-to-day lives and spend time focusing on self-growth. They also provide opportunities for team-building exercises.
Do it like a pro: Create a safe space for attendees to open up and share ideas and set expectations in advance. Research different types of meditation exercises, mindfulness practices, or team-building activities that work best for your group.
55. Roasts
Roasts, in the opposite tradition of toasts, are events where the main subject is honored but with some gentle mocking and ribbing. A great way to keep egos in check, it’s like a best man’s speech, minus the wince-inducing innuendos.
Roasts are a lighthearted way to pay tribute and appreciate someone’s presence while also having fun. Have a look at this intergenerational roast which took place in Bethesda organized by Erin Healy.
Do it like a pro: Choose someone who is good at delivering comedic one-liners and keep it lighthearted. Prepare a few lines to throw out, but make sure everyone has an opportunity to add their own jokes as well.
56. Open mic
An event where everyone gets the chance to be the star of the show, they usually focus on poetry, music, and comedy.
An open mic session gives aspiring artists the chance to showcase their skills and get comfortable performing in front of people.
This event is all about self-expression and connecting with people through creativity. It’s a great way to bring people together in a low-stakes environment, while also providing some entertainment value.
Do it like a pro: Get one or two people to sign up to perform first before the event. Often, people are reluctant to take the first step, but once a couple of people have done it, the momentum carries the rest of the event forward.
57. Secret event
A secret event can be anything, but what matters is the lead-up. Keep it a secret from everyone but the few people you’ll need to help organize.
Keeping the agenda of your event a mystery really engages people’s curiosity.
Sometimes, telling them nothing at all makes them excited just to find out what it’s all about. It’s a great way to bring your team together as they wonder and theorize about what the event could be.
Do it like a pro: If you want the secret or surprise event to be a success, you’ll need to plan ahead. This might mean sending out carefully worded emails or texts that hint at what’s going on without giving away the surprise.
58. Workshops
Workshops are often used interchangeably with training sessions, but their traditional meaning was a room where people could build stuff.
In event terms, your workshop should focus on helping people create something tangible — like a painting or teapot warmer.
Workshops can be a great way to tap into people’s creative side and help them make something personal. They also foster team building activities and collaboration skills as attendees work together towards a common goal.
Do it like a pro: If you’re on a budget, survey the team to see if any of them have skills they could teach to avoid hiring an instructor. If that leaves you with a few pennies to spare, invest that money in high-quality materials or a professional space for the workshop.
Virtual event ideas
With virtual events predicted to grow at a compound annual rate of 21.4% from 2022 to 2030, professional event organizers have responded by creating innovative ways for individuals and organizations alike to host successful online gatherings.
From conferences and seminars, to team-building activities and product launches, there is no shortage of creative ideas when it comes to hosting a virtual event.
Using platforms like Eventbrite that can integrate a video platform with ticketing, registration, and marketing tools will help to create a more seamless and immersive experience for your attendees.
If you’re not used to planning virtual events it can be hard to come up with interesting ideas.
That’s alright, it’s why after years of promoting and hosting events, our Eventbrite experts have come in to supply some great ideas for your virtual events.
59. Roundtable
All in attendance receive the same question and then debate the answer.
Think city planning, business innovation, or political issues as the kind of topics often discussed at roundtables.
Roundtables encourage a diverse range of opinions and also provide a forum for people to present interesting ideas you might not hear otherwise. They can also be used to gain clarity and consensus on a subject.
Do it like a pro: Appoint a moderator who can remain impartial and ensure every voice is heard. That way, you can encourage open dialogue but also be prepared for contentious topics or people who may want to monopolize the discussion.
60. Debate
While you might be used to hearing about debates in politics, you can host a debate about anything! Two well-spoken subject matter experts just need to face off to compare beliefs, approaches, or points of view.
Witnessing talented, passionate debaters is an event that can make a huge impression.
In fact, virtual debates, like those hosted by Bright Green, can influence elections, lend credibility to causes, and get spectators questioning their original assumptions.
Do it like a pro: Make sure the debaters have plenty of time to prepare before they begin. You should also ensure they receive supportive guidelines for audience engagement so that everyone can stay on topic and be respectful during the debate.
61. Paint jam
Grab some brushes, paint, and a canvas, hop online and you’ve got yourself a paint jam. A paint jam is an event where painters make their art in a limited time period. Paint jams can be competitive, or they can just be an opportunity for a bit of messy fun.
People love watching amazing art come to life. It doesn’t need to be done by professionals either — regular people can also have lots of fun with an amateur paint jam.
Do it like a pro: Create a variety of prizes so people with less art experience don’t feel left out. You can reward the most creative interpretation of the prompt, the most beautiful painting, the one that uses the materials in the most interesting way, and more.
62. Scavenger hunt or treasure hunt
Virtual scavenger hunts like the New-York Historical Society‘s can be a fun and enjoyable way to get people working together.
A virtual scavenger hunt can involve searching for places from Google Street View, finding information online, or even searching for household items.
Not only is it fun and engaging, but it’s also a great way to practice critical thinking skills in an interesting way.
Do it like a pro: On top of the typical scavenger hunt activities, you could also build in bonus points for creativity, team coordination, or anything that stands out. Encourage your participants to think outside the box, and reward them when they do!
63. Virtual reality
A new type of event that will continue to grow is virtual reality — whether it’s used to make an in-person event more interesting or bring a unique live experience to remote attendees. The possibilities are endless.
Virtual reality promises a more immersive experience than other online formats like video calls, and appeals to many curious souls.
Do it like a pro: Make sure everyone has the equipment they’ll need to attend the event in virtual reality. Consider renting the appropriate gear and providing it to attendees who don’t have it already.
64. Reunion
While you might associate a reunion with high school or college classmates, there’s no reason to keep them so limited.
Host a virtual reunion of old coworkers or colleagues, or reunite with last season’s extracurricular sports league.
Like team building, reunions create a sense of belonging and connection. Connecting with people you have a history with creates a unique bond that can bring comfort and joy to everyone involved.
Do it like a pro: Give notice well in advance of the date and time, so that everyone can plan ahead. Also, be sure to emphasize that this is a ‘no-pressure’ event — let people know it’s OK if they just want to join in for a few minutes or if they need to leave early.
65. Virtual tour
These are events led by an expert on the location or focus of the tour who guides the group between venues on camera.
An often-overlooked benefit of virtual tours is that they can be recorded and shared with people who weren’t able to attend the live tour. This can increase the reach of your event and helps create a strong engagement factor even after the event has finished.
Do it like a pro: Choose an experienced tour guide that is able to bring the experience to life with vivid descriptions and engaging stories. You can also increase immersion with virtual reality technology that makes participants feel like they’re really there.
66. Webinars
An online seminar where attendees dial in either by phone or web and follow the slides on a screen.
A webinar is a great event if lead capture or education are your primary objectives because it makes it easy to collect contact information from attendees and reach out to them later. They’re also recordable and more accessible than in-person seminars.
Do it like a pro: When you do your webinar planning, consider hosting multiple sessions to cater for different time zones, and make sure you provide the essential content in the form of handouts, slides or other materials. Additionally, if your webinar involves speaker interviews, consider using video conferencing tools like Zoom to allow for a more interactive format.
Get started on your next event
Did this list give you some unique special event ideas? If so, it’s time to start promoting your events.
Whether you’re connecting people in-person or virtually, for poetry readings or mariachi lessons, cook-alongs or concerts, you’ve got a lot on your plate.
Eventbrite Boost makes it easy to reach new people, engage your fans and followers, and grow your attendance — directly from your Eventbrite account. It is the all-in-one-marketing platform designed for event creators, and events promoted using Boost marketing tools get nearly 2.5x more listing views*.
*Eventbrite data 5/1/2022 – 12/1/2022 comparing events promoted with Eventbrite Boost with any event that was not promoted with the same tool.
