17 Business Anniversary Ideas for an Unforgettable Milestone

A company anniversary is an important milestone for any business. Our favorite business anniversary ideas honor the magnitude of the occasion — while celebrating past, present, and future successes. PartySlate reached out to some of the top leaders in the corporate event world to learn more:

• Jodi Wolf, CEO of Paulette Wolf Events
• Robin Selden, Managing Partner and Executive Chef of Marcia Selden Catering & Events
• Danny Chaimson, Founder of Gold Coast Events (which includes The Gold Coast All Stars, The Chicago Players, The Lakeshore Encores, Rush Street Rhythm, and The Golden Coast All Stars)
• Suzanne Down, Founder and CEO of Cirque Berzerk Productions

Wolf of Paulette Wolf Events tells us that a business anniversary party is “an excellent opportunity to remind guests of the company’s vision — while revisiting the company’s journey from its inception and sharing its direction for the future.” 

She continues, “It should be remembered that the anniversary marks the continued efforts and association of the key employees, clients, customers, and stakeholders. With the absence of any one of those, organizations cannot stand.” As such, it’s important to take time to “thank employees and clients for being part of the business’s success and to celebrate the milestone.”   

So where to start? Selden of Marcia Selden Catering & Events tells us, “Really get to know your clients. Create something that is completely unique to them and that will really excite them when they see it.”

Keep reading to discover 17 business anniversary ideas to commemorate an important company milestone. You’ll find everything from ways to celebrate company culture, thank guests, inspire social media sharing, and more. 

Step Inside an Epic Corporate Anniversary Party

1. Create a Check-In Station

Give your guests the VIP treatment with a curated check-in station. This is a perfect time to hand out any important materials — such as agendas, event maps, or thoughtful messages. For example, PartySlate welcomed guests to their own employee event with personalized awards for each team member. It was the perfect way to set the tone of the event and make everyone feel appreciated.

See below how TravelStore greeted it’s 40th anniversary guests with a very on-theme check-in.

2. Add a Dramatic Entrance

Set the mood of the event with a dramatic entrance that transitions guests from the ordinary to the extraordinary in the blink of an eye. Make it interactive with a photo op right at the entrance of your celebration. You can also create an Instagram-worthy moment with a dramatic backdrop or installation that has guests reaching for their cameras. 

See below how PartySlate had paparazzi on hand to make arriving guests feel like a star, while Hemmerle created an Instagrammable moment with candles.

*For even more inspiration, check out some of our favorite corporate event entrance ideas that are found on PartySlate.

3. Go With a Party Theme

Party themes are a cohesive way to tie the disparate elements of your celebration together. Think of your event theme as the hub of a wheel. Spokes will include everything from décor and entertainment to party favors and photo ops. Even catering can benefit from a creative party theme.

Selden of Marcia Selden Catering and Events tells us, “When we approach an event, we really try to dig into the theme and create culinary moments that continue to surprise our guests throughout the event.” She goes on to say, “We look at it like a Broadway show where there is a beginning, middle, and end to an act — and we plan to have those moments unfold accordingly. What’s fun is that there are always two acts, so we continue to have culinary activations or special surprises at each one. It keeps the guests excited and engaged and wanting for more.”

Take your cue from Marcia Selden Catering and Events, and build momentum around your party theme with surprise moments and curated décor (and catering) that evolves from one act to the next.

See below how Marcia Selden Catering & Events carried the red color palette from The Annual Love Party over to the smallest bites, while LikeToKnowIt celebrated with a tennis-themed anniversary party that elevated the sport at every turn.

4. Celebrate Company Culture With a Museum Wall, Video, or Signage

A business anniversary isn’t just another corporate event. It’s a time to celebrate your company and the incredible people who make up your team. We recommend shining a spotlight on your company’s culture or founding story — as well as taking time to honor the human element of your business.

Wolf of Paulette Wolf Events suggests ”creating a video to share at the party that encompasses the personality of the company and its leadership.” She adds, “Another option is to create museum walls like you would see at The Smithsonian — and share the rich history and legacy of the company.”

See below how PEAK6 used company faces to complement the décor, while Emmanuel College honored their company story with a video wall. Nicole Guilmartin Events created a celebratory callout for Agero with a full “page” in The Boston Globe.

5. Create Unique Branding Opportunities

When it comes to branding, it’s important to think outside the box. In addition to traditional print and signage, consider alternative ways to promote your brand. Create Instagram-worthy moments to encourage guests to share their photos on social media, thereby increasing your brand awareness beyond the celebration.

Wolf of Paulette Wolf Events relays some of her favorite unique branding ideas that she’s incorporated throughout anniversary events over the years:

See below how Slack kept the party fun and colorful with branded cocktails and bowling, while Social Llama Events reflected their brand on a unique backdrop of corrugated steel.

6. Incorporate Interactive Activities

Create team bonding with immersive activities at your business anniversary party. You can even increase the chance of a little friendly competition by offering curated prizes such as branded swag. While your guests will certainly take snapshots of their own, make sure to hire a professional photographer to best capture the moment in action.

See below how Fields Auto Group engaged guests with casino activities, while PEAK6 wowed guests with a carnival basketball game and The Watermill Group impressed with larger-than-life checkers.

7. Encourage Mingling With Passed Bites

In addition to a sit-down dinner, set aside time for a cocktail hour with passed bites. This is the perfect chance for guests to reconnect with team members and associates from other departments.

Enlist the help of service staff and offer tray service to bring delectable bites straight to your guests. You can also host catering stations where guests can select the small bites of their choice. After all, food stations are one more opportunity to wow with curated décor.

See below how one anniversary party kept guests satiated with Hawaiian treats, while another experiential activation dazzled guests with passed sushi bites. We also love how a farm-to-table employee appreciation event engaged all of our senses with miniature tacos served on slices of lime.

8. Host a Seated Dinner With Curated Tablescapes

Make space for meaningful conversations with a formal sit-down dinner. Utilize this time to feature introductions, toasts, and short speeches. Make sure to prioritize the look of your tablescape as much as the cuisine. Beautiful tablescapes will ensure a picture-perfect event space. Tablescapes also set the mood of the celebration — so keep design in mind at all times.

See below how VM 35 wowed with a bold purple color palette and sleek modern seating, while Major Food Group kept things just as lavish with luxe crimson floral décor. Bishop T.D. Jakes beckoned guests to their seats with a soft, Parisian aesthetic, while a 25th corporate anniversary party took our breaths away with neon tablescapes and glittering candlelight.

9. Showcase Food That Gets Guests Talking (and Posting)

Every chef knows that food can be a work of art. Work with your corporate catering team to offer delicious and innovative cuisine that piques guests’ interests. While there’s no limits to the imagination, we especially embrace cocktails that double as satiating snacks. Some of our other favorite unique cuisine ideas include:

10. Make it Immersive With Interactive Catering

As kids, we were often told to sit down while we eat. While we agree that the advice is still sound, we’re willing to make an exception when it comes to celebrations. We love unique catering ideas that get guests on the move and interacting with the people around them.

Selden of Marcia Selden Catering & Events tells us, “When these creative culinary moments or activations arrive, they need to evoke joy, surprise, and delight, spark a nostalgic memory, or just blow the guests’ minds — as it was so unexpected and special. In doing so, you are guaranteed to create memorable moments.” 

See below how Sing for Hope created an unforgettable experience with limbo-style passed apps, while Pearlstone got guests mingling with an interactive s’mores station. We also love how Marcia Selden Catering & Events creates the ultimate Instagrammable moment with an overflowing Champagne tower.

11. Up the Entertainment Factor With Live Music 

With multiple bands in his entertainment empire, Chaimson of Gold Coast Events knows how to liven up the party. “Live music puts an electricity in the air that’s just different,” he tells us. “It is the feeling that something special is taking place at this specific moment in time. It makes it feel like the anniversary is truly worthy of a celebration.” Of course, we couldn’t agree more. Prioritize hiring a live band for an unforgettable anniversary party.

See below how a 25th corporate anniversary party and Radio Flyer’s 100th anniversary event celebrated with show-stopping live music. We also love how many of Chaimson’s own bands performed at The Gold Coast All Stars’s anniversary, turning the party into an unforgettable rock concert.

12. Get Guests on the Dance Floor

Make sure you have ample space for a dance floor to go with your live music. Consider your dance floor a blank canvas to reflect your party décor, brand colors, or even a tasteful company logo. Work with your rental company to design your perfect dance floor. 

See below how TravelStore and Celebrations of Love created the perfect spot for guests to dance the night away.

13. Wow With Unique Entertainment Acts

Unique entertainment promises to take your celebration to the next level. Consider everything from a celebrity performer and LED robots to an acrobatic dance number.

PartySlate knows the power of unique entertainment acts. See below how Cirque Berzerk Productions helped make PartySlate’s 7-year anniversary party an unforgettable event with a drag queen host, a fire dancer, and a custom group acro/dance number that they specifically created for the party. As expected, guests were engaged from start to finish.

Also see how NSWE celebrated their anniversary with an LED robot performance and PEAK6 celebrated with a riveting performance by Bruno Mars.

14. Don’t Forget the Photo Ops

A party’s not a party without a good photo op. Photo ops provide a picture-perfect backdrop for your event. They encourage social sharing and create the perfect opportunity for a company-wide photo, as well. Make sure to have a professional photographer onsite to capture the fun. We also love a good selfie booth for an instant retrieval of your photos.

See below how Premiere Party Rents matched their photo booth to the party aesthetic, while Beautique Day Spa & Salon kept their photo op on theme for their event. We also love how PartySlate’s 4th anniversary party turned a regular photo op into a fun, photo-worthy activity.

15. Inspire With Thoughtful Signage

Every year that your company continues to grow and prosper is a milestone worth celebrating. It’s also the time to reflect on the past year and inspire guests for the year ahead. Consider incorporating an inspiring message into a beautiful photo op. We also love the idea of guests creating signage of their own with hand-written messages.

See below how NSWE inspired guests with thoughtful signage, while Social Llama Events invited guests to leave a beautiful note to commemorate the celebration.

16. Thank Guests With Branded Swag

Your teammates, associates, and investors work hard. Show your appreciation with thoughtful party favors. We love how branded swag also doubles as additional marketing. More eyes on your brand equate to more potential customers.

One of our favorite ways to display swag is with a pop-up shop. You might also want to consider using personalized cubbies or an interactive rotating belt.

See below how LikeToKnowIt used a pop up shop to display thoughtful party favors in a fun, on-theme setting.

17. Curate a Celebratory Moment

A company is only as strong as the people involved — whether that’s employees, customers, or business associates. Make you take a moment to celebrate the people behind the brand with a curated celebratory moment.

See below how Social Llama Events celebrated the company’s anniversary (and its staff) with a confetti drop on the dance floor.

People Also Ask…

Where can I find a venue for my business anniversary party?

Choosing the right venue is one of the first steps on a long to-do list. Head to PartySlate’s curated venue directory to find the perfect match. Use the filters to narrow your search by location, venue type, amenities, guest count, and more.

Click into their PartySlate profile to see how a venue is configured for real celebrations. You’ll also discover important FAQS, testimonials, and other important details.

Remember, venues book up fast. Make sure to prioritize finding a venue as soon as you set the date of your celebration.

Where can I find vendors for my company anniversary party?

PartySlate can also connect you with the top corporate vendors in the industry. Use the vendor directory to find our favorite vendors. Filter by vendor type and location for the best results.

Again, make sure to click a preferred vendor’s PartySlate profile to see real examples of their work. Save any of your favorite photos to an Idea Slate by clicking the heart in the top right corner. You can share these same photos with your chosen vendors.

Pro tip: Always start by finalizing your corporate planner. This will shorten your to-do list, as your planner will be able to facilitate the planning process, make vetted recommendations, and offer additional inspiration. 

When assembling your list of vendors, don’t forget to prioritize hiring a photographer. Wolf of Paulette Wolf Events tells companies, “It’s important to take wise steps to publicize the anniversary on social media.” For that, you’ll want professional, high-resolution photos.

Where can I find more inspiration for a corporate event?

PartySlate is your go-to resource for party inspiration — be it a wedding, social party, gala, or corporate event. Click on the following to find the best corporate inspiration for your business anniversary party:

• Creative Corporate Event Ideas to Level Up Your Guest Engagement
• Corporate Party Ideas to Cultivate Connections
• Corporate Dinner Party Ideas to Promote Your Brand

Meet the Panel