As greater numbers of employees work from home, shop from home, and socialize from home, in-person gatherings are more important than ever. For corporate entities, there is no substitute for the connection that takes place when shareholders, executives, employees, and consumers come together. Of course, when we say “gathering,” we’re not talking business as usual. This year, corporate events are raising the bar — with employee and consumer satisfaction on the rise, too.
Corporate events span the gamut from experiential brand activations to company-wide summits — and everything in between. While the types of events may vary, the creativity behind the best gatherings is doesn’t. This year, corporate event planners are putting customization and immersion at the forefront of the guest experience. Keep reading to discover 16 corporate event trends to make 2024 the best year yet for growing your business and celebrating your brand’s important milestones.
But First, See if You Can Guess the Trending Elements From This Event
1. Larger-Than-Life Agendas
Set the agenda for your conference or corporate event right from the start with larger-than-life agendas that double as wall décor. Agendas give guests the opportunity to prepare for the meeting in advance — thereby reducing wasted time and resources. Just remember, every minute saved is one more minute for a chic cocktail hour.
Double Reinforcement
The Forter Impact Conference brought together digital commerce leaders for a day of learning, networking, and team building. We love how the conference reinforced its vision for the day with a giant entryway agenda as well as paper programs tucked into branded notebooks.
See how event agency Twenty Three Layers (23 Layers) recreated a “customer journey” with hands-on labs, informative panels, and interactive workshops.
Lounge & Learn
The AMP Annual Meeting & Expo routinely gathers the top molecular professionals in the industry for an action-packed multi-day event. Twenty Three Layers (23 Layers) made sure attendants knew what to expect from the moment they grabbed their first cup of coffee for the day.
Make sure to check out the custom-built café and branded sips. Nothing starts the day quite like a cup of fresh coffee and a set agenda.
2. Earthy Color Palettes
Eco-conscious décor is trending — and with it, color palettes are turning earthy and fresh. This year, we’re all about muted greens and weathered driftwood. Expect plenty of fronds, leafy stalks, and amaranth greens for an all-natural aesthetic.
Where the Wild Things Grow
Ganna Walska Lotusland, a non-profit botanical garden located in Montecito, hosted their annual fundraiser amidst the beauty of the great outdoors. Woven chandeliers and earthy décor by Found Rental Co. reinforced the mood set by the dreamy landscape.
See how the custom sips wowed with the same earthy hues and fresh floral accents.
Vines, Views & Very Earthy Palettes
Pausmith Group’s launch proved that hospitality always starts with fresh catering — and decorations to match. In addition to the lush tablescapes and signage designed by Eddie Zaratsian Lifestyle and Design, guests enjoyed a diverse menu of handcrafted ricotta ravioli, pan seared branzino, fire-grilled steaks, and more.
See how passed apps and sips of Champagne made the cocktail hour just as delectable.
3. Defining Wide Open Spaces
How can you ensure that your large-scale corporate event still feels intimate? Define wide open spaces, like an industrial loft or an outdoor lawn, with custom-made structures that gently guide guests from one portion of the event to the next. Suddenly, a sprawling space becomes the perfect spot for networking and meaningful conversation.
The Definition of a Bold Entry
You can expect handbag designer Rebecca Minkoff to elevate design in all aspects of her life. This influencer dinner in The Hamptons, produced by The HighLife Productions, transformed this beachfront area into a cozy dining experience with a mirrored entryway.
See how glittering disco balls, magenta orchids, and glass string lighting brought a playful vibe to this elevated soirée.
Custom Wall Cutouts
This colorful corporate event used a custom-made wall to create a defined space for event-goers. We love how each step to the second-level offered a moment for reflection and inspiration.
See how 24 Carrots Catering and Events continued the celebration with Instagram-worthy fare in bright bold colors.
4. Off-the-Wall Wallpaper
This year, drywall isn’t the only place where you’ll find unique wallpaper designs. Corporate event planners are taking this home décor trend one step further and decorating everything from rentals to sweets with unique, colorful patterns.
Inspiration Where You’d Least Expect It
Curate Plan Style found inspiration for PartySlate’s “Gathered in the Galapagos” event in the most unlikely place: Chicago Winery’s private restrooms. The bathroom’s abstract wallpaper influenced the celebration’s tropical motif — from the circular bar to the custom photo op.
See how 1440 Event Design perfected the verdant vibe with lush greenery, rich velvets, and deep gold tones.
A Sweet Take on Traditional Wallpaper
Mandarin Oriental, Boston set the scene for a charming corporate garden party attended by the WIPA Boston Chapter. A custom cutout covered in flamingo print brought a playful vibe to the sophisticated gathering, while patterned icing kept the dessert as fashionable as a Boston penthouse.
See how textured table linen and velvet seating perfected the fun and flirty color scheme.
5. Eco-Conscious Décor Elements
Out of all the corporate trends to take over 2024, we are the most excited about this one. Customers and clients are concerned about their ecological footprints — and businesses are choosing to prioritize sustainable business practices as a result. Recycling and reusing event decorations are just one step in the right direction. Companies are also opting for sustainably-made décor that embraces environmentally-friendly practices right from the start. The result is a happier planet — one trend that we hope never goes out of fashion.
Eco-Conscious Candles Light the Way
This PartySlate community gathering at The Richland put as much emphasis on the environment as networking. Vogue Candles contributed to the elegant garden aesthetic with plant-based, sustainable candle designs.
See if you can spot another corporate trend at this chic dinner party. We’ll give you a hint: Check out the botanical wallpaper designs.
Repurposed Blooms
What’s even better than stunning floral installations at your corporate event? How about donating all of the floral décor after the celebration?
We love how Reflower Project was on-site to deliver gorgeous florals by Bloom 52 to community centers throughout Boston. Sometimes, beauty and good deeds go hand-in-hand.
6. Two Dimensional Designs
This fun designer trend is making its mark on everything from kids’ birthday parties to corporate events. Inspired by two-dimensional comic book art, these simple designs bring an element of storytelling to your celebration. We especially love how the combination of 2D and 3D designs add https://www.attentivethread.com/2023worldtourtexture and depth — turning static moments into stimulating photo ops.
Dining the 2D Way
This immersive conference by Attentive Mobile kept guests engaged with inspirational keynote speakers, structured roundtable discussions, customer panels, and plenty of delicious bites to fuel the activity.
Twenty Three Layers (23 Layers) made sure attendees had a bright and cheerful place to connect over a cup of coffee. See how the branded stir sticks boasted the same 2D design style.
The Apprentice Shop
Pretty Posh Events and Oda Creative incorporated chic black and white designs throughout this glamorous company gathering. We especially love how the custom “Apprentice Holiday Shop” turned an ordinary swag station into a charming photo op.
See some of our other favorite black and white details like the modern tablescapes and sleek Champagne wall.
7. Power Petals
Oversized faux florals are taking over the fashion world, and corporate event planners are taking note. Power petals turn entryways and corridors into can’t-miss focal points — and the perfect place to pose for a selfie or professional photo.
Leave it to the Lilies
Faux lilies framed the entryway to Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills’s Astor Ballroom at PartySlate’s “End of Summer Soirée,” marking the transition to an evening of riveting entertainment and summery décor.
See how Nick Gentile Events & Weddings and Eddie Zaratsian Lifestyle and Design teamed up to create a progressive experience that ended with rooftop cocktails and epic views.
Fashionable Fronds
PartySlate’s “Sweet Summer Social” at 74Wythe captured the bright hues of late summer with playful fronds found on the invitations, dance floor, bar area, and more. Towering frond sculptures flanked the bar area, DJ booth, and photo ops, as well.
See how Rachel Behar Events and Wedded Events teamed up to curate a fun summer vibe from start to finish. We especially love the acrylic cocktail tables filled with pink beach balls.
8. Neon Lights With Lush Florals
Neon lights and bright florals mix modern and lush décor elements for a glam aesthetic. Of course, we’re not talking about ordinary neon lights. This year, we’re obsessed with abstract lighting installations that wind and curve like growing greenery.
Summer Hues Shine Bright
Ladidadi Events & Incentives planned this company’s all-hands summer meeting with interactive team building activities and plenty of branded moments.
Neon signage is a clever way to shine a light on your company’s logo. The creativity doesn’t have to stop there, however. We love how these abstract neon lights follow the contours of lanterns and palm leaves for a fresh take on summer foliage.
Light Up the Night
You can expect lighting to always be prioritized at the annual Clamshell Foundation Firework Show, a three-decade-long tradition in East Hampton. B Floral Event Design and Production brought the fireworks down to ground level with abstract neon lighting and a starburst of fronds and tendrils.
9. Outdoors In & Indoors Out
Inside-out designs give guests a chance to indulge in the best of both worlds: indoor and outdoor settings. Whether you choose to bring the garden inside, or the living room to the rooftop, you’ll find that the best designs are always the unexpected.
Garden Grandeur (& Fully Weatherproof)
This St. Ive’s product launch, designed by OCNY Production, brought the garden indoors for a lush, weatherproof celebration. The company’s signature Apricot Scrub hung like leaves from potted trees, while grassy floors and projection mapping immersed guests in the great outdoors.
Make sure to check out how the chic upstairs lounge area continued the bright color palette with towering floor lamps and cozy throw pillows.
Rooftop Vibes Get Cozy
Prose launched their new hair products to a standing ovation at this rooftop soirée planned by Wife of the Party. A covered lounge area, complete with an elegant chandelier and wall art, ensured that guests stayed cozy.
See how florals and greenery reinforced the company’s commitment to natural ingredients, as well.
10. Surprise & Delight Sips
Reinvent what it means to wait in line with interactive bar sips. Guests will love the opportunity to knock for tequila or ring for Champagne. Just make sure you work with a professional bar service for beverages that are as tasty as they are beautiful.
Knock for Tequila
Social Llama Events and Avant Garden Floral + Home brought Vestals Catering’s 15th-anniversary party to life with plenty of delicious sips and bites. We especially love the “Knock for Tequila” station. Of course, the QR code stir sticks were just as delightful.
See how a colorful LED-lit dance floor, branded merch stop, and delicious catering (did someone say personal-sized pizzas?) made this anniversary as memorable as can be.
Ring for Champagne
PartySlate hosted this French-influenced seaside affair at Festival Hall to great acclaim. Guests loved ringing a bell for a glass of Champagne, delivered by Cocktails & Beverage Catering, before indulging in a night of connection and celebration.
See how Willow Event Designs captured a French garden aesthetic with fresh foliage and plenty of suspended greenery.
11. Sliders Double Down as Décor
It’s official: dinner is décor. Match the sliders to your party’s color palette for the most Instagrammable bites. For a branded moment, serve your sliders in custom packaging. Guests will appreciate finger food without the mess.
A Hole in One Presentation
Hillwood celebrated their grand opening with a Masters-themed event, planned by Events by Picnics In The City. With a summery green color palette, the celebration evoked the relaxation of an 18-hole golf course.
We especially love how Hedrick’s Catering & Events’ sliders featured bright green buns to match the green backdrops, balloon installations, and mini golf simulators.
Love Is in the Air
Events by Picnics In The City and Hedrick’s Catering & Events teamed up again to wow with this self love-themed pop-up station in Houston. Pink sliders perfectly coordinated with the red floral backdrops and scarlet balloon installations.
See how the love continued with branded sweets, cocktails, and a hip DJ booth.
12. From Farm to Finger Food
The corporate world is taking a fresh approach to crudité, and we couldn’t be more pleased. While farm-to-table dinners have increased in popularity over the past decade, finger foods have often been overlooked. Now, passed apps are going green — so you can eat and mingle while making the earth a happier place.
Passed Apps Pass the Taste Test
The Beefsteak Relaunch Party, planned by LeFeast and designed by Ed Libby Events, paired fresh fare with stunning décor. We adore the customized Beefsteak market cart and delicious crudité cups.
Make sure to check out the lush ceiling installation of fresh greenery and ripened tomatoes.
What’s better than traditional crudités? How about a living garden. Deborah Miller Catering & Events let guests “dig” and “replant” their own organic veggies from planter boxes for a fun and immersive dining experience.
See how the party décor, designed by Wedded Events, was just as lush
13. Experiential Entrances
The moment that guests enter your corporate event should be a moment worth remembering. While we love how décor can elevate any doorway, experiential entrances create immersive experiences — and turn crossing a threshold into an extraordinary act of connection and celebration.
Transformation, Connection, Growth
Event tastemakers were given a key to enter The Sacred Space Miami through the door of their choice: transformation, connection, or growth.
See how event planner Chris Weinberg Events and creative director Gilded Group Décor kept the celebration going with one experiential moment after another. Plus, see if you can guess which children’s book inspired this unique party theme.
Enter & Pose
The welcome party for PartySlate’s exclusive two-day event, held at Lavan 641 Midtown, wowed guests right from the start. Costumed greeters whisked guests through an LED entryway — after stopping to strike a quick pose, of course.
See how the party continued with more creative designs from event planner jesGORDON | properFUN and décor team Jen Gould Event Design. We especially love the 145-degrees of seamless projection mapping.
14. Costumed Performers as Décor
We’re not talking about costumed performers as entertainment; we mean straight up décor. Living, breathing models bring a dynamic element to static photo ops and immerse guests into the party theme. Keep reading to see how.
To See or Not to See
OCNY Production designed this stunning Sama Eyewear product launch with beautiful décor and a sense of humor. We love how models posed with jeweled masks while guests enjoyed an array of chic eyeglass designs and dramatic views.
Make sure to also check out the furnishings by Taylor Creative Inc. Business casual meets New York penthouse — and the result is pure sophistication
Baby, You’re a Firework
The closing cocktail party for PartySlate’s two-day exclusive event ended with a bang — and firework headdresses. Jordan Kahn Music Company evoked celebratory rockets and sparklers with caps of colorful florals that burst into feathery fronds.
Check out how the good times continued with a portrait photo booth by Illuminate – by Theo Milo.
15. Experiential Workshops & Activations
Corporate events are all about bringing people together — be it employees, consumers, shareholders, or thought leaders. Networking over a cocktail hour is great, but experiential workshops and activations give guests the chance to work together for the common good. Party hosts can even use this team building activity to give back to their communities.
Time to Smell the Roses
At this experiential event, Scentex taught guests how to combine top, middle and base notes to create their own custom reed diffuser. Best of all, they were invited to take home their own signature scent for a thoughtful party favor.
See how charcuterie and sweets kept guests satiated between sniffs.
Go Green, Give Back
AE Events planned CX Summer Nights, a free concert series in Cambridge, with live entertainment and local food vendors.
We love how a roaming greenhouse from Cityscapes was on hand to raise funds for important local charities through the power of greenery.
16. Virtual Photo Booths
Virtual photo booths reimagine event photography. Angela Meggs, President of Angie D Entertainment LLC, describes this new phenomenon: “Our virtual photo booth is an online webpage, accessed through a smartphone or device, that allows guests at any event to take timed selfies, use digital props, virtual magic backgrounds, and even pose with friends in virtual group photos – from anywhere! A virtual booth allows you to engage guests with creative experiences and receive the digital image immediately to share on social media. This is different from event photography, which usually releases photos in batches or galleries after the event. A virtual booth can impact event trending, brand awareness, market outreach, and data collection.”
A Winning Ticket
Students from all over Virginia, Maryland, and the District of Columbia were invited to the Maryland Jockey Club’s College Day Party for a chance to win scholarships from multiple corporate sponsors. Angie D Entertainment LLC provided a virtual photo booth where participants were “presented with a consistent and visually appealing color scheme that was incorporated into all aspects of the event,” according to Meggs.
“The booth also featured Scratch’n Win, a game that allowed attendees to rub their cell phone screens and find out if they won a prize.”
People Also Ask…
Where can I find a corporate event planner?
We always recommend hiring a corporate event planner before checking off any other item on your planning to-do list. A full-service planner is more than a coordinator; they are the visionary behind your celebration. Additionally, they can help with everything from organizing your guest list and securing your vendor team to creating perfectly branded moments that elevate your business.
PartySlate makes finding a corporate event planner or event agency easy with our curated directories. Click the guides below to find your ideal fit. From there, use the filters to narrow your search by location, services, and more. If you see a vendor that you like, make sure to click into their PartySlate profile to learn more about their business and see real examples of their work. You can then reach out through the directory or their PartySlate profile.
Where can I find a corporate event venue?
Once you’ve found your event planner, it’s time to narrow down your venue choice. You’ll want to consider your budget, amenity needs, guest count range, and so much more — and read our how-to guide on finding the perfect corporate event venue.
Head to PartySlate’s curated directory to find the best corporate event venue in your chosen locale. Use the filters to narrow your search by location, guest count, venue type, and more. Look for the “featured” tags, and learn more about PartySlate’s top recommendations by clicking into a venue’s PartySlate profile. You can reach out from there or through the directory for seamless communication.
Where can I find more corporate event inspiration?
PartySlate is your go-to resource for finding the best event inspiration. Click on the guides below for some our favorite corporate event ideas for summits, brand activations, business anniversary parties, and other corporate functions.
featured designer
Balloon Celebrations
We love how this Los Angeles-based design company transforms private and corporate events with their unique balloon sculptures and installations. Their balloon decorations spark conversation and plenty of photo ops — ensuring your event is the most talked about in town. photo courtesy of: Level Events