15 Common Types of Corporate Events for Businesses [2022]

corporate events

Why Corporate Events Are Important

The meaning of corporate events are to allow your team of employees to get to know each other and their company outside of a strictly business-oriented office space. While the workday at an office is filled with tasks and meetings, business events are for fun activities that build the relationship between your employees and getting to know your team personally, as well as professionally. This creates a more comfortable work environment for your employees for a better work ethic. What are the types of company events that businesses have for their employees?

Here are 15 examples of common corporate events that businesses hold.

1. Business Conferences & Seminars

Presenting information relevant to your business or industry doesn’t have to be done in a usual meeting. Make a whole event for sharing what your company or industry holds in the future by having conferences or seminars. These are like meetings, except they can last longer, sometimes for even a few days. Rather than having one person discussing business, seminars typically have several speakers or meetings. Most of these events are held in large venues or hotels, allowing employees to leave the confines of an office. These also make great virtual corporate events.

2. Employee Appreciation

Let your employees know that you appreciate their work by holding a special company event for them. This doesn’t have to be business oriented; an employee appreciation event can be anything from a box at a sports game to a special dinner paid for by the company. These events are to congratulate and reward employees for their hard work, so they should be held in informal or non-work-related places. You don’t just have to hold these types of events for your employees, clients can also have appreciation parties thanking them for their business.

3. Corporate Retreats

Combine business and pleasure by holding an executive retreat for your corporate employees. Retreats require a group of people to go to a new location for a few days to do leisure activities, as well as discuss business. There are some places that deal directly with these types of getaways, so it’s important to find the perfect location for holding this business event so that you everyone can have fun in both professional and personal environments. Retreats also typically have you pay per person, so that’s why choosing a select group of people rather than a whole company is a good idea.

4. Golfing and Other Sporting Events

While the most popular sport for business events is golf, don’t limit yourself to just the one activity. Just make sure it’s a relaxing environment rather than competitive. Golfing also doesn’t have to just be an event for your employees. Many businesses golf with clients when they are trying to make a sale or a deal, because it’s a more friendly environment. While these corporate events might just seem like fun little outings, they build relationships and teamwork between employees.

5. Industry Trade Shows

Easily one of the most popular ways for building relationships between other businesses and clients in your industry is by attending a trade show. These are business events where companies decorate a booth to attract attention to their company and spread their brand awareness to clients. Trade shows involve meetings with customers and marketing to new clients. It’s also a great way to get your team of employees to work together by creating a booth representative of your brand.

6. Exercises Incorporating Team Building

Host an event that brings your employees closer together by coming up with team building exercises. These get togethers can be held indoors and outdoors. Look up a company that specializes in these types of occasions and schedule a corporate event with them. These exercises include escape rooms, physical obstacle courses, and more serious sensitivity training. Holding these types of social events allows your employees to bond outside of the office for better work relationships.

7. Shareholders and Board Member Gathering

You don’t always have to spotlight your corporate employees, sometimes holding an event for shareholders and board members of your business is just as important. Give your shareholders and board members a chance to learn about your business by sharing reviews and statistics from your company and any goals or plans you have for the future. Rather than just doing this in a typical meeting held in a boardroom, make a company event out if it so that it’s more interesting.

8. New Product Launches

Show off your new line of products in a memorable environment by turning your product launch into a party. Create buzz and excitement for your latest line of products by hosting a celebration attended by employees, executives, local press, and other guests of honor. Provide entertainment and serve dinner for your attendees, but make sure you keep everything professional. Think about how big, luxury companies introduce their new products to people and try to tweak that for your industry.

9. Accomplishments and Milestone Celebrations

Is it the important anniversary of your company or a grand opening? Did you reach an important goal that you set? Has your business been recognized with an award? If so, celebrate it by holding a party for your employees, executives, vendors, and other guests. Think of a fun venue to hold this party, such as a restaurant or a theater, and who you would like to invite to make it more memorable. Make sure you have enough space and food for the number of people you plan on having.

10. Business Dinners

What better way of getting people’s attention than with food? A business meeting doesn’t just have to be a boring gathering held in a plain office. It can be something more exciting, such as offering a prospective client or your executives free food at a restaurant or party venue. Having a business dinner instead of an office meeting creates a more informal, relaxed environment for your guests and makes them more comfortable. It’s also a great way to get to know your clients or employees.

11. Incentive Programs

Motivate your employees to reach a quota or sales goal by offering incentives, such as a company retreat or party. Set a goal that you want your business to reach and introduce a corporate event as the prize for reaching it. Having incentives for your employees lets them know that they are appreciated and holding an event is something that everyone can enjoy. Look into retreat companies nearby your business to see what a good incentive would be to offer your workers.

12. Charity Auctions and Fundraisers

Turn your business event into a way to give back to your community. Is there a charity that your business does a lot of work for? Is there one that is close to your employees? Hold a charity event for your staff to attend to raise awareness and money for your cause. Charity events include offering services or products as part of a fundraiser, a casino night, or cool prizes in silent or public auctions. Do something special for your employees while also giving back.

13. Holiday and Birthday Parties

Business events don’t just have to celebrate company related achievements, they can also be held for special holidays and birthdays. Give your employees a party before their Christmas vacation, have everyone give presents to a birthday boy/girl, ring in the new year, dress up for Halloween, or commemorate any other nationally recognized occasion. Festive parties show your staff how much their work is appreciated and gives your employees a chance to connect outside of a professional work office.

14. Employee Workshops

Teach your employees a new task or something about your company by turning it into a business event. For example, introduce your employees to a new computer program that they will be working with. Bring everyone together or separate them into groups for workshops where they learn a skill that will help them with their work. Not only does this type of social event build the relationship of your employees, but it also helps your business by making your workplace more efficient.

15. Networking with Clients

While it’s important to build the relationships between your employees, it’s just as important for you to have a working relationship with your clients. How can you bring your clients and employees together so that they connect? Hold networking events for your staff and customers. Have parties, retreats, and workshops where you invite both groups and have them mingle with each other and discuss more than just business. Give your employees a place to talk to their clients outside of work to improve client relations.

The Bottom Line

Corporate events allow your company’s employees and customer base to socialize outside of work so that your work environment is friendlier and more efficient. Think about what kind of company event would suit your staff and your industry and start planning your next gathering. Create a list of important clients and corporate executives or employees you want to invite and consider what kind of activity best suits your group. Hold different types of events throughout the year to build better working relationships between your workers and your customers.

How to Write a Press Release for an Event (2021 Guide)

how to write a press release for an event

You are planning an event and you have everything you need – a venue, decorations, all the necessary marketing materials – but what about the guests?

How do you get people to attend your event?

When you want to share upcoming events and news with people, a go-method is to create a company or PR press release.

The term “press release” might seem old-fashioned, since it is reminiscent of magazine and newspaper clippings, but they are still a tried-and-true method for advertising an event, they have just moved to email and online newsletters.

The aim of a press release is to grab the attention of anyone who reads it and to get them interested in your event.

But how do you do that?

Well, there are a lot of methods detailing how to write a press release for an event that you can easily apply to your own.

These strategies and ideas are outlined below along with several dos and don’ts to keep in mind when you are creating your press release template.

Press Release Example Format

A well-written press release should contain six sections that each serve a different purpose in marketing your event:

Headline or Title

The headline of a press release works the same way it does for news articles. The title will be the first thing the reader sees, and you need to grab their interest. Make it short but also make it interesting – no more than 60-120 characters. Search keywords that relate to the event you are promoting and use them in your title for search engines. Headlines are also formatted in the Title Case to be more eye-catching. Look at similar press releases to yours to get a general idea of what headlines are good and rank highest on Google.

Summarize Your Release (aka Lead)

Similar to what is done with an academic paper, the top of your release should have a few sentences summarizing what you are promoting. Talk about your event without going into too much detail. This is to keep the interest of the person who read the headline. When writing an event press release, you should not include “fluff”. Be concise and stick to the facts.

Date and Main Paragraph

This is the section where you can go into more details but keep things simple. Answer the classic who, what, when, where, why, and how about your event. Give the reader the time and place of your event in a few sentences so that they immediately know if the event is something they can attend. When including addresses, dates, and times, make sure to be specific.

Body Paragraphs

Get into even further detail about the event, such as the story behind it, what guests can expect when they come, why this event is important. If you are celebrating a specific achievement, anniversary, or holiday, make sure to mention this. Keep this section around 2-3 paragraphs long.

Boilerplate (aka About)

This part is known as the boilerplate statement. Add a few sentences explaining your business or PR company to the reader. What services or products do you sell? What is your company’s mission statement? Let the reader know who is throwing this event so that it is more personable. Don’t, however, make it sound like a sales pitch.

Contact Information

Finally, make sure to include all your contact information at the end of the press release. Let those who are interested in your event know where and how they can contact you if they have any questions. Include as much information as you can, such as a phone number, an email address, a company address, a website, etc.

10 Tips on How to Write a Press Release for an Event

1. Do Not Make It Too Long

Your press release should not be longer than a page. Most people will not read an email or article if it is too time consuming. They want to get as much information as they can in a short amount of time. Put the necessary information near the top of your release so that more people are likely to see and read it.

2. Consider Who Will Be Reading It

Are you sending this to several publications to be printed? If that is the case, make sure you tailor your press release to suit the audience of each website or journal. If you are sending your release to a local publication, say why the event is important for the community. If you are printing your release in a niche website, such as one for businesses, say why the event could be good for small or large companies.

3. Include All the Fun Details

You want people to be excited to attend your event. Let the reader know what makes your event different and why it will be fun. If you are having special food trucks catering or are giving out free prizes, let people know that. It will make them more interested in coming and might make them bring more people.

4. Make Your Release Eye-Catching

Do not just include text in your press release. You will be more likely to grab the attention of the reader if you include visuals, such as stock photos, company logos, infographics, and pictures of the venue. This is especially crucial with an email because photos are a key way to get more engagement.

5. Include Call to Action (CTA) Buttons and Link

Call to Action words are phrases that grab the attention of the reader and get them to do something, such as “Click Here” or “Shop Now”. In your press release, include links or buttons with Call to Action words that will lead the reader to more information or your website home page.

6. Come Up with a Catchy Subject Line

If you are sending out your event press release via email, make sure your subject line is something that will interest your subscribers. Include capitalization, emojis, and creative phrases that will attract their attention so that they open your email. It is important, however, not to go overboard with emojis or capital words, or else it will look like junk mail.

7. Review Your Release in a Mobile Format

There is a good chance that most people who will see your press release will be reading it from their phone. It is, therefore, important to test your press release in a mobile format. Make sure that it is readable and that any pictures or bullet points are not off-center or poorly placed on the page. Your press release should be as mobile friendly as possible.

8. Figure Out a Good Time

You should send out your press release to publications or in an email with enough time before the event for people to plan. Do your attendees need to order tickets, do you need to book vendors or speakers? Make sure your press release corresponds at a time when tickets are available and when you have everything booked for a nearby date. Do not release it before you have booked a place and vendors or after guests have enough time to sign up or purchase tickets.

9. Advertise on Social Media

On top of sending out your press release via email or publication, you should also advertise your event on social media and link to the release for more details. You will reach a different audience via social media than what you reach in email and website releases. This will make sure that more people are aware of and attend your event.

10. Include All the Keywords You Can

What important keywords are there for your event? Make sure you add all the necessary keywords to your press release so that it ranks high on social engines. Do not add too many keywords, however, to the point where your press release does not sound natural. Search engines will not rank it high if the language sounds spammy. If your release ranks high, it will result in a higher attendance for your event.

Types of Press Releases

There are many businesses that send out press releases for many reasons. Releases do not just have to be to promote an event. They can also market company news or product updates. Here are popular types of press releases that companies distribute:

1. Business Events

Is your business hosting or sponsoring an event that you want people to know about? Sending out press releases informs local news and niche publications about your event. It is important to include specific time, places, dates, and what the event is for. Are you looking for sponsors? Check out our guide.

2. Product Launches

Promote a new product or service your business is selling by sending out a press release to any publication that the product suits. Make sure your release includes what the product is and what it does. The product specs, such as pricing and when it will be available, should also be included.

3. Changes Made to Products

Any updates made to products can be announced via press releases, as well. Are you extending a popular product line to include different styles or new sizes? Let your audience know by sending out a press release.

4. Corporate News

Will your company be going through a new merger or acquisition? Let the public, your customers, and your stakeholders know about this by sending out a release detailing what company you are merging with and what your company has to say about it.

5. Grand Openings

This kind of release works for completely new businesses or those who are opening new locations. Market where any new location is, what the business will be selling, and when this will be happening in a press release to any interested parties.

6. Updated Logos/Slogans

Are you rebranding your business and updating any logos, slogans, or line of products? This process can be very time consuming and cause confusion, so it is important to let as many people as possible know what you are changing and why. Also let them know when these updates to your brand will be made.

7. New Employees

Do you have new executives or company owners that you want to let shareholders and customers know about? Inform them about new employees through a press release to establish credibility. It helps to include personal details and photos of the new executives.

8. New Business Partners

This press release is like corporate news dealing with mergers. If you have new business partners, let your shareholders and customers know who they are and how they will benefit the company by sending out a well-crafted press release.

9. Company Awards

Did your company receive any awards? This is a great way to establish credibility within your niche and can attract new customers. Send out a press release including what award your business won and any other related information to the award or ceremony.

10. Trade Shows and Conferences

Most industries have niche-related trade shows several times throughout the year. If your company is planning on making an appearance at a trade show or conference, let your customers know where your booth will be and what time you will be available to talk.

What to Do

1. Instantly grab the reader’s attention so that they read your whole release.

2. Use active voice instead of a passive voice.

3. Include contact information of a specific person who can answer questions guests have about the event.

4. Review your event press release several times for any grammatical mistakes and to make sure it reads well.

5. Keep your release up to a page in length (no more than 800 words).

6. Add a sense of urgency so that your reader will be excited to RSVP or get tickets to your event.

7. Make sure you keep your language professional. Do not use slang or too many interjections.

8. Explain why your event is being held and why it will be important for people to come.

9. Make sure that it goes out with enough time for people to sign-up and purchase tickets. Try two-three weeks before the event.

10. Create a template that you can use for future press releases for other events.

11. Send out press releases to different publications so that more people are likely to see it.

What Not to Do

1. Send out your release to publications in HTML format unless specified, because some of them might not support or understand HTML.

2. Add special characters or dashes to symbolize line breaks.

3. Include a bunch of links. This will come across as spammy and will not rank well on search engines.

4. Use long bulleted lists. Extensive lists are also perceived as spam when writing a press release.

5. Insert a lot of capitalization, exclamation points, and interjections. It will not look professional.

6. Use the terms “we” and “I” when talking about a company.

7. Refer to those reading the press release as “you”. It should read more like a news article.

8. Include all the information you linked to in the release. If you are inserting a link with more information, let the reader go to the link.

9. Make it sound like you are trying to sell something. While this is an advertisement for an event, it should not sound like a sales pitch.

10. Use too much flowery language to pad the release out. Keep it simple and to-the-point.

11. Come across as overconfident or stretching the truth to journalists. Tell the truth about your event to publications if you want them to promote it.

Press Release Template

Here is the basic template for a press release promoting an event. This press release example can change depending on the business and what the release is promoting. Feel free to style it to make it more personable to your business for future use:

[HEADLINE]
Lead sentence
[DATE, LOCATION]
Main paragraph
Body paragraph
Body paragraph
[BOILERPLATE]
[CONTACT INFORMATION]

In Summary

Learning how to write a press release for an event will generate more interest so that you have higher attendance, success, and revenue. Doing it right will also attract more attention toward your event, improve your rankings on social engines such as Google, and will help build your brand locally and in publications. That is why using a press release is still an important factor in marketing a successful event.

The BEST 60 Girls Night Ideas & Activities (Updated 2021)

girls night ideas

Looking for a creative way to celebrate your friends by hanging out at home or on the town?

Girls night out (or girls night in) parties are a great way to bond with your closest friends.

They can be something simple that is done indoors, or they can be a whole day or night spent somewhere new.

But what should you do on your next night out or in?

These ideas will make your next or several upcoming gatherings a whole lot of fun.

So, get out there, try something different, and make memories with your best friends!

Girls Night Ideas (for Staying In or Going Out)

1. Christmas Theme Party

Is the holiday season just around the corner? A Christmas theme party is the perfect choice for friend groups of all ages. Decorate your house in your special holiday decorations and lights and spent the night decorating the tree, building gingerbread houses, and online shopping for your relatives. Make it something that can be done all year round by updating it to other holidays, such as Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Valentine’s Day.

2. Roaring ‘20s Theme Party

Put on your best Gatsby-inspired clothes and hold a ‘20s theme party at your house or a venue. Play jazz music appropriate for the era, dress in period clothing, drink champagne, and dance the Charleston. There are also art deco style decorations available for you to transfer your party to 100 years ago.

3. 80’s Theme Party

Looking to do something a little more contemporary? Why not update the Gatsby themed party to the ‘80s or even ‘90s? Get your nostalgia rolling by dressing up in over-the-top ‘80s and ‘90s fashions and playing your favorite songs of the time. Whether you lived through the decade or not, these parties are a lot of fun for everyone.

4. Teach Each Other a New Skill

Spend your evening doing something different by learning a new skill together. Do you guys want to start studying a new language, looking to crochet, or think it might be fun to try out the latest video game or dance craze? Why not have a party where everyone can learn as a group?

5. Live Music Performance

If you want to leave the house and spend some time out with your friends, get tickets for a concert or watch a local live band play. There are even a lot of popular music festivals that last for several days. You can make a whole day, night, or week of this event and create lasting memories for you and your friends.

6. Visit a Museum

Do something more academic with your friends by visiting or touring an art, science, or history museum. Choose a large-scale, internationally recognized museum or a smaller, quirkier one that you find online. Either way, going to a museum to learn something new is a great activity for a group to enjoy.

7. Set Up a Fondue Dinner

There are entire restaurants created around serving fondue, but you can also purchase fondue appliances and have the cooking style in your own home. Create cheese or chocolate fondues for people to dip snacks or desserts into. This is also a great idea for both adults and kids’ parties.

8. Wine and Cheese Tasting

Make your evening more sophisticated by testing a bunch of different wines and cheeses. Try ones you never heard of or stick with more familiar brands for everyone in your friend group to try and judge. Also choose which wines go best with which cheeses.

9. Dessert Dinner

Rather than having a large, Thanksgiving-style feast for your friends, how about you spend a whole night trying nothing but desserts? Go to a bunch of restaurants or cook your own pastries at home for you and your friends to try. Take the opportunity to try new-to-you foods.

10. Clothing and Jewelry Swap

This type of party is popular for all groups of women and proves to be an effective bonding experience. Get your friends together with some clothes and jewelry that they do not want anymore. Switch your old clothing with your friends new clothing rather than spending money on shopping trips.

mini golf girls night

11. Mini Golfing

Take your friends to the nearest mini golf course and have everyone compete for the best putting score. Plenty of mini golfing places also include ice cream and other outdoor or indoor games for guests to enjoy. It is also fun to play mini golf during the day and at night, accommodating many schedules.

12. Pole Dancing Classes

Pole dancing classes are becoming more and more popular. If you have an athletic group of friends that want to learn a new skill, take some classes together. Going to these classes with a group of friends will make everyone more comfortable and will make your girls night out a weekly event.

13. Go to a Sports Game

Is your friend group a bunch of sports fans? If that is the case, then what better place to go than a football, baseball, basketball, or any other sports game? Take your friends to see a local, minor-league team play or go to a larger-scale national game and make a whole day of it.

14. Go to the Movies

Sometimes something as simple as going to the movies is enough for a girls night out. But who says that you need to go to the theater? If you feel like staying in, have a movie marathon indoors with your favorite picks. Turn your evening into a film festival where everyone introduces a new watch.

15. Attend an Opera

Make your evening extra fancy and do something different by going to the opera with your friends. This is a fun evening for friend groups because it gives everyone the chance to dress up and see a show. Whether you are opera fans or not, it will be an experience to remember.

16. Visit an Art Gallery

You don’t have to live in a city to be near an art gallery. Many small towns also have art galleries for the public to come in and view. Galleries are also a lot of fun because the paintings they put up are often for sale, including small, local ones with artwork by up-and-coming artists. Spend a night with your friends and find a new hanging for your home.

17. Go to the Ballet

Similar to the opera, the ballet offers a unique night that is perfectly spent with friends. Anyone who is a dancer or just a fan of dancing will enjoy watching an elaborate ballet with their group of friends. Many small and large cities often put on ballets for the public to view.

18. Eat at a Unique Restaurant

Is there a new themed restaurant nearby that you are dying to try? Has a new place opened that sells food you are unfamiliar with? Why not turn that dining experience into a night out with your friends by having everyone try out the new place with you?

19. Photography Night

Take more professional photos with your more experienced photographer friends or just have on-the-spot photoshoots with your friends around your house or throughout your town. You and your friends can also take turns taking pictures of each other, so everyone gets the perfect shot. These photos will make great mementos and will give you something to post on social media.

20. Create a Book Club

If you are looking for something else to do with a group of friends on a weekly or monthly basis, form a book club. Get together with your friends and select one or several books for each of you to read and discuss. This is a great way for readers to bond and will assist you with your reading list.

nails painted girls night idea

21. Get Your Nails Painted

Get your fingernails or toenails painted or get the whole mani-pedi routine with your friends by going to your local salon. If you want to save some money, buy some nail polish at the store, and have people come to your home to paint each other’s nails. Have everyone get the same design or let everyone choose their own design to be painted on their nails.

22. Travel Somewhere New

Make your girls night out a week or a weekend instead by going on a trip together. Look up some fun, nearby towns, or cities that your friends can drive to and book a hotel room or an Airbnb together. Making a weekend out of your trip might be more costly than a night, but it will guarantee you more bonding time with your friends.

23. Fancy Dinner

Splurge a little with your friends by going to a more expensive and fancier restaurant than usual. Eating at these types of restaurants will allow you to taste new foods and drinks and will make the night a standout among other dinners. It will also be fun for your friends to dress up to go out.

24. Go to a Comedy Club

Do you and your friends share the same sense of humor? Then going to a comedy club makes a perfect girls’ night out. If a famous comedian is appearing in your area, you can also get tickets and attend the show to share some laughs.

25. Take a Booze Cruise

If you live nearby a body of water, chances are that there are some booze cruise events for you and your friends to attend. These are nighttime boat rides where they serve drinks and play music. It is like going to a club with your friends, but it is something a little different and more memorable.

26. Attend a Fundraiser or Silent Auction

Is there a local auction or fundraiser occurring? Having your friends host or attend a fundraiser is a great way to give back to the community while having fun. Silent auctions are also a fun activity that you can do among your friends at home with prizes.

27. Play Board Games

As corny as it sounds, board games are a guaranteed source of fun. But you don’t have to just play games from your childhood like Monopoly or Life, there are plenty of more adult party games with trivia and cards available online or in stores for friends to play.

28. Volunteer at an Event or Charity

Spend your night out giving back to the community by volunteering at a local charity or event. If your town is having a local fair, festival, or charity event, you and your friends can spend the whole day or night together by helping out or giving back.

29. Go Swimming

Spend an evening at your friend’s pool or go to a local park with a public pool. Most swimming pools have both indoor and outdoor options for year-round use. This is a great way to spend long, hot summer days while still having a good time with your friends.

30. Visit a Casino

There’s a good chance that there is a casino near where you live. Take your friends to a nearby casino and bet some money, play the slots, and eat and drink. You can also go to an adult arcade if you would rather win tickets for prizes than money.

palm reading

31. Have Your Palm Read

If your friends want to do something unique, try finding a local psychic who will read your palm and tell you your fortunes. You and your friends can also learn how to do this on your own by looking it up online or buying a book about palm reading.

32. Order Special Cocktails at a Bar

Instead of going to bars and ordering the same drinks, why not try new cocktails that you would not ordinarily try? This can be a fun taste testing game and maybe you will find a new favorite cocktail to order the next time you are out.

33. Listen to Jazz at a Club

Is your friend group big music fans? If so, then why not try a local jazz club where you can listen to live music performances? Listening to jazz live is a special experience compared to other genres, because of its complexity, polyrhythms, and improvisation.

34. Take a Yoga Class

Another popular, weekly excursion that you can do with your friends is go to yoga classes as a group. If your friends are athletic or want to be more flexible, attending yoga classes will help and is also good for your mental wellbeing. You can also watch yoga videos from your own home if you do not want to go to a public class.

35. Go to the Symphony

Looking for something fancy for music lovers to do? Most small and large cities have their own symphony that performs concerts. This special night out will allow you and your friends to dress in their finest while also hearing professionally performed pieces of classical music.

36. Take a Spa Day

Spend a day relaxing by going with your friends to a nearby or more faraway spa. Everyone can get a message, a mud bath, or spend time in a sauna, which are great stress relievers. This option is an especially good idea for groups of friends that have high-stress jobs that need some time off.

37. Binge a Bunch of Restaurants

Rather than spending money on a large meal at a restaurant, go to several and have a different course at each one. Get drinks at one, appetizers at another, entrees at the next one, and follow it up with dessert. This will give everyone a chance to try different, new-to-them restaurants in their area.

38. Go to Karaoke Night

Instead of just going to a bar for drinks, go on their karaoke night with your friends. You will find it not so nerve-wrecking if you perform a song with the help of your friends. Sing along to your favorite songs like no one is watching.

39. Try Some New Foods

Go out to new restaurants or cook them in your own home and have your friends try them. Order something on the menu that you normally would not get or cook something that you have never made before. Have all your friends try this and see what they say about the new experience.

40. Escape Rooms

What are these? They are a new thing at parties based on a game. Lock your friends in a room with only a few clues to let them out and see if they can crack the puzzle. This is a fun activity for large and small groups to do.

cooking class for girls night

41. Take a Cooking Class

Do you and your friends desperately need to learn how to cook new dishes? Have all your friends take a cooking class together for either one night or weekly. This will help you with your culinary skills while spending some time with your group.

42. Walking Food Tour

Go to both well-known and more hideaway places in your city and town by having a walking food tour. You can create your own tour depending on where you live, or, if you are near New York City or another famous location, there’s a good chance that there’s a food tour that your friends can join.

43. Craft Night

Get out all your Pinterest DIY projects for you and your friends to attempt together during a crafting night. Have everyone make the same project together or let everyone do their own craft and see who succeeds and who fails. No matter what the outcome, it’s fun just to try.

44. Go Bowling

Spend a night at your local bowling alley with glow-in-the-dark style bowling. Some bowling places are also open until late so that you can spend hours working on your bowing skills. Bowling is also a great group activity because alleys also serve food and drinks and have arcade games.

45. Breakfast or Brunch Foods

Instead of going out at night, why not have a morning meal together? Have your friends put on their pajamas and make breakfast together or go out to a breakfast diner or a brunch restaurant with your friends. There’s a reason why brunch is such a popular bonding activity.

46. Shopping Spree

What could be more fun than spending the whole day shopping? Go to the largest nearby mall or outlets and go from store to store with your friends. You don’t even have to spend a lot of money, the experience alone is what makes the excursion so much fun.

47. Attend a Play

Whether you are near Broadway or not, chances are there are local plays in your small town or smaller city. Go see an acclaimed musical or dramatic performance with your friends or see a more relaxed local production to cheer on someone you know in the cast.

48. Classic Dance Party

When you hear girls’ night out, you probably think about drinks and dancing. You can go to the club, but you don’t have to leave your house to have a dance party. Have everyone take turns playing their favorite songs and jam out with your best friends.

49. TV Viewing Party

Are your friends currently obsessed with a certain show? Or maybe they have a guilty pleasure show that they like to make fun of? If this is the case have a viewing party with your friends and watch the show together. You can also live tweet your thoughts to get people on social media involved.

50. Baking Party

Instead of cooking a whole meal or small appetizers, try cooking your favorite pastries with your friends. Whether you are an experienced baker or cannot tell one appliance from another, cooking your own desserts is a lot of fun and will make the food taste a lot better.

painting activities

51. Take an Art Class

If you and your friends are artistic, or want to be, take an art class together. There are also popular wine art classes that combine both painting and drinking to create memorable nights full of laughs. Improve your drawing and painting skills by trying weekly art classes with your friends at local galleries.

52. Create Make-Up Tutorials

Do you and your friends love posting things online? Why not create your own make-up tutorials and post the results on social media? Try out some new makeup products, even the ones that sound kind of strange, and see how they turn out by testing them on you and your friends.

53. Present Wrapping Party

Whether you are wrapping Christmas or birthday party presents, you and your friends can get together to wrap your gifts. Have everyone assigned to do something different so all the packages come out looking great. This is the perfect girls night in idea for around the holidays when you don’t want to do activities that require a lot of money.

54. Run a Race

Is your local park or city hosting a marathon or fun run? Why not attend it with your friends? If you and your friends are athletic, you can all join a local race that you can walk or run together. Paint runs are particularly fun to do with large groups of close friends.

55. Scavenger Hunt Party

Create a long list of things your friends need to find as part of a game. You can host this whole thing within your home or send your friends out on the town or in a store to find all their items. You can also make each successive item have a clue for where to find the next one instead of a list.

56. Have a Tea Party

Pretend that you are a kid again by having your friends have a tea party in the garden or in your home. You can also go to a tea shop if you want to do something outside. Try new tea flavors and old favorites with your friends and dress in your classiest clothes and pearls.

57. Go to a Roller- or Ice-Skating Rink

Similar to bowling alleys, local roller rinks and ice-skating rinks have a lot of other activities, such as arcade games. Rolling and ice skating are particularly fun to do in large groups and do not require as much athleticism as many other sporty activities.

58. Go to an Amusement Park

Spend the whole day screaming at the top of your lunges by riding roller coasters and playing fair games with your group. There might be an amusement park near where you live, or you might have to turn your girls’ day into a whole trip.

59. Go Camping

If you and your friends like to spend time outdoors, what better way to enjoy the wilderness than by camping out? If, however, you aren’t as adventurous as all that, you and your friends can just pitch a tent in your backyard to make things more convenient.

60. Work Out Night

Go to your local gym or stream a bunch of workout videos for you and your friend group to try. This is the perfect go-to if you and your friends want to get in or stay in shape and you can turn it into a weekly excursion.

Wrapping Things Up

Spend your next girls’ night out doing something new with your friends and switch it up every time you go out (or stay in). These ideas are great ways to spend extra time with your friends and will create lasting memories for your group to share.

Are you a student? Looking for a girls night ideas for your sorority? Check out our article on college event ideas on campus.

Event Reminder Email Tips & Templates: The Ultimate Guide

email event reminder

Do you have a big event coming up that you don’t want your attendees to forget?

You’ve probably already spent time and money promoting, creating flyers, ads, and perhaps even writing a press release.

Even if you have a lot of people signed up and registered to come to your event or party, that still does not guarantee their appearance.

They might have signed up or bought tickets for the special day weeks or months ago!

An easy way to make sure that your guests remember all the details about your event is by sending them email reminders.

Did you know that sending out reminders to people who have shown interest in your event is just as important as first telling them about it?

Here are some simple tips and templates to help you in creating super-effective event reminder emails.

Tips for Writing Email Reminders for Events

1. Keep It Short and Sweet

The subscribers who will be receiving your event reminder email should already be familiar with what the event is for. This means that you do not need to always include the same information as you did from your initial email blast informing people about the event. A reminder can be as simple as a simple invitation with some of the main details, like the name of the event, where it is, and when it will be. You can always include a link to more information without taking up extra room on the email.

2. Include a Call to Action Button

Most of the highest performing emails have call-to-action (or CTA) buttons that grab the attention of the reader. Place the button where it will be easily seen and include stand-out colors and bold text so that it is eye-catching. Add a catchy phrase on the button, such as “Save My Seat”, “Sign Up”, or “Forward Email”. The action should be whatever you want the subscriber to do.

3. Keep Important Information Near the Top

Key details, such as dates and place, should be close to the top of the email so that it is one of the first things the potential attendee sees. They should not have to scroll down an email to see vital information. There is always a chance that they will close the email before they get there. That is why it is crucial that the most important information regarding the event is near the top, where they are more likely to see it.

4. Include Contact Information

There is always a good chance that the future attendees to your event have some questions about coming. Therefore, it is helpful to include contact information of someone who can answer the questions within the email. You can add contact information through a link to the “Contact” page of a website or just list out a phone number, email address, etc. at the bottom of the email. Make sure you include more than one way of reaching out to you.

5. Add Images and Gifs

The content of your event reminder email will be more eye-catching if it includes bright pictures and fun gifs that will engage the reader. Do not, however, just insert random images and gifs to grab their attention. They should relate to the event in some way, such as a photo of where it will be held or of a speaker who will be attending. This will also make the subscriber excited about going to your event.

What You Should Include in Your Reminder

Who and What

Make sure that your email reminder includes the name and reason for your event. You can even include this information in the subject line, the preview text, or as the heading of the email so that it will be one of the first things the reader sees.

When

The time of the event is very important information to add. This detail should be noticeable in your email without the subscriber having to read a paragraph to figure out. Bold it, put it in a separate line, etc. If your event is virtual and will be attended by people around the country, include the specific time zone of the webinar for clarification.

Where

This is just as important as the time section. Like with time, it should be as clear as possible, especially if your event is in-person and people will have to drive or walk there. A helpful tip is to include a map or a screenshot of the area to help the reader identify the place when they see it.

What Do They Need

Does your event require preparation from the guests? Will they have to bring tickets, download any apps, wear something specific? If so, include this information as a reminder and be as specific as possible.

Show Gratitude

Include a “thank you” statement within the email to thank the reader for their time and for signing up to the event. This will make your event reminder email more friendly and personable as it is incredibly simple to do. This can be at the beginning or the end of the email.

More Details

The section after all the vital information can include whatever else you want to remind the subscribers about. Are there going to be special speakers or guests that they should know about? Are there any rules regarding the venue?

Social Media Profiles

Do you have a Facebook or Twitter page that they can follow? Make sure to include them in your email so that attendees can follow your business or your event on social media for any updates. This is a good idea if you are planning future events and want to keep the same people notified outside of emails.

Frequently Asked Questions

You will have your contact information for attendees with questions, but it is also best to answer their questions within the email. Include an FAQ section with the questions and answers to some common questions regarding the event, the venue, what will be there, etc. This will limit the number of questions subscribers will ask you.

30 Subject Lines for Your Reminder Message

Here are some general ideas for creating a catchy subject line for your email. You can also catch the eye of subscribers by adding emojis to your subject line. Make sure, however, that you don’t add too many emojis or punctuation, or it could come across as junk mail.

1. Don’t forget [Insert Event]

2. Don’t miss your chance to see [Insert Performer] at [Insert Event]

3. Get [Insert Discount] when you sign up

4. Are you ready for [Insert Event]?

5. Will we see you at [Insert Event]?

6. Hurry before [Insert Event] sells out! 🏃

7. [Insert Event] is coming up!

8. [Insert Event] on [Insert Date] – mark your calendars 📅

9. [Insert Subscriber Name] reminder for [Insert Event]

10. Countdown to [Insert Event] ⏲️

11. Join us at [Insert Event]

12. Don’t miss [Insert Event]

13. Time to get excited for [Insert Event]

14. Don’t miss [Insert Event] on [Insert Date]

15. Everything you need to know about [Insert Event]

16. Get ready for [Insert Event]

17. Who to expect at [Insert Event]

18. [Insert Event] is starting on [Insert Date]!

19. Last chance to sign up for [Insert Event]

20. Don’t forget to sign up for [Insert Event]

21. Are you free on [Date]? Then come to [Insert Event]

22. We’ll be expecting you on [Insert Date]

23. Learn more about [Insert Event]

24. Book your seat for [Insert Event] 🪑

25. Sign up for [Insert Event] before it’s sold out

26. Grab your ticket for [Insert Event] 🎫

27. Remember to sign up for [Insert Event]

28. Save your spot for [Insert Event]

29. Reminder to register to [Insert Event]

30. Join our next event at [Insert Place]

31. Save the date for [Insert Event] 🗓️

Tips for Getting Customers to Open Your Email

1. A/B Testing

Send out two reminder emails (an A version and a B version) and test them to see which one performs the best. You can send them out at different times, with different subject lines, changed content, varied Call to Action buttons, etc. See which version has best open rate. A/B testing will help you send the best possible email campaigns.

2. Segment Your Email List

This information will also assist you with future emails. Create segments depending on certain data you have about your subscribers, such as those who cancelled their registration for an event vs. those who are still signed up, those who have booked vs. those who have not yet, etc. Then create individual emails for each segment tailored to each group, ensuring that each audience gets the information they will most likely need.

3. Choose a Good Time

One of the best things to do when sending out an email is to make sure that it goes out at a proper time when most subscribers will see it. This includes both the date and the time. If people still need to sign up for an event, make sure you give them enough time to do that, such as a week before. Another reminder can be sent out the day before the event to make sure they remember.

4. Make the Subject Line Mobile Friendly

Chances are that the subscriber will view their emails from a mobile device rather than a desktop. This means that your subject line should be created to be mobile friendly. Make sure that the subject line does not run too long or at least put the most important information near the beginning. Most phones only show about 41 characters of the subject line.

5. Resend to Unopened Subscribers

If your subscribers are not opening your email, then create a segment and send a new event reminder email out to them with a different subject line. See if the email performs better with a new subject. This will give you another chance to reach out to those who you missed on the first try.

Reminder Email Template Examples

Promoting the Event

Hi [Insert Name]
You’re invited to join us at [Insert Event]!
[Describe Event]
We hope to see you at [Insert Event] on
[Insert Date]
[Insert Place]
[Insert Any Incentives]
[Call to Action Button]
If you have any questions, reach out to use at [Insert Contact].
[Insert Sign Off]

Confirming Someone Signing Up

Hello [Insert Name]!
Thank you for signing up for [Insert Event]. We can’t wait to see you!
Location: [Insert Place]
Door Opens: [Insert Time]
Please Bring: [Insert Necessities]
Don’t forget to RSVP by [Insert Date]
[Insert Sign Off]

Number of Days Reminder

Hi [Insert Name]
[Insert Event] is only [Insert Number] of days away! We will see you there.
Here is the schedule for the day:
[List Dates/Times and Speakers]
How do you get there?
Address: [Insert Place]
Direction: [Include Any Directions, Parking, etc.]
Contact: [Insert Contact]
[Insert Sign Off]

Wrapping Things Up

Hopefully, these few tips and templates will help you construct an eye-catching event reminder email that gets a lot of engagement. Sending reminders out to your subscribers will help you get a greater attendance at your event and gives you a chance to promote it again to those who have not registered.

How to Get Sponsors for an Event: The Ultimate Guide (2021)

how to get sponsors for an event

If your organization or small business is hosting an event, how do you get funding?

Where do you find the money for marketing materials?

Your budget might not be enough to run the event of your dreams. So, how can you acquire a larger budget?

The answer is by getting sponsors.

This solution might seem difficult, because it requires a company or person providing you money in exchange for partnerships and other incentives.

But it’s really not as impossible as it sounds.

The important thing is to find a sponsor that suits your organization or company and then utilizing some strategies to get them to sponsor you.

Here are some helpful tips on how to get sponsors for an event.

10 Ideas on How to Get Sponsors for an Event

1. Ask Around

There is a chance that someone who works in your company or volunteers at your organization has connections to a possible sponsor that they can introduce you to or provide the contact info for. Are there any important companies within your community that might be interested in funding local events? Maybe someone who works for you knows someone who works there who can make your sponsorship possible.

2. Think About What You Are Going to Say

Come up with an idea for a sales pitch before you meet or communicate with the possible sponsor. There are several points to include in your talking points, such as what the mission of your business or organization is, what kind of event you will be hosting, how many people you expect to come, why you are a good fit for that business to sponsor, and any benefits they will receive by becoming a sponsor.

3. Practice What You Will Say

Make sure you make your argument clear and to the point, especially if you will be meeting your possible sponsor face-to-face. You want to come across as confident. Look into any interesting data regarding your organization or business that you can share.

4. Create a Sponsorship Packet

A sponsorship packet includes the incentives you offer sponsors when they agree to fund your event. These can include such things as adding their logo to all the promotional materials at the event. Whatever you have in the packet, make sure that you communicate with the sponsor clearly about the benefits you offer so that they understand.

5. Answer Any Questions

While this is a sales pitch that you should practice, it is also an open dialogue with someone else. They will probably have questions regarding your business and the event, and you should be prepared to answer anything they ask. You can also encourage them to speak by asking them questions.

6. Name a Donation Amount

When you are asking for a certain amount of money, it always helps to ask for a large sum first. This might seem risky, but if you ask for less than you need that might be all you get. Name how much you want and make sure that it’s enough to cover the whole event. You might be surprised at what their response is. If they decline, suggest a smaller amount.

7. Still Keep the Business in Mind If They Say No

While they might say no to funding the entire event, there is still a chance they might help with the event in other ways, like providing prizes or volunteering. Even if the company turned your offer down now, they might be more interested the next time you need a sponsorship for an event.

8. Continue to Communicate

You’re not just looking for a business to sponsor an event and be done with it. If you want the business to keep funding you, it is important to build a relationship with them. Continue to send them email reminders, let them know if you are planning other events, and show that you care outside of them providing you money.

9. Show Gratitude

If you obtain a sponsor for an event, make sure that you show them how much it means to you and your team. Thank them and share with them what their donation has helped you with. Let them know that their money is being put to good use.

10. Be Friendly

Finally, one of the simplest things you can do to make sure that you find a great sponsor for an event is to be friendly and courteous to whoever you are meeting with. Do not come across as demanding or sulk if they turn you down. Remain positive and they will want to work with you again.

Which Businesses Should You Contact?

How do you figure out which business to ask about a sponsorship? Which ones will be a good fit for your organization or company?

Here are some tips for helping you weave out which companies to ask about a potential sponsorship:

Have They Sponsored Events Before?

If a business has been a sponsor in the past, they will probably do it again. You still must create a compelling argument for why they should fund your event, but your chances will be better than choosing one that has never shown interest in sponsoring any events.

Do You Have Similar Demographics?

One of the easiest ways to tell if a business will be a good sponsor for your event is by seeing if their company’s audience is like yours. Their demographic is not going to be the same as yours but looking up some of the key elements in your audience will help. For example, if you are holding an event that has to do with dogs or dog owners, asking a company that deals in dog products would be a good idea.

Is This Company Interested in ROI?

ROI (or Return on Investment) is the outcome of the event. Look for a business that is looking to increase their brand recognition and wants to gain new customers. Having them sponsor and event with their logo appearing on promotional materials is a good way to get some return on their investment.

Do You Already Have a Relationship with Possible Sponsors

If you plan on using sponsors in the future, it is best to contact a company and build a relationship with them before you ask them about sponsoring an event of yours. Maybe there is a local business where you already know some people who work there. Having an established relationship with the business will look better than asking them about funding your event right away.

Would You Be Able to Contact the Right Person?

When contacting a company to sponsor your event, you do not want to randomly message anyone in the company or an email on their website that goes to a general inbox. There might be a good chance your email would be ignored. Try to find the right person to contact who can give you a direct answer about sponsoring your event.

10 Tips for Locating the Right Sponsors for an Event

1. Utilize Online Resources

There are several websites designed for finding sponsors. Some websites like Sponeasy are helpful in building sponsorship desks from tools and templates while SponsorPitch is a database with information of different companies. If you are part of a specific industry, there might be a site that will list possible sponsors, such as SponsorPark for arts and entertainment events, SponsorPitch for sports, and the more general SponsorMyEvent.

2. Find Sponsors from Similar Events

Look up recent events in your industry and who sponsored them. The business that sponsored this event will likely sponsor another similar one. Look at the promotional materials, such as printed marketing tools and social media posts, to see what sponsorships were mentioned.

3. Reach Out to Companies Your Audience Knows

Is there a brand that those who will be attending your event know and like? Is there a social media account your audience always interacts with? Consider what companies or type of industries your audience will be most enthusiastic about. You would not want to get a company that they do not like as your sponsor.

4. Contact Event Organizers on Social Media

Ask other businesses and organizations that have been in your situation how they were able to get their sponsors? Who did they contact and how did they find out beneficial information? Other companies in your industry might even know businesses that you can contact about a possible sponsorship.

5. Create a List of Possible Sponsors

One of the best ways to determine which sponsors to communicate with and find information on is by creating a list of candidates. Once when you have a list of companies to contact, you can research data about their company, figure out who will be best to contact, and include any information to remember the next time you are seeking a sponsorship.

6. Figure Out What Type of Sponsorship You Want

There are four types of sponsorships that you can propose to companies. Financial sponsorships are when a company gives you money in exchange for something like logo placement on all your marketing materials. Media sponsorship is getting local TV stations or publications to include your advertisement. In-kind sponsorship is when a company provides a certain product, such as venues or catering, for your event. Promotional partners are when you team with influencers or celebrities to promote your event on social media. Knowing what kind of sponsorship are you looking for with your event will make it easy to find potential candidates.

7. Look Into What Companies Have Been in the News

Are there any press releases announcing a company sponsoring an event? This can be a helpful tool in finding out what businesses are willing to be sponsors. It can also help you find out other information about the sponsor before you contact them, such as if they have a new CEO or just launched a product line.

8. Ask Them at the Right Time

Timing is particularly important because some places do sponsorships during certain times of the year. Does your event occur at a time that would be beneficial to any companies? You have a better chance of finding sponsors during the fall and summer seasons because that’s when most events are held. Do further research into your possible candidates to see what time of the year they have sponsored previous events.

9. Look for Recognized Name Brands

This does not mean that the company needs to be internationally known. They can be well-known locally, too. Look around your area for reputable companies that will make good sponsors. Getting a brand that your attendees know will add credibility to your event.

10. Look for Places with the Right Resources

Make sure that you are looking for companies that can give you what you need. Do they have a budget that suits how much you are asking? Do they have a department dedicated to marketing that you can contact directly? This will make locating and contacting a potential sponsor much easier.

10 Ways to Ask Businesses for Their Sponsorship

We’ve covered general tips and tools you can use for deciding on and contacting a business to sponsor your event, but how do you convince them to say yes to your sponsorship packet?

Here are some tips for when you approach companies for their funding:

1. Explain the Mission of Your Event

When you are discussing a potential sponsorship with a business, one of the key things to do is to explain the mission of the event in a clear way. What does your company or organization hope to accomplish with this event and how can your sponsor help? What does your brand represent that aligns with the mission statement of their company? What goals are you setting for this event? Make your purpose clear so that the sponsor is more likely to invest in what you are doing.

2. Include Data

Most businesses that you are trying to have sponsor your event will be interested in facts. They want to hear about why your values are like theirs, but they also want to be sure that they are making a good investment. Look into an event software program and select some data to present, such as how many tickets you have sold, your recent revenue from sending out event promotions, or how many active members you have currently in the community.

3. Have Different Tiers of Funding

Come up with different levels of donations to offer to businesses. The higher the tier, the more the company will get in return. For example, you can have tiers from $500 donations to $5,000. For the $500 level, you can offer listing the company in marketing promotions while with a higher $5,000 donation, the company will receive tickets, listings, social media promotions, naming rights, etc. Try to ask for a higher tier donation first when you are communicating with the sponsor but let them know that there are other options and benefits that they can choose.

4. Make Your Pitch Personal

Do not always give the same pitch to every company you contact for sponsorship. Make sure you tailor each request to suit that specific business. Explain how their exact contribution will benefit your event, give specific instances of how supporting your event will help their business, etc. Let them know that you have the same sponsorship goals that they have. If you make your request sound generic, then it will not come across as sincere and will seem like you are just interested in financial donations rather than a long-term partnership.

5. Contact Businesses Early

Timing is especially important and, as always, the early bird gets the worm. Make sure you reach out to businesses long before your event starts so that you have enough time to hear back from them and come up with a sponsorship packet. Try reaching out to potential sponsors roughly four months before your event begins. This way you will get your budget needs out of the way, and you will be able to secure the sponsorship before other similar events ask.

6. Provide Incentives

Come up with what incentives you are planning to offer your sponsors before you ask. They are more likely to say yes if they know what they will be getting in advance. Some ideas for incentives include, giving them free booth space at expositions, placing their logo on all your promotional material and giveaways, spreading brand awareness for the sponsor through social media and newsletters, giving them discounts to your products or at the event, etc. You will recruit more sponsors when you show them that their business is important by offering them benefits.

7. Research the Company

Make sure you know what the company sells, their mission statement, and any recent news, before you ask them about a sponsorship. Showing that you know about the company and have done your research beforehand will make you look more professional and make the business feel important and appreciated. Find useful information by searching their blogs, newsletters, and social media accounts.

8. Show Confidence

Even with all the previous recommendations on your plate, you aren’t going to get very far with a possible sponsor if you lack confidence. Let them know that you think they are getting a good deal. They will not be interested in a sponsorship if you seem nervous or uninterested in the proposal. Show them that you are confident that a sponsorship will benefit them in the long run and that your event will be successful.

9. Create a Sponsorship Proposal

Before you discuss a possible sponsorship with a company, you need to come up with your complete proposal. This information includes the different donation tiers, what incentives you will be offering, and how you will communicate that to a business. What key points do you need to address? What will each sponsor package include? How will you be asking the company for a sponsorship? Come up with a tangible plan to follow and talking points to bring up so that you are prepared and articulate during your pitch.

10. Follow Up Afterwards

Finally, another way to make sure a business accepts your sponsorship is by following up with them. Give them some time to process the information before asking them whether they accept or not. Ask them if they have any questions or concerns about the proposal. Sometimes you will need to reach out more than once to get a definitive answer.

Frequently Asked Questions

What exactly is an event sponsor?

A sponsor is anyone, whether it be a company or a person, who gives you money or free/discounted services in exchange for something at your event. The person or business can provide financial support for the event, or such services as food, tents, giveaways, etc. The exchange can be promoting the business in your marketing materials, giving them free tickets or discounted items, advertising the business through your social media, etc. When asking a business or person to sponsor an event, the main thing to bring up is what they will get in return for their support.

How do I know if I need a sponsor?

There are several ways to tell if you will need a reputable company or person to sponsor your event. Do you need a bigger budget to achieve your event goals? Or do you need a certain service to help you, such as everyone getting enough to eat? People are more likely to attend your event if you have a lot of activities, games, and food, but those things cost money and you might not have enough for everything you need. Are you looking to get a bigger audience for your small business or organization? Having a distinguished business or person sponsor your event will bring awareness to new audiences and customers so that more people will attend your event and support your cause. Having an established company or person promote your event will also give you more credibility.

How can I make companies say “yes”?

It helps to already have a relationship with the business before you contact them about a sponsorship. Are you a long-time customer or are they a local company run by people you have connections with? This will make the business more likely to help. It, however, is not the only way to get sponsors. Make your proposal personal rather than a general request. This will make the company know that you care about their sponsorship. Also try to find the right person to contact. See if you can find the email or phone number of someone who will be willing to listen to your proposal. Do not call or send an email to a general email, such as their “info@” email or their customer service. Another key tip is to think about what you are going to say beforehand and what you will offer the sponsor for their contribution. Be clear, confident, and listen!

Are there any kinds of events sponsors like?

If you’re struggling with how to get sponsors for an event, remember that they like events where their business can be promoted. If you are working for a good cause or are a small business, sponsors like adding their logo to your materials to show that they support your organization while also spreading brand awareness for them. Potential sponsors also like events where they can reach a similar audience to their customer base. For example, local businesses will support local events because people who live in that region are more likely to use their services. A business in a specific industry is more likely to help an organization that has a cause that relates to their mission statement. Therefore, it is important to find a sponsor whose audience is like your event attendees.

How long before an event should I contact a sponsor?

When it comes to timing, the main thing to take away is that you need to contact your potential sponsors early. Come up with a list of potential sponsors and what you plan on offering them depending on the amount of money they donate. You should know all of this when you request the sponsorship of a business so that you can clearly communicate with them what they will be getting in return for their money or services. Try getting into contact with possible sponsors a few months before your event, roughly four months.

Final Thoughts

These tips will help you in locating and persuading a sponsor to back your event. Once you have landed a sponsor(s), the next crucial thing to do is to make sure that you have the best event possible. If your event is a success and you establish a working relationship with your sponsor, there is a good chance they will want to sponsor your next event and any others you have. Therefore, it is important to find a suitable company and to win them over with your pitch. Remember that sponsorships work both ways. If a company is willing to give you money for your event, you need to make sure that they are getting something in return and that your event will be worth their time. Keep this in mind the next time you are seeking sponsorship for an upcoming event.

80 College Event Ideas on Campus (Updated 2021)

college students

If you want to help students with their stress or create a fun weekend activity, what kind of events can you put together that will be the most successful?

What kind of events do college campuses hold that students actually want to go to?

Some events deal with educational information or advice that will help them after college, while others are more relaxed and lighthearted activities for students to do on campus.

Here are 80 ideas for putting together a campus wide event that will be a hit among students.

Health and Fitness

1. Offer Free Yoga Classes

A great way to relieve stress during exam weeks is by holding yoga classes on campus for all students to join. Find a place that is calm without a lot of people, whether inside or outside, and have a professor or a local instructor teach the students some yoga to reduce stress.

2. Have a Fun Run Across Campus

Create a campus-wide event by holding a race, fun-run, or walkathon around school grounds. This is a great activity for mild or warmer fall and spring weather and is a great way to get students to exercise or to introduce new students to the entire campus.

3. Offer Students Campus Bikes and Scooters

Make it easier for students to get across campus, whether your school is large or small, by offering bikes and scooters to students just for school use. This gives them a fun yet convenient way of going from class to class, especially in a short amount of time.

4. Rock Climbing Walls

Rent a large, fake rock-climbing wall to setup outside for students to come by and climb in their spare time. This is a sporty activity that even students who are not traditionally athletic can enjoy. Offer prizes for those who make it to the top or create some rock-climbing competitions.

5. Create a Hiking Group

Offer students a chance to get off campus and see more of nature by holding hiking trips. Create a club of student hikers or make it a weekend activity for them to join by taking a bus to different hiking trails and other outdoor activities like camping or biking.

6. Fitness Classes in the Gym

If your campus has a gym open to the student body, offer fitness classes for students to sign up and take. It can be anything from cross fit, to swimming, to weight lighting. This gives students a chance to be active and healthy without having to work out alone.

7. Sport Competitions

Instead of just hosting the usual college sports team games, you can also hold sports-related competitions on campus for prizes. Have students play basketball, soccer, or even something as simple as Twister. This is a fun option to choose when the weather is warmer or for Greek Week.

Reducing Stress

1. Provide Free Massages

During particularly stressful times on campus, such as before final exams, allow students to sign up for free massages. Hire a few professional masseuses to come to campus and give students quick, but stress reducing massages so that they are relaxed and ready for their tests.

2. Setup Nap Stations

Install some small cots, inflatable mattresses, or hammocks somewhere on campus for students to come and nap between classes or before their final exams. This will also be convenient for students who live off campus so that they can get some quality nap time without leaving schoolgrounds.

3. Pet Therapy

Students with pets are missing them while they are away at school. Let them have some free time with some pets on campus. Have members of the faculty bring their dogs and cats for the college students to pet or find some therapy animals that can come by the school.

4. Free Campus Counselling

Setup sessions of free campus counselling or legal counselling for students to take advantage of. Students will be facing a lot of stress between schoolwork and finding a job for after graduation and having professionals on campus who they can talk to will relieve a lot of anxiety for them.

5. Tea or Coffee Station

Setup tea or coffee stations for students to order special drinks from. This is particularly beneficial if you do not have a coffee house on campus so that students can begin their mornings or start their afternoons with some warm drinks to keep them awake.

6. Mindfulness or Meditation Classes

Another great way to reduce stress on campus, especially around the end of each semester, is to have mindfulness or meditation classes for students to join. Show students how they can relax through some simple meditation either in a whole event or with weekly meetings.

7. TED Talks Speakers

Invite some TED talk speakers to your campus or have students put on their own TED talk events. Get professional speakers or students to give motivational speeches for the attendees to follow in life and when learning. Record these talks and upload them to social media or YouTube.

8. Adult Coloring Books

Coloring books designed for adults are always a go-to gift, so why not give some to your students and setup a coloring station with coloring pencils, crayons, and markers? This will give students a place to socialize while doing a relaxing activity that will keep them busy.

9. Student Packages During Exam Weeks

Exam weeks are certainly stressful and everyone around campus can sense it. Give students some stress-relieving items during exam week by sending out care packages with stress balls, bubble wrap, coloring books, and any other activity that will take their mind off their tests.

Academic Help and Job Preparation

1. Invite Speakers for Certain Majors

Does your school specialize in any majors? If this is the case, students enrolled in that major or those classes will like seeing famous names in that field come to your campus to speak to them about their careers. For instance, if you have a lot of science majors, get lecturers who work in science-related jobs or if your students are writers, get well-known authors to visit the campus.

2. Introduce Students to Alumni

Come up with some alumni related events for students to meet former classes of the campus. Students will want to see what people who graduated in their major are doing now and how they can begin working in their designated industry. Many students get their first jobs by going to these meet-and-greet events.

3. Job Fairs

A lot of students are worried about getting a job after they graduate from college. Show students what options there are in their industry and even have some potential employers interview them without leaving the campus. This will take care of a lot of anxiety the students have about graduating.

4. Networking with Alumni and Employers

Get alumni and local employers to come to the school for networking events where students can meet them and ask them questions. Hold Q&A sessions or on-one-one meetings with them so that students can learn about their job and living options after they leave college.

5. Life After College Classes

Students are stressed about what their life will be like outside of college, and you can help them by holding events and classes about life outside of college. Show students what it will be like searching for jobs, cooking, living with their parents, and other basic life skills they might not have learned yet.

6. Offer Study and Homework Hours

If you have a coffee house on campus, offer study or homework hours where students can get drinks and food at a discount and ask for help from tutors and their professors. This not only will get students out of their rooms when they must study, but it will also decrease stress when they have large workloads.

Group Activities

1. Give Students Cooking Lessons

Many students enjoy making meals for themselves and their friends while others might not be used to cooking and want to learn. Setup a one-time event or weekly cooking classes for students to take. They will like learning to make and eat food other than what they typically get at the dining hall.

2. Paint and Art Classes and Clubs

A quiet activity that many students love is painting and drawing. Create some Bob Ross style classes for students to follow along with an instructor or sketch at their own pace. Art classes are a great way to relieve stress and offer something fun for more introverted students.

3. Create Scavenger Hunts

Create campus-wide scavenger hunts for students or teams to do. Develop a list of items that students need to find and a series of clues if they are hidden. This is a great activity to play in dorms or as a club. It will also give new students a chance to familiarize themselves with the schoolgrounds.

4. Create a Mural or Collage

Let each student contribute something to a mural or collage that will be setup on campus. Have all the students sign their name or add their picture to a large work of art that they will see every day. This activity will also create a strong sense of community.

5. Hold Event to Welcome Exchange Students

If your school has many international students, set up a meet-and-greet for them to introduce themselves to the current student body. This is a great way to teach students about diversity and other countries. Encourage everyone to come and make new friends and learn about different cultures.

6. Class Photos

No, not the classic photo where everyone lines up and smiles for the camera, but something larger and more fun. Have students wear certain colors so that they can join and form a shape or symbol, such as that of your school mascot. This group photo will be great for social media and other promotional materials.

7. Campus Wide Book Club

Start a book club for the entire campus to join. Find the latest, best-selling book or a go-to classic novel for all students to read, get together, and discuss. This will encourage students to read leisurely and will help more introverted students meet new friends.

8. Board Game and Video Game Tournaments

Set up some classic or modern board games and card games for the students to compete against each other for prizes. You can also get competition-based video games, like Super Smash Bros. or Mario Kart, and have them play for prizes against each other.

9. DIY Crafts in Dorms

Set up crafting stations in dorm rooms for students to create their DIY crafts. Have a contest where all the students make the same thing or have each student try something different that they would not normally make. Look on Pinterest for some crafting inspirations.

10. Clothing or Book Swaps

Many students tire of their clothes or books and want to exchange them for new ones. Instead of having them shop for new things, have students across campus or in a dorm hold a swap party where they can exchange clothes, book, and other items with other students.

11. Slam Poetry and Open Mic Nights

If you have a large group of creative writers in your student body, hold events that cater to their interests. Have slam poetry and open mic nights for students to read their recent work to their fellow students. This event is both educational and fun for upcoming writers.

12. Karaoke Nights

Let your students perform their favorite songs in front of their friends by having a karaoke night either on the campus grounds, in your campus coffee shop, or at the dining hall. Offer special drinks and mocktails at a discount and make a whole evening out of it.

13. Weekly Trivia Nights

Host an evening of trivia for students to compete against each other for prizes. Include questions about the school, history, the latest news, pop culture, or whatever topic you want. Have students play in teams or by themselves and make it a weekly or monthly tournament.

14. Bingo with Prizes

While Bingo might seem old-fashioned, you will be surprised how many students are willing to try their luck with the game, especially if school prizes and discount coupons are offered as incentives. You can also find themed Bingo cards instead of the classic game with numbers.

15. Escape Rooms

A new game idea that would be fun for students to try is creating an escape room. Put groups of students in a room together with several clues of how to get out. This is a perfect team building exercise for incoming freshman or at the beginning of a class each semester.

16. Knitting, Crocheting, and Origami Classes

If you have students who are crafty or want to learn how to do such skills as knitting, crocheting, and origami, set up some classes where they are taught some of the basics. This is a good event to have weekly or as a club on campus.

17. Dance Parties and Competitions

Have the classic dance party to some throwback or contemporary hits, but spice things up by making a competition out of it. Have students dance in groups or by themselves and give out prizes in different categories. This is a good event to have during Greek Week.

18. Gingerbread House Contests

A fun Christmas activity is having the students decorate their own gingerbread houses. Get students to compete in groups against each other and see who can build the most elaborate house. Also serve Christmas-themed food and drinks and play Christmas music to boost the students’ holiday spirit.

19. Murder Mystery Nights

Something unique and fun that students will be curious to attend is having a murder mystery night. Create several characters and break students off into groups and figure out which one of the characters is the culprit. There are several games you can buy to set this up.

20. Give Out Valentine’s Day Cards

Pretend that it is grade school again by having students create their own mailboxes to put on their dorm doors and having other students pass around handmade or store-bought Valentine’s Day cards and candy to each other. This way, everyone can participate in Valentine’s Day.

21. White Elephant Gift Parties

Have a different kind of gift giving party around the holidays or just for fun. Get students to buy funny or non-essential items to give to each other randomly and play a game where students choose from the pile of gifts and pass around presents.

Community Events

1. Get Groups to Volunteer in the Town/City

Separate students into different groups and send them off to various destinations around town where they can volunteer, such as at food banks, doing trash pickup, and at senior citizen homes. This is a go-to activity if your school has a charity themed week or month.

2. Food/Toy/Clothing Drives

Another event to hold during charity themed weeks is a drive for such items as toys, food, and clothing. Encourage students to purchase items that can be given away to those in need or to donate some things they do not want or use anymore. Have some incentives for the class or dorm that gives away the most.

3. Provide Bus Trips to Nearby Cities or Parks

If you are close to a city, a famous park, or somewhere else the students can spend a day, offer bus trips to that destination for students to spend some time away from campus. This gives students who do not have cars a chance to go out and do something different.

4. Take Groups to Local or Broadway Plays

If you have a large Theater or English program, there will be students who will jump at the chance to see plays, whether locally produced or on the Broadway stage. The next time a play is near your area, offer bus rides for students to see performances.

5. Day Trips to Theme Parks

For schools that are nearby theme parks or water parks, have a bus take your students to the amusement park for the whole day. Let students buy tickets and enjoy the day away from school and having fun on rides and playing carnival games.

6. Visit Local or Nearby Museums

Are you near some interesting museums? Set up a bus trip to one of the museums, whether small or large. This activity is both educational and gives students a chance to get away from campus. The museum can be an art museum, history museum, science museum, or something a little more unique.

7. Blood Donation Setups

Have students give back to the community by having a blood drive around campus for students to donate blood. Make an entire event out of it so that students are more likely to sign up or volunteer. Give them incentives for donating their blood so that it’s more fun.

8. Bus Trips to Shopping Centers or Laundromats

Have weekly or monthly bus trips that take students to places around town or the city where they can go shopping or do their laundry. This will be beneficial for students who do not have cars or if your campus is several miles away from grocery stores and malls.

9. Bus Trip to Pumpkin Patch or Apple Orchard

When the fall season is approaching, offer students bus trips away from campus to local pumpkin patches or apple orchards. You can also find an orchard that does hayrides, corn mazes, carnival style rides, and other activities associated with fall festivals.

On-Campus Fun

1. Get Farmers Market Vendors

Set up your own food market on campus by having a farmer’s market event where students can show up and shop for locally made food. Get some vendors to install a custom canopy tent for events on a sidewalk or lawn so that students have a large selection to choose from.

2. Garden with Students or Sell Plants

Reserve a spot on the grounds for students to grow their own flowers and plants, or have a vendor come to campus and sell plants for students to place in their dorm rooms, such as desk-sized plants like succulents. Plants are a great way of decorating the dorm rooms and small apartments students live in.

3. Update Social Media to Encourage Hashtags

Whether you are holding a campus wide event or not, encourage students to use school-related hashtags on social media, such as during sport games or when walking to class. You can also setup some live tweeting hashtags for students to include when they are attending activities.

4. Setup Ball Pits

Have the students feel like kids again by setting up ball pits around campus for them to jump and play in. These pits can be setup indoors or outdoors during warmer months. You will be surprised how many students will want to spend some time in the pits.

5. Photo Booths for Social Media

Take some photos of students during a special event so that they can post their pictures on social media. If you are having a sports game, let them take photos with the mascot. If it is around the holidays, have them take pictures with Santa Claus or the Easter Bunny.

6. Spirit Week

Increase school spirit on campus by having an entire spirit week. Reserve each day to a different theme, such as wearing a certain color or having a pajama day, so that students can get excited about the upcoming game and show their school pride. This is also a great way of selling merchandise in school stores.

7. Special Food Days in Dining Halls

Is it donut day, taco day, ice cream day, etc.? If so, offer that special food for the students in the dining hall, especially if it is food different from what you usually serve. Students will get excited about this, and it will make great posts and hashtags for your campus’s social media.

8. School Merch Giveaways

Whether you are holding a special event or not, something that all students like is getting free stuff. Offer the first number of students that show up to an event some school merchandise from your campus store, discounts on food or school clothing, and other prizes.

9. Indoor and Outdoor Movies

Let students see the newest releases without having to go to the theater by setting up the latest blockbuster movie on the campus lawn or inside an auditorium. Also offer some theater-themed snacks, such as popcorn and candy, for students to eat while watching the film.

10. Live Concerts

Schedule a concert in an auditorium or outdoors on the lawn with either school bands or a band that is currently touring. This is a great event to hold during spirit weeks or for fundraisers. Sell tickets to students with proceeds going to the school or offer them a free concert.

11. Get Celebrity Speakers and Comedians

Many touring comedians or celebrity speakers make stops at university auditoriums due to the venue’s size and national recognition. Schedule someone famous to come to your school to perform or speak and sell tickets to students either at full prize for fundraising or at a discount.

12. Costume Parties

Come up with a theme or a Halloween party where students can come dressed up to win prizes, listen to music, and have some snacks. Have photo booths for them to take pictures of their costumes so that they can have mementos to post to social media.

13. End of the Year Carnivals

Congratulate your students for getting through the year by having a carnival on campus, complete with games where they can win prizes, a petting zoo, and rides. This option is a perfect day-long event and will be a special reward to students after their hard work.

14. Setup Bouncing Houses Across Campus

Another activity that will remind students of their childhood while staying active is setting up bouncing houses across campus either indoors or outside in warm weather. Many inflatable bouncing houses also have obstacle courses for students to race and do more than just jump.

15. Ice Cream Socials

Who doesn’t like ice cream? Invite students to come create their own ice cream sundaes from a wide selection of flavors and toppings. This is the perfect ice-breaking event at the beginning of the school year for freshmen when students are meeting each other for the first time at orientation, and the weather is warm.

16. Holiday Parties

If it is close to Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter, or another popular holiday, create a campus-wide party for students to come and celebrate with their friends. Have some seasonal decorations and activities, such as egg painting, trick-or-treating, cooking, and ornament making. Also, setup an area with food often associated with each holiday.

17. Campus Wide Contests for Photography

Do you have a lot of scenic places on your schoolgrounds? Create a campus-wide contest to for students to take photos and upload them to social media. Start a poll for the best photo and have students vote for the winners of several prizes.

18. Food Festivals

Students are probably sick of always having the same thing in the dining hall, so give them something unique to enjoy by setting up food festivals. Come up with a theme and have students and professors submit some dishes for the everyone to taste or buy and make a whole day of it.

19. Campus Wide Comic-Cons

Does your campus have a big comic book culture? Why not have your very own school-wide Comic-Con? Get students to dress up as their favorite comic book or pop culture character and set up different booths with themed snacks and dessert, school merchandise, and local vendors.

20. Brinner at the Dining Hall or at Midnight

Who doesn’t love switching things up and having breakfast for dinner? Have the dining hall serve pancakes, waffles, and eggs for dinner instead of in the morning or have breakfast food for the students at midnight for night owls and all nighters.

21. Campus Wide Picnics or BBQs

Let students have their meals on the campus lawn rather than in the dining hall by setting up picnic tables and cooking BBQ style food on a grill. This event will be ideal for the beginning or end of a school year when the weather is warm.

22. Door Decorating Contests for Dorms

Get students in a dorm to compete against each other for prizes by having them decorate their doors. Have students create some DIY crafts to decorate their door and give them a theme or make it anything goes. This is also a great event to do several times during the year.

23. TikTok Challenges

A great way to boost your school’s presence on social media is to create campus-wide TikTok challenges for students to try. Create a school-wide dance or encourage students to visit an area of campus while recording a video of it and posting it to social media. It doesn’t have to be just TikTok, you can also setup these challenges on Instagram, Twitter, etc.

24. Weekly or Monthly Food Truck Visits

Bring some local food trucks to campus every few weeks or months for students to eat something different from what the dining hall serves. Have varying styles of food, such as BBQ, sandwiches, ice cream, and whatever other food trucks you can find locally.

25. Easter Egg Hunts

When the spring holiday is approaching, setup campus-wide egg hunts and give out prizes to groups that collect the most eggs. Have students search for hidden eggs all around campus or in a certain building. This event is also a great idea to have in each dorm.

26. Campus Wide Polls

Are you looking for a new mascot? Want to figure out what to name a building or hall? Want to serve something special in the dining hall? Conduct a campus-wide poll and have students vote from several choices either online or in-person and hold an event to announce the winners.

27. Birthday Parties in Dorms

Each dorm can do something special every time it is a resident’s birthday. Give them a cupcake or a whole cake, have your own party for the whole dorm to attend, and have the other residents make them cards. It will give students something special to remember on their birthday.

28. Super Bowl Parties

Make the biggest game day of the season into a large viewing party by having a huge TV on the campus lawn or in the dining hall where students can watch the game and cheer for their favorite team. Serve stadium-style snacks, such as nachos and hot dogs.

Wrapping Things Up

These are the event ideas that college students will actually enjoy and want to attend. College campuses do not just have to be about getting students to class and making sure they get their work done, holding events on your campus that students will enjoy or find beneficial will allow them to have the best college experience. Students deserve to have free time dedicated to a class, a group activity, or a stress reducing hobby. Holding these events for students will give your campus a better sense of community inside and outside the schoolgrounds and help students manage their free time. Whether you have a small or large campus, these events will bring your student body closer together.

Are you looking for something to do for your next girls night? Check out our list of girls night ideas.