10 Fun Corporate Award Event Ideas Your Employees Will Love
10 Fun Corporate Award Event Ideas Your Employees Will Love
Let’s face it—corporate events can be a bit of a drag if they’re not done right. But a well-planned corporate award event? That’s a whole different story.
Done right, it becomes something employees look forward to. It’s not just about handing out plaques or saying “good job”.
It’s about creating meaningful award experiences where people feel recognized, celebrated, and proud to be part of the team.
And when you strike that balance between professional recognition and pure fun, magic happens.
So, if you’re looking to shake things up and plan something your employees will genuinely enjoy, here are 10 creative ideas that add a fresh twist to the traditional award night setup.
1. Host an Oscars-Style Red Carpet Night
Think glitz, glamour, and gold envelopes. Encourage everyone to dress up in their finest and walk the red carpet while coworkers play paparazzi with phone cameras.
Set up a photo booth, serve mocktails or champagne (depending on your company culture), and hand out awards in dramatic fashion.
You can even create funny award categories like “Best Dressed on Zoom” or “Master of the Spreadsheet.” The more playful the vibe, the more memorable the night.
2. Create a “Superlative” Awards Happy Hour
Remember high school yearbooks? Time to bring back the superlatives—with a grown-up twist.
Host a happy hour where awards like “Most Likely to Save the Day with Coffee” or “The Calm in the Chaos” are handed out over cocktails and appetizers.
It’s low-pressure, super fun, and gives everyone something to talk (and laugh) about the next day.
3. Plan a Surprise Awards Flash Mob
This one takes a little prep, but the payoff is worth it. Coordinate with a few team members to break into a rehearsed dance or skit during a regular meeting or lunch hour.
Then roll right into announcing the awards, complete with music, confetti, and some epic reactions. Hand out fun, personalized prizes. Think custom medals, engraved plates, or themed trophies tailored to each award.
The element of surprise makes it unforgettable, and you’ll probably get a few TikTok-worthy clips out of it too.
4. Throw a Company Carnival
Let’s be real—people love games. Host your corporate award event during a mini company carnival complete with game booths, cotton candy, maybe even a dunk tank if your CEO is brave enough.
Set up a stage near the fun and break every hour for an award presentation, from official-looking corporate plaques to quirky trophies. It keeps the energy high and spreads out the recognition so no one’s zoning out by hour two.
5. Make It a Mystery Dinner Theater
Think of it as dinner with a twist. Hire a local troupe to perform a murder mystery or comedy act during the meal, and intersperse the performance with award announcements.
Employees will be laughing, guessing, and fully engaged, which is a win in itself. And if you want to save a bit on budget, there are DIY kits available that can turn your staff into amateur actors for the night.
6. Go on a “Recognition Retreat”
Why not turn your annual corporate award event into a weekend retreat? Take the team somewhere relaxing—think cabins, beach houses, or a lakeside lodge—and include a laid-back awards ceremony around a bonfire.
This one works best for smaller teams or departments, but creates a deep sense of connection and appreciation. Plus, nothing beats receiving an award with s’mores in hand.
7. Host a Decade-Themed Awards Bash
Pick a decade—‘70s disco, ‘80s neon, ‘90s grunge—and build your entire event around it. Costumes, music, decor, and even the award names can match the theme. “The Hustle Award” for top performers in a ‘70s theme? Gold.
Amp it up by handing out themed rings & pins, or other retro-inspired keepsakes as part of the awards, something fun they’ll actually want to show off.
It adds a playful layer to the night and encourages everyone to get involved. Just be prepared for some unforgettable dance moves.
8. Introduce Peer-Nominated “Secret Kudos”
Leading up to the event, allow employees to submit nominations and shout-outs to their peers anonymously. Then reveal those notes on screen (or in print) during the event, reading a few aloud for extra impact.
Not every form of recognition needs to come from the top down. Sometimes hearing “you inspire me” from a teammate hits even harder than a trophy.
9. Celebrate with a “Top Chef” Challenge
If your office has a few aspiring foodies, this one’s a winner. Host a cooking competition where teams compete to make the best appetizer, dessert, or drink.
Judges can be random employees or managers, and the winners get custom awards—maybe shaped like a golden whisk?
Follow it up with the official award ceremony and present the winners with a plaque or cup trophy to keep the good vibes going.
10. Take the Show on the Road (Literally)
If most of your team works remotely—or is spread across multiple locations—consider taking your award event on tour.
Plan mini ceremonies in each major office or region, or do a traveling livestream with regional shoutouts and awards.
This shows that you value everyone’s contributions, no matter where they’re based, and it helps maintain that much-needed human connection across distances.
Wrap It All Up with Something That Lasts
Whatever format you choose, remember—people crave recognition, but they also remember how it made them feel. That’s why even the most casual award night deserves thoughtful planning.
Whether you’re handing out personalized plaques, funny trophies, or sleek glass awards, what matters is that it feels genuine.
And when you're ready to make those moments tangible? Trophy Deals has everything you need to turn your corporate award event into something unforgettable.
Browse our extensive collection of awards in all shapes, styles, and sizes. From timeless classics to custom designs that speak your company’s language, we’ve got you covered!