42 Event Theme Ideas For Different Types Of Events

You just got invited to attend an event. One of the first things you’ll probably notice or ask is the theme of the event. Event themes vary depending on the type of event. It sets the mood, expectations, and experience of the attendees. If you’re an event planner, here are different event theme ideas you can take inspiration from. 

What are Event Themes

An event theme serves as the overarching vibe or feel of your event. The selected event theme will serve as a reference on how decorations, dress code, marketing efforts, music, event program, and even food will be executed in the event. Event planning teams choose a perfect event theme that is relevant and attractive to their target audience to get maximum engagement. 

There can be a wide range of concepts for creative event themes. In this article, we will give you fun ideas on different types of event themes for different events. 

Before that, let’s talk about why it matters and deserves your attention.

The Impact of Event Themes On Events

Since we live in a visual and social media-driven world, event themes can make a big impact on how your event can be perceived. Your theme will dictate your marketing strategy and content and ultimately, how you’ll convince your audience to attend your event. 

A theme sets your event apart from any other event. Aside from allowing you to stand out among the crowd, a theme can also help in creating consistent visual elements such as decorations, signage, and branding, resulting in a visually cohesive event space.

The marketing appeal of an event can also be influenced by the theme. A creative theme serves as the foundation for a compelling storytelling strategy, enabling event planners to weave a cohesive narrative that resonates with attendees and captures their imagination.

By aligning marketing efforts with the chosen theme, event planners can create a seamless and immersive experience that engages attendees from the moment they encounter promotional materials.

42 Event Theme Ideas for Different Types of Events

Corporate Event Themes (Conference/ Seminars)

Corporate events like conferences and seminars are big events in the business world. Event planners are tasked with the responsibility of creating relevant and newsworthy events that can spark conversions and make a business impact. 

Current Trends

Depending on your topic, you can choose a current trending topic that you can use as a theme. Look at social media channels or go to forums to see what people are talking about. Riding on the current trend and appropriately incorporating it into your upcoming event can help you market your event with the help of the algorithm. 

Activity Idea: Host a trend Forecasting Workshop where it could feature industry experts or trend analysts who provide insights into the latest trends in various fields such as technology, fashion, design, and marketing. Attendees would have the opportunity to learn about emerging trends, discuss their implications, and brainstorm ideas for incorporating them into their businesses or projects.

Global Perspectives

Take your attendees on a journey around the world by highlighting the diversity of different cultures and countries. Incorporate cultural showcases, networking opportunities, and interactive workshops involving representatives from different countries and organizations. 

Activity Idea: Cultural Exchange Fair. This fair could feature booths representing different countries and cultures, each showcasing their unique traditions, cuisines, arts, and crafts. Attendees would have the opportunity to explore and learn about various cultures firsthand, interact with representatives from different countries, and participate in cultural activities and demonstrations.

Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning

Artificial Intelligence has made its way to almost every business and industry. Use its features to make an engaging and interactive experience for attendees. Create filters for photo sessions, use its gamification features for interactive activities, and more.

Activity Idea: Artificial Intelligence Masterclass. This showcase could feature demonstrations, presentations, and exhibits highlighting the latest advancements and applications of AI and machine learning technologies across various industries.

Sustainability

Sustainability is a relevant and much-needed topic worldwide. You can create a theme with decorations from recycled materials, reusable tote bags as swag bags, and eco-friendly activities.

Activity Idea: Sustainable Living Expo. This expo could feature exhibitors, workshops, and presentations focused on sustainable practices, products, and solutions for individuals, businesses, and communities.

Space / Tech/ Futuristic

Transport participants into a futuristic experience at your conference. Set up booths and use decorations that give off an outer space or futuristic vibe. 

Activity Idea: Expo on tech tools in the specific industry your event is serving. This expo could feature cutting-edge technologies, innovations, and visions of the future across various industries, including space exploration, artificial intelligence, virtual reality, and more. 

Black Tie

Conferences and Seminars are usually formal events attended by different industry leaders. Make your event stand out by injecting unique themes like a sophisticated ‘black tie’ theme, where attendees dress in elegant formal attire, adding a touch of glamor and prestige to the proceedings. 

Alternatively, consider exploring color-focused themes, where the event’s decor, branding, and even attire revolve around a particular color palette, creating a visually striking and cohesive atmosphere. 

Activity Idea: Silent Auction or Raffle. Organize a silent auction or raffle with exclusive prizes such as luxury vacations, designer merchandise, or VIP experiences to raise funds for a charitable cause or organization.

Escape Rooms

Give an interactive element to your conference or seminar with Escape Rooms. Prepare for challenges or puzzles related to your event’s topic. The thrill of solving puzzles with participants is not just a good networking opportunity but it can also make your topic come alive. 

Shark Tank

Shark Tank is a popular business reality TV series broadcast on ABC. The show features entrepreneurs pitching their business ideas to “sharks” or investors who are willing to invest in their ideas. You can create a segment inspired by Shark Tank on your corporate event by selecting “investors” and “entrepreneurs”.

Finance and Investment

Angle your event with a financial direction. The topic of finance and wealth is something that resonates to a general audience so doing this might spark attention from your target audience. Invite speakers or set up a booth related to finance and investment. 

Activity Idea: Wealth Conference. This event could be designed to educate and empower attendees with insights, strategies, and resources to navigate the complexities of personal finance, investment, and wealth management.

Social Events (Birthdays, Weddings, Reunions)

Social events are gatherings of family and friends that can be more fun when everyone participates in a fun theme. Guests will be compelled to share on social media about the event because of the theme concepts and activities. Choose an appropriate party theme for your event from the choices below:

Rustic

Provide your guests with that warm and cozy feel with a Rustic theme. Embrace the natural beauty of wood, burlap, and mason jars as you create a warm and inviting atmosphere. Imagine long farm tables adorned with wildflower centerpieces, twinkling string lights hanging overhead, and the aroma of comfort food wafting through the air. 

Activity Idea: Bonfire or Marshmallow Roasting over country music.

Color-themed

Whether you choose to focus on a single shade or incorporate a rainbow of colors, the key is to create a visually stunning environment where every detail—from décor to attire—pops with color. There is something special about being in a cohesive theme of color that gives a sense of unity as a group. 

Activity Idea: Colorful crafts like tie-dyeing, fabric painting, jewelry making, and flower arranging. Another idea can be a color-themed fashion show among attendees.

Decade 

Step back in time and relive the magic of decades past with a Decade-themed event. Whether it’s the roaring twenties, the swinging sixties, or the neon-filled eighties, channeling a specific era allows you to create a nostalgic atmosphere that transports guests to an era. 

Activity Idea: Decade-themed trivia challenge. Create trivia questions based on popular culture, historical events, music, movies, fashion, and trends from each era, and host a friendly competition to see who knows the most about each decade. 

Gatsby

Give your guests the fun opportunity to suit up or wear their sparkliest outfit with a Gatsby-themed event.  Inspired by F. Scott Fitzgerald’s iconic novel, The Great Gatsby, this theme captures the glamor and decadence of the Jazz Age. Picture lavish Art Deco décor, glitzy gold accents, and guests dressed to the nines in flapper dresses and sharp suits. 

Activity Idea: Casino-inspired activities like poker, blackjack, and roulette. 

Time Capsule

Be nostalgic and look at how time flies. This theme celebrates nostalgia, innovation, and the passage of time, inviting guests to reflect on the past while looking ahead to the future. Incorporate elements such as vintage artifacts, futuristic technology, and interactive exhibits to create a truly immersive experience that transcends the boundaries of time.

Activity Idea: Create interactive time capsules or “memory booths” where guests can contribute their own memories, photos, and mementos to be sealed and preserved for future generations. Set up themed stations for each decade, equipped with writing materials, Polaroid cameras, and props that reflect the era. 

Minimalist

Create a simple, clean, and elegant vibe with a minimalist event theme. Whether you’re hosting an intimate dinner party or a chic cocktail reception, a Minimalist-themed event exudes sophistication and refinement, proving that less truly is more.

Activity Idea: Digital Detox. Encourage guests to disconnect from technology and embrace the present moment by hosting a digital detox zone or designated phone-free areas within the event space. Provide mindfulness prompts, journaling stations, or relaxation zones where guests can unwind, recharge, and connect with themselves and others in a distraction-free environment.

Murder Mystery Party

Prepare for an evening of intrigue and suspense with a Murder Mystery-themed event that promises thrills, chills, and plenty of suspense. Guests become amateur detectives as they work together to solve a fictional murder mystery, unraveling clues and interrogating suspects along the way. 

Trivia Day

Spark some laughter and light-hearted conversations with a trivia-inspired theme. Guests can easily engage in conversation based on the trivia topics. 

Garden

Floral-themed events are aesthetically pleasing and give off a social media-worthy vibe. Decorate and elevate your venue with beautiful flower arrangements and include them in your invitation designs.

Activity Idea: Herbal Garden Tasting or Garden Games like croquet, bocce ball, or giant Jenga.

Season Inspired

Bring the unique beauty of each season to your event. Consider themes such as winter wonderland, summer beach party, or Halloween masquerade that can align events with the spirit of the season and create a festive atmosphere.

Activity: Season Inspired Potluck. Curate a menu featuring seasonal dishes and beverages inspired by the flavors of each season. Offer tasting stations with seasonal ingredients such as fresh berries in spring, grilled corn in summer, squash soup in fall, and spiced cider in winter.

Magical / Whimsical

Let your guests experience stepping into a different world at your event. Whether you’re hosting a fairy-tale wedding, a whimsical birthday party, or a fantastical masquerade ball, this theme invites guests to embrace their inner child and believe in the magic of the moment. 

Activity Idea: Fantasy Costume Contest. Invite guests to dress up in their favorite fantasy-themed costumes, such as fairies, wizards, or mythical creatures. Host a costume contest with prizes for the most creative and enchanting costumes.

Foodie

The highlight of most events is the delicious food that the organizers will be serving. Food can be a creative and delicious bond among the group. Some examples are Taco Tuesdays, Nacho Night, Fingerfoods, Going Vegan, or highlighting a specific cuisine. 

Brews and BBQ

Kick back, relax, and enjoy the ultimate summer celebration with a Brews and BBQ-themed event that combines mouthwatering barbecue delights with ice-cold brews. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue, a beer festival, or a tailgate party, this theme promises good times, great food, and plenty of cold drinks.

Activity Idea: Beer Tasting Station. Set up a beer-tasting station featuring a selection of craft beers from local breweries or regional favorites. Provide tasting flights or sample-sized pours so guests can sample a variety of brews and discover new favorites.

Tropical Paradise

Bring vacation vibes to your event with a tropical paradise theme. Serve refreshing drinks, decorate with fresh flowers, and play beach music for an immersive experience. A tropical paradise theme is ideal for beach parties, destination weddings, etc.

Activity Idea: Limbo Contest. Set up a limbo pole and host a limbo contest where guests can test their flexibility and agility by limboing under the pole to the beat of island music. Award prizes to the winners and encourage friendly competition among guests.

Arcade

Bring out the excitement with the classic games of the arcade. Participants of all ages can enjoy the games and activities from the arcade. Set up famous video game characters and booths where attendees can play and interact with one another. 

Entertainment / Musical Inspired Themes

Rock and Roll

Instantly uplift your attendees’ mood with a rock and roll-themed event. Whether it’s a themed party or a concert festival, the electrifying music of this genre will appeal to Rock and Roll fans and instantly sign up for your event.

Activity Idea: Rock Band Jam Session.  Set up a rock band jam session area where guests can try their hand at playing instruments such as guitars, drums, and keyboards. Provide musical instruments and amplifiers for guests to use and encourage them to jam together and create their own rock music.

Jazz

Smooth melodies and relaxing rhythms are what jazz is all about. Participants can immerse themselves with delightful tunes and sultry saxophone solos. A jazz theme is ideal for formal events, fancy dinner parties, or a dreamy soiree. 

Activity Idea: Jazz Dance Lessons. Offer jazz dance lessons led by professional instructors who can teach guests classic jazz dance moves such as the Charleston, Lindy Hop, and Swing. Create a designated dance floor area with music playing in the background and encourage guests to get on their feet and dance the night away.

Electric 

Neon, flashing lights, colorful splashes of decor, and outer space are some of the common elements of an electric-themed event. Participants can engage their senses with the upbeat music and colorful visuals of your event.

Activity Idea: Neon Dance Party. Transform your event space into a neon wonderland with black lights, fluorescent decor, and glow-in-the-dark accessories. Hire a DJ to spin high-energy electronic dance music (EDM) and encourage guests to dress in neon colors and glow-in-the-dark attire.

Broadway

Roll out the red carpet and let your guests feel the spotlight with a Broadway-themed event that celebrates the glitz, glamor, and show-stopping performances of the Great White Way. Include segments like an awarding show. 

Activity Idea: Awarding Night. Guests can nominate fellow attendees for specific categories for an awarding session, similar to Broadway show, at the end of an event.

Classical 

Choose a timeless and sophisticated classical theme if you’re hosting a more formal type of event. Classical music is called classics for a reason. Given that, you won’t go wrong in creating a sophisticated event with a classical theme. 

Activity Idea: Host a literary salon inspired by the gatherings of intellectuals, writers, and artists in the classical era. Invite guest speakers to discuss classical literature, philosophy, and poetry, encouraging thoughtful conversations and intellectual exchange among attendees.

Indie

Unleash the participant’s creativity with an indie-inspired event theme. This theme promises an atmosphere filled with authenticity, individuality, and the raw energy of independent artists. 

Activity Idea:  Indie Film Showing. Organize a screening of independent films, documentaries, or short films created by up-and-coming filmmakers. Showcase works that explore unique storytelling styles, experimental techniques, and thought-provoking themes, offering guests an opportunity to discover new cinematic voices and perspectives.

Disco

If your audience is into upbeat music and flashing lights, then a disco party might be a good event theme. Take inspiration from the disco era from the 1970s and encourage guests to wear their disco outfits like umbrella pants for an in-theme event. Play funky music to encourage attendees to hit the dance floor. Of course, your disco dance party is not complete without a giant disco ball.

Activity Idea: Disco Dance Off. Get your attendees to hit the disco dance floor and show of their dance moves.

Lala Land

Inspired by the famous film La La Land, event planners can transform your venue into one of the main settings of the film. Add a touch of yellow and blue to your event theme – the main colors of the film. You can also choose a rooftop venue for that starry night feel. 

Activity Idea: Stargazing. Set up an outdoor stargazing lounge or observatory area where guests can marvel at the twinkling night sky and city lights, reminiscent of the “City of Stars” scene from La La Land. 

Taylor Swift Inspired

Pop singer Taylor Swift is one of the most popular musical icons. Event planners can create an event inspired by Taylor Swift’s different song narratives and eras. Expect an event filled with catchy tunes, glittering costumes, and plenty of girl power singing Taylor Swift’s popular hits. 

Activity Idea: Taylor Swift Karaoke.  Bring a feel of the Taylor Swift concert to your event. Taylor Swift lovers will enjoy singing along to their favorite songs together. 

Life Milestone Events

Little Prince / Princess Baby showers

Celebrate the upcoming bundle of joy with a Prince or Princess-themed baby shower. Depending on the preference and interest of the couple, planners can explore different TV or movie characters as a theme. 

Activity Idea: Wishes for Baby. Set up a station where guests can write heartfelt wishes, advice, and blessings for the baby and parents-to-be. Provide decorative cards, pens, and a keepsake box or jar for collecting the written wishes. Encourage guests to share words of wisdom, encouragement, and love as they welcome the newest member of the royal family.

Job Promotion Party

A career win deserves to be celebrated. Whether it’s for a company or a friend, you can choose a theme that is related to the person promoted. Highlight the individual’s career by showcasing photos, awards, and milestones from their career. You can also collect video testimonials from the people the individual has worked with to fully celebrate them.

Activity Idea: Career Advice and Mentorship. Professionals can share pieces of advice and feedback on different career topics and scenarios for a fun yet productive party 

Adventure Awaits Graduation Parties

Graduation Parties are big milestones in one’s academic life. Depending on what interests your class, you can choose a theme that signifies the start of a new and exciting chapter. The theme can be based on the college or university’s colors, school team mascot, or state. 

Activity Idea: Memory Lane Display. Collect photos and video clips from the class’ high school life and display them at the party. 

Movie-Inspired Reunion Party

Five, ten, or fifteen years after your graduation calls for a reunion. Organize a high school reunion inspired by classic movies like Rony and Michelle, High School Musical, and more. Choose a movie that has a sentimental meaning to your batch and create activities inspired by your chosen movie. Create an on-brand reunion from your event registration site to your event decor. 

Vintage Romance Anniversary Party

Step back in time and celebrate your love with a Vintage Romance-themed Anniversary Party that captures the timeless elegance and romance of yesteryear. Run games that are suited for couples celebrating years of love and friendship. Add some personalized touch to the event too by collecting pictures, videos, and memorabilia of the couple. 

Activity Idea: Renewal of Vows. Rekindle your romance by recreating your wedding vows again. 

Storybook Anniversary Party

Another theme for anniversaries is following a storybook-inspired event theme. Infuse the engaging element of storytelling to keep participants engaged. Plan your event program wherein there is a rising plot and a climax for your activities. End your event with a happy ending. 

Activity Idea: Storytelling hour. Couples can share a story from a specific year or season in their life. The party host can also give a story prompt so guests can also participate in their story-sharing.

Retirement Roast

Imagine working for many years and finally entering into the exciting season of retirement. Celebrate a lifetime of achievement with the people who were part of your career journey. Hired event planners can choose a venue where they can set up a bonfire and have a roast-style dinner party or backyard barbeque.

Activity Idea: Retirement Roast Jar. Set up a retirement advice jar where guests can write down humorous or heartfelt retirement advice for the retiree on slips of paper. Collect the advice slips throughout the event and present them to the retiree as a keepsake or memento to cherish in retirement. Include funny tips, words of wisdom, and inside jokes from colleagues and friends to make the retirement advice jar a memorable part of the roast.

Engagement Bash

Some couples host an engagement party to let their loved ones witness them say “Yes!” to their lifetime partner. Depending on the couple, it can be a simple brunch or as grand as a yacht party with friends and family. 

Activity Idea:  “How Well Do You Know” games. Prepare light-hearted questions about the couple that guests can answer.

Virtual Event Theme Ideas

Mystical Masquerade

Virtual events can be a challenge to execute given the limited attention span of participants. A Masquerade-themed virtual event can add an element of mystery and fun to your virtual event. Invite your guests to enter your virtual event with their best masks, provide in-theme virtual backgrounds, and play mystical music for a full experience.

Activity Idea: Mystery Games and Challenges. Utilize the virtual breakout rooms feature and create virtual escape rooms per room. Provide clues, riddles, and puzzles for participants to solve together as they unravel the mystery and uncover hidden secrets.

Roundtable Discussion

Keep your participants engaged throughout the whole virtual event by choosing a virtual roundtable discussion format. Use a theme that is related and relevant to your roundtable discussion topic. A roundtable discussion encourages open and candid conversation on a specific topic or issue, allowing participants to share insights, exchange ideas, and explore solutions in a collaborative setting. 

Activity Idea: Interactive Whiteboard Collaboration. Use virtual whiteboard tools or collaborative platforms to facilitate brainstorming, idea generation, and visual representation of concepts discussed during the roundtable. Participants can take a screenshot of this as their notes from the event. 

How to Choose an Event Theme 

Understand your audience

To be able to choose the perfect theme for your event, you must know and understand your audience. Take a survey and observe their demographics. Check out what they are talking about on social media and who they follow. These data points can help give you some event theme ideas as you plan for your event. 

Relate to your event objectives and goals

Knowing what your target audience likes is not enough to determine your event theme. Evaluate your event objectives and goals too to execute an event that aligns with your goals. When the event’s objectives and goals are clear, the theme can even help reinforce that through the messaging. 

For example, if your event is about promoting health and wellness, a theme like “Mind, Body, Soul” could incorporate elements such as yoga sessions, nutritious catering options, and mindfulness workshops, reinforcing the importance of physical and mental health.

Consider event types and format

If the event you’re planning is for a corporate event like a seminar, then a disco theme might not be the best fit. Evaluate your event program and consider how you can integrate your event themes into the different segments of your program. For example, you can inform your conference speakers about your theme and suggest that they pattern their presentation that will fit the theme.  

Consider event budget and venue capacity

The event budget is a big factor in how you can execute your chosen event theme. A large budget can make for lavish decorations while a tighter budget requires resourcefulness in making the event theme come to life. Consult with your team and stakeholders on the allocated budget for the theme or partner with sponsors to help with the costs. 

Venue is also a consideration for your theme. Check the aesthetics of your chosen venue and see how it can blend with the theme. Your venue will adjust whether you plan to host indoor or outdoor events. Capacity and accessibility are also important factors to consider to create a smooth experience for your participants.

Prepare for practical execution

Be realistic and prepare for the planning your chosen event theme idea entails. Assess the feasibility of implementing specific elements of the theme within the constraints of the chosen venue and available technology.

For example, if your theme involves elaborate set pieces or technical installations, ensure that the venue can accommodate them and that you have the necessary equipment and expertise to execute them effectively. 

Gather feedback from attendees

Once you have a shortlist of your event themes, you can gather sentiments and opinions from your target audience. You can conduct surveys or focused group discussions to collect ideas on how you can bring about your event theme well. 

Plan Creative and Memorable-Themed Events For Satisfied Attendees

Choose the best event theme idea for your business or upcoming event and start planning now. Your event theme should not only reflect on the actual event but it can also be reflected in every aspect of your event marketing like your event site. 

With tools like Event Smart, you can easily customize your event website that match your event theme. Aside from this, you can set up a registration system for attendees and sell unlimited tickets at zero commission fees. You can be assured that you don’t Event Smart is a platform that does not have any unnecessary ticket fees.

Furthermore, you can also be at ease because of its secure payment collection system. Easily collect payments from your chosen payment gateways and receive your payments directly to your account. 

Check out our 14-day free trial now.