Choosing an event theme can be an arduous task, but rest assured our sister directory A LIST Guide has you covered with the top 20 event themes for 2020.

Whether you’re organising a gala dinner, kick-off function or cocktail event, these themes are sure to offer some inspiration:

1// ‘Round the world

Bring some international inspiration into your event and channel the flavours, sounds and sights of your favourtite global destinations.

Incorporate food stations from each continent and match them with entertainment inspired by the location. Creating different stalls and areas within the event floor will encourage your guests will be roaming the venue and mingling with guests.

2// Aussie BBQ

The great Australian BBQ shouldn’t be reserved for the weekends, it can be a great corporate event theme as well.

Deck out the space with Aussie icons, like the Hills Hoist and some deck chairs, and be sure to serve up sausages and fairy bread, of course.

3// Lots of laughs

Why not turn your corporate event into a comedy night? Set up the space with a stage and microphone stand and weave your event content in between a series of comedy acts.

Red bucket chairs and side tables will complete the look, while table service will add to the comedy night feel.

4// Laneway party

Bring urban street vibes into your event with graffiti-covered walls, food trucks, perhaps even a live skate ramp.

Add in a DJ, festoon lighting and some neon signage. The fun, casual atmosphere will surprise and delight guests.

5// Cinema classics

Go back in time and celebrate the classics with a movie-themed event. Set up a box office to welcome guests to the event and project black and white films onto walls or outdoor screens while they mingle.

Don’t forget the movie snacks! Popcorn and chocolates are a must.

6// Wellness wake up

Set to be a big focus in 2020 events, wellness is a great theme for breakfast functions. Kick off the morning with a short yoga session, before getting into the event proceedings.

Hold the sugary treats and serve up fresh juices and healthy breakfast dishes instead.

7// Great Gatsby

This is a popular theme for good reason – Great Gatsby is a simple event theme that creates huge impact.

This theme works for both banquet and cocktail events and is an easy theme for guests to dress up as.

8// Festival vibes

Festival vibes are easy to incorporate into any event and a great way to bring some colour and fun into a black canvas venue. This theme is all about creating interactive spaces and stalls for guests to roam between.

Think glitter stations for festival make up, food trucks and drink stalls for catering and a variety of music acts dotted throughout the venue.

9// Intergalactic

Set your path to the moon and take your event guests on an out-of-this-world intergalactic journey. Perfect for gala dinners and awards nights, an intergalactic theme can add plenty of wow factor to your event.

Hang planet decorations from the ceiling and choose starry lighting to create the atmosphere, and be sure to add mirrored balls to the table settings for an outer space feel.

10// Sports

On your marks! Get set! Go! Sports-themed events are great for encouraging engagement and friendly competition among your delegates. The best part about a sports theme is it can be as broad or specific as you like.

For a broad sports theme, style the space with a variety of different equipment and signage, or pick a single sport, like basketball or tennis, and stick to that theme throughout. Host your event at an arena, hire a sports star as your MC and use sporting equipment as table decorations – the options are endless.

11// Jazz night

A jazz party is a great way to give your event a theme, without forcing your guests out of their comfort zone with strict dress up requirements. If your guests choose to get into theme with a 1920s look they can, or they can simply dress like they’re heading out for a night of jazz!

Style the space with a black and white colour palette with hints of gold, and bring in the best jazz band you can find.

12// Nostalgic kid’s party

Give your guests the ultimate throwback with nostalgic kid’s party themes for your 2020 event. Bring in the jumping castle and adult-size ball pit and watch your corporate guests reveal their inner child.

Don’t just stop at the activities though, be sure to serve up kiddie faves like chicken nuggets and chips, sausage rolls, oh and a lolly bar is a must!

13// Winter wonderland

As the colder weather sets in, draw your delegates away from their desks with a winter wonderland event.

Go all out with snowflake details, blue lighting and fake snow, or keep it simple with faux fur rugs and fairy lights.

14// Amalfi Coast

This is set to be one of the leading event themes in 2020, bringing the playful, sophisticated feel of the Amalfi Coast into your event.

Think lush greenery and fresh lemons to style tables, and Aperol spritz on the drinks list, of course.

Image credit: Jenny Haas via Green Wedding Shoes

15// Secret garden

This one of the most fun and creative event themes of 2020. Take inspiration from Alice in Wonderland and create a magical garden event with hidden spaces for guests to explore.

This theme is perfect for long table lunches, where you can style the space with whimsical florals and greenery for maximum impact.

16// Art attack

Go big and go bright for your next corporate event with an art-themed event. Choose a full colour approach and splash the spaces with bursts of red, blue and yellow, and set up art activations around the venue for your guests to get creative.

A great low-budget theming option, art attack calls for a DIY approach. Why not create your own hand-painted place settings or use coloured streamers to create a bright media wall?

17// In the jungle

Take your guests on a journey into the jungle, with an event inspired by exotic wildlife and lush greenery.

Use real or fake plants to fill the space and play jungle sounds as guests enter the venue to create the atmosphere.

18// Under the sea

Create an underwater haven for your next gala dinner, complete with hanging jellyfish lights, coral centrepieces and ocean-blue lighting.

Watch below as one event planning team takes under the sea to new depths:

19// Carnival

Inject some carnival fun into your event! Take inspiration from the circus with large tents and carnival lights.

Roaming entertainment suits this event theme, such as stilt walkers, animal handlers and magicians. Carnival catering is all about the popcorn, dagwood dogs and fairy floss.

20// Boho

Great for lunchtime soirees or breakfast brunches, a boho theme allows you to go big or keep it simple.

This theme calls for low tables, cushions, rugs, rustic florals and macrame wall hangings.

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