Personalise, Play, Impress: Create the perfect setting for your event

Published on 09 May 2025

The Ultimate Guide to Event Themes: Personalise, Play, Impress

Planning a corporate event that actually wows your guests? The right theme can transform your gathering from routine to remarkable. Whether it’s a team celebration, strategic workshop or large-scale conference, a thoughtful theme ties everything together, from décor and entertainment to catering and communication. 

And when it comes to choosing the perfect venue to bring your vision to life? The Frankston Arts Centre gives you a serious edge. With flexible, event venues for hire and a commitment to innovation, it’s more than a location, it’s a launchpad for impact.

Why Event Themes Matter

Event theming is about storytelling.  It communicates your event's purpose, reflects your brand identity, and leaves a lasting impression on your guests. A well-executed theme sets the tone for the experience and boosts engagement. When done right, a theme:

• Helps guests feel more immersed and connected

• Makes your event stand out from others

• Encourages photo-taking and social sharing

• Reflects professionalism and thoughtful planning

In short, a strong event theme can heighten your entire event and your company’s image along with it.

Read our article on the Power of Brand Alignment and Venue Branding for Events

How to Create the Perfect Corporate Event Theme

Corporate event theming is essential for aligning your event with your company's identity. Incorporate your brand's colours, logos, and values into your décor. Classy corporate event themes like "Black Tie Elegance," "Minimalist Modern," or "Sleek Tech Showcase" offer sophistication while clearly communicating your brand ethos. Below is a step-by-step guide to executing the perfect corporate event.

Step 1: Personalise — Align Themes with Your Brand and Goals

Before diving into event theme ideas, step back and consider your goals. Are you celebrating success? Launching something new? Bringing teams together?

Your theme should reflect those intentions. Frankston Arts Centre makes this easy, offering versatile event spaces that can be fully customised, whether you're creating a collaborative breakout zone or staging a keynote address.

Personalisation tips:

• Incorporate company colours, logos, or slogans subtly within the theming.

• Choose a theme that reflects your company’s values — e.g. sustainability, innovation, or fun.

• Create custom signage or visuals that tie your brand into the environment.

Think of the theme as a lens through which guests experience your message. At Frankston Arts Centre, the flexibility of the space means your theme isn’t forced to fit the venue — the venue adapts to you.

Step 2: Play — Explore Creative Corporate Event Theme Ideas

Great theming doesn’t mean going over-the-top. The best corporate event themes strike a balance between professional polish and playful energy.

Here are some trending event theme ideas that bring life to your next function:

Classy Corporate Event Themes

• Black & White Gala: Simple, elegant and timeless. With FAC’s professional stage and facilities, it’s ideal for awards nights or end-of-year celebrations.

• Great Gatsby/1920s Night: Think Gatsby vibes, jazz, and vintage flair. Classy yet festive.

Fun & Immersive Themes

• Carnival or Festival Vibes: Think food stations, games, live music. Perfect for team celebrations. This theme is easily brought to life in FAC’s open spaces and adaptable layouts.

• Casino Royale: A sophisticated play on fun. FAC’s lighting and AV setups can give it just the right dose of drama.

Future-Focused Themes

• Sustainable Soirée: Eco-friendly decor, plant-based menus, and reusable materials. A hit with green-minded companies.

• Tech & Innovation Showcase: With FAC’s commitment to education and innovation, it’s the ideal space to highlight cutting-edge ideas, host interactive tech booths, or deliver engaging workshops.

Check out our workshop spaces for hire

Step 3: Impress — Deliver a Cohesive, High-Impact Experience

Once your concept is locked in, execution is everything. FAC helps bring it all together with a full suite of facilities designed to support standout experiences.

Here’s how to get your event theming on point:

• Venue Layout: FAC offers a mix of large-scale halls, intimate rooms, and performance spaces — giving you flexibility to match your event’s vibe and flow.

• Decor & Lighting: Go beyond banners. With FAC’s adaptable infrastructure, you can create immersive environments with clever lighting, staging and furniture.

• Experiential Touchpoints: Photo booths, themed stations, interactive elements — they all come to life better in a venue that’s built for performance.

• Catering & F&B: Incorporate themed menus, drinks or even chef activations to tie into your concept.

Most importantly, your event will be inclusive and welcoming. FAC’s accessibility and inclusion features — from easy entry points to inclusive seating — ensure every guest feels valued and comfortable.

Styling Ideas to Bring Your Theme to Life

Once you’ve nailed down your corporate event theme, the magic lies in the details. Here’s how to create visual moments guests won’t forget.

Visuals

• Balloon arches are a playful and striking way to frame entrances or key areas like photo backdrops. Choose colours that match your theme or brand palette for extra impact.

• Photo walls are a must-have for today’s social media-savvy crowd. Branded step-and-repeat walls, custom backdrops, or even interactive displays can encourage guests to snap and share their experience online.

• Roving entertainment adds movement and excitement throughout the event. Whether it’s themed characters, stilt walkers, magicians or musicians, make sure they complement your chosen vibe.

• Red carpet entrances with paparazzi-style actors create a glamorous, tongue-in-cheek arrival moment — ideal for gala dinners or awards nights.

• Fairy light backdrops offer a soft, ambient glow that’s perfect for evening functions or end-of-year parties. They add just the right amount of sparkle without overpowering the space.

Centrepieces

Your tables deserve attention too. These timeless centrepiece ideas add class and sophistication without dominating the room:

• Lanterns: Rustic, romantic or boho — these suit a wide range of themes and look great with flickering candles inside.

• Candelabras: Instantly elevate a formal dinner setup with tall, elegant structures and soft candlelight.

• Floral arrangements: Always a classic, especially when tailored to your colour scheme or seasonal blooms.

Playful Touches

Looking for something a little unexpected? These fun and unusual options bring personality and humour into your theming:

• Lolly jars or candy buffets for a nostalgic treat that in interactive but also doubles as décor. 

• Disco balls for retro-themed events or to add sparkle to a dance floor. 

• Vinyl records and music memorabilia for themed entertainment nights or product launches.

• Balloon clusters, arches, creative shapes or oversized formats, perfect for product reveals or playful breakout zones.

• Footballs, trophies and flags for sports-themed celebrations or end-of-season wrap-ups.

• Christmas trees and presents bring festive magic to Christmas functions, personalise them with company coloured wrapping for a brand-forward touch.

• Edible arrangements like fruit skewers or chocolate sculptures add colour and can be enjoyed during the event.

• Miniature gardens in glass bowls or trays offer a fresh, earthy feel — great for sustainability-focused themes.

Artistic Ideas

If you're aiming for something more creative and unique, these elements provide stunning visual interest and plenty of photo-worthy moments:

• Sculptures or artistic installations act as statement pieces, table centrepieces and conversation starters.

• Masquerade elements like masks or ornate props bring drama and elegance to gala nights.

• Ice sculptures are show-stoppers, perfect for luxury events or milestone celebrations. (Ditch the old skool swan and think cool large branded Cubes)

• Terrariums are a subtle, modern addition that suits minimalist or green-focused themes.

• Interactive art stations, like collaborative murals or digital drawing boards, encourage guest participation and create memorable keepsakes.

• Stacks of vintage books can be used as centrepieces or styled displays for literary, academic, or whimsical themes.

Tips for Flawless Event Theming

• Keep it cohesive: All elements, including visuals, music and messaging should align.

• Know your audience: Tailor experiences to your guests’ expectations and preferences.

• Think logistics: FAC’s experienced team can help you manage flow, AV, tech, and more.

• Make it measurable: Consider how you’ll track ROI, guest surveys, social engagement, or team feedback. 

Theming That Tells Your Story

What does your business do, make, or stand for? Let that inspire your next event theme.

Whether it’s giant light bulbs to represent bright ideas, talking holograms that spark curiosity, or wind turbines that reflect sustainability the right theme can bring your brand to life in powerful, memorable ways.

We’ve seen Tonka trucks make a bold statement at a construction industry event, while giant olive trees evoked tradition and deep-rooted values for an organisation with a rich history.

Your event theme can create talking points that resonate long after the occasion. When it comes to theming, the options are endless, so be adventurous, think outside the square, and make your next event truly stand out.

Venue Matters: Why Choose Frankston Arts Centre

When you book an event at Frankston Arts Centre, you're not just reserving a venue — you're aligning your brand with creativity, innovation, and community values.

• Versatile Event Spaces: Easily transform the space to reflect any theme, size, or style.

• Commitment to Education and Innovation: As a cultural hub, FAC is the ideal home for future-focused events that inspire creativity and spark new ideas.

• Professional Stage and Facilities: Deliver high-impact presentations with state-of-the-art AV, lighting, and technical support.

• Accessibility and Inclusion: Every guest can engage and enjoy with ease, thanks to our thoughtful and inclusive design.

Choosing Frankston Arts Centre makes a statement: your organisation values creativity, education, and quality — and you’re proud to support a venue that does too.

Recommended Suppliers

Successful event theming relies on trusted partners. Frankston Arts Centre collaborates with skilled local suppliers experienced in our venue setup. These experts bring your corporate event themes to life effortlessly and professionally.

Make Your Next Corporate Event Unforgettable

Bring your vision to life at the Frankston Arts Centre. With adaptable spaces, expert support, and a passion for innovation, we help you plan events that stand out, connect, and inspire. Contact our team today to start planning a corporate event theme that delivers real impact.