Epoch’s recent Virtual Employee Experience Roundtable, hosted by Keith, brought together industry leaders to share insights, strategies, and best practices for making in-person events more engaging, inclusive, and aligned with leadership priorities. From getting leadership buy-in to planning budget-friendly events, here are the key takeaways from our discussion.

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👉 How do we get leaders interested in having fun?

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TL;DR: Leadership engagement requires creativity, internal advocacy, and aligning events with their interests.

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Key strategies for leadership buy-in:

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• Find internal champions - Identify mid-level managers or influential employees to push initiatives up the chain.
• Make it relevant - Move beyond generic gatherings and offer tailored experiences like cooking classes instead of standard team dinners.
• Add a social layer - Icebreakers like bingo or team-based challenges can make participation easier.
• Incorporate well-being activities - Activities like buddy yoga, workout classes, or team sports (basketball, pickleball) can encourage engagement.

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👉 What are the most engaging in-person event ideas?

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TL;DR: Fresh, interactive event formats help employees connect and build stronger relationships.

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Popular event ideas:

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• Cooking classes & culinary experiences - Hands-on team bonding through food.
• Bowling nights - Casual, fun, and easy to organize.
• LEGO team-building challenges - Collaborative builds with custom sets like “HR Bricks.”
• Zero-waste workshops - Sustainability-focused activities with mocktails and tea tastings.
• One-minute PowerPoint parties - Employees give 1-2 minute presentations on their favorite topics.
• Esports tournaments - Internal gaming competitions to build community.
• Cultural & heritage celebrations - Black History Month documentary screenings with Q&A sessions.
• Destination events - Unique offsite experiences, like team gatherings at the Mall of America.

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👉 How do we make cultural & heritage months more impactful?

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TL;DR: Authentic recognition of cultural moments fosters inclusivity and employee engagement.

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Key strategies:

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• Partner with vendors who represent these communities - Invite speakers, artists, or experts to share their experiences.
• Leverage ERGs (Employee Resource Groups) - Ensure programming is relevant and meaningful.
• Encourage leadership participation - Even partial attendance from leaders signals company-wide support.

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👉 What are the best budget-friendly event ideas?

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TL;DR: Great events don’t have to break the bank - many high-impact experiences are low-cost.

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Key strategies for cost-effective events:

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• Use previous years’ budgets as a guide - Benchmark spending from past successful events.
• Plan “Cheap and Cheerful” activities - Trivia nights, movie screenings, and volunteer days are fun and affordable.
• Leverage internal company newsletters - Highlight upcoming events and employee shoutouts to create buzz at no cost.

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👉 What are teams most excited about in 2025?

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TL;DR: From major company celebrations to industry-wide trends, 2025 is packed with exciting events.

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Top anticipated events:

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• New Office Opening Celebrations
• Bring Your Kids to Work Day
• Spring Summit
• Esports Tournaments
• Disney-Themed Events

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👉 Final takeaway: plan with leadership in mind

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A key insight from the roundtable? Aligning events with leadership’s availability and interests can significantly increase participation and impact. Whether through creative event design, thoughtful cultural celebrations, or budget-conscious planning, the goal is to foster meaningful experiences that reinforce company culture.

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Want to be part of the next conversation?

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‍Join the Epoch Employee Experts community, an exclusive, invite-only group for professionals navigating hybrid work and employee experience. Gain access to private discussions, expert insights, and event invitations. Apply here to become part of future conversations!

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