17 Great and Unusual Party Ideas for Aussie Businesses

Name: Corporate Comedy Entertainment
Brand: GerardV

Fantastic Entertainment for Staff and Customer Functions

Whether you’re a small startup or a large corporation, creating a memorable and enjoyable event for your customers or teams is a great way to show your appreciation. Here are some inspiring corporate party and conference entertainment ideas that will help you plan your event.

—> Jump straight to the list of ideas

My show is suitable for many occasions but not all of them. The ideas I'm sharing with you here might help you find something different or unusual for your event. However if you want to find out more about what I personally can do to help you, just ask.

Things to Keep in Mind During the Planning Stage

How Many People to Organise For: There are many great things to do for a party but the number of people you need to cater for can dramatically change your event. Some destination venues will have maximum limits to their capacity, and certain types of events require a minimum number to be worthwhile. For example a comedy hypnosis show (this is what I do) really needs 30+ people and more is better. Whereas axe throwing might be better if you have a small group of 12, for instance.

Inclusivity and Exclusion: For companies with a diverse staff you’ll need to factor in that perhaps not everyone can participate in your choice. A wine tasting sounds great until you realise many of your staff simply don’t drink ever. Perhaps you’d like to go golfing but not everyone does or even can.

Staff, Staff and Partners, or Entire Families: You might consider too that many people can only be effective in their jobs because of the support of their partners. Do you want to include the partners too? How will this change the kinds of events you can have? Not to mention the budget. If you include partners then babysitting can be an issue - so maybe allow everyone to bring their kids and factor that in too. Yes, there’s lots to consider.

Travel and Transport: Keeping it local means people can get there easily, but that limits your choice of venue to one that is close by. Further afield you’ll have more options but you’ll need to consider how, and even if, people will get there. Will you organise transport perhaps from a central location? Transport issues may hold people back from attending what might be in other ways a stellar event

Alcohol: This is Australia so most people will want or expect to have a drink or two. But making sure that people remain safe and that those who do not drink are properly catered for is always a requirement.

The Default Option: Same Old, Same Old

The default option is of course “dinner and drinks” somewhere. Staff attendances at company events have fallen gradually, and for a variety of reasons. But these unimaginative and oftentimes desultory food and drink events are hardly inspiring. You want to do better, I guess that is why you are here. even a modest effort to jazz up a company dinner with entertainment or a variety act can make the difference.

One “upgrade” is to add a DJ or band. Yet unless it is a staff and partners affair, will people really get up and dance? I know some companies have many people who would dance. But most companies do not, and most people are not especially keen to dance with their colleagues. Will it work for your event? You probably already know the answer.

And then there are quiz nights, trivia nights and karaoke. Possibly done to death by now and certainly not everyone’s cup of tea. And for many a cup of tea would be preferable to singing in front of their peers.

Then again many of the tried and true activities are reliably "good enough". And for something different, read on.

Theming Your Event

Any event can have a theme or dress code. Sometimes you might just have a party with that theme. But don't be afraid to mix and match. A pyjama party wine tour? How about the ugly sweater gala dinner? Axe throwing in onesies?

Decade Theme Party
Costume Party
Pyjama Party
Cocktail Party
Hawaiian or Beach Themed Party
Family Christmas Theme Party

Events That Come To You (or to your venue)

These events can come to your gala dinner, your conference room or backyard even. They're great to mix and match with themes and events at venues and function rooms where you have the entire place for your party.

Hire a Hypnotist
The Faulty Towers Dinner Experience
Magic Illusion Mentalism Hypnosis
Food Trucks at Your Workplace

Destination Events

These are the kinds of events that you take everyone to. Perhaps they walk to somewhere nearby, or make their own way. But a bus or shuttle can make it easier and safer too.

Gala Dinner
Theatre Restaurant
Wine Tours or Whiskey Gin and Tequila
Outdoor Adventures
Escape Room Challenge
Creative Workshops
Comedy Clubs

Some Party Ideas

Theming Your Event

Decade Theme Party

Take a trip down memory lane with a decade-themed party. Choose a specific decade, such as the '70s, '80s, or '90s, and encourage employees to dress in costumes from that era. Decorate the venue with retro items and play music from your chosen decade or decades.

1920s

The Roaring Twenties were all about glitz and glamour. Think flapper dresses with fringe, feathered headbands, and long pearl necklaces for women. Men can channel their inner Gatsby with pinstripe suits, bow ties, and fedoras.

1930s

The 1930s brought a more sophisticated and elegant style. Women wore bias-cut dresses, fur stoles, and cloche hats, while men opted for double-breasted suits, wide-brimmed hats, and polished shoes.

1940s

World War II influenced the fashion of the 1940s. Women often wore utility dresses, victory rolls in their hair, and red lipstick. Men sported military uniforms or zoot suits with wide lapels and high-waisted trousers.

1950s

The 1950s were all about rock‘n’roll and classic Americana. Women donned poodle skirts, saddle shoes, and cat-eye glasses, while men wore leather jackets, white T-shirts, and jeans, channeling the greaser look.

1960s

The Swinging Sixties embraced bold colors and patterns. Women wore mini skirts, go-go boots, and psychedelic prints, while men favored mod suits, turtlenecks, and Beatle boots.

1970s

The 1970s were defined by disco and bohemian styles. Women wore bell-bottom pants, platform shoes, and flowy dresses with floral prints. Men sported leisure suits, wide collars, and aviator sunglasses.

1980s

The 1980s were all about excess and bold fashion statements. Women wore neon colors, leg warmers, and big hair, while men embraced power suits, skinny ties, and mullets. Don’t forget the iconic shoulder pads!

1990s

The 1990s brought a mix of grunge and pop culture influences. Women wore flannel shirts, ripped jeans, and chokers, while men opted for baggy jeans, graphic tees, and backwards baseball caps. Think Nirvana meets Fresh Prince.
These themes offer a fun and nostalgic way to celebrate each decade’s unique style at your next costume party!

Costume Party

Choose a fun theme like “Christmas in July” or “Ugly Tie” and have a costume contest. Come as your worst nightmare or favourite movie star.

Have a pyjama party and book a stage hypnotist to literally bring the “sleep” to your event.

Dressing up isn't just for kids – it's a blast for adults too, especially during a work party. Incorporating a fun theme can make your celebration memorable and engaging for everyone. Here are some exciting dress-up themes to consider:

Ugly Jersey Party:

Embrace the holiday spirit with garish, over-the-top holiday jerseys or sweaters. You can even have a contest for the ugliest one!

Toga Party:

Simple yet fun, togas can be created from bed sheets, allowing everyone to participate without much expense or effort.

Winter Wonderland:

Ask everyone to dress in white or icy blue attire to create a snowy, festive atmosphere. Add some glitter for an extra magical touch.

Onesie Party:

Perfect for those who prioritize comfort, onesies come in a variety of fun designs, from animals to superheroes.

Back to the ‘80s:

Encourage everyone to dig out their brightest neon clothes, big hair wigs, and leg warmers. The vibrant colors and unique styles will take everyone on a nostalgic trip.

Holiday Characters:

Have each attendee dress as their favorite holiday character, from Santa to the Grinch, or even a reindeer. This can lead to a lot of creativity and laughs.

Zombie Christmas:

Mix the spooky with the festive by creating a zombie Christmas party. This unique twist can involve makeup and tattered holiday attire.

Masquerade Ball:

For a more elegant option, have a masquerade ball where everyone wears sophisticated attire and creative masks. It’s a chance to dress up and add a touch of mystery.

Bad Taste Dress Up:

You can ask people to test the edges of their willingness to be seen in public with a "bad taste" theme. everythingfrom mixing plaid and stripes to the Bill Cosby mask perhaps (that last one might be too much).

Pyjama Party:

Wear your PJs or nightie - or something saucier perhaps. I love this idea - see more here.

Pyjama Party

The pyjama (Pajama) party theme is huge fun. People can come in anything from their flannel onesies to their silky nightie. Sleeping caps are optional, and most people can work something out as a costume without great expense.

Take the "sleep" theme further by booking a comedy hypnotist (like yours truly) to wow and amaze your guests.

What is a comedy hypnosis stage show?

Cocktail Party

This party format deserves a special mention because it is so iconic. Host a classy cocktail party with a professional mixologist to create custom drinks for your guests. Set up a stylish bar area and provide a selection of food and other beverages. Encourage people to dress smart.

Here are some options for hiring cocktail mixologists in Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, and Brisbane:

Sydney

The Sydney Mixologists: They offer mobile bar tending with a twist, crafting custom cocktails to match your event theme. They also provide cocktail-making classes and tastings.
Bondi Hardware: Located in Bondi Beach, this venue offers a vibrant atmosphere with skilled bartenders who can create a variety of cocktails<.
RE: Known as the world’s first permanent no-waste bar, RE offers fantastic cocktails made by expert mixologists.

Melbourne

Bar 1806: This iconic cocktail bar in Melbourne’s theatre district is known for its skilled mixologists who create both classic and original cocktails.
The Cocktail Queen: Offers professional bartender and mixologist hire for events, with staff trained in the art of cocktail making.
Hire a Mixologist: Provides experienced cocktail bartenders for private and corporate events, covering a wide range of occasions.

Adelaide

Steve The Bartender: Offers mobile bartending services for functions and events, including all-inclusive packages with drinks and professional staff.
Hire a Mixologist: Provides cocktail flair and mixologist services for private parties and corporate events in Adelaide.
Barmen For Hire: Offers portable bars, cocktail classes, and professional bartenders for hire in Adelaide.

Brisbane

Brisbane Bartenders: Offers mobile mixology events, cocktail classes, and professional bartenders for hire. They provide all the necessary equipment and ingredients for a memorable cocktail experience.
Hire a Mixologist: Provides cocktail bartenders for private and corporate events in Brisbane, ensuring a stylish and enjoyable bar service.
Brisbane Bartenders: Specializes in house party cocktail experiences with bespoke services tailored to client needs.

Hawaiian or Beach Themed Party

If it is the summer season many places will have lovely warm weather. You can host a beach or Hawaiian-themed party with decorations, tiki torches, and consider recruiting traditional Polynesian dancers. Encourage employees to wear Hawaiian shirts and floral dresses, and serve tropical cocktails and food. This refreshing theme is perfect for an outdoor celebration..

This format works for an indoor event too but nicer outdoors, perhaps at a park or at the beach. Save of catering with a BBQ or even have people bring their own barbeque.

Family Christmas Theme Party

Transform your venue into a winter wonderland, complete with artificial snow, ice sculptures, and festive decorations. Organise activities like a Christmas tree decorating competition or a visit from Santa Claus to make it a family-friendly event. This type of party allows employees to share the fun of the season with family and friends.

This is also a somewhat inclusive event because you can mix up families and singles, all ages and generally make it silly fun. However as not everyone is comfortable with a religious holiday it is worth considering the backgrounds of your guests before going down this path.

You can go further and create a festive carnival with rides, games, and food stalls. Check out the “Food Trucks” idea below for more on this format.

And of course you can have a secret Santa at any time of the year.

Link: How to organise a secret Santa.

Events That Come To You (or to your venue)

Hire a Hypnotist

Gone are the days when stage hypnotists were all short creepy guys with bad facial hair and anners to match. Modern corporate comedy hypnotists like Gerard V are clean, classy and inclusive.

Shows are engaging and interactive with people participating only at the level they choose. The Gerard V Comedy Hypnosis Show for example is delightful and hilarious.

The Faulty Towers Dinner Experience

The Fawlty Towers dinner experience [Faulty Towers - The Dining Experience] is a hoot. [A perdonal favouriute, I gave them a standing ovation in adelaide a few years back]. They will come to your dinner event and act like the original cast from the hit BBC comedy show “Fawlty Towers”. Probably more suitable for an older crowd (over 50?) who are familiar with the show. While still funny it might resonate less with people who never saw the TV series.

This event allows you to use almost any dinign venue and bring the show there, unlike say, a theatre restaurant.

The show is also clean, unlike most threatre restaurant places, and more suited to a diverse corporate audience.

Magic Illusion Mentalism Hypnosis

Liven up your event with a stage show or walk around entertainment. In Australia you can find really good corporate comedians and 3 or 4 comedy hypnotists that can wow your guests in. Completely “corporate safe” way.

There’s nothing funnier or more engaging than watching one of your colleagues rocking out on stage under the “spell” of a hypnotist. This is what I do (I’m Comedy Hypnotist Gerard V).

The good thing about these kinds of acts is that you can simply add them to your corporate dinner, awards night or Christmas / holiday party at almost any venue.

If you want a walk-around option a close-up magician can be a great choice. With 30+ people a comedy hypnotist stage show, a magic or mentalist show or a comedian can make your night extra special.

And if you're considering a hypnotist, look no further - just ask me to send you a full proposal for your event:

If you are wondering what is the difference between a hypnotist, a magician, an illusionist and a mentalist, this is a nice explanation: The difference between a stage hypnotist, a magician and a mentalist?

Hypnotists

In Australia there are 3 hypnotists who are simply full time entertainers. There are a bunch more who do shows as well as being therapists and coaches.

The three full-time hypnosis entertainers are:

Gerard V website: Comedy Hypnotist Gerard V
Andy Vening website: Hypnotist Andy Vening
Matt Hale website: Matthew Hale

Click here to see if Gerard V is available for your event:

Food Trucks at Your Workplace

Invite a variety of food trucks to your office, warehouse or mine site to create a mini food festival. This idea is perfect for a casual and relaxed atmosphere and can take place in many different locations. You’ll need to organise the food truck(s) and cater to different dietary needs but this can work for even very large groups, without the overhead of venue hire.

Your food trucks can of course extend to coffee carts and beer / wine service for a complete event.

Add to it some roving acts like a magician or stilt walker - depending on the ages present and it becomes a fun day out.