Event Planning: Been there, done that, seen it all… or have you?
Right now is the perfect time to start planning your summer event!
But wait—does it feel like everything’s already been done, every place visited? Or… maybe it could actually be better this time?
Sounds familiar?
Your company’s summer parties have taken you across Estonia’s most scenic spots – from Võsu Beach to Mooste Manor, from the stony shores of Käsmu to the wooden bridge over Lake Pühajärv. You’ve seen all the top hosts take the stage, bands have played their greatest hits, and the catering has served that delicious smoked whitefish (again!) or elegant fine dining (again!).
So now you’re thinking: What else is there to do? Is something truly new even possible?
Here’s the twist – “new” doesn’t have to mean new.
When planning company summer events, people often fixate on surprise. Something never-seen-before, unheard-of, mind-blowing.
But in reality, a new band or location isn’t always what makes an event unforgettable.
The magic might just lie in doing things differently – with purpose, creativity, and a clear connection to your company values. Maybe it’s time to introduce meaningful themes and unexpected twists.
Same place, brand new experience
Location is always a big decision – and it’s totally fine if it’s the same place as last year. If it worked well and people loved it, why waste time searching for something else? Familiar locations allow your team to settle in quickly, and it’s easier to deliver your best when the setup already feels right.
Been by the sea already? But have you really connected with the sea?
What if it’s more than just a pretty backdrop this time – maybe it becomes the heart of the experience? Think coastal rescue training, a silent boat trip, or mindfulness by the waves.
Had manor parties before? But what if the manor wasn’t just a party venue, but part of the story? Maybe a historical walk, or a locally-inspired tasting menu that adds meaning and flavor?
It all depends on your focus.
You can re-experience something familiar in a completely new way if you shift the how.
Let your company values shape the day – it’s more than just an event
If your company cares about sustainability, why not let your summer days reflect that?
Try a plastic-free festival, collaborate with local producers, or go full-on zero-waste – where even the guests get involved. (True story: at one summer event, all flowers and decorations were edible, and by the end, gone – eaten! The backdrop was made of worn-out books that guests could still browse.)
If mental and physical wellness is a focus, go beyond the usual team sports. Bring in practitioners with fresh perspectives on mindfulness and wellbeing. And maybe this year… skip yoga and do NIA or qigong instead? (We did, and it was a hit—fun, easy, energizing.)
If innovation and creativity are key values, how about design thinking workshops, playful problem-solving, or even bringing AI into team challenges?
At one event, we turned 150 people into a full-blown symphony orchestra—with no musical training whatsoever. Real instruments, real magic. You had to be there.
When your branding and values are strong, your event should reflect that.
It’s a chance to reinforce who you are as a company—in a way that’s fun and memorable.
Add a new layer to the familiar
Just because something’s been done before doesn’t mean it can’t be better, deeper, more powerful.
Sometimes, you don’t need a brand-new format. You just need to reimagine the pieces you already have.
🔥 Instead of the usual keynote speaker, bring in voices whose stories directly align with your company’s mission.
🌿 Instead of the classic event structure, focus on designing a full experience where every part supports your identity and goals. Rethinking the flow can make the whole event more impactful.
“New” doesn’t have to mean “radically different.”
Sometimes, all it takes is adding depth, playfulness, and meaning—and suddenly, your event becomes something extraordinary.
Make conscious choices, not just “something new”
If your events are starting to feel routine, the solution isn’t always reinvention.
It’s refinement.
Focus on the details. Go deeper. Use the event to communicate what your company truly stands for.
When your summer event is thoughtful, meaningful, and truly aligned with your company DNA, even the “been there, done that” stuff can come alive in a whole new way.
And that—not doing something new just for the sake of it—is what true event mastery looks like.
And if you need a thinking partner or a bit of help with all this—well, you know where to find us. 😉
