Hosting a game night for your company event is an excellent way to get your employees engaged and have some fun. To start, you’ll need to choose games that suit the group size and dynamics as part of the corporate event. Depending on the size of your company, you may want to select a few team-based board games that can accommodate larger groups, or you can opt for a more intimate card or trivia game. Themed invitations can help get your guests excited about the event and ensure they understand the preparations required.

For some ideas on how to host a game night for your next company event, here are some guidelines to get started.

Benefits of Hosting a Game Night for a Company Event

Hosting a game night for a company event can be a great way to boost morale and encourage teamwork. It’s also an effective way to increase engagement among employees and help them build relationships outside of the workplace. Games like trivia, charades, or even simple board games can provide a fun and entertaining atmosphere while helping employees get to know each other better.

When planning how to host a game night, it’s important to choose activities that are suitable for all ages and abilities. You may also want to consider providing refreshments and snacks as part of the event so that everyone can enjoy themselves without feeling too full or too hungry. 

Hosting a game night for your company event is sure to bring people together in a unique way, creating memories and fostering collaboration among employees. Such events can turn into a memorable night filled with fun, laughter, and friendly competition.

Planning and Preparation

Decide on a Date and Time

Deciding on a date and time for your game night is crucial to ensure all your guests can attend. Consider scheduling the event on a weekend or a weekday evening when most people are free. Make sure to give your guests enough notice so they can clear their schedules. You can use online calendars or social media to poll your guests and find a date and time that works for everyone. This way, you can ensure that your game night is well-attended and that everyone is excited to join in on the fun.

Create a Guest List

Creating a guest list is essential to plan a successful game night. Consider the number of guests you can accommodate in your space and the type of games you want to play. Make sure to include a diverse group of people with different interests and preferences. You can also consider inviting friends, family, or coworkers to make the event more enjoyable. A well-thought-out guest list ensures that your game night is dynamic and engaging, with a mix of personalities that will make the evening more fun for everyone.

Send Out Invitations

Sending out invitations is a crucial step in planning a game night. You can use digital invitations or traditional paper invitations, depending on your preference. Make sure to include all the essential details, such as the date, time, location, and dress code. You can also include a list of games you plan to play and ask your guests to RSVP. Clear and detailed invitations help set the tone for the event and ensure that your guests know what to expect, making your game night a hit from the start.

Choosing a Venue for Your Company’s Game Night

When it comes to hosting a game night for your company event, you may be wondering how to choose the right venue. It is important to consider the amount of space needed, budget, and what type of games will be played. If you are looking for a larger location, you should look at venues such as community centers or bars. These locations usually offer more room with varying levels of cost depending on the day and time.

If your game night is more intimate, then you could rent out a private room at a restaurant or cafe. This type of space will provide a comfortable atmosphere with plenty of space to play games without feeling cramped. Anywhere that has plenty of tables and seating options would be ideal for this kind of event.

Clear Off the Coffee Table and Set Up Seating

Clearing off the coffee table and setting up seating is essential to create a comfortable and relaxed atmosphere for your game night. Remove any clutter or decorations that may obstruct the playing area. Set up chairs, couches, or tables to accommodate your guests. Consider setting up different stations for different games to keep the event organized and fun. A well-organized space ensures that everyone can focus on enjoying the games and each other’s company, making your game night a memorable and enjoyable experience for all.

Selecting Games and Trivia Game for a Company Game Night

There are many things you need to consider when selecting the right games for your company game night. First, think about the size of your group and the types of people that will be attending. This will help you determine what type of games you should select. Make sure to choose something that everyone will enjoy and find engaging.

Next, think about how long the event will last and what is the optimal length for each game so that it doesn’t drag on too long. Try to pick games that are simple enough to learn quickly but have enough depth to keep people entertained throughout the entire game night. Fast-paced games can add an extra layer of excitement and keep the energy high. One exciting option to consider is the American roulette online game. With its iconic spinning wheel and betting options, it adds a touch of glamour and suspense to any game night. Plus, with its straightforward rules, players can quickly grasp the basics and start enjoying the game. Including a variety of party games can also ensure that everyone has a great time and fosters a sense of community.

Include Decorations and Refreshments

Decorations and refreshments can be an important part of the planning. Depending on your budget, decorations can range from simple streamers and balloons to themed tablecloths and custom centerpieces. Refreshments can be as simple as pre-made snacks and soft drinks, such as chips, pretzels, popcorn, and soda. For larger events, catering is always an option. Consider finger foods like mini quiches, sliders, sandwiches, and wraps that are easy to eat while socializing or playing games.

Creating Inclusive Game Options for All Participants

When planning your corporate game night, ensuring all employees can participate regardless of physical abilities or personal preferences is essential. A successful game night accommodates everyone and creates an environment where each person feels valued and included. Encourage participants to bring their favorite game to add a personal touch and ensure everyone has something they enjoy.

Consider offering a variety of game types that appeal to different personalities. While extroverts might enjoy performance-based games like charades or Pictionary, introverts might prefer strategy games or team-based puzzles where they can contribute without being in the spotlight.

Digital games can provide accessibility options for employees with physical limitations. Many modern board games also have digital versions that offer customizable interfaces. Additionally, pair games require different skills – some may need physical dexterity while others rely on verbal or analytical abilities – so everyone has opportunities to showcase their strengths.

Structuring Your Game Night for Maximum Engagement

The flow and structure of your game night can significantly impact its success. Rather than simply setting up games and letting employees choose, consider creating a more organized approach that enhances participation and enjoyment.

Start with an icebreaker game that gets everyone comfortable and engaged. These quick, low-pressure activities help employees transition from work mode to a more relaxed social setting. After icebreakers, move to team-building games that encourage collaboration among departments or teams that don’t typically work together.

Consider structuring the night as a tournament or rotation system where small groups cycle through different game stations. This approach ensures everyone experiences various games and interacts with different colleagues. Set clear time limits for each game or rotation to maintain energy and interest. Games like Taboo and Mafia are often the most fun for social gatherings, contributing to a lively atmosphere.

Including brief breaks between game sections allows for natural networking and conversation. These informal moments often prove as valuable as the structured activities for team building. End the night with a finale game that brings everyone together, creating a shared experience to conclude the event.

Incorporating Technology into Game Night

Technology offers exciting possibilities for modern corporate game nights. Digital game options can complement traditional games and provide unique experiences for your team. Consider using platforms like Kahoot or Quizizz for custom company trivia contests that can test knowledge about your organization’s history, products, or industry in an entertaining format.

Virtual reality (VR) game stations can serve as a novel attraction, especially for tech-oriented companies. Even with just a few headsets, you can create a rotation where employees can experience immersive gaming. Video game consoles with multiplayer games like Mario Kart or team-based games can also appeal to gamers and non-gamers alike.

For remote or hybrid teams, consider how to make the game night accessible to virtual participants. Platforms like Jackbox Games allow for remote participation through smartphones, creating an inclusive experience regardless of location. 

Measuring Success and Gathering Feedback

After your corporate game night concludes, gather feedback to improve future events. This information proves invaluable for planning more effective team-building activities. Create a simple anonymous survey asking participants about their favorite games, suggestions for future events, and overall experience.

Pay attention to both quantitative metrics (attendance rates, participation levels) and qualitative feedback (enjoyment levels, team connection). Observe which games generated the most excitement and engagement, and note any that may have fallen flat.

Consider establishing a planning committee for future events that includes representatives from different departments. This approach ensures diverse perspectives and builds ownership across the organization. Document successful elements and areas for improvement to create a playbook for future game nights.

Customizing Board Games to Reflect Company Culture

Create more meaningful experiences by customizing games to reflect your company’s values, inside jokes, or industry knowledge. This personalization makes the event more relevant and engaging for your team members.

Consider modifying classic games with company-specific content. For example, transform Jeopardy or Family Feud with categories and questions related to your industry or organization. Create a company-themed scavenger hunt with clues related to company milestones or products.

Develop team challenges that mirror workplace scenarios in a fun context. These activities can reinforce problem-solving skills in a relaxed environment while still connecting to daily work. Custom card games featuring company terminology or trivia can serve as both entertainment and subtle reinforcement of important company information.

Make Game Night a Hit With Help from Frogbridge Events

Game night can be a hit if you plan it right, but you may need help planning events. Making corporate events work the way that you want them to can be surprisingly tricky. Fortunately, you can get help from professionals so that your corporate events are perfect every time.

At Frogbridge Events, we specialize in planning corporate events. We take your event ideas and goals and turn them into an event that your staff won’t forget. Before you start planning your next event, give us a call at (609) 208-9475 or fill out a contact form so we can help you get all of the details right.