The Art of Planning a Meeting-Turned-Cocktail Reception

Seamlessly Shifting from Daytime Meetings to After-Hours Hospitality

Attending a conference and heading to an off-site reception can be exhausting. However, planners have found that a venue that combines a state-of-the-art meeting facility with after-hours social areas for corporate parties makes the experience seamless and more fun!

Venues like 75 State Street,  boast a 7,000-square-foot conference center and a 10,000-square-foot outdoor patio on the seventh floor. The building offers private event rentals, which effortlessly combine work and pleasure in a modern setting.

Samantha Barraca Photography | 75 State Street

Other ideal locations include SoWa Power Station, The TRACK at New Balance’s 400,000 sq. ft. of event space, and Boston Athenaeum, which offers newly renovated meeting space and historic charm. Selecting a single unique event venue streamlines the transition from day to night, ensuring a smooth guest experience.

Post-Meeting Themes We Love

 

Shh, Speak Easy.

Hosting a Speakeasy-themed corporate party is a clever way to transport your guests to the secretive world of 1920s Prohibition. The word speakeasy refers to patrons needing to “speakeasy” at a bar, meaning not to draw any suspicion towards buying alcoholic beverages by looking nervous or jabbering. Encourage attendees to embrace the era by dressing in 1920s-inspired attire—flapper dresses, pearls, feather headbands, fedoras, and pinstriped suits are all must-haves. To add a playful twist, host a “Best Dressed” contest to spark some friendly competition.

prohibition themed corporate party

Speakeasy: Music & Mood

Curate a playlist with classic jazz and swing hits to set the right mood. Decorate the space with vintage furniture, velvet seating, gold accents, and dark wood finishes. Antique touches like phonographs, typewriters, and cocktail carts will help capture that authentic Prohibition-era vibe. Moody lighting creates an intriguing ambiance to enhance the theme.

themed corporate party
Henry + Mac Photography |  @wipaboston | ICA

Speakeasy Libations: Regarding drinks, no speakeasy is complete without classic 1920s cocktails. Serve up Old Fashioneds, Sidecars, French 75s, Gin Rickeys, or Bee’s Knees in vintage-style glassware. For décor, adorn the walls with Prohibition-era posters or signs with phrases like “Shh, Speak Easy” or “Prohibition in Effect” to enhance the theme. For a unique touch, create a “hidden” menu that guests can only access by asking for specific items by name or presenting a secret password, like the company’s name. This will add an air of mystery to the night and truly bring the speakeasy experience to life.

Henry + Mac Photography |  @wipaboston | ICA
Feel Good Festival Vibes

An outdoor or large-scale office venue is ideal for this high-energy, festival-inspired party, perfectly capturing laid-back, bohemian vibes. Encourage guests to fully immerse themselves in the festival atmosphere by donning boho chic attire – flowy dresses, fringed jackets, wide-brimmed hats, and beaded accessories. For added flair, set up a festival-style pop-up shop where attendees can grab temporary tattoos, flower crowns, and face paint to complete their look. Kick things off by sending festival-style wristbands with your company logo as invitations to set the tone for an unforgettable event.

Samantha Barracca Photography | 75 State Street
Globally-inspired Bites

Consider offering a variety of culinary experiences, from the TCA Community Table menu highlighting authentic globally inspired menus. Local makers such as Magic Bites, Dumpling Daughter, and Carolicious offer authentic flavors to guests, offering diverse tastes. Indulge in Crème de Liqueur, a liquor-infused frozen custard that focuses on quality ingredients and premium spirits.

Samantha Barraca Photography | Dumpling Daughter

Playstations and Pinball

A Retro Arcade Night is a rad way to bring back the gnarly nostalgia of the 80s and 90s. Rent classic arcade games like Pac-Man, Donkey Kong, and pinball machines. Set up gaming stations with old-school consoles like Sega Genesis or Nintendo. Decorate the space with neon lights, colorful arcade signs, and gaming posters to create an authentic vibe. Guests can dress up as characters from their favorite classic games—think Mario, Sonic, or Lara Croft—and enjoy a costume contest for added fun. Take a chill pill; the party will be totally tubular.

80's themed corporate party

Rad Food

For an 80s-themed corporate party, give a nod to the decade’s fun, colorful, and quirky flavors. Iconic snacks like French fries in paper cones, mini pizza bagels, and pizza rolls are perfect bite-sized options. Sloppy Joes add a nostalgic twist to a messy classic. Fondue stations—cheese or chocolate—allow guests to enjoy an interactive experience. A sweets station with homemade Twinkies, Pop-Tarts, Yodels, and other nostalgic treats made from scratch by The Catered Affair’s Pastry Team is an instant crowd favorite!

80's themed corporate party

Retro Refreshers

Serve retro drinks like a Tequila Sunrise or Purple Rain to keep the beverage selection aligned with the theme. These 80s-inspired sips will add a playful and authentic touch to your corporate party, giving guests a fun taste of the times.

80's themed corporate party

Are you ready to start planning? 

These exciting themes are ideal for corporate parties! As the meeting wraps up, wow guests with the experiential magic of a theme party. The ease of attendees remaining in one location will encourage participation and simplify the day-to-night transition. These themes are also fun for social events at unique special event venues, so no meeting is required. Contact us today!

 

Kori Carter Gillespie, Director of Brand Marketing at @thecateredaffair in Boston, Massachusetts, is a dedicated content writer passionate about crafting engaging brand stories, especially for boutique lifestyle brands.

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