18 Inspiring Ways to Surprise & Delight Guests at Your Offsite
18 Inspiring Ways to Surprise & Delight Guests at Your Offsite
BoomPop Team · 3/5/2025
Thoughtful Touches for Memorable Events
Think back to a truly memorable event experience. What made it stand out? Was it the breathtaking scenery, the delicious food, or the engaging activities? It's often the unexpected touches—the moments of surprise and delight—that elevate an experience and make it unforgettable.
At BoomPop, we believe in the power of these moments. We’ve seen time and time again the magic that happens when our event planners work with clients to create these experiences at events of all sorts (and all budgets!)
The “Unreasonable Hospitality” Mindset
At a recent company offsite, our entire company read the book Unreasonable Hospitality, written by Michelin-star restaurateur Will Guidara to share his secrets to success in the hospitality industry. Chock-full of inspiring insights and anecdotes, the book illustrates the power of going above and beyond or - “running through walls,” one of our core values here at BoomPop.
“Intention means every decision, from the most obviously significant to the seemingly mundane, matters. To do something with intentionality means to do it thoughtfully, with clear purpose and an eye on the desired result.”
– Unreasonable Hospitality, Will Guidara
During a memorable workshop about the book, team members from across the business shared stories of “unreasonable hospitality” they had both received and had helped create for client events - moments that helped transform events to extraordinary experiences.
We know that every detail, no matter how small, can contribute to creating a truly exceptional experience, so in the spirit of hospitality, we wanted to share some creative ways we’ve helped surprise and delight event guests to inspire your event planning creativity!
Inspiring Ideas to Surprise & Delight Your Offsite Guests
Inspired by real-life examples of how our team has brought the "Unreasonable Hospitality" mindset to life at BoomPop Client events, here are some ideas to consider for your next offsite.
Unique Gifts & Swag
When swag and gifts are done right, they can create a buzz, spark conversation, and leave a lasting impression. From customizing designs to elevate swag into a memorable keepsake to adding personalized items into tablescapes, here’s a look at some ideas for gifts and swag that have been a hit with our clients (and team!)
Turn swag into a keepsake: Elevate your gifts with custom designs that commemorate a place, theme, or activity, like these beautifully illustrated mugs that feature the location of a BoomPop company offsite!
Personalized welcome gifts: Greet each guest with a thoughtfully curated welcome gift that reflects their interests or hobbies.
Build-your-own music boxes: This activity combines a fun team-building exercise with a personalized gift.
Locally-sourced gifts: Elevate the typical snack table or thank-you gift by sourcing handmade gifts or locally-made treats. At a recent networking event we hosted, locally-made caramels were a huge hit with attendees!
Create-your-own candy bouquets: Let guests express their creativity, stock up on their favorite treats, and create a unique take-home gift with this interactive gift experience.
Surprise keepsake leather keychains: Customized key chains serve as a reminder of a shared experience with a functional and gorgeous keychain. For one client, they doubled as a decor touch placed at dinner table settings, delighting guests as they found their seats.
Onsite jean jacket embroidery: Guests select from unique personalization options to take home a custom jacket that’s embroidered onsite, an experience that’s been a hit at several client events!
Experiences that Make an Impact
Sometimes, surprising and delighting guests isn’t just about what you provide, but how it’s experienced. Take this highlight from a recent client event, which turned into an unforgettable memory: "We hid company-themed plush toys all over a hotel property and gave a prize to the employee who found the most,” said Daron Linton, Director, Events at BoomPop. “Not only did it have the 180-person team engaged throughout the week, but the other hotel guests were buzzing about the company too!"
Here’s a look at some other inspiring experiences our team has helped bring to life!
Surprise activities: Plan a surprise activity that aligns with the group's interests. For example, one evening, we surprised a client's group with an impromptu acoustic guitar sing-along on the beach around a campfire.
Interactive games: Incorporate interactive games or activities that encourage team bonding and create a sense of fun.
Themed breaks: Surprise attendees with themed breaks throughout the day, such as a coffee and pastry bar or an ice cream social. One client loved the locally made candy apples we provided for an afternoon meeting snack on Halloween.
Unexpected entertainment: Surprise guests with unexpected entertainment, such as a live band, comedian, or silent disco.
Curated picnic with build your own flower bouquets: A delightful activity that combines outdoor fun with creativity.
Themed costume trunk: For one holiday party, we set up a themed costume trunk in a Christmas tree forest, which added a playful and festive touch that.
Famous astrologer: Individual readings after dinner at a beachfront property added a touch of mystique and personalization to the guest experience for one memorable client event.
Michelin star private chef experience: We recently treated a group of foodies to a Michelin star private chef experience at a waterfront venue—a dream come true for this team!
Private movie showing: Imagine bringing your team together for a private movie showing at a local theater, a hit at a recent client offsite.
Special Touches Elevate Your Event
The smallest details can make a big impact. These thoughtful touches can elevate your event and create a unique experience. Here are a few examples of extra touches we’ve used to create those “wow” moments.
Local treats: Incorporate locally sourced treats or snacks into the event, like regional BBQ sauces or local saltwater taffy.
Custom cocktails: Create custom cocktails that reflect your event theme or company brand.
Mural painting with an artist: For a recent offsite in LA, our team organized an immersive art experience at Venice beach that fostered creativity and team bonding.
Custom letterman jacket sourcing: We helped a client source and customize letterman jackets for their team, creating a one-of-a-kind keepsake.
Onsite Support Levels Up the Details
Onsite support can go a long way in helping create those special moments that surprise and delight! Having a BoomPop event planner onsite allows for even more personalized touches, such as setting up swag, adding on-the-spot creativity, and celebrating birthdays.
Spotting those opportunities can make a world of difference! Recently, an event planner shared one of their most memorable experiences they helped a client create was due to a last-minute change: “Hosting a networking event at a posh nightclub with glitter doors, chandeliers and spiked punch in pouches was a last minute pivot that worked for the better and made it a memorable night for attendees. The wow-factor as attendees walked in made for easy conversation!”
A dedicated eye on guest experience can help transform even last minute changes into moments that delight!
Intentionality, Creativity & Expertise at Work
Our event planning team combines intentionality, creativity, and expertise to craft unforgettable moments for your offsite. We take the time to understand your team's goals and preferences, and then we use our creativity and expertise to bring your vision to life.
Looking to infuse your next offsite with surprise and delight moments? Reach out to our team to get started on creating an unforgettable experience together!
