When you’re planning a corporate event, it’s easy to get lost in logistics: catering, AV equipment, agendas.
But if you want people to remember it (for the right reasonsand not the unfunny comedian or the terrible band), it’s worth thinking about something a little different. Something that brings people together, makes them laugh, and takes the pressure off.
Enter: skittles.
Yes, that skittles. The humble pub game with wooden pins and a ball you can’t quite grip properly. It turns out, it might be one of the most effective ways to build connection at a corporate event, and it’s probably not on your checklist yet.
But trust us, it’s the best ice breaker we know. The struggle to put a face to a name melts away when the action gets going on the alleys.
Spare a thought or two for the organiser….if that’s you, good luck.
When it comes to entertainment, it’s very easy to fall into the trap of booking a celebrity or comedian. If half the room haven’t heard of either or the jokes aren’t side splitting, you’ll soon be looking for a spade to dig yourself a great big hole.
Choosing live music is another obstacle course. Music divides the room and one person’s Stairway to
Heaven is another’s Road to Hell.
And if you’re a delegate or attendee, there’s a certain amount of apprehension that needs to be dispelled as quickly as possible if people are going to get into the swing of the event – and its purpose.
But something whacky like skittles? Well what’s NOT to like. There are no expectations, just delightful surprises. For both the organisers and the delegates.
What Really Matters When Planning a Corporate Event
Before you start booking venues and finalising schedules, take a moment to step back. There are a few key things to consider when planning a corporate event, and it’s not just how many plug sockets are in the room.
Start with purpose. Is this about team bonding? Client engagement? A reward for a hard year’s work? Once you’re clear on why you’re running the event, it becomes easier to choose the how. And more often than not, the “how” is about creating a relaxed, social space where people can just be human together.
Why Skittles Works Surprisingly Well for Team Connection
We’re back to our favourite sport again…Skittles is disarming.
It’s nostalgic, simple, and doesn’t require athletic ability or previous experience. You don’t need to brief it, explain it, or coach it. Just roll the ball and see what happens.
It works across departments, hierarchies and even cultures—no jargon or awkwardness required. It’s amazing what happens when people are given permission to play without pressure. You see the competitive ones rise to the occasion. The quiet ones start laughing. The director misses every pin, and everyone cheers anyway.
It’s a leveller. And in corporate settings, that’s gold.
Low-Pressure, High-Impact: What to Include in Your Event Format
There’s a real value in activities that let people bond without needing to “perform.” Skittles fits that brief perfectly. But so do a few other elements worth considering:
Darts tournaments – easy to set up, and people get really into it.
Pub quizzes – great for mixed groups, and encourages natural team-up moments.
Walks, beach games or fancy dress themes – ideal if your event is part of a weekend away or based near the coast.
These aren’t just add-ons, they’re intentional parts of a successful format. They give people a way to ease in, connect, and enjoy being together outside of work.
You might find that the boss you thought was a bit snooty, is actually a real laugh. Or that the chap in accounts is not quite so boring after all as he’s buying you a pint.
Making Time for Fun (Without Losing Focus)
There’s a misconception that fun at a corporate event means losing structure or professionalism. But in reality, building in some well-timed levity is one of the best ways to support focus.
After a long session or a big presentation, letting people reset with something low-key like skittles or a social game keeps the energy up. It gives people a shared experience to chat about over lunch—or the next time they see each other back at HQ.
Plus, when people enjoy themselves, they’re more likely to engage. That makes every other part of your event—from keynotes to team sessions—more effective too.
Things to Consider When Planning a Corporate Event That People Will Remember
If you want your corporate event to stand out, don’t just think about what needs to be covered. Think about what will be remembered.
People won’t necessarily recall which canapé you served or the height of the burger stacks. But they’ll sure as hell remember the skittles final. The laughter. The cheering. The moment someone knocked down all but one pin and the whole room held its breath.
Why We Use Skittles at Serious About Events
We’ve run corporate events for over two decades, and it all boils down to one wonderful thing: the value of shared experience. Skittles is simple, affordable, and works whether you’re a team of 12 or a room of 120. Whether you’re a member of MENSA or DENSA, you can give your brain a holiday.
It’s not about being the best. It’s about laughing when you miss. Celebrating someone’s fluke strike. Cheering for the quiet one who ends up winning the game. We’ve seen it help people open up, build trust, and walk back into work with a stronger sense of team.
That’s the stuff that really sticks.
Let’s Plan Something People Actually Enjoy
So if you’re staring down the task of organising a corporate event or a works do that really needs to work, consider adding something unexpected. Something whacky that will cut down the opportunity for small talk, lukewarm or fake enthusiasm. Then ring us!
At Serious About Events, we bring everything together: the venue, the food, the schedule, the atmosphere—and yes, the skittles too.
Ready to try something different? Find out more about our Corporate events. Let’s make it happen.
