Professionally interesting – but a personal highlight: a good supporting programme turns a good event into a fantastic experience. Supporting programmes create space for genuine interaction, reinvigorate participants and leave a lasting impression. Whether it’s a conference, workshop or company party – we design supporting programmes that bring people together and inspire.
A supporting programme – often referred to as a side programme – encompasses all activities that complement an event in a meaningful way. It runs alongside the actual main programme, breaks up the day, encourages informal interaction and creates genuine experiences.
Whether it’s short interludes throughout the day or an atmospheric evening programme: a good supporting programme brings energy, connection and often exactly the moment that people will fondly remember later.
An event isn’t remembered solely for its content – but for the experiences in between. A good supporting programme gives your event that certain something and adds an emotional touch.
A break to take in between
Light activities provide a fresh burst of energy after periods of intense work and boost concentration.
Fostering team spirit & interaction
New connections are formed in a relaxed atmosphere – across departmental and hierarchical boundaries.
Motivation & Recognition
People who feel welcome remain committed. Support programmes demonstrate that you are investing in your staff and guests.
Creating unforgettable memories
Emotional highlights, such as a shared outdoor experience or a creative workshop, stick in the memory – and become associated with your brand.
Enhancing your company’s image
Professional events with a well-planned supporting programme also send a positive message to the outside world – as a sign of a modern corporate culture and a focus on employees.
Long presentations, numerous slides, high expectations – particularly at conferences or congresses lasting several days, a well-planned supporting programme is worth its weight in gold. It gives participants the chance to take a breather, recharge their batteries and engage in informal discussions – this is often where the best conversations take place.
Workshops and seminars thrive on participation, critical thinking and discussion – which is precisely why it’s important to clear your head every now and then. Whether it’s an active break or a group get-together in the evening: a well-chosen supporting programme makes all the difference and reinforces what has been learnt through experience.
Ideas for supporting programmes for workshops:
💡 Creative break with a building or thinking challenge
15–30 minutes of excitement: teams tackle small tasks – e.g. building a tower using everyday materials or a cooperative game that playfully explores the workshop theme. Ideal for breaks.
🍴 Joint cooking event in the evening
From a tapas workshop to a pizza battle: cooking brings people together! Especially after an intensive day of seminars, enjoying a meal together is a real icebreaker and provides ‘fuel’ for good conversations – particularly in new teams.
🔍 Mini escape game or board game – portable & indoor
A short, exciting puzzle game played right in the seminar room – no set-up required. In 30–60 minutes, participants experience teamwork at its best, without disrupting the rest of the day’s schedule. Various providers offer small escape games to download. The information must be printed in advance and distributed on site. Alternatively, a board game can be unpacked. Why not play a round of “The Settlers of Catan” with your colleagues?
Whether it’s a summer party, a Christmas party or a company anniversary: a well-organised programme of activities turns every company party into a real highlight. It creates unforgettable moments, brings teams closer together – and at the same time shows appreciation for staff and guests.
Popular ideas for atmospheric company parties:
🎄 Winter market in your own courtyard
Fairy lights, mulled wine, fire pits & festive music – create a Christmassy atmosphere on your own company premises! Ideal as a supporting programme for Christmas parties on a small or large scale.
🎉 Team Olympics with a fun twist
Our classic choice for summer parties or ideas for company outings: Colleagues compete against each other in small teams on entertaining challenges – from the pipeline challenge to an air rocket shooting contest. Fun guaranteed!
📸 Photo booth & entertainment for your company anniversary
DJ, stand-up comedian or live band: with the right entertainment, the evening becomes an unforgettable experience. A photo booth with personalised props captures the best memories straight away – the perfect addition to any celebratory occasion.
A good supporting programme doesn’t just happen by chance. To ensure it has an impact – and isn’t just a nice gesture – it’s worth putting in some careful planning. Here are our top recommendations based on over 20 years of experience:
Are you looking for a support programme that brings people together, gets them moving and leaves a lasting impression on your participants? Then let’s work together to make your event unforgettable – with ideas tailored to your objectives, your team and your budget.
“Thank you so much for the brilliant event last Saturday. Everyone involved had a right good time building the wind turbines – a really cool activity.
One participant’s comment really stuck with me. It went something like this: ‘I didn’t know what to expect. Looking back, it turned out to be so much better than I’d imagined”. I think that’s how it was for many of the participants.It was a brilliant event all round, keep up the good work!!!!”
Jürgen Blattmann, Volksbank
