1. Live printing on tote bags or T-shirts
Attendees choose a design and watch it printed onto a tote bag or T-shirt while they wait. It works well at launches and conferences, because the event artwork leaves with each guest on something they can use.
Fun Print offers live printing on items including tote bags and T-shirts. Confirm how many designs guests can choose from, the sizes available and how long each item takes, so the queue fits your break.
2. A caricature or portrait artist
An artist draws each guest while others gather to watch. The drawing is a personal keepsake, and the watching gives strangers at a networking reception an easy reason to start talking.
Each portrait needs individual time, so this suits a reception of an hour or more rather than a ten-minute coffee break. Carnival World lists caricature artists; ask to see the artist's style before booking.
3. Name or Chinese calligraphy
A calligrapher writes each guest's name on a card, bookmark or fan while they wait. It fits short conference breaks well, because guests can join, collect the item and return to their session quickly.
Chinese calligraphy suits Lunar New Year events and heritage themes. JNR Entertainment lists both name and Chinese calligraphy among its fringe activities.
4. Photos with colleagues and prints to take home
Colleagues can take a photo together and collect a print to take home. A conventional booth gives them a place to pose at one camera; phone photos let them take pictures together around the room.
With Monotone for corporate events, colleagues scan your event QR code to take a photo in their phone browser, then collect a custom black-and-white photo receipt. They can add a note or drawing if they like.
An on-site operator runs printing and helps colleagues collect their receipts. The examples on Customisation show how your artwork can appear on the print. You can also choose a digital guestbook to keep the photos and messages together.
An event photographer is a better fit for stage and room coverage. Choose a conventional booth if you want posed portraits with controlled lighting and colour prints.
5. Arcade machines and carnival games
A racing game, basketball machine or carnival stall gives colleagues something to play in pairs or small groups. A visible score adds friendly competition, which suits staff celebrations and family days more than a quiet conference foyer.
Carnival World lists arcade machines and carnival games. Check each machine's sound, floor area and supervision, and whether children and adults can both use the controls.
6. Glitter tattoos, henna or face painting
An artist decorates a hand, arm or cheek while guests wait. Face painting is a familiar family-day activity for children, and glitter tattoos and henna can appeal to adults at a relaxed staff party too.
JNR Entertainment lists glitter tattoo and henna artists. Ask what products are used and how long each design lasts, and let parents know before their children join.
7. Quick craft stations
Attendees make a keychain, coaster or bar of soap to take home. A simple object that can be finished in one sitting suits a family day or a long reception, where people can sit down and work at their own pace.
Event Arts lists DIY keychains, coasters and soap making. Ask how long a typical piece takes, whether late joiners can still finish, and who clears tables and replenishes materials.
8. An art jamming or printmaking session
Colleagues paint a canvas or carve and print a simple design together. It gives a staff celebration or team day a shared activity with a finished piece at the end.
Artefakts runs art jamming, linocut printing and paper marbling for corporate groups. A guided session has a common start, so give it its own programme slot rather than placing it in a short break.
9. A tea, coffee or live food station
Guests watch something being prepared, choose a flavour or try a small tasting. At a conference, it turns the coffee break into something to talk about without asking anyone to stay long.
Above The Line lists tea appreciation among its fringe activities, and Carnival World's live-food range includes snacks and drinks. Check preparation needs, dietary requirements and cleaning with your caterer and venue.
10. A roving magician
A close-up magician moves between small groups at a reception. Nobody has to queue or leave a conversation, and a good trick gives people who have just met something to react to together.
This suits networking events, where a fixed station could pull guests away from the introductions you want them to make. Above The Line lists roving magicians among its fringe activities.
Match the idea to your kind of event
- Conference or seminar: calligraphy, live printing or a tea station fit short breaks without making anyone late for the next session.
- Launch or open house: live printing or photo receipts carry the campaign artwork home with each guest.
- Staff celebration: arcade games, photos with colleagues or an art session give people something to do together.
- Family day: face painting, glitter tattoos, quick crafts and carnival games cover different ages.
- Networking reception: a roving magician or caricature artist helps conversation without pulling guests away.
For a seated company dinner, use the Dinner and Dance guide for activities that fit around dinner, speeches and awards.
For an office CNY gathering, our Chinese New Year activity ideas explain how to combine lo hei with a draw, photos or a calligraphy session, depending on the time available.
Before you book
Once you have a shortlist, send each supplier the same short brief so the quotes are comparable:
- Your date, venue, attendance and the windows when guests are free.
- Where the activity sits on the floor plan, including any waiting and collection area.
- What guests take home, and any artwork, logo or campaign design to include.
- Everything the quote should cover: staff, setup, teardown, transport, materials and overtime.
Have one person approve the design, and ask your data owner to review any photos or details collected. The vendor checklist helps you compare a photo supplier's answers before paying.
More about corporate fringe activities
Is a workshop a fringe activity?
It can be if guests can join and finish independently. A taught session with a common start and a fixed duration needs its own programme slot. Ask how late arrivals and early departures work before placing a workshop in a short break.
How many fringe activities should we book?
Start with one for each distinct need you can explain and support. A reception may need only one; a family day may need different options for different ages. Check space and staffing before adding variety that makes the event harder to navigate.
Should a station stay open during presentations?
Only if the event plan allows people to use it then. Ask about noise, movement and supplier waiting charges. It may be better to agree specific windows and pauses than to pay for hours when attendees are expected elsewhere.
What if more guests join than expected?
Agree the response before the event. Options may include a queue cut-off, fewer choices or later collection, depending on the supplier. Extra staff or equipment needs to be priced and available; do not assume it can be added on the day.
What if two suppliers quote very different prices?
Check whether they include the same hours, staff, quantities, design, transport and delivery. Ask each to identify exclusions and capacity assumptions. If the underlying experiences differ, compare whether each serves your objective before comparing the totals.
Planning an event?
Get in touch for availability and pricing.
Contact usSee Monotone for corporate events