How to make your launch event memorable

This article details the impact of hosting a noteworthy launch for the ultimate success of your employee recognition and reward program. You will also find suggestions for exciting activities suitable to various budget ranges.

1) The importance of hosting a company-wide event to launch your Bucketlist platform

Launching an employee reward and recognition platform is a significant event for an organization, and making it memorable is important for several reasons:

  1. Employee Engagement:

    • A company-wide event on the launch day creates excitement and anticipation among employees, leading to higher engagement levels. Employees who feel excited about the new platform are more likely to participate and use it actively.
  2. Cultural Impact:

    • Creating a lasting impression with a launch event helps in embedding the values of recognition and appreciation into the company culture. It sets the tone for how the organization views and values its employees, contributing to a positive and supportive work environment.
  3. Visibility and Awareness:

    • A noteworthy launch generates buzz and increases awareness about the new platform. This can result in more employees becoming aware of the tool, understanding its features, and actively participating in recognition activities.
  4. Behavioral Change:

    • Making the launch memorable can contribute to the successful adoption of the platform. When the launch is memorable, employees are more likely to remember to use the platform consistently, reinforcing positive behavior in terms of recognizing and appreciating their colleagues.
  5. Demonstrates Company Commitment:

    • Celebrating the launch of your Bucketlist platform signals to employees that the organization is committed to recognizing and rewarding their contributions. It demonstrates that the company values its employees and is willing to invest in tools and programs that enhance the employee experience.
  6. Fosters a Positive Employee Experience:

    • Associating the launch with teambuilding activities contributes to creating a positive and enjoyable employee experience. This positive experience extends beyond the launch, influencing how employees perceive the workplace and their overall satisfaction.
  7. Word-of-Mouth Promotion:

    • Employees who have a positive and enjoyable experience during the launch are more likely to share their enthusiasm with colleagues. This word-of-mouth promotion can lead to increased participation and engagement over time.
  8. Supports Change Management:

    • If the launch involves a change in the way recognition and rewards are handled, making it memorable can aid in the change management process. Employees are more likely to embrace and adapt to changes when they are introduced in a noteworthy and positive manner.

In summary, a memorable launch for an employee reward and recognition platform is crucial for building enthusiasm, driving adoption, and embedding a culture of appreciation within the organization. It sets the stage for long-term success by creating a positive and engaging employee experience.

2) Ideas of activities for a memorable launch event


  1. Free and low-budget activities:

    • Interactive demo sessions (in-person/virtual) - Allow employees to explore and understand the new platform's features, demonstrating various use cases and benefits.
    • Communication on the premises - Display posters and/or distribute flyers. Include the QR code on the flyers to encourage the employees to download the app. 
    • CEO/C-Suite Involvement (in-person/virtual) - Have the CEO or senior leadership use the Bucketlist platform live or participate in promoting its advantages to employees.
    • Human Bingo.
    • Employee Hackathon (in-person/virtual) - Have the employees find innovative uses of the Bucketlist platform on an individual, team, and company level. 
    • Open an award to nominations (in-person/virtual) - Have the employees submit nominations for outstanding colleagues.
    • Team building activity (in-person/virtual) - Scavenger hunt related to using the platform, Trivia related to company culture and history, program design contest (naming contest, award ideas, local experience ideas)
    • Recognition Wall (in-person/virtual) - Create a physical or digital wall to display photos or profiles of recognized employees.
    • Office Happy Hours (in-person/virtual)
    • Sponsor a Charity Event - Dedicate a charity event or volunteer activity related to the platform launch, fostering a positive community impact.
    • Feedback and Improvement Sessions (in-person/virtual) - Open a platform for employees to provide ongoing feedback, fostering a culture of continuous improvement for the R&R platform.
  2. Medium-budget activities:
    • Launch Video (in-person/virtual) - Create a promotional video highlighting the platform's benefits and features, and how it will enhance the company culture.
    • Buckets of candy/company swag/custom cake and treats.
    • Branded/themed Swag or Merchandise - Design and distribute themed merchandise or swag related to the platform launch (e.g., T-shirts, mugs, or stickers).
    • Prize draw for users who send out a recognition on launch day (in-person/virtual) - Reward the early adopters with redeemable points or a gift card.
    • Lunch & Learn - Order food (in-person) or send an Uber Eat gift card (virtual) for the end-user training session. 
    • Decoration on the premises - Decorate the office space with themed banners, balloons, and displays to mark the Recognition&Rewards program's launch. 
    • Team Outings - Plan team outings or group activities to celebrate the launch, such as a group lunch or dinner, and escape games. 
  3. High-budget activities: 
    • All-staff milestone and award event - Book a venue to celebrate and distribute Milestone awards and major achievement and performance awards. 
    • Town hall meeting at a venue - Present the major business updates and organize team-building activities. 
    • Food truck on the parking lot or catered launch event. 
    • Animations related to the theme of the event - Hire a stand-up comedian, wellness professional, or TED speaker.
    • Gift cards related to the calendar celebration - Use the platform to send gift cards for Thanksgiving, Christmas, etc. 
    • Professional Photography Session - Arrange a professional photographer to capture moments from the R&R platform launch event.