10 Ideas for a 20 October Celebration at Work Based on Company Size and Budget

Vietnamese Women’s Day on October 20 is an opportunity for businesses to recognize the contributions of female employees while creating meaningful moments for team connection. A memorable celebration does not necessarily require a full-day program or a large budget. The key is choosing an activity format that matches the company culture, number of participants and available time.

In 2026, October 20 falls on a Tuesday, making programs held during lunch breaks, after working hours or in the evening more convenient for many businesses. Below, Novotel Saigon Centre suggests 10 celebration ideas that can be adapted to different group sizes and budgets.

What should businesses consider before choosing a 20 October activity?

Before deciding between a workshop, buffet dinner or stage programme, businesses should clearly define the number of participants, duration, budget and main objective of the activity.

If the goal is appreciation, a meal combined with thank-you messages and gifts may already be enough. If the purpose is to strengthen internal connections, businesses can include workshops, games or team activities. For larger events, factors such as venue, catering, sound system, stage setup and event coordination should be considered from the beginning.

10 Ideas for Organising a 20 October Company Celebration

1. Organise a Company Lunch Buffet

• Suitable for: Companies looking for a simple programme with minimal impact on working hours
• Duration: Around 1–2 hours
• Venue: Restaurants or hotels

A lunch buffet is one of the easiest formats to organise when 20 October falls on a working day. Employees can enjoy a meal together during lunchtime without needing to dedicate an entire afternoon to a separate event.

Businesses can combine the meal with a short speech from management, flower presentations or gifts for female employees. For companies with larger teams, it is recommended to choose a restaurant that can provide a private area and serve many guests efficiently to reduce waiting time.

This format works well for both small teams and companies with dozens or hundreds of employees, while requiring fewer arrangements compared with a stage-based event.

2. Tea Break and Short Appreciation Session at the Office

• Suitable for: Small companies or businesses with a moderate budget
• Duration: 45–90 minutes
• Venue: Office

A simple setup with pastries, fruit, tea and coffee can create a warm 20 October atmosphere without requiring complicated planning. The activity can take place before lunch or during the afternoon break to minimise disruption to work schedules.

Besides the tea break, businesses can prepare a short video, messages from colleagues, flowers or small gifts for female employees. If space allows, a simple photo corner can also help employees capture memorable moments from the day.

The advantage of this format is that it is easy to prepare, requires no travel and is suitable for offices with a moderate number of employees.

3. Flower Arrangement, Candle Making or Perfume Workshop

• Suitable for: Groups of around 15–50 people
• Duration: 1.5–2 hours
• Venue: Office, studio or event space

A workshop allows employees to actively participate rather than simply watch a programme. Flower arrangement, scented candle making, perfume creation or other craft activities can usually be completed within around two hours.

Participants can bring their handmade products home after the activity. Since these workshops are not highly competitive, they are suitable for employees of different ages and departments.

To ensure smooth execution, businesses should confirm the required table space, equipment, instruction time and the maximum number of participants the organiser can support at one time.

4. Mini Games or Department-Based Game Shows

• Suitable for: Companies looking to increase interaction
• Duration: 60–90 minutes
• Venue: Office or event space

If the main goal is to create a fun atmosphere, businesses can organise short activities such as picture guessing games, music quizzes, colleague-related questions, team challenges or lucky draws.

It is recommended to choose games that are easy to understand and do not require too much physical movement, especially when held at the office. For larger companies, teams can be divided by department to make coordination easier.

5. Photo Booth and Themed Dress Day

• Suitable for: All company sizes
• Duration: Flexible throughout the day
• Venue: Office

If a company cannot dedicate a separate event session for 20 October, a day-long activity with themed outfits and a photo booth can be a practical alternative.

The theme does not need to be complicated. For example, companies can choose a shared colour, an elegant style or simple accessories. The photo area can include message boards, flowers and company branding.

This format is especially suitable for businesses that want to create internal communication content without affecting work schedules. At the end of the day, photos can be collected into an internal album or newsletter.

6. Gift Giving Combined with Personal Messages

• Suitable for: All company sizes
• Duration: Flexible
• Venue: Can be combined with any programme

Gifts remain a common part of 20 October celebrations, but the way gifts are presented can be just as meaningful as the gift itself.

Instead of simply distributing gifts according to a list, businesses can include thank-you cards or personal messages from managers and colleagues. Depending on the budget, gifts can include flowers, dining vouchers, spa vouchers, personal care products or practical items.

If the company already organises a dinner or workshop, the gift does not need to be expensive. A small present given at the right moment with a thoughtful message can still make the celebration more meaningful.

7. Wellness and Relaxation Activities

• Suitable for: Companies focusing on employee experience and wellbeing
• Duration: 1–3 hours
• Venue: Office, spa or wellness venue

20 October can also be organised around wellbeing rather than focusing only on food or entertainment.

Businesses can arrange a light yoga session, stretching activity, nutrition workshop, mental wellness session or provide spa vouchers that employees can use at a convenient time.

8. Appreciation Dinner for Female Employees

• Suitable for: Medium and large companies
• Duration: Around 2–3 hours
• Venue: Restaurants, ballrooms or event spaces

For businesses that want to organise 20 October as a formal internal event, a dinner is a format that allows multiple activities to be combined.

A programme may include guest reception, speeches, dinner, interactive activities, gift presentations and lucky draws. If recognising employees, companies should focus on contributions, work spirit or corporate values rather than awards based on appearance.

A dinner event is also suitable for companies with larger teams because it does not directly affect working hours and can be organised in a dedicated space.

9. Cocktail Gathering or Casual After-Work Party

• Suitable for: Groups of around 10–40 people, management teams or small companies
• Duration: 1.5–2 hours
• Venue: Rooftop bars or lounges

Not every company needs an MC, stage setup or a programme lasting several hours. For smaller groups, an after-work cocktail gathering can create a more relaxed atmosphere.

This format works well for conversations, team bonding and informal connections between departments. Businesses can reserve a private area, prepare drinks, light refreshments and small gifts.

Rooftop bars can also add an extra experience through city views at night, making them suitable for companies looking for a less formal way to celebrate 20 October.

10. Charity Activities or Community-Focused Programmes

• Suitable for: Companies wanting to combine 20 October with corporate social responsibility activities
• Duration: Half a day or based on the project
• Venue: Depends on the programme

20 October can also be an opportunity for businesses to organise activities with broader social impact, such as fundraising, supporting disadvantaged women or partnering with social organisations.

Some companies may combine the programme with mentoring activities, skill-sharing sessions or donations of essential products.

When Should Companies Organise 20 October Events at Hotels or External Venues?

Tea breaks, photo booths or small workshops can usually be organised directly at the office. However, renting an external venue becomes more practical when the number of participants exceeds office capacity, when catering is required for a larger group, or when the programme includes a stage, sound system and multiple activities.

Hotels are also suitable for events that require a combination of event spaces, dining and networking areas within the same location. This can help HR and Admin teams reduce the complexity of coordinating multiple suppliers and minimise office setup requirements.

Before booking a venue, companies should confirm the expected number of guests, seating arrangement, menu, required equipment, setup time and any additional costs.

Suggestions for Organising 20 October Events at Novotel Saigon Centre

At Novotel Saigon Centre, businesses can choose different event formats depending on the scale and level of formality of the programme.

For group lunches or activities focused on dining, Food Exchange Restaurant on Level 2 is the hotel’s main dining venue. Companies should check the available buffet programmes and group dining conditions at the time of organising the event.

For a more casual after-work gathering with fewer formal elements, OnTop Bar on Level 20 offers city views and is suitable for combining drinks, light refreshments and conversations among smaller groups.

For larger programmes, Novotel Saigon Centre offers 7 meeting and event spaces with a total area of approximately 599 m². Champagne Ballroom covers 300 m² and can accommodate up to 350 guests in theatre style or 260 guests in banquet setup. Bordeaux, Burgundy and Eureka are more suitable for smaller groups or activities requiring a private space.

With restaurants, bars, guest rooms and event facilities available within the same property, the hotel can support different types of 20 October celebrations, from short lunch gatherings to evening dinners or medium-sized internal company events.

Frequently Asked Questions About Organising 20 October Events for Companies

How should a small company organise a 20 October celebration?

For smaller teams, companies can consider a tea break, workshop, lunch buffet or after-work cocktail gathering. These formats require fewer stage setups and less event coordination while still creating opportunities for employees to connect and spend time together.

What type of activity is suitable for a company with many employees?

Buffets, evening dinners or programmes combining dining with mini games are usually easier to organise for larger groups. The key is selecting a venue with sufficient capacity and a layout that matches the actual programme requirements.

How long should a 20 October company event last?

For activities held during working hours, around 60–120 minutes is usually convenient. Dinner events or programmes with multiple activities may take around 2–3 hours.

Should companies organise the event at the office or choose an external venue?

Offices are suitable for simple activities, smaller groups and limited budgets. When there are more participants, catering requirements, sound systems or customised setups, an external venue often makes event operations more convenient.

Is it necessary to give gifts if the company already organises a 20 October event?

It is not mandatory. Gifts are only one of many ways to show appreciation. If the company already has a dinner or group activity, a small gift or personal message can still add a meaningful touch to the programme.