Your 2026 event planning kickoff: How to maximise the first half of the year

Let’s set the scene. The end-of-the-year rush is over, and you’re starting a new year. It’s this downtime that’s the ideal moment to map out the first half of the year with a 2026 event planning kickoff.

What are the key events that are considered milestones and essentials on the calendar? Being proactive with your planning can help with budgets, venue hunting, and engagement with these events, as well as a focus on company culture and morale.

Why does early planning matter?

Last-minute scrambling for venues and suppliers can be a stressful time. A lot of employees will look forward to the announcement of where these key events are being held, as it’s the highlight of the company social calendar. 

Booking ahead and being organised can mean that you’re securing better pricing at the venue you want. Last-minute bookings will more often than not have a higher price tag on them.

Your month-by-month snapshot: January to June 2026

January: Make this year your best!

Kick-start the year with a strategy session and some team connection events. Although the team might be the same, it’s time to harness some new energy and find alignment. This ensures that everyone is working towards the same goals.

February: Client care and appreciation

Dedicating time to build rapport and connection with clients is essential. From small events, including networking lunches or a quick coffee, these will help establish what their goals are for the year and how you can work together.

March: International Women’s Day and conference season

International Women’s Day is one of the most important dates on corporate calendars these days. Taking the time to stop and acknowledge it with team lunches, congratulations, and all-important recognition of the female workforce in your office is essential. 

March is also a time to kickstart any conferences. With people firmly back at their desks, conferences make the most sense to start in March.

April: The month of long weekends!

It’s Easter long weekend in April, as well as ANZAC Day and school holidays. So, there is limited availability in corporate calendars. However, for those staying put, there’s always opportunities for family-friendly events.

May: Mid-year check-ins and training sessions

It’s getting to crunch time, with the end of financial year right around the corner. Some staff might be experiencing burnout, and some might be reflecting on the year that’s already been. Some culture-building activities, team member check-ins and external training sessions would be well-suited to your May calendar to get people reinvigorated.

June: EOFY celebrations 

With a lot of businesses wrapping up their fiscal year, June can be a mix of chaos and celebration. Treat it as such! Celebrate wins, collect any learnings for the second half, and allow people some downtime.

2026 event trends 

Hybrid events will stay strong, but put a big priority on being curated, individualised, and experience-driven. AI-powered planning tools will simplify logistics and communication, streamlining RSVPs and creating two-way passages between presenters and attendees. 

Sustainability will, of course, remain top of mind. From catering choices to sustainable and reusable decor. Companies will continue to push wellness and relaxation as well, as companies are looking to invest even more in event that help teams recharge, not just network.

Our tips for a seamless start to 2026

• Build your vendor list now and confirm key contacts.

• Create templates for event briefs, budgets, and post-event feedback.

• Set reminders for major booking deadlines and public holidays.

• Use event management platforms to track inquiries, budgets, and RSVPs in one place.

Start strong, stay ahead

Your calendar will fill up faster than you think, so make time now to plan for the first half of 2026. If you’re ready to get organised, download our 2026 Event Planning Template and start mapping out your key dates today.