Case Story

Rewind, Reconnect, Relive: Designing an Unforgettable Night of Nostalgia and Connection

For Choice Bank’s 23rd Anniversary Party, we had one mission: take attendees on a nostalgia-fueled trip back to the vibrant era of the 1980s. The theme–’80s Rewind–wasn’t just about neon colors and leg warmers. It was about creating an immersive experience that sparked meaningful connections. This annual event is a cornerstone of Choice Bank’s culture. Nearly 800 employees and their guests came together for a night of celebration, connection, and recognition.

Tellwell was brought in to design and execute an unforgettable experience that reinforced Choice Bank’s core values. We tackled everything from branding and graphic design to event management, photography, and writing. Every detail captured the essence of the ’80s while fostering engagement and excitement. Our goal? To create a space where employees could truly connect, celebrate their achievements, and immerse themselves in a night of nostalgia and fun.

The Challenge

Choice Bank wanted more than just an anniversary celebration. They needed an event that could energize their team, engage their community, and stand out in an industry where most corporate events feel predictable—or worse, forgettable. The challenge? Craft an authentic ’80s experience that felt fresh, not like a tired costume party. Every touchpoint needed to be cohesive—branding, signage, activities, even down to the tablecloths. Most importantly, it had to foster genuine connections among attendees.

This event also played a vital role in strengthening relationships among employees. Many primarily interact virtually throughout the year. The evening had to balance large-scale engagement with intimate moments of recognition, particularly through the presentation of the Rise Up and Footprints Awards—two signature honors celebrating Choice Bank’s people-first culture.

Our Approach and Solution

We kicked things off by diving deep into the culture and vibes of the ’80s. Inspiration came from iconic media like Cheers, The Price is Right, Family Feud, and, of course, Back to the Future. Our branding strategy leaned into bold primary colors, pop graphics, and an extreme shadow font typeface that screamed retro cool.

Event design was the heart of this bash. We transformed the space with roller skates, Rubik’s cubes, boomboxes, and Walkmans, all strategically placed to spark memories and conversations. The signage and props weren’t just decorations—they were storytelling elements. Each piece was designed to transport attendees into different ’80s moments. We also created activities that felt like live-action callbacks to beloved ’80s game shows, ensuring engagement wasn’t just passive but interactive and fun.

Our graphic design team ensured that every visual element, from event programs to social media teasers, was bursting with ’80s flair. Event branding carried through digital assets, physical signage, and stage design, reinforcing the theme at every turn.

A key part of the experience was the custom script we developed for the show. Classic ’80s slang, references, and humor kept the energy high and the nostalgia flowing. Themed props enhanced the stage presence and interactive elements of the show, making the awards and presentations feel like an extension of the immersive ’80s world we built.

Key Results and Success Metrics

The event was a hit. Attendance reached record numbers, and buzz spread across Choice Bank’s community. Engagement levels soared. Activities were packed, and attendees fully embraced the ’80s atmosphere. Employees dressed up, participated, and connected over shared nostalgia.

Feedback highlighted how the event fostered authentic connections—not just surface-level networking, but real conversations sparked by the experience. Choice Bank saw a significant boost in employee morale, with team members expressing renewed appreciation for their colleagues and company culture. The Rise Up and Footprints Awards remained a highlight, reinforcing Choice Bank’s commitment to recognizing and celebrating its people.

Conclusion

By blending bold event design, standout graphic branding, and meticulous event management, we turned Choice Bank’s 23rd Anniversary Party into more than just an event. It became a time machine that brought people together. It proved that great storytelling isn’t just for movies—it’s how you create moments people remember long after the music stops.

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