(Over 100 Ideas & Real-World Examples!)
HOW DO I CHOOSE A THEME FOR MY SALES KICKOFF?
It’s an important question to consider.
You can make your sales kickoff memorable and effective with a strong theme. It can help your team members stay focused on the key points and create a sense of shared mission, allowing them to work together towards successful outcomes.
A well-chosen theme can be the unifying factor that ties all aspects of the event together and allows for greater collaboration and knowledge retention.
Effective themes can:
- Bring focus and clarity to objectives
- Raise the level of excitement for the event
- Shape the messaging and meeting experience
Below are some tips to keep in mind when selecting your theme:
ADVANCE YOUR ORGANIZATION’S MISSION
First things first. Your theme should align with the company’s overall goals and objectives.
The theme should reflect the company’s mission, values, and vision, and convey a sense of purpose and direction to the sales team. It should inspire and motivate them to work together to achieve shared goals and drive growth.
CONSIDER THEIR CHALLENGES
The theme should be relevant to the current market conditions and the challenges the sales team is facing. For example, if your industry is now disrupted by new technologies or changing consumer preferences, the theme could focus on innovation, agility, and adaptability. (See 2025 themes below) Likewise, if the sales team is up against tough competition, the theme could emphasize resilience, grit, and perseverance.
MORE THAN SOMETHING “CLEVER”
When choosing a theme, consider its growth potential. A great theme will have the flexibility to accommodate future expansion. So don’t just focus on aesthetics when selecting a theme.
CONSIDER THEIR PERSPECTIVE
Consider the theme from an attendee’s point of view. Is it clear, inviting, and inspiring? Will it instill confidence, encourage participation, and foster unity? Can attendees understand the meeting’s objectives by the end of the program?
Keep your attendees in mind to create a theme that aligns with your meeting goals.
BUT DON’T BE TOO CONSERVATIVE!
Don’t be so scared of rocking the boat that you go with a yawn-inducing theme.
If you’re not sure where to start, collaboration with others in your organization could very well lead to great ideas. If you decide to go this route first, be sure to encourage participants in the exercise to think big first, without getting too caught up in logistics yet.
You can always narrow down options after brainstorming. Others in your organization could also help determine culture fit as well.
Ultimately, the theme of an event should be creative, memorable, and engaging. It should be catchy, easy to remember, and visually appealing. A fun and interactive theme will motivate the sales team to participate in the annual sales meeting.
We’re confident you’ll come up with something great!
Once you do, be sure to then check out our Offsite (SKO) Agenda Guide!
Now, let’s dive into those examples.
Need inspiration or help choosing the perfect meeting theme? We have over 100 inspiring examples below that will get your creative juices flowing.
Pick one as a starting point and make it your own—you never know what amazing ideas it might inspire!
We do not own or claim ownership to any of these themes, but we’re simply sharing these with you to support your creative spark.
With the right theme, you can turn your event into an unforgettable success!
But first, let’s talk about the new year.
WHAT IS THE THEME FOR 2025 SALES?
In the last 5 years, so much has changed that it can often feel difficult to keep up.
And it shows no sign of stopping now. In 2025, new methods, technologies, and strategies are emerging rapidly and are reshaping how we connect, engage and grow.
If any of the following sales trends are significant to your business and the challenges your team will face, it’s important to pause and reflect on these developments before you dive into the examples below.
Here are a few significant trends top-of-mind for many teams:
- AI and Machine Learning
- Value-based Selling
- Personalization / Data-driven Selling
- Social Selling / Social Commerce
- Remote / Virtual Selling
- Customer-Centric Selling
- New Sales Enablement Tools
- Customer Data Protection
- Emotional Intelligence
- Customer Experience
- Customer Relationships
Now that we’ve covered 2025 trends, let’s dive into more examples!
- “Rise to the Challenge”
- “Unleash Your Potential”
- “The Power of Teamwork”
- “Make it Happen”
- “Lead the Way”
- “The Future is Now”
- “Think Big, Achieve More”
- “Empower Your Success”
- “Unstoppable Force”
- “Go the Extra Mile”
- “Reach for the Stars”
- “Unlock Your Dreams”
- “Elevate Your Game”
- “Dream Team”
- “Unlock Your Potential”
- “Achieving Greatness”
- “Unleash Your Inner Champion”
- “Lead the Charge”
- “Think Boldly”
- “The Sky’s the Limit”
- “Reaching New Heights”
- “Master the Game”
- “Unlock Your Power”
- “Fueled by Passion”
- “Unlock Your Dreams”
- “Raising the Bar”
- “The Future is Yours”
- “Unlock Your Dreams”
- “Make Your Dreams Reality”
- “Shape Your Future”
- “Mission Accomplished”
- “The Sky’s the Limit”
- “Together We Soared”
- “Sailing to Success”
- “Conquering New Heights”
- “We Made It Happen”
- “Destination: Victory”
- “Achieving the Dream”
- “Crossing the Finish Line”
- “Reaching for the Stars”
- “Unstoppable Momentum”
- “Triumph at Last”
- “Victory Lap”
- “Winning Streak”
- “Breaking Records”
- “Champions of Change”
- “The Power of Persistence”
- “Sparking Success”
- “Rise and Shine”
- “Going the Distance”
- “Success is in Sight”
- “Stepping Up to the Challenge”
- “Making the Impossible Possible”
- “High-Flying Success”
- “Unleashing Potential”
- “Scaling New Heights”
- “Exceeding Expectations”
- “Breaking Barriers”
- “Taking the World by Storm”
- “Grow Stronger, Together”
- “Cultivating Success”
- “Seeds of Growth”
- “Planting the Seeds for the Future”
- “Growing to Greatness”
- “Charting a Path to Growth”
- “Scaling Up for Success”
- “The Power of Positive Growth”
- “Evolving for the Future”
- “The Growth Mindset”
- “Nurturing Our Potential”
- “Expanding Our Horizons”
- “Accelerating Growth”
- “Taking Root for the Future”
- “Scaling New Heights”
- “Growing Beyond Limits”
- “Unlocking Growth Potential”
- “Cultivating a Culture of Growth”
- “Growing and Thriving Together”
- “Growing for the Long Term”
- “Growing a Legacy”
- “Growing Our Impact”
- “From Good to Great: A Journey of Growth”
- “Building for the Future”
- “Embracing Change for Growth”
- “Cultivating a Community of Growth”
- “Pursuing Growth, Together”
- “Pushing Beyond Boundaries”
- “Unleashing Growth Potential”
- “Sowing Seeds of Success”
- “Strength in Unity”
- “Unbreakable Bonds”
- “Together We Thrive”
- “Building Bridges”
- “The Power of Collaboration”
- “United We Stand”
- “Teamwork Makes the Dream Work”
- “Connected for Success”
- “All Hands on Deck”
- “Rowing in the Same Direction”
- “One Team, One Dream”
- “In it Together”
- “Together We Can Achieve Anything”
- “We’re Better Together”
- “Success Through Synergy”
- “The Power of We”
- “Leading Together”
- “Collaboration Nation”
- “United in Our Purpose”
- “A Rising Tide Lifts All Boats”
- “Building a Strong Foundation”
- “Stronger Together”
- “Moving Forward as One”
- “Achieving More Together”
- “Team Building: The Foundation for Success”
- “Celebrating Teamwork”
- “The Art of Collaboration”
- “In Unity There is Strength”
- “One Team, One Mission”
Need more inspiration? We’ve compiled inspiring, real-world examples from popular brands, focusing first on themes from both 2020 and 2021, as those were particularly challenging years.
Many businesses were forced to undergo a massive transformation and pivot in sales and business development strategies.
So, it’s no surprise you’ll see themes focused on overcoming obstacles, framing the future, and differentiation.
- Together Forward” by Accenture (2021)
- “Accelerate the Future” by Intel (2021)
- “Transformational Thinking” by IBM (2021)
- “Powering the Possible” by Cisco (2021)
- “Innovate to Elevate” by Verizon (2021)
- “Experience Matters” by American Express (2021)
- “Innovate for Growth” by Siemens (2021)
- “Think Bigger, Move Faster” by Salesforce (2021)
- “Reinvent, Reshape, Reimagine” by GE (2021)
- “Shaping the Future” by Nestle (2021)
- “Winning Together” by Procter & Gamble (2020)
- “Unstoppable” by Salesforce (2020)
- “Challenge Accepted” by Deloitte (2020)
- “Journey Forward” by General Motors (2020)
- “Adapt and Overcome” by AT&T (2020)
- “One Mission” by Amazon (2020)
- “Adapt and Evolve” by IBM (2020)
- “Ignite the Possible” by Microsoft (2020)
- “Adapt, Innovate, Win” by Deloitte (2020)
- “Charting the Course” by Royal Caribbean (2020)
- “Go Further” by Ford (2015)
- “Think Forward” by Coca-Cola (2016)
- “All In” by MGM Resorts (2017)
- “Imagine That” by Microsoft (2018)
- “Leap Forward” by Procter & Gamble (2019)
- “Accelerate” by Intel (2015)
- “Passion for Success” by Nestle (2016)
- “Unleash the Power of the Purse” by American Express (2017)
- “The Year of Innovation” by IBM (2018)
- “Together, We Rise” by Nike (2019)
- “Beyond Boundaries” by Tata Motors (2015)
- “Salesforce for Everyone” by Salesforce (2016)
- “Embracing Change” by Google (2017)
- “Ready, Set, Grow” by L’Oreal (2018)
- “The Power of One” by PepsiCo (2019)
- “Building Our Future Together” by Caterpillar (2015)
- “Connect, Collaborate, Innovate” by HP (2016)
- “Dream. Believe. Achieve.” by Avon (2017)
- “Innovate for Growth” by JPMorgan Chase (2018)
- “Elevate” by American Airlines (2019)
- “One Team. One Dream.” by Samsung (2015)
- “Bigger, Bolder, Better” by McDonald’s (2016)
- “The Power of One Team” by Cisco (2017)
- “Reimagine the Possible” by Accenture (2018)
- “Powered by Purpose” by Johnson & Johnson (2019)
- “Building Bridges” by Bridgestone (2015)
- “Grow, Innovate, Lead” by GE (2016)
- “Moving Forward” by Toyota (2017)
- “Create the Future” by Adobe (2018)
- “The Power of Possible” by Cisco (2019)
- “Empowering Our People, Energizing Our Customers” by Verizon (2015)
- “Transform Together” by Accenture (2016)
- “Think Big, Act Bold” by Intel (2017)
- “Pushing the Limits” by Under Armour (2018)
- “We Are One” by Coca-Cola (2019)
- “Get Connected” by AT&T (2015)
- “Be Bold, Be Brave, Be Brilliant” by HP (2016)
- “Lead the Charge” by Tesla (2017)
- “Empower Change” by Procter & Gamble (2018)
- “Rise Together” by Airbnb (2019)
- “Innovate to Inspire” by General Electric (2015)
- “Make the Connection” by Cisco (2016)
- “Accelerate Your Business” by Dell (2017)
- “Transform to Win” by Johnson & Johnson (2018)
- “The Power of We” by American Express (2019)
- “Game On” by Nike (2015)
- “Embrace Change” by Amazon (2016)
- “Rise Above” by Boeing (2017)
- “One Team, One Voice” by PepsiCo (2018)
- “Unleash Your Potential” by Salesforce (2019)
While some of these examples below may not work directly for your organization, we find modern, pop culture references can often inspire your team to think a bit outside of the box.
POPULAR SONGS
- “Eye of the Tiger” – Survivor (1982)
- “Lose Yourself” – Eminem (2002)
- “Brave” – Sara Bareilles (2013)
- “Stronger” – Kanye West (2007)
- “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” – Diana Ross (1970)
- “I Will Survive” – Gloria Gaynor (1978)
- “The Climb” – Miley Cyrus (2009)
- “Survivor” – Destiny’s Child (2001)
- “The Power of Love” – Huey Lewis and the News (1985)
- “We Are the Champions” – Queen (1977)
- “The Greatest” – Sia ft. Kendrick Lamar (2017)
- “Reach for the Sky” – Social Distortion (2004)
- “Stronger Than You Think” – Christina Aguilera (2002)
- “We Are Young” – Fun. ft. Janelle Monáe (2011)
- “I Believe I Can Fly” – R. Kelly (1996)
- “Can’t Hold Us” – Macklemore & Ryan Lewis ft. Ray Dalton (2011)
- “The Impossible Dream” – Andy Williams (1965)
- “Don’t Stop Me Now” – Queen (1978)
- “Ain’t No Stopping Us Now” – McFadden & Whitehead (1979)
- “The World is Yours” – Nas (1994)
- “The Heart of the Matter” – Don Henley (1989)
- “Live and Let Die” – Paul McCartney & Wings (1973)
- “The Power of One” – Harry Gregson-Williams (1992)
- “The Final Frontier” – Iron Maiden (2010)
- “The Power of the Dream” – Celine Dion (1996)
- “The Race is On” – George Jones (1965)
- “The Best is Yet to Come” – Frank Sinatra (1959)
- “Can’t Stop Now” – John Legend (2006)
- “The Climb” – Joe McElderry (2009)
- “The One and Only” – Chesney Hawkes (1991)
POPULAR SAYINGS
- “Get busy living, or get busy dying.” – The Shawshank Redemption (1994)
- “May the Force be with you.” – Star Wars franchise (1977-2019)
- “I’ll be back.” – The Terminator franchise (1984-2019)
- “You can’t handle the truth!” – A Few Good Men (1992)
- “Life is like a box of chocolates, you never know what you’re gonna get.” – Forrest Gump (1994)
- “I feel the need… the need for speed.” – Top Gun (1986)
- “Keep your friends close, but your enemies closer.” – The Godfather Part II (1974)
- “You can either run from it, or learn from it.” – The Lion King (1994)
- “I’ll make him an offer he can’t refuse.” – The Godfather (1972)
- “To infinity and beyond!” – Toy Story (1995)
- “Just keep swimming.” – Finding Nemo (2003)
- “Do or do not, there is no try.” – Star Wars Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back (1980)
- “You had me at hello.” – Jerry Maguire (1996)
- “The things you own end up owning you.” – Fight Club (1999)
- “It takes a great deal of bravery to stand up to your enemies, but a great deal more to stand up to your friends.” – Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone (2001)
- “Nobody is gonna hit as hard as life, but it ain’t how hard you can hit. It’s how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward.” – Rocky Balboa (2006)
- “Remember who you are.” – The Lion King (2019)
- “Life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.” – Ferris Bueller’s Day Off (1986)
- “You have to do everything you can, you have to work your hardest, and if you do, if you stay positive, you have a shot at a silver lining.” – Silver Linings Playbook (2012)
- “It’s not about how hard you hit. It’s about how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward.” – Creed (2015)
- “The only thing standing between you and your goal is the bullshit story you keep telling yourself as to why you can’t achieve it.” – Wolf of Wall Street (2013)
- “Life’s a journey, not a destination.” – Aerosmith, “Amazing” from Runaway Bride (1999)
- “Every man dies, not every man really lives.” – Braveheart (1995)
- “All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given us.” – The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (2001)
- “The very things that hold you down are going to lift you up.” – Dumbo (2019)
- “If you’re going through hell, keep going.” – Winston Churchill, Darkest Hour (2017)
POPULAR SHOWS – FUNNY THEMES
Although the following shows are known for their humor or quirky characters, there are also times where their main characters shine. These moments often stand out and make a real impact for fans of the show.
While some of these quotes may not directly be used for themes, it can serve as inspiration as you brainstorm ideas for your team and organization.
You may consider leveraging a video clip like the examples below as part of your kickoff if they support the overall direction of the meeting to shift the tone and put everyone more at ease.
Be careful to always match the culture of your organization. What will land you laughter and applause from one team could be offensive to another.
So it’s key to gain internal buy-in before inserting modern humor in your sales kickoff.
THE OFFICE
- “You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.” – Wayne Gretzky (Shared by Michael Scott)
- “You are the master of your own destiny. Be the captain of your own ship!” – Andy Bernard
- “It’s not about how many customers you have. It’s about how many customers you make happy.” – Dunder Mifflin Survey Response
- “There’s something about an underdog that really inspires the unexceptional.” – Robert California
- “I think, why waste time saying a lot of words, when few words do the trick.” – Kevin Malone
- “You only live once? False. You live every day. You only die once.” – Dwight Schrute
- “Powerpoints are the peacocks of the business world; all show, no meat.” — Dwight Schrute
SCHITT’S CREEK
- “Trust me, no one is thinking about you the way that you’re thinking about you.” – Alexis Rose
- “I was giving them a little pup talk.” – Ted Mullens
- “Never let the bastards get you down!” – Moira Rose
- “Gossip is the devil’s telephone. Best to just hang up.” – Moira Rose
- “Tweet us on Facebook!” -Johnny Rose
- “I’m gonna need a stiff drink to get through this.” – David Rose
MAD MEN
- “I don’t believe in fate. You make your own opportunities.” – Don Draper
- “Make it simple, but significant.” – Don Draper
- “If you don’t like what’s being said, change the conversation.” – Don Draper
- “I have a life and it only goes in one direction. Forward.” – Don Draper
- “You are the product.” – Don Draper
- “Success comes from standing out. Not fitting in.” – Don Draper
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