A Moment Once in Two Centuries: How One of the Largest Internal Celebrations in the Czech Republic Came to Life
18.03.2026
The 200th anniversary celebration of Česká spořitelna was one of the largest internal corporate events in the Czech Republic in 2025. For one day, Prague’s O2 Arena was transformed into a venue where nearly 14,000 employees from across the country came together.
However, an event of this scale does not begin when the arena doors open. It starts long before – through internal communication, employee engagement across the company, and close collaboration with the client. We spoke with Kateřina Horynová, Creative Director of Event Arena, about how such an event is created and what determines whether it becomes a truly memorable experience.
The 200th anniversary celebration of Česká spořitelna was one of the largest corporate events in the Czech Republic. What did it mean for you as a production team?
Katka: It was a huge responsibility, but also a great joy. The event at O2 Arena welcomed nearly 14,000 employees and their guests from across the country, so from a production perspective, it was much closer to a large-scale concert than a traditional corporate event.
At the same time, we knew from the very beginning that this was not just about putting on a big show. The goal was to create a moment that employees would genuinely remember.
The O2 Arena itself played a crucial role in the entire process. Its scale, technical complexity, and operational rules significantly shape the format of any event held there. Working with such a large and technologically demanding venue requires extremely precise planning – from scenography and lighting design to managing the movement of thousands of guests and coordinating technical teams. The O2 Arena was not just a venue; it became one of the key “players” that influenced both the dramaturgy and the overall production approach of the celebration.
How many people were involved in preparing such a large-scale event?
Katka: Approximately 300 people from production and technical teams were involved in both the preparation and execution. Beyond the production itself, coordinating such a large team was a major challenge.
Such a large event is not just a party in an arena. How important was communication before the event itself?
Katka: It was absolutely essential. For an internal event of this scale, it is crucial that the experience does not begin only when the doors open. Together with the client, we worked on long-term internal communication that gradually immersed employees in the story of the 200th anniversary.
As a result, the guests were not just spectators, but people who were already part of the celebration before the event itself even began.
One of the key messages of the event was that employees are the true stars of the celebration. How did you work with this idea?
Katka: One of the main dramaturgical principles was to place employees at the very center of the celebration. We did not want them to be just an audience in the stands. The programme, visuals, and audience interaction were all designed so that each attendee would feel like part of a larger story – the 200-year history of Česká spořitelna.
For one day, the O2 Arena became a place where the employees themselves were the stars. This principle was reflected even in the details – for example, in a personalised video invitation directly from the CEO, as well as in the broader pre-event communication.
How significant was the client’s role in shaping the programme?
Katka: It was essential. The event team at Česká spořitelna was a very active partner throughout the preparation process – not only on the organisational side, but also in shaping the dramaturgy.
This resulted in a highly authentic celebration that truly reflected the company’s values and culture. The event at O2 Arena was also the culmination of internal communication that had been running since February 2025.
How do you work with an audience of fourteen thousand people?
Katka: With such a large audience, it is crucial that people are not just passive spectators. We aimed to create a show in which the audience naturally becomes part of the experience.
We worked with a large-scale stage design inspired by the key visual of a birthday cake, combined with kinetic lighting, LED wristbands, and live interaction on stage – including an attempt to set a Czech record for the largest synchronized dance choreography.
The scenography was designed as a monumental multi-level stage, enabling dynamic transitions between performances and extensive use of projection, lighting, and performer movement. At the same time, it was essential to ensure visibility from all sections of the arena.
Guests could also engage in a wide range of accompanying activities, including various interactive photo installations located throughout all levels of the arena. These further developed the theme of the 200th anniversary and allowed guests to actively participate in the celebration.
Technology was not an end in itself – it served to engage the audience and make them a natural part of the overall experience.
What stayed with you the most after the event?
Katka: The atmosphere in the arena.
When you see thousands of people singing, dancing, and celebrating together, you realise that an event like this does not happen every year. And in that moment, you feel immense pride and humility to have been part of it.
You can view more photos from the event here.
