When your business reaches a milestone – whether it’s 20, 50, 70 or even 100 years – it’s a big deal! Your team is probably feeling a mix of excitement and pressure to create something meaningful that captures your company’s legacy while also feeling fresh and engaging. It’s a big responsibility, but it can also be a lot of fun.

At Hyphen, we believe stories can be told in countless creative ways. Over the years, we’ve helped companies craft anniversary projects that are unique to their history, people and resources. Whether you have a treasure trove of archival material, a community full of stories, or a passionate team eager to contribute, there’s always a way to shape your project to fit your story, whether it’s a coffee table book, a short film or installation.

Below, we’ve put together some of our favourite anniversary ideas to help spark inspiration for your own milestone project.

1. Community recipe book

One of our clients gathered recipes from their community, and we helped bring the project to life by organising a photoshoot of contributors preparing their dishes. The result was a heartwarming collection of recipes and personal stories that became an instant favourite. This type of book not only celebrates a company’s history, but also strengthens community connections in a delicious way.

2. Image-driven book

Some businesses choose to tell their history through a carefully curated collection of images with captions providing key context. We’ve helped clients organise and restore archival photos, creating stunning visual narratives that bring their journey to life.

3. Business biography

Great businesses are built by great people. A business biography focuses on the individuals behind key decisions, honouring their contributions and capturing knowledge for future generations. It’s an excellent way to recognise founders, leaders and employees who shaped the company’s success.

4. Illustrated history book

A beautifully designed history book can present your company’s journey in a chronological format or by themes, allowing readers to explore your story in a structured yet engaging way. We’ve worked with organisations to create illustrated histories that are both informative and visually captivating.

5. Company timeline book

A timeline book highlights key milestones in your company’s history, providing a clear, structured narrative. Some of our projects have also included industry, national or global events for added context, giving readers a broader perspective on how the business evolved over time.

QANTAS anniversary book design

6. Children’s book

This is a creative and fun approach, especially for schools and educational organisations. We’ve worked on projects where students contributed illustrations, making the final book a true community effort. These books help create pride and a sense of belonging among younger generations.

7. Corporate film

A corporate documentary or short film is a powerful way to capture the voices and faces behind your business. Whether it’s a full-length documentary or a short highlight reel, video storytelling can bring your history to life in a dynamic way. These films work beautifully for anniversary events, internal presentations, or even social media campaigns.

8. Timeline film

Want to add motion and sound to your company’s history? A timeline film lets you showcase key moments with visuals, narration and music. We’ve worked with businesses to create engaging timeline films for book launches and social media, helping them reach wider audiences.

9. Timeline installation

Transform your office space with a visually striking timeline installation. This is a great way to display your company’s achievements and evolution, making a lasting impression on employees, visitors and clients alike.

St Andrew's School, anniversary celebration, installation

10. Founders and contributors installation

Celebrate the people who built your organisation with a dedicated wall or exhibit. This installation can feature portraits, quotes and stories, honouring their legacy in a way that future generations can appreciate.

St Andrew's School, anniversary celebration, installation

11. Mission and vision wall

A business anniversary is the perfect time to reinforce your company’s identity. A mission and vision wall is a simple yet powerful way to remind employees and clients of what your business stands for and where it’s headed.

12. Social media story series

A company anniversary isn’t just a one-day event – it’s an opportunity for ongoing engagement. A series of social media posts can creatively share your company’s journey, key milestones, and behind-the-scenes stories. The possibilities are endless, from employee interviews to historical throwbacks!

13. Digital interactive timeline

Take your storytelling online with a digital timeline that includes images, videos, audio clips and interactive elements. This is a great way to create an immersive experience that allows people to explore your company’s history at their own pace.

Ready to create something special?

These are just a few ways to celebrate your company’s anniversary, but the possibilities are endless. If you’re looking for a unique way to honour your history and share your story, we’d love to help. Get in touch, and let’s start brainstorming ideas tailored to your company’s journey.

– Rairu Rebolledo, Designer