This year, I had the pleasure of organizing a one-of-a-kind Administrative Professionals Day networking event—with a glamorous twist of mystery and intrigue! Inspired by Agatha Christie’s Murder on the Orient Express, we hosted a themed celebration that transported our hardworking admin professionals straight onto the luxurious rails of the famous train (minus the murder, of course!).
To get into the spirit, I revisited the 2017 film directed by Kenneth Branagh and soaked up every clue from the audiobook—beautifully narrated by Dan Stevens on Spotify. These helped shape the tone and aesthetic of the event: stylish, suspenseful, and just a little bit cheeky.
Invitations: First-Class Tickets to a Mystery
I designed invitations that combined elements from the original book cover and a map of the Orient Express route. In the interest of workplace friendliness, the word “murder” was swapped with “mystery”—a small edit that kept things fun and appropriate.
Decor: Champagne, Crystal, and Clues
Our setting evoked the refined charm of 1930s rail travel. Think: champagne flutes, white gloves, pearls, and vintage-style crystal glasses. Mustache props, paper magnifying glasses, and fingerprint graphics added a playful layer of sleuthing fun.
A Potluck with a European Twist
In true team spirit, our event was a potluck. For my contribution, I leaned into flavors from the regions the Orient Express might pass through:
- Hummus and Shopska Salad (a fresh and tangy Balkan dish)
- Pita Bread & Simit – Turkish sesame-covered bagels that were a big hit
- Apple Cardamom Muffins – served with little mustache-topped toothpicks for a detective-worthy garnish
- Apricot Kolachke Cookies – a sweet nod to Eastern Europe
It was a delicious spread that perfectly complemented the event’s international flair.
A Celebration to Remember
Organizing this event was a creative joy, and seeing everyone get into the theme made it even more rewarding. Administrative professionals are the engines that keep everything running—so what better way to honor them than with a first-class journey full of elegance, fun, and just a hint of mystery?