Sapia Creative Puts Real Estate Events on the National Stage

Founder and Creative Director Samantha Hobbelen, | Sapia Creative

In an industry as high-energy and fast-paced as real estate, the role of events has never been more important. Awards nights and corporate gatherings aren’t just boxes to tick — they’re moments where agents, leaders and teams pause to celebrate, connect and be reminded why they do what they do.

And in 2025, “good enough” no longer cuts it. Attendees expect quality. They want experiences that inspire, reward and deliver impact. From the staging to the seating plan, the wow factor needs to be at every corner.

At the forefront of delivering that standard is Sapia Creative, which has been named a national finalist for Theming, Branding or Styling Company of the Year at the Australian Event Awards and Symposium 2025.

The agency also played a pivotal role in the Raine & Horne NSW|ACT Annual Awards 2025 being shortlisted as a finalist for Best Corporate Event of the Year.

For founder and creative director Samantha Hobbelen, the accolades go far beyond styling.“This nomination isn’t only about design,” she told Real Estate Today.

“It’s about proving that real estate events can be world-class — immersive, meaningful and unforgettable.”

Raising the Bar for Networks

Over the past four years, Sapia Creative has pushed the boundaries of what industry events can and should be.

Recognition nights are no longer just about trophies and speeches — they’ve become opportunities to tell a story, build culture and create memories that live far beyond the night itself.

Its partnership with Raine & Horne on the Landscape of Australia series is a prime example. What could have been another awards night was instead transformed into an immersive experience that blended culture, place and people in a way that felt authentic and deeply connected to the brand.

It raised the standard of what a real estate network could deliver to its people — and set a new benchmark that competitors are now chasing.

“We don’t just style events,” Hobbelen explained. “We connect people to the purpose behind the experience.

Our role is to take the client’s vision and elevate it into something that creates belonging, recognition and genuine impact. When attendees walk out the door, they should feel inspired, valued, and proud to be part of that network.”

For Sapia, the key is in the details. From how digital and AI are used to add surprise and interaction, to the way seating plans are structured to maximise energy, to pacing techniques that ensure momentum never drops, every element is designed to keep people engaged.

These are the decisions that turn an event into a memory — and a memory into loyalty.

Why It Matters More Than Ever

Real estate is one of the most relentless industries in Australia. Agents spend their days chasing listings, winning business, negotiating deals and staying on top of a market that rarely slows down.

That level of pressure demands balance — and events provide one of the few moments in the calendar where the energy flips from grind to celebration.

But celebration alone isn’t enough anymore. Attendees expect more — and rightly so. They want a night that feels like a genuine reward for the hours, the hustle and the sacrifice. A simple dinner and a stage won’t do.

The wow factor needs to be there at every corner: from the moment they walk into the room, to the way the story of the night unfolds, to the last song on the dance floor.

And networks are paying attention. More and more, these events are being seen not as add-ons but as strategic tools.

They can boost recruitment, strengthen retention, reinforce brand values and remind people why they belong.

The event itself becomes a reflection of the brand: if it feels inspiring, seamless and world-class, so does the network behind it.

“2025 and 2026 will be defining years,” Hobbelen said. “Events have the power to shape culture, build loyalty and remind people why they belong. That’s the future we’re designing for.”