If you want to unite teams, impress clients, and celebrate major milestones, you need a corporate event that’s as memorable as it is entertaining.
Your choice of entertainment at a corporate event can make the difference between a casual gathering or an extraordinary experience. So what kinds of entertainment work best?
Here’s a list of compelling ideas to help you bring your own event to life.
Live music
Live music suits almost any type of event, from formal galas to a casual company picnics. Just make sure the genre and style that matches the event’s atmosphere.
Jazz bands are a strong choice for for cocktail hours, awards ceremonies, and classy dinners. They provide a sophisticated backdrop without overpowering the room — people can still chat and network.
Cover bands work well for holiday parties, product launches, or any event that calls for high energy. They’ll play a range of popular music that appeals to a broad audience.
Acoustic duos or soloists are great for smaller, more intimate events. They help create a relaxed and inviting atmosphere. Think corporate retreats, VIP dinners, and the like.
DJs
DJs are can be a versatile component of your entertainment. A professional DJ not only provides musical backing, but can even serve as emcee and help facilitate your agenda.
Some DJs may offer interactive elements, like taking song requests, hosting karaoke, or even running light shows that complement the music and enhance the atmosphere.
Magicians and mentalists
If you want to truly captivate your guests, hire a magician or mentalist. These performers offer interactive entertainment that directly engages your attendees and gets them interacting with others. Their work creates an atmosphere of wonder and astonishment that simply can’t be found anywhere else.
Close-up magic may be performed in a walkaround mix-and-mingle context, or may be performed at a stationary table for your guests to discover on their own. This works well for cocktail receptions or networking events, serving as a great icebreaker to get people interacting with each other.
Stage shows are are larger productions usually reserved for after-dinner entertainment or large corporate gatherings. These are about having everyone watch a show all at the same time — it may last anywhere from several minutes to an hour or longer, and may include mind-reading, illusions, direct audience participation, and more.
Comedians
Comedians lighten the mood and bring people together, so they’re an excellent entertainment choice for events where you want to cultivate a relaxed atmosphere. This might include holiday parties, team-building events, or client appreciation nights.
Make sure your comedian has experience with corporate-friendliness and can keep the humor appropriate and inclusive. They should be able to tailor their material to suit your company’s culture and the theme of your event. Do your diligence and make sure you’re not surprised at the content of their act.
Improv comedy groups can also be a compelling choice for humor and teambuilding. This category of entertainment is interactive, unscripted, and spontaneous, and therein lies its charm.
Keynote speakers and presenters
It might not be considered “entertainment” in the conventional sense, but a motivational speaker, industry expert, or other high-profile presenter can add significant value to your corporate event.
Motivational speakers will energize your guests, leaving them with actionable insights and a renewed sense of purpose. It’s a great way to inspire your team, particularly during times of challenge or periods of change.
If your event is focused on professional development, bringing in industry experts to share their knowledge and dissect business trends would be an informative and engaging choice.
For a touch of glamour, you might even consider hiring a well-known personality to host or speak at your event. This is often done through an agency, and that person’s involvement can add excitement and draw larger attendance to your event.
Interactive experiences
Photo booths are a classic choice that never go out of style. The best photo booths can be branded with custom props and backdrops, making them a great fit for product launches, conferences, or holiday parties.
You might consider setting up virtual reality stations for guests to immerse themselves in VR worlds. This type of entertainment helps establish a futuristic theme and gives people access to technology they may not have used before.
Caricature artists lend a light-hearted touch to your event by creating silly, personalized drawings of your guests. They are especially popular feature at large conferences and trade shows — attendees get to take home a unique souvenir from the event.
In conclusion
As you book your event, make sure your entertainment reflects the audience you’re catering to, the atmosphere you want to create, and the goals you want to achieve. Whether it’s the engaging presence of a skilled magician, the laughter generated by a comedian, or the immersive experience of a VR station, the right entertainment should meaningfully elevate your event.
If you’re looking to add a unique and unforgettable element to your corporate event, consider hiring a professional magician. A magician can provide a blend of entertainment that’s both engaging and sophisticated, perfect for impressing clients, entertaining employees, or simply creating a buzz that will last long after the event is over.