Organising the entertainment for a corporate event is probably the best part of any corporate event organiser's job. Here's 10 top tips on how to choose corporate entertainment that will have everyone attending singing your praises as the organiser!
Pick The Right Moment
Identify specific times during your event when entertainment might be required. The aim is for a seamless flow of activity and interest, so that no guest feels the need to look at their watch and wonder if they can go home yet!
The Right Act In The Right Place
Matching your entertainment to your venue or space is a smart way to ensure your entertainment is both enjoyable and engaging for your guests. For receptions in historic venues or country house rooms, a harpist or classical guitarist provides atmosphere without being overwhelming. If you're out on the terrace, a traditional jazz band or palm court orchestra will be suitable than a rock band.
Match Your Entertainment and Corporate Message
Every corporate event is a reflection of your company's image and ethos. If your corporate image is sophisticated and elegant, choose corporate event bands, musical acts or entertainers that reflect this, such as opera singers. If it's a much more relaxed event, hire musical entertainment with a sense of fun, such as soul bands, or a funk band.
It's Not Just About Music…
Corporate entertainment isn't just about music! Delight and surprise your guests with a stand up comic to introduce conference speakers, or 'mix and mingle' entertainment such as tabletop magicians, caricaturists, or a celebrity lookalike.
Finding Professional Acts To Book
Choosing the type of entertainment you want is one thing, finding it can be quite another. Established and reputable online live entertainment booking agencies offer a wide range of professional entertainment acts available across the UK.
Think Local!
If your event is held in a particular location, why not reflect that in your choice of entertainment? From medieval minstrels to Irish bands, Welsh harpists to Scottish pipers, there's a musical act to suit any UK location.
Think International!
Having said that, great corporate entertainment doesn't have to be British! Liven up your reception with a Mariachi band, get your guests dancing with a Salsa band, or chilling out with a steel band.
See Your Acts Before You Book
Every organisers' list seems to include this, but in practice, it's almost impossible to do. What's more, you don't need to. The best online booking agencies feature profiles and demo tracks for their performers, so you can see and hear them in action from the comfort of your PC.
Silence is Golden
There is a temptation to have wall-to-wall music or entertainment at your event, but a constant level of noise, however delightful, is hard work on the ears. Older guests especially welcome a quiet moment to talk and relax.
Save Time and Hassle - Book All Your Acts From One Agency
Booking all your corporate entertainment from one booking service does save you considerable time, hassle and money. A professional agency will give you a quote upfront, a written contract once you book, and a dedicated manager to deal with your booking. The agency will liaise with the performers so they are fully prepared, and advise you what the acts require. A good online booking agency should also provide you with an emergency telephone number for any last-minute problems, should they arise.
Photo Credit: Daehyun Park