Most articles featuring corporate party entertainment ideas suggest types of entertainers. There are plenty of entertainment options for you to consider. We thought it would be more helpful to provide ideas that will help your corporate party entertainment be a success.
Corporate party entertainment can make or break your event. A year from now, no one will remember the decorations, but everyone will remember a bad act. This places a lot of stress on the person in charge. Since you are reading this, we will assume the boss handed you the task of organizing the next corporate party.
Obviously the first step is to create a plan, and that takes a lot of thought. You need to select a date, locate a suitable venue and hire a caterer. With these important building blocks in place, it is time to look for some entertainment. Your decision here will definitely have an effect on the outcome of the event.
No matter what style of entertainment you choose, there are tricks to help it succeed. We call these the
“Must-Haves of Corporate Event Entertainment!”
Staging Area:
Your party entertainment must have a suitable location to perform. When you put an entertainer in the corner, or in the middle of some tables, it appears they are an after-thought. This lowers the perceived value of the entertainment in the minds of your guests.
The staging area doesn't always need to be an elevated stage, but should be visible to everyone in the room. The area needs to be easily accessible for the entertainer's equipment. A curtain behind the staging area can help hide road cases and other items the performer (and you) don't want visible.
When planning your party entertainment, talk to the acts you are considering. What do they need space-wise? Do they have any staging suggestions? Will your budget and venue allow for their needs? Professional corporate entertainers know what it takes for them to provide a successful show.
Sound Equipment:
Most event venues are not equipped with appropriate sound equipment. The systems are usually built in and venues make purchases based on pricing without listening to the system. Little thought is usually given to the quality or effectiveness of the equipment. Couple that with the fact every group that goes into the venue has probably abused the equipment.
Sound is vital to successful party entertainment. If people cannot hear or understand your speaker or entertainer they will tune out. Again, this is an area to consult prospective corporate entertainers. What system or equipment do they need and recommend? Having top-notch sound equipment elevates the entire event. Crisp, clean vocals and music make your party entertainment vibrant and exciting. Don't skimp on this important must-have!
Lighting:
We can't tell you how many times corporate party organizers forget to light the stage. Caterers like to turn down the lights during meals. If your stage isn't well lit, it means turning the lights on full, which changes the tone of the evening. From a few simple spotlights pointed at the stage, to a full blown light show, lighting screams “pay attention.”
Your company is investing money and you want every aspect of the event to reflect them in a positive manner. Use these ideas to frame your corporate entertainment for success. When you treat the entertainment as an important part of the function, you raise your guests' anticipation. From there, it is up to your entertainment to deliver.
Tom Crowl has over 30 years of experience entertaining at corporate events across the United States. He has worked with some of the best corporate entertainers and business event planners in the business. Contact our office today to discuss your corporate entertainment needs. There is no cost and no obligation. Our goal is to help you plan successful corporate party entertainment!
