Corporate Event Entertainment
You are planning a corporate event for a group of people and are thinking of hiring some party entertainment. Before you go ahead and commit to something, there are a few things that you need to consider.
What you should know before you
hire corporate party entertainment …
Before you choose which company you are going to hire for the occasion, you need to have a think about why you are holding the event in the first place. The reason for doing this is to see whether the entertainment can be personalized to meet your objectives and also to determine who your guests are and what they would enjoy. For example, if you are holding the event to celebrate a new product launch, you may want to hire a magician so that he can make the product appear before the audience, or maybe even a comedian that can make jokes about all the things that went wrong leading up to the launch.
If your audience is going to be a group of older businessmen, it may not be a good idea to hire a band or DJ, as it is unlikely that they will feel comfortable to have a dance. It may be wise to organize wine tasting or you could hire a casino company so that they can have some fun while networking with other people.
The entertainment you choose for your corporate party will either make it an event to remember or complete ruin the atmosphere. It is always a good idea to speak to the company first to find out exactly what they are planning on doing and also have a look at some of the reviews from their recent customers, so you can get an idea of what they are like before you hire.
If you would like some more information on hiring corporate party entertainment, contact Tom or speak to him by calling (410)596-4127 and he will be happy to help.
Corporate Event Entertainment
Planning corporate entertainment events is not easy.
From organization to implementation, they require extensive amounts of effort. A lot of detail work goes into managing the perfect event.
No matter what the size of the organization, there is a purpose for every event. In your role as event planner, keeping that purpose in mind is paramount. When the organizer loses sight of the goal, events are ineffective and bosses are unhappy with the results.
The trick is knowing how to plan. The perfect plan helps you avoid errors during preparation and presentation. We have assembled ten tips to help you with the task ahead.
1. Know And Understand The Goal:
We mentioned this above, but successful planning of a corporate event starts here. You must have a clear business purpose for holding any function. If the boss tells you to plan an event without providing a reason, don’t assume, get clarity. Without a focus, it will be impossible to measure the success or return on investment of the event.
2. Know Your Target Audience:
Your event will target a specific group. It may be employees, clients, vendors, executives or even the general public. Having a clearly defined audience and understanding their likes and dislikes is important. This knowledge will allow you to make wise decisions. Planning will center on achieving the event’s goals based on the target audience’s preferences.
3. Assemble A Team:
Even for small events, no one person can do everything. Your team may consist of other employees, or event services vendors. Surround yourself with people who you like and trust. Their results will reflect on you.
4. Create A List:
The last thing you want to do is overlook something. Small things can create huge holes in how a function runs. We suggest you start BEFORE the beginning. How will people get to the event? Learn about transportation and parking. Think about registration, content, technical aspects such as lighting and sound. Work out refreshments, meals and breaks to keep people fresh and energized. Every detail matters, reflecting on your company and eventually you. Invite your team to look over the list to make certain you don’t leave anything out.
5. Create Goals:
Planning a corporate event from start to finish can seem like a daunting task. Break the tasks up and set defined goals for each one. This creates a thoughtful strategy that allows you to keep track of results.
6. Delegate To Your Team:
You have created a team and now is the time to put them to work. Make certain each member has a task or tasks they will enjoy. If they like what they are doing the results will be much better. Be sure to share your goals and deadlines with each member of the team. Let them know how their success or failure will affect other pieces of the puzzle. This allows everyone to understand their part in the big picture.
7. Know Your Limitations:
The goal is to have a great event, but you have to be aware of what budget and time allow. If the boss is expecting a lavish affair on a small budget within the next week, you may have to snap them back into reality. You can counter low budgets with do-it-yourself creativity, but time may be a factor. Understanding the limits can keep you from stressing and save everyone headaches.
8. Remain Flexible:
From plan to implementation, things will change. Accept that fact and roll with the punches. Just don’t lose sight of the event’s purpose or your target audience. Any changes should not change the focus of the function. Always ask yourself, “Is this important?” and “How is this relevant?”
9. Attitude Is Contagious:
Your team and audience are affected by the attitude and dynamics of the event. If you are stressed, chances are everyone around you will be too. Remember to keep a positive attitude and read tip #8 again!
10. Don’t Try To Do Everything:
You know your job, but you don’t have to know everything. That is why you surround yourself with a team you like and trust. Your caterer understands how to handle food prep and set up an effective service. During planning, if you are clear with your vision, and have accepted their advice, food service will be smooth. Your corporate entertainers understand how to put on a successful presentation. If you communicated clearly and followed their suggestions, your entertainment will be successful.
If you are planning a corporate entertainment event, contact our office to discuss your vision. Tom has provided entertainment for seminars, award banquets, conferences, luncheons, client appreciation events and company holiday partys. When we are a part of your team, we’ll make your corporate entertainment visions a reality.
Looking for more tips on planning corporate entertainment events? Check out Tom’s weekly podcast at: http://SavvyEventPodcast.com. Each Monday, Tom interviews event professionals and event service providers to get insights, ideas and answers to help you plan more amazing events.
Corporate Event Entertainment
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!
Corporate Christmas Party Entertainment Ideas, Corporate Event Entertainment
You have tried to organize the corporate Christmas party. Unfortunately due to busy schedules and lack of funds, a lot of the people in your office have told you that they are not going to make it this year. It is time for you to recreate the corporate Christmas party.
Why You Should Consider The Post-Holiday Party
Take the plunge and turn your company holiday party into a belated winter party during the New Year. Consider after work cocktails at a local bar or maybe a sit down meal at a near by restaurant. You could even organize a few team-building activities after work followed by a buffet and drinks.
Having a corporate event after the Christmas holidays can have many advantages. Here are a few:
Advantages Of Having The Corporate Christmas Party After The Holidays
- Places are never as busy after the holidays so companies will be eager for your business! This will mean cheap deals on venues resulting in big savings.
- Most people find Christmas stressful so by having a corporate party after the holidays will make people feel relaxed as it provides them with a fun activity.
- Have a post Christmas event is always a good way to celebrate the New Year as it makes the holiday period feel longer – after all most people tend to get slightly depressed once Christmas is over. It’s also an excuse for the adults to have a night away from the kids!
- In January, everybody’s schedules tend to be free which means a bigger turnout for you, as everyone should be able to make it!
- Doing it this way means less stress for you as you do not have to deal with the pressures of organizing a corporate event during the busy holiday period, after all you have your personal things to organize to!
If these 5 points have made you feel more positive about throwing a post-holiday party for your staff and you would like some additional ideas on how to make a belated corporate Christmas party a success, contact our office for a no-obligation corporate holiday party entertainment consultation.
Corporate Event Entertainment
We have assembled these
top 20 tips to reduce
corporate event costs!
Venue costs can absorb a large chunk of your budget. If working with a hotel, meeting rooms are sometimes complimentary with a certain number of rooms. Room rates are usually discounted and everyone wins, the hotel is full and your budget is saved.
Some restaurants and bars will offer a room or section off an area for small events. Check around to see if any are available. You can also negotiate and barter to reduce venue costs. If all else fails, consider holding the event at the office.
Plan your event during a slow month. The holidays are a busy time for most venues, but things slow down after the first of the year. Venues will sometimes offer discounts to bring in business during this period. You may have to ask for those discounts to get them though.
Schedule your events so rooms and meals aren’t required. This saves you on catering and lodging.
Host a breakfast or lunch event. The catering expense will be less than providing dinners.
Find out what events are being held at the venue before you arrive. Check who their vendors are and see if they would be willing to split costs to save funds for both of you.
Arrange your event around another event. If your guests will be attending a larger function, try to piggy-back on it. You can sometimes arrange a reduced fee space at the venue. Plus your attendees will already be there!
Have a local event to reduce the time and expense of traveling.
Reuse signs and supplies. Planning ahead can save on the printing costs of banners and signs.
If you already have audio and video equipment, use it rather then renting from the event venue. Don’t have the equipment? Check around to see if your corporate entertainers, guests or another department may. If you use the equipment often, it pays to invest and purchase your own.
Save on decorations and settings. People won’t remember the flowers or balloons a year from the event. If the budget is tight, find cost effective solutions or reuse centerpieces from a different event.
Use a previous event outline and fill in the spaces with something new. This saves money on the time spent planning the function.
Consider hosting a virtual event. Check to see if your event goals could be met using on-line meeting tools.
Use social media to promote your event. This will save on advertising and promotion.
Merge your event schedule. Hosting several small events consumes budget and planning time. Is there a way to create a theme that would encompass all the different event goals? You can still break the meetings down to a focus area. Combining the events will save on venue space, catering and other event expenses.
Invite your guests to cook. Having attendees provide the meal gives them a chance to impress others and saves your budget.
Email event materials in advance. This saves you on both printing and postage.
Find volunteers to handle registration and other positions, saving your staff budget.
Chances are someone you know is, or has a friend who is an amateur photographer. This can save you on hiring a professional photographer for the event.
Focus on content. Remove the extras from your event schedule. This benefits your guests by respecting their time and allows you to schedule the venue for a shorter rental.
Examine your guest list. Does everyone need to be there? Cutting the list is a tough decision, but it will definitely help save a tight budget.
When planning corporate entertainment to relax and put your guests in a positive mood, contact our office. We provide a free entertainment consultation to determine your event needs. Our goal is to help you find the perfect solution for your event entertainment needs.
Corporate Christmas Party Entertainment Ideas, Corporate Event Entertainment
The office Christmas party is a legendary event. There are jokes, stories and television episodes that center around them. Almost everyone has heard of the boss who drank too much or the employee who embarrassed themself in front of co-workers.
The other side of the coin is the boring office Christmas party. The event that everyone wishes would end. Where guests that sneak out for a smoke or bathroom break and never return.
That type of party also creates lasting memories. Both are stereotypes that people planning office parties would prefer to avoid. Well now you can. We’ve put together some office Christmas party ideas to help you avoid the problems and create incredible memories of holiday fun.
Get Families Involved
Don’t fear breaking your budget by creating an event with extra guests. Family involvement can add to holiday festivities and increase employee morale. Many companies invite spouses to their holiday parties. Few consider options to involve the rest of the family too.
Consider the possibility of hosting a daytime party. Kids are usually out of school during the holidays. This means Mom and Dad don’t have to miss work or find a sitter. Hire some entertainment and create some activities to keep the kids active during the day. They could even help set up and decorate for the “after work” party. When Mom & Dad get finished at the office, they join in for a fun party before everyone leaves for the day.
Food and entertainment for this type of all day event could be less than a traditional office Christmas party. The memories and positive feelings of family involvement will last long after the holidays.
Help Others – Office Charity
The old proverb “It is better to give than receive” holds true if you’ve ever gotten an ugly tie. This holiday you can turn your office party into a goodwill gesture that helps the community. Connect with local charities, or have your employees nominate a needy family. Coordinate for everyone to provide gift items for your “adopted” children or families. Then hold a wrapping party.
Provide brightly colored wrapping paper, fancy bows and ribbon. Get a professional wrapping demonstration to help everyone learn the skill. Then award prizes for the Best Wrapped and Most Creatively Wrapped packages.
Keep the party festive and fun with music, food and drink for your guests. They will have a great time, bond with co-workers and create incredible memories of sharing with others.
Host A Gift Mart
The holidays are a busy time and employees can be stressed when it comes to shopping. Lines at stores can eat into lunch hours and productivity may decrease. Here is an office party idea that can save your co-workers holiday hassles.
Reach out to your local arts council or artists’ group and offer to host a craft fair at your office. Employees will find shopping at the office relaxing and fun. They will have access to unique gifts, which are always appreciated by recipients. You could even set up a wrapping station for one-stop gift giving ease. Often local charities will provide this service in exchange for a donation to their cause.
Hold A Holiday Luncheon
Put your CEO, CFO, President and VPs in aprons and invite the company to lunch. Have the catered meal delivered so management can serve and greet everyone. This is an easy way to have fun and build camaraderie in the office. As an added bonus, consider hiring some background music. The additional ambience will make your luncheon festive.
Add Extra Excitement
There is no need to recreate the wheel. If your office has an annual party, you may just want to give things a new twist. Consider adding a new type of entertainment instead of falling back on old ideas. A corporate comedian may set the mood with a quick set that loosens the crowd. Atmosphere entertainment such as acrobats, jugglers or roving magicians can help break the ice and put everyone in the party mood.
We hope these office Christmas party ideas inspire your planning. To discuss other ideas and find out more about holiday party entertainment, contact our office. We provide a complementary no-obligation event consultation and would be happy to assist you!
Looking for more office Christmas party ideas? Check out Tom’s –
Savvy Event Planner Podcast Episode One. He interviews his wife Dierdre who was tasked with planning the office party on a reduced budget. The show notes include a photo page that demonstrates the transformation of their work environment.
