Corporate Dinner Entertainment Ideas
That Keep People In Their Seats

Looking for after dinner shows that can deliver a stellar finale for your evening? With so many options it can be hard to decide what type of entertainment would be right. That is why we've put together a list of corporate dinner entertainment ideas that keep people in their seats.

Popular Corporate Dinner Entertainment Ideas

Awards Dinner Program:

People love to be recognized for their efforts. However after dinner awards shows can be excruciating to other guests. Someone who is not up for an award may eat and leave. Or uninterested guests can start conversations that create distracting background noise. If you plan to host an after dinner awards show, remember to keep it tight. Hiring an emcee to organize the participants is a smart decision. Professional emcees know how to keep things moving or cover if something unexpected happens.

Bands:

Music is a popular choice for after dinner entertainment. Depending on the age range of your guests, music selection can be tricky. Not everyone will dance either. Make sure those not into the music still have a place where they can converse and enjoy the evening.

Caricaturists:

This type of entertainment is more suited to atmosphere than stage show. The drawings make a great “gift” for those lucky enough to become the artist's subject. Others often enjoy watching the likenesses appear on the drawing pad. Depending on the size of your guest list, you may find it helpful to have several caricaturists work your event. Keep in mind that floor space will be required for the artists to work, and lines might form.

Today, some artists have gone beyond the traditional caricaturist format. They use electronic sketch pads and can project their art onto screens based around the venue. Some artists even create their own stage shows, which can easily take this from atmosphere to show stopper. Talk with your artists to get a feel for where they will work best in your evening plans.

Celebrity Speakers:

Celebrity speakers can inspire, motivate or enlighten your audience. They can also add a major dent in your event budget. It is important to make sure a celebrity speaker will fit with your event. You don't want the speaker or their message to interfere with your strategic goals for planning the event. Other options can be emerging talents. People love to “discover” something new and noteworthy. Your event will definitely be remembered for introducing them!

Comedians: 

Corporate comedians can keep your guests laughing while remembering they represent your company. The goal of the business comedian is to poke fun while remaining respectful.

Dancers:

From atmosphere entertainment to the main stage, dancers can liven up your evening entertainment. Be aware that many dancers not in major markets may have side jobs. This isn't to disparage them, everyone needs to eat. But dancing is hard and requires hours of dedication and work. In major markets like New York and Las Vegas, there are opportunities for dancers to practice and perform their art. Part time dancers can not be as dedicated, which can affect the overall performance if you hire a group or troupe.

D.J.'s:

Disc Jockeys are another very popular form of entertainment for after dinner events. While they can play a wider assortment of music than most bands, they may still not be able to please everyone. Remember the rule shared under the bands: make sure those not interested have a place they can converse, yet still be involved in the evening.

Fire Eaters:

Here is another talent that lends itself to atmosphere or stage. Make certain to check with your event venue to see if they allow this type of entertainment. You don't want sprinklers going off during the performance. Also be sure that all insurances are in place so you, the venue and the fire eater are covered in the event of an accident.

Jugglers:

Another extremely popular form of after dinner entertainment is the juggler. The right combination of skill and comedy can keep your audience laughing and waiting to see if they will succeed.

Living Statues:

Living statues are fun forms of atmosphere entertainment. They not only add to the overall theme when properly presented, but can generate laughs from unexacting guests.

Look-A-Likes:

Imagine Sean Connery, Britney Spears, Billy Joel or any one of hundreds of celebrities making an appearance. Look-a-likes can be a fun form of atmosphere entertainment at a corporate dinner event.

Magicians:

Magic is another talent that lends itself to multiple uses for the corporate dinner event planner. Atmosphere entertainment during the cocktail hour can help break the ice as magic happens in their hands. Following a delicious dinner, a magician can amaze and perhaps even make your product, or CEO appear.

There are a lot of corporate magicians working today. If you'd like recommendations, please contact our office. We only recommend acts Tom has worked with in the corporate environment. Tom does not charge for this service, nor does he take a commission. Our only goal is your event's success.

Mentalists:

Mind reading and amazing feats of memory can captivate your guests. Mentalists are becoming more and more prevalent in the after dinner entertainment market. Talk with them about their act to make certain they aren't duplicating the standard “magic square” finales that many mentalists use. You want something new and unique for your audience.

Musicians:

From classical players to small groups, musicians can add ambience to your event. One very popular use of musicians include violin or harp music during cocktail hours and dinner.

Pick Pockets:

At one time, pick pockets were very popular. You don't often see this type of entertainment at events anymore. In some cases, corporate magicians will incorporate pick pocketry into their acts. The full pick pocket show can be very entertaining for today's audiences.

Photo Booths and Photography:

Photo booths and crazy props are very popular forms of dinner event entertainment. People love to line up at the photo booth with their friends and pose in ridiculous manners. Talk with your photo booth supplier about the options. Guests love to take home their pics, which can end up on social media to promote your event efforts. Some suppliers can project the images on big screens during dinner, which add to the atmosphere of your dinner. You can also get picture albums of all the shots. These come in handy as memories, and for promoting future events.

Another corporate dinner entertainment idea is to have a photography studio set up. This is perfect for a classy event where guests will be dressed in their finest. You can even hire photographers to act as paparazzi if you host a theme event.

Singers:

Working to karaoke tracks, singers can brighten the room at a dinner event. Tom worked with an excellent singer/DJ combination in St Augustine Florida recently. During dinner she sang many popular holiday tunes. As people finished their meals, they became more involved with the entertainment and ended with a standing ovation for her efforts.

Ventriloquist:

You had to figure this one would be coming. (It is the website of a corporate ventriloquist after all.) Ventriloquism cuts across many age levels and is perfect for a diverse audience. With the popularity of Jeff Dunham and AGT winners Terry Fator (now Las Vegas headliner) Paul Zerdin and Darci Lynne Farmer, people are exposed to the art. Even with all that exposure, it is a talent seldom seen in a live setting. There is something about a puppet that comes to life that keeps people enthralled. Add in great comedy and you have a winner for unique corporate after dinner entertainment.

Wacky Waiters:

Wacky waiters will come at your guests so unexpectedly it creates a major surprise. The waiters blend in with the regular serving staff. Mishaps begin to happen at the amusement of the guests. As the antics go global, your attendees will begin laughing and enjoy the “surprises”.

Remember These Corporate Dinner Event Tips:

The corporate dinner's success pivots on a few select choices. These key points are location, food, atmosphere and entertainment. Falling short on any of these can result in all of your hard work going down the toilet. It is easy to scout location. Food is another easy point to nail. Atmosphere can be developed in a variety of manners. Everything from decorations to music to lighting and ambience.

After Dinner Entertainment Can Be Tricky. 

A corporate entertainer you see nail the show in one location, may not be right in another. There is no one size fits all when it comes to entertainment. That is why Tom works with you to provide personalized after dinner programs.

Make your corporate dinner a memorable event. Keep your guests laughing with a hilarious after dinner show of variety comedy. Contact our office now to discuss your corporate entertainment needs.