Looking for entertainment ideas for large groups?  

It is impossible to please everyone.  That makes coming up with new ideas a stressful proposition. Here are some ideas that will help make your job easier.

1. Start by looking backward: 

If you have held this event before, the past will provide you with inspiration. What types of entertainment have you had? What did your group like? Why? What didn't they care for? Why?

By discovering what has been successful in the past, you can find a direction for the future.

As an example, if a corporate comedian went over well, comedy may be an option. If a band or D.J. was a hit, you need to dig deeper and find out what type of music they played.

2. Look into the entertainment genre options:

Musical entertainment could be:

  • an instrumentalist,
  • a disc jockey,
  • a band,
  • a singer
  • or even karaoke.

You can break each style down further. Popular types of music may include:

  • country,
  • rock,
  • pop,
  • inspirational,
  • Irish,
  • jazz, etc.

Comedy entertainment might be:

  • a stand-up comedian,
  • a ventriloquist,
  • an improv troupe
  • a speaker,
  • an imposter,
  • a hypnotist
  • or a song parodist.

Variety entertainment could be:

  • a magician,
  • juggler,
  • mentalist,
  • illusionist,
  • fire-eater,
  • sand artist,
  • circus act,
  • aerialist

You could elect to hire atmosphere entertainment.

  • Human statues,
  • caricaturists,
  • wacky waiters,
  • mind-readers or fortune tellers,
  • instrumentalists,
  • roving magicians

Now that you have some entertainment ideas, you will need to determine if they are appropriate for your group.

3. Questions to ask yourself:

Will your venue be able to hold the entertainment? An aerial act requires height. An illusionist requires space for props. How much space can be allocated to the entertainment?

Does the entertainment suit your audience? A clown may not be the right choice for Fortune 500 executives. A corporate entertainer would not be the right choice for an audience of kids or teenagers.

Will the entertainment be able to play well for your group? Will everyone be able to see the program? Some larger groups may require iMag (Image magnification screens).

You want the audience to be able to see and hear your entertainment. That may mean providing stage lights or sound. Know what type of tech is available so you can inform the acts when you contact them. This will help determine if any additional tech is required that may add to the budget.

Know your schedule. How long do you want the entertainment to last. Many people over estimate this. An hour of entertainment can be too long in many settings. You want the audience to have fun, not looking at their watches.

Know your entertainment budget. Know how much you are paying for other aspects of your event. Often food is based on a per person fee. Entertainment usually is presented on a full fee basis. Is the entertainment in line with your meal? A $100 a plate dinner deserves better than a $1 per head entertainment act.

Think about logistics. When will your act set and sound check? You don't want them disturbing your group or interfering with other planned activities. Do they schedule multiple performances on a date? A show that follows yours may result in a rushed performance if your event runs long.

​4. Places to find entertainment:

You are already here, so you might as well reach out to discuss your event! Tom has worked with some of the best corporate acts and agencies in the business. If his show is not right for your group, he can help you connect with someone that will help rock your event. Tom takes no commission on acts he recommends. His sole purpose is to help you have an amazing event.

Another option is to contact an entertainment agency. Do your research online to determine if the agency is one you can work with. Some agencies specialize in kids party entertainment. Others specialize in high end corporate functions. Look online to see what types of acts are on their roster before reaching out.

You can also find entertainment in online directories. Often these directories appear to be agencies when in reality they are listing sites. The acts pay a fee to be on the site. When you submit a potential show, they send your information to 10 – 12 entertainers. At that point expect calls and emails to start flooding in.

5. Before you hire entertainment for a large group:

​Make certain to watch video. Does the video show the act in an environment similar to yours? Can you see audience reactions to the entertainment? If you are watching comedy, are you laughing?

Check references. Do quotes from the performer's website match your type of event? If you are doing a corporate entertainment event, quotes from a birthday Mom may not be the best reference.

Finally, talk to the entertainer. Don't rely on an agency to pass on the information. Having a conversation with the entertainer helps you both relax and have an understanding of what to expect.

Need more entertainment ideas for a large group? Check out these other blog articles:

Awards Banquet Entertainment Ideas

41 Fun Corporate Event Ideas

Find Performers for Corporate Events – 12 Tips To Help You Get The Right One