Amongst the many considerations concerning your event – from the theme to the menu to the venue and more – it could be said that one of the most daunting to plan is the entertainment. The fact that there are so many options out there doesn’t help at all! But of course, you could choose one or several, but are you sure it’s a good fit for your audience? Whether you’ve got some corporate big-wigs to entertain or just your regular staff – you have got to find the right option for them, one that puts them at ease and lets them express themselves. So how do you properly plan the entertainment for your corporate event? Let’s find out.
1. Plan for an immersive experience
When all is said and done, the key to bringing about the most successful entertainment for your event is to plan for a fully-immersive experience. In today’s arena, everyone places value on experience – think about the popularity of experiential marketing, where pop-ups and escape rooms are booming. People valueexperience above all else, so why not use it to your advantage? Plenty of entertainment options will immerse your audience and take them to the next level, making your event more valuable and creating a buzz around it.
One idea that can make an invaluable impact is to hold an event with a carnival or fairground theme – but make it even more special by having side stall booths from a funfair hire provider where everyone can participate in a game and show their prowess – it unleashes everyone’s competitiveness but makes them feel the camaraderie.
2. Know what your goals are
Regarding entertainment, being on-trend is all well and good – but is it right for you? That’s why it is always important to think of your event’s primary (and secondary) goals. Why are you holding an event? Everything you do and decide on should be able to support your overall goals, and this goes from your choice in entertainment to your menu and more. Just remember: even though an idea or entertainment option sounds hip does not mean it will fit your theme and concept overall.
3. Remember your budget
Here’s another thing to be careful of – your budget. Keep in mind that entertainment may well be one of the more expensive factors on the agenda, so always have a budget for the entertainment beforehand. Remember that the entertainment has supporting items or elements – for instance, a live band will need a stage and lights and a sound system (and a good one at that), and a circus performer may need lighting elements and speakers. These elements are not always provided by the entertainer, so check what the inclusions are before committing. It’s best to always think of the big picture before hiring any entertainment option, so you are not unduly surprised – and your budget will stay the same, too.
4.Know your audience
Last but certainly not least, know your audience. Find out your audience demographics and what they expect with the day or night’s entertainment, and if you can, find out what they like with surveys. But remember to keep things going and try for something more interactive – or if they just spent the entire day in training, let them relax and put on a show!
