Corporate Event Entertainment Ideas, Guide, Benefits And Tips From Industry Experts

Introduction

Corporate events serve a multitude of purposes. They can be a platform to celebrate achievements, foster teamwork, educate employees, or simply create lasting memories. But with so many options available, choosing the right event format and activities can feel overwhelming. 

Corporate event ideas are more than just entertainment; they are strategic investments in your company's success. By carefully considering your goals and target audience, you can develop creative event ideas that  boost engagement, cultivate a collaborative environment, promote learning, and strengthen your brand identity. These events create lasting memories, position your company favorably, and ultimately contribute to a more successful and vibrant organization.

Corporate event ideas are the foundation for creating successful gatherings that go beyond simply bringing people together. Well-crafted event ideas serve a strategic purpose, aligning with your company's goals and generating positive outcomes that extend far beyond the event itself.

Why Choosing the Right Corporate Event Entertainment is Crucial?

Boost Engagement & Motivation

‍Forget stale lectures and monotonous presentations. Strategic event ideas spark attendee interest and participation. Interactive workshops, team-building challenges, or engaging speaker sessions can transform passive listening into active involvement. When employees are engaged, they're more likely to retain information, feel connected to the company's mission, and approach their work with renewed motivation.

Foster Teamwork & Collaboration

‍Corporate events can be powerful tools for breaking down silos and fostering a collaborative spirit. Team-building activities that require cooperation, communication, and problem-solving skills can help employees build trust with colleagues from different departments. Themed events or social gatherings provide a casual setting for employees to interact outside their usual work dynamic, strengthening bonds and encouraging collaboration across teams.

Enhance Learning & Development

‍Corporate events aren't just about fun and games. They can be springboards for learning and development. Inviting industry experts for keynote speeches or workshops allows employees to gain valuable insights and stay current on industry trends. Skill-sharing sessions empower employees to share their expertise with colleagues, fostering knowledge transfer and professional growth. By incorporating learning opportunities into your event ideas, you invest in your workforce's development, creating a more skilled and adaptable team.

Promote Brand Identity & Culture

‍Corporate events are a chance to showcase your company's brand identity and cultivate a strong company culture. The event theme, activities, and overall atmosphere all contribute to the message you want to convey. A focus on innovation and creativity can be reflected through interactive workshops or hackathons. A desire for a collaborative and inclusive environment can be fostered through team-building games and social gatherings. By aligning your event ideas with your brand values, you create a cohesive experience that strengthens your company culture and attracts top talent who resonate with your vision.

‍Generate Positive PR & Strengthen Relationships

‍Corporate events can be excellent public relations opportunities. Inviting clients, media representatives, or potential partners allows you to showcase your company's expertise, build stronger relationships, and generate positive brand awareness. A well-executed event with engaging activities and valuable takeaways can leave a lasting impression, positioning your company as an industry leader and fostering long-term partnerships.

Things to Consider Before Choosing Entertainment Ideas

Here are some key tips to consider when planning corporate event entertainment. 

1. Know Your Audience

Tailor your entertainment options to the interests and preferences of your target audience.

• Demographics: Consider the age range, interests, and energy levels of your attendees. Will a high-energy band appeal to everyone, or would a mix of activities be better?
• Company Culture: Is your company culture formal or relaxed? Opt for entertainment that aligns with the overall tone you want to set.
• Event Goal: Is the goal to celebrate, network, or educate? Choose entertainment that complements your event's objectives.
  

2. Set a Budget & Plan Early

Choose entertainment options that fit your budget.

• Entertainment can be a significant cost. Determine your event budget early on to narrow down options and avoid last-minute scrambles.
• Popular entertainment options book up fast. Plan and secure your entertainment well in advance, especially for larger events.
  

3. Variety is Key

• Cater to different preferences: Offer a mix of activities to cater to introverts, extroverts, and those seeking active or relaxing options.
• Consider breaks between sessions: Schedule entertainment during breaks or after sessions to keep attendees engaged and energized.
  

4. Think About Logistics & Flow

Consider logistical needs for space, equipment, and staffing.

• Venue limitations: Choose activities that suit the size and layout of your party venue. Consider the space available and any technical requirements for the entertainment you choose. 
• Overall Flow & Schedule: Integrate entertainment seamlessly into the conference schedule, ensuring a good balance between informative sessions and engaging activities and avoiding disruptions or overlaps.
• Staffing needs: Determine if any additional staff will be required to manage the entertainment or activities.
  

5. Engagement & Interactivity

• Go beyond passive entertainment: Opt for activities that encourage interaction and participation among attendees.
• Incorporate technology: Utilize interactive games, polls, or audience response systems to keep attendees engaged.
• Consider photo opportunities: Set up a photo booth or fun backdrop for attendees to capture memories and share on social media.

Additional Tips

• Get feedback: Ask past attendees or colleagues for suggestions on entertainment options.
• Read online reviews: Research potential entertainment providers by reading online reviews and checking their experience with similar events.
• Think outside the box: Don't be afraid to explore unique and creative entertainment ideas to make your event truly memorable.
• Plan B is essential: Have a backup plan in case of unforeseen circumstances that might affect your chosen entertainment.
• Survey your employees: Gauge their preferences through a quick survey to understand what kind of entertainment they'd enjoy most.

• Balance active and relaxing options: Offer a mix of entertainment options to cater to different energy levels and preferences.
• Think about the overall theme: If your party has a theme, choose entertainment that complements it for a cohesive experience.

Don’t Forget to Remember Your Goals

• Do you want to boost engagement?
• Do you aim to facilitate networking?
• Is the goal to create lasting memories? Choose entertainment that aligns with your overall event objectives.

"Entertainment at corporate events should be more than just a distraction; it should be an integral part of the event's message and objectives. Think about how each entertainment element can enhance the overall theme and goals of the event." - Julius Solaris, Founder of EventMB and Head of Engagement at Swapcard

20 Entertainment Ideas For Corporate Events And Conferences

Interactive & Social Activities

Icebreaker Games

‍Break the ice and get attendees interacting with fun, quick games at the beginning of the conference or during networking breaks. This could involve trivia related to your industry, collaborative challenges, or two-truths-and-a-lie games.

Gamification

‍Incorporate gamification elements throughout the conference. Attendees can earn points for attending sessions, participating in discussions, or completing challenges. These points can be redeemed for prizes or recognition.

Live Polling & Q&A

‍Use audience response systems to conduct live polls and Q&A sessions during presentations. This keeps attendees engaged and allows for real-time interaction with the speaker.

Networking Events

‍Plan dedicated networking events like cocktail receptions, speed networking sessions, or themed social gatherings.

Interactive Art Installation or DIY Activities

‍Set up an interactive art installation or provide DIY craft kits for attendees to unleash their creativity.

Caricature Artist or Live Portrait Drawing

‍Hire a caricature artist or live portrait drawer to create fun keepsakes for employees.

Creative & Educational Entertainment

Live Demonstrations or Product Showcases

‍Showcase new products, technologies, or services through live demonstrations and interactive booths.

Improv Comedy or Performances

‍Incorporate a short improv comedy skit or performance related to your conference theme to add a touch of humor and spark creativity.

Panel Discussions with Diverse Perspectives

‍Organize panel discussions featuring experts from various backgrounds to offer a well-rounded perspective on relevant topics.

Workshops or Skill-Building Sessions

‍Offer interactive workshops or skill-building sessions on topics related to the conference theme. This allows attendees to learn new skills and network with like-minded individuals.

"Corporate events should focus on creating personalized experiences. Customizable entertainment options, such as themed escape rooms or tailored music playlists, can make employees feel valued and engaged." - Debra Roth, Creative Director at The Originators

Relaxing & Refreshing Activities

Mindfulness Sessions or Yoga Breaks

‍Schedule short mindfulness sessions or yoga breaks in the middle of the day to help attendees de-stress and refocus.

Live Music or Entertainment

‍Provide live music during breaks or after the main sessions to create a relaxing and enjoyable atmosphere.

Photo Booth or Fun Backdrop

‍Set up a photo booth with props or a fun backdrop for attendees to capture memories and share on social media.

Themed Contests or Scavenger Hunts

‍Organize a scavenger hunt or contest related to the conference theme or venue to encourage exploration and interaction in a fun way.

Casino Night

‍Deal the fun with a casino night featuring classic games like blackjack, poker, and roulette (with play money for a friendly competition).

Themed Dance Party or Competition

‍Get the party moving with a live DJ or band playing dance music. Consider a themed party to add another layer of fun (e.g., 80s night, neon party).

Game Truck or Virtual Reality Experience

‍Rent a game truck loaded with arcade classics or consoles, or provide a virtual reality experience for a truly immersive activity.

Food Truck Roundup or Themed Dinner

‍Instead of a sit-down meal, consider a food truck rodeo offering diverse culinary options. Alternatively, opt for a themed dinner experience (e.g., luau, casino night buffet).

Magic Show or Mentalist Performance

‍Hire a magician or mentalist to amaze and entertain your employees with mind-boggling tricks and illusions.

Eventify Can Help!

Eventify's platform offers a variety of features to support your entertainment needs. You can leverage:

• Engaging Session Formats: From panels and workshops to keynotes and live streams, offer diverse content formats to keep your audience entertained.
• Interactive Features: Utilize polls, Q&A functionalities, and chat tools to boost audience participation throughout the event.
• Enhanced Video UI: Integrate pre-recorded sessions, live streams, and captivating video presentations on event app to keep your audience engaged.

By carefully considering your audience, exploring engaging options, and keeping your goals in mind, you can select corporate event entertainment that makes your gathering a resounding success!