Entertainment is one of the most important final touches of your special event, especially if it’s a corporate event. It’s the sparkle that guests remember. It can be an emotional take-away or the background soundtrack. But it can backfire if not the right fit for the audience. So, it’s important to note that it’s not as simple as just hiring an act for the night. Here are nine questions you should ask yourself when booking corporate event entertainment.
Is My Entertainment the Right Fit for the Audience?
Nothing can derail an experience faster than an entertainment option that isn’t in line with your group. Asking yourself about your audience demographic is an essential question when selecting your corporate event entertainment. With thousands of options to choose from, picking something that will compliment your guest’s taste level is critical.
If you have a more formal crowd, choosing an edgy comedian may cause people to be wildly uncomfortable. Not to mention, you can have an HR issue if they offend someone. On the flip side, a lively group of sales executives may not enjoy a slow and mellow musical act. Getting grumbles or complaints during or after an event is no fun. Picking a performance that is appropriate ensures that your event is memorable for all the right reasons.
And just as important as their act, is their costuming…
What About My Entertainment Costuming?
Asking about your corporate event entertainment costuming is almost as important as considering their performance. Knowing what your performers will wear will ensure that you aren’t scrambling at the last minute for a wardrobe replacement. Corporate events require a more toned-down thoughtfulness. Costuming should be tasteful and non-offensive. It should support the performance without being a topic of controversy.
Now that you know how they’re dressed, what about the space they’re in?
Is My Event a Seated or Reception Event?
Different styles of events call for distinct types of corporate event entertainment performances. The energy in a reception-style evening is unlike that of a seated dinner. Your entertainment needs to match the type of experience you are planning.
For example, if you have a networking reception, dramatic and long stage acts may compete with your goals. To pause the connective energy in the room to require everyone to focus on a performance, will defeat your purpose. Similarly, if you’re having a seated dinner, a strolling performer walking up to the table, interrupting conversations, is uncomfortable. Asking yourself what type of event you are planning for will help you select a compatible style of corporate event entertainment.
Awards shows take on an even more significant consideration.
Is My Corporate Event an Awards Show?
If your evening is an awards show, it requires a very different lens of thoughtfulness. Awards dinners need a more sophisticated level of management.
These events are made to showcase deserving recipients and award winners. And they usually have a tight schedule that needs to be paced. Which means they also need to be in harmony with the timing of the venue’s food and beverage service. That symphony requires a sophisticated timeline.
It also means that the selected entertainment must enhance the event and not compete with it. Your winners are the stars of the night, so the entertainment shouldn’t upstage their moment. If you are selecting entertainment for an awards night, your corporate event entertainment will need to be very specific to your programming.
And it also needs to be specific to the space…
Does My Entertainment Suit the Space or Stage?
Asking yourself about your available space is important when selecting your ideal corporate event entertainment. When you’re plotting your room layout, thinking about the amount of physical space your performers need will aid in a smooth event.
Strolling artists require easy channels through the crowds or tables. Bands or dancers need room to move. Cirque performances can necessitate height or ceiling rigging. Examining your space as you consider entertainment helps you select options that fit the room.
But just because it fits the room, does it fit your bottom line? What about the extra needs?
What Type of Audio Visual Does My Corporate Event Entertainment Need?
An often-overlooked consideration when securing corporate event entertainment is the extra needs. Most entertainers will require supportive elements to deliver their performance. Audio visual, staging, lighting, power, backline…the list goes on. There are several additional costs that can be attached to your entertainment that aren’t visible on a standard quote. Asking your entertainment partner in advance what tech needs need to be added will help you maintain your budget.
While you’re at it, as about the rider requirements…
Are There Any Rider Requirements?
Rider requirements…love them or hate them, they are a potential necessity when booking corporate event entertainment. While these are especially true of headliners, large bands, and speakers, they can also be important for smaller acts.
Asking if your entertainment requires travel, transportation, or specialty services will prevent surprises right before event time. These would include any green room needs, including meals.
Do I Need a Back-Up Option?
We all know Murphy and his maddening law. Sometimes things happen, especially in a “break a leg” world, especially in today’s world. Asking yourself if you need a back-up plan for your corporate event entertainment is a good exercise in case something comes up. This is usually more important for those headliners or named acts we mention above. When only one specific person can do the job, it’s a good idea to have a stand-in idea on your radar.
Speaking of having people on your radar…
Who Can Help Me with My Corporate Event Entertainment?
When it comes to corporate event entertainment, knowing who or what to select is the final cherry on the cake of the night. Having a partner that can help guide you past the pitfalls is critical.
Reach out to us today. We’ll give you all the right answers for any of your corporate event entertainment questions.
