Entertainment Ideas for Successful Corporate Events

(Last Updated On: April 23, 2023)

What are some of the entertainment ideas for corporate events? In recent years, corporate entertainment’s reputation has been tarnished. Many people who have lost their jobs or are struggling to pay their mortgages get a lump in their throat when they hear about government-subsidized banks holding lavish events to amuse clientele. Many individuals are irritated with half-empty hospitality tents at Wimbledon, which have been paid for in full. This article will reveal some entertainment ideas for corporate events. Keep reading.

Nonetheless, the banks organized and paid for the events prior to the financial crisis, and corporate entertainment is an important part of the process of building commercial ties. Given the present economic condition, many businesses, particularly those in the city, are concerned about overtly entertaining clients. Even if they are entertaining current and prospective clients, they cannot be perceived to be having a good time. Naturally, this has impacted the events, conference, hospitality, and entertainment industries.

Entertainment ideas for corporate events

The Event industry, according to Simon Speller of Hillier Hopkins LLP Accountants, is a very excellent barometer of economic stability. Clients in this area began to be affected at the beginning of 2008, before other industries, but he confidently stated that his clients are now witnessing greater business in the most recent quarter, implying economic growth – or confidence.

Prior to the Credit Crunch, vast or even infinite budgets for corporate entertainment were available, and elaborate occasions were planned with no expense spared. Costs were expensive, and it was not uncommon for Event Companies to mark up their suppliers’ prices significantly, which they then passed on to their consumers. However, the current tendency is for budgets to be tightened, fees to be negotiated, and certain entertainment to be cut.

One of our clients mentioned that they were no longer holding their regular hospitality events for all of their clients; instead of taking 100 clients to Twickenham for a corporate day that included watching an International, they were now taking ten high-earning clients to watch the match and enjoy a curry, saving £700 per person. They were also combing through their database, inviting fewer individuals to events and keeping the finest invites for their top earners.

Another customer, who works for a big supermarket that generated record profits last year, reported that as a cost-cutting measure, all of the Christmas Office parties were canceled last year. Normally, her department of 20 would be given a £40,000 budget, but the corporation was hesitant to even do an in-house drinks party. Of course, canceling company gatherings has an influence on employee morale and isn’t always the most cost-effective option!

So, why do companies put on shows? Is it for the sake of amusement or to make them appear good? Is it to brag or to praise their employees? When businesses entertain, a bit of each of these qualities is present, but it is usually for commercial goals. Providing workers with a memorable away day or Office Party is a great way to thank them for their dedication and hard work – thus the disappointment when these events are canceled. It is, however, first and foremost, to create and sustain client connections.

If you arrange to meet a high-earning client for coffee at McDonald’s, it says little about how much you value the client and their business to you; however, if you choose a private and quiet location where you can discuss business in a professional manner, it says a lot about how much you value the business relationship. Similarly, a restaurant with poor service and atmosphere (even if it is pricey) will not benefit the business relationship as much as a great family-owned restaurant with a chef and front-of-house staff who genuinely care about their clients.

We have provided a CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) entertainer to companies that are planning in-house events. The price comes from the company’s CSR budget, and the performer is a ‘busker,’ who plays background music while guests donate to a charity by placing money in his hat. The advantages are that the event has a fundraising component, the entertainment is paid from the CSR money rather than the budget, and the event’s quality is boosted by live music.

If you’re planning an event in another location, find out what the venue’s events team has to offer in terms of a package; for example, is entertainment included; are they able to provide cheap lodging? Is there a possibility of a cash bar? What’s the difference between a buffet and a served dinner in terms of price?

Entertainment ideas for corporate events

Here are our top entertainment ideas for corporate events for the ideal frosting on the cake when it comes to adding the ‘entertainment’ aspect to an event.

Rather than using an internet-based organization, we would always advocate going to a reputable agency with someone you can speak with. It’s not always true that friends of friends are trustworthy!
Having a musician provide background music for the drinks reception and/or supper elevates the event’s quality. Although it isn’t always essential, a CSR-funded musician adds value to the event. In this setting, a harpist, string quartet, saxophone, guitarist, or piano would be ideal.
Having entertainment after dinner is usually a wonderful idea to round off the evening and ensure that visitors depart delighted. Singing Waiters, Surprise Singing Guests, and Flamenco Guitarists and Dancers have all proven to be popular.
After dinner speakers are a good idea, but make sure you specify what you want them to speak about in the contract and provide them with enough information about the expected attendees so they can personalize the speech to the crowd.
Take a step forward. Comedians are entertaining, but many of them have stuff that is inappropriate for mixed audiences or specialized groups. Personally, I would avoid this choice unless you have high confidence in the comic and are well-versed in your target audience. The choice of comic has wrecked certain occasions.
A popular singing act is our Romantic Tenor, who performs Operatic Arias and Andrea Boccelli melodies. Tribute soloists and bands, on the whole, do not impress valuable clients, therefore look for a good quality vocalist who will add value to your event. Make sure he or she hasn’t turned up the volume too loudly, and if required, handle sound checks to reduce the volume and seek modifications afterwards. The entertainment was excessively loud, and the evening was ruined – so control the performer!
Obtain as much information and assistance from the venue as possible. They are specialists in their field and may have some excellent suggestions.

Take away

Corporate entertainment is a fantastic method to strengthen company ties. Increasing customer hospitality at a time when individuals are cutting back is an excellent way to stand out from the crowd. It is not necessary to spend a lot of money on good entertainment, but it is necessary to pay attention to the details so that your clients have a nice experience and you, as a company, promote yourself properly. Best of luck with these entertainment ideas for corporate events!