Corporate events come with a particular set of expectations. The entertainment has to reflect well on the organisation, appeal to a mixed audience, fit into a tight schedule, and work alongside speeches, awards and networking. Get it right and it becomes the talking point of the night. Get it wrong and it can be awkward for everyone.
This guide covers how to choose entertainment for the most common types of business event.
Start with the purpose of the event
Ask what the event is meant to achieve:
- Rewarding staff – the priority is fun and celebration.
- Impressing clients – polish and sophistication matter.
- Networking – entertainment should support conversation, not drown it out.
- Launching something – the entertainment may need to tie into your brand or theme.
Awards dinners
Awards nights usually follow a set pattern: drinks, dinner, awards, then a party.
- During drinks and dinner: a swing singer, a Rat Pack tribute or a Michael Bublé tribute adds class without dominating conversation.
- A host or compère: an experienced comedian or after-dinner speaker like Jack Ryan can keep the awards moving and add humour.
- After the awards: a function band like Fresh Grooves gets people on the dance floor.
Conferences
Daytime conferences rarely need live music, but evening receptions and conference dinners do.
- Close-up magic during a networking reception breaks the ice. The Magic Guy moves between groups.
- Casino tables from Casino Hire give delegates something to do together.
- An after-dinner comedian suits the conference dinner.
Staff parties and team events
For staff celebrations, summer parties and Christmas parties, the brief is usually "fun for everyone".
- Tribute acts covering widely known artists
- Party bands with a broad repertoire
- Interactive entertainment such as a magic mirror photo booth
- Surprise acts like Singing Waiters
See our Christmas party entertainment ideas for festive options.
Product launches and brand events
Here the entertainment may need to match your brand. Think about:
- A themed act that matches the launch concept, for example the 1920s Gatsby Dreamgirls for a vintage theme
- Ambient music that doesn't distract from presentations
- Performers who are comfortable working around press and photographers
Choosing comedy for a business audience
Comedy can be the highlight of a corporate night, but it carries more risk than music. To reduce that risk:
- Brief the comedian on the audience, the company culture and any sensitivities
- Ask for a clean set if there's any doubt
- Choose experienced corporate performers. Names like Billy Pearce know how to pitch a set to a business crowd
Practical planning
- Run of show: Give the act a detailed timeline, including speeches and awards.
- Stage and AV: Coordinate with your AV company if you have one. Some acts can use house sound; others bring their own.
- Space: Allow room for the act to perform without blocking sightlines to the stage or screens.
- Sound levels: For networking events, ask for background volume.
- Dress code: Let performers know if the event is black tie.
- Paperwork: Many corporate venues ask for public liability insurance and equipment testing certificates. Ask early.
Budget and value
Corporate budgets vary widely. A solo musician or magician can transform a reception, while a full band and host suit a larger awards dinner. We quote every event individually and can suggest options at different levels.
Why use an agency?
An agency gives you one contact, vetted performers, and cover if anything goes wrong. Our emergency letdown service runs 365 days a year, which matters when a big event can't move.
Summer parties and family days
Many companies hold a summer event as well as, or instead of, a Christmas party. Outdoor family days call for different entertainment:
- Children's entertainers to keep younger guests busy
- Crazy golf and carnival stalls for a fun-day feel
- A family-friendly band for the afternoon
- A party band or tribute act for an evening barbecue
Outdoor events need some extra planning: a covered performance area, a safe power supply and a weather plan.
Charity balls and fundraisers
Charity events often combine a formal dinner with an auction and a party. A compère or comedian can host the auction and keep the energy up. A swing or Motown act suits the glamour of a black-tie ball, and a band or tribute keeps people at the event (and bidding) for longer.
Timing is everything
Corporate events often run to a tight schedule, and entertainment can easily be squeezed. A few rules of thumb:
- Don't schedule entertainment during speeches or presentations.
- Allow realistic time for awards. They almost always overrun.
- Leave a buffer between the end of dinner and the first set so the venue can clear tables.
- Agree a firm finish time with the venue and share it with the act.
Briefing your performers
The more performers know about your event, the better they can pitch their show. A good brief includes:
- The organisation and the purpose of the event
- Expected numbers and the age range of guests
- Any themes, dress codes or brand guidelines
- Topics to avoid
- A named contact on the night
- The full run of show
Measuring success
How do you know the entertainment worked? Look at whether people stayed until the end, whether the dance floor was busy, and what guests said afterwards. A quick post-event survey with one question about the entertainment can guide next year's choices.
Get started
Visit our corporate entertainment page, browse comedians, or send us your event details and we'll put together suggestions.
Ready to find your act?
Flair Entertainments has been booking entertainers for clients across the UK since 1984. Send us your date, venue and the kind of night you want and we’ll come back with acts that suit.
