Corporate Entertainment

If you are in-charge of corporate entertainment, then you understand the pressure involved.  Obviously, the success of your job would have a direct bearing on the company so you would want to do something spectacular that people would never forget.  However, if the event were unsuccessful, the spotlight would be on you.  The good news is that a position such as yours is exciting and when done right, very rewarding.

One of the most common elements used for corporate entertainment is music.  Whether you were organizing a sit down black tie dinner or an outdoor picnic in the park, music would complete the occasion.  For this, you need to consider the age of the majority of people that would be attending the event so you can choose music accordingly.  Additionally, geographic location and type of event would also come into play.  As an example, if most people were in their 30s and 40s, and the event would be held outdoors in Arizona, choosing country and western music would be perfect.  However, if the event were for people in their 50s and 60s, a formal occasion held on the east coast then perhaps going with soft jazz would be better.

In addition to music for a corporate entertainment venue, you have other options to consider.  For instance, you might look into hiring a comedy team, a magician, setting up a mock casino, or going with a miniature carnival.  Again, the choice you make would depend on the type of event and the atmosphere you want to achieve.  If you need to hire a professional event coordinator to help get everything organized, then it would be imperative to interview several possibilities.  During the interview process, you would need to ask specific questions to make sure the person has the appropriate skills and experience.  Examples of questions you might ask include:

• Based on the type of event, what are some of your recommendations?
• What is the pricing and if too high, would you be willing to offer a discount?
• Is there a guarantee attached to the services rendered?
• Would you arrive prior to the start of the event and stay until it is over to keep things on schedule?
• What would happen if one of the entertainers did not show up, would you have a backup plan in place?

Just remember that when it comes to corporate entertainment, business entertainers are easy to find and most are highly qualified.  However, a true professional would work closely with you, honoring certain aspects of the event.  Let us say that you needed one hour for awards to be handed out.  You would need an event coordinator that can use that down time wisely, again, keeping everything on schedule so the entire day or evening ends up being a seamless experience.

If you have an evening reception where dinner would be served and speeches made, then the corporate entertainment might include a four-piece soft jazz band or even a strolling guitarist playing Spanish music.  If the event is for a company party, then the music and other venues should be more upbeat, perhaps a band or DJ that plays 60s and 70s music.  Then, if the event were a team builder, a day in the park with water games, softball, and volleyball, a great Dixieland or classic rock and roll band would be ideal.