When you set out ot plan an event, you want to make it the best one yet. And one of the most exciting pieces of any event is the entertainment. The entertainment at an event can make or break it. Attendees have different tastes, and while you aren’t guaranteed to please everyone, you hope that the majority will enjoy what you choose – especially since entertainment is a high-ticket item. So, as you think about your next event take a look at the list below for inspiration. We’ve thought past the basic and included a wide range of entertainment ideas.
Align Entertainment with Your Event
The one frame of reference you have when choosing entertainment is, of course, the event itself. The purpose of your event, theme, and attendee demographics should influence the entertainment you choose. You aren’t picking based on what you would like but based on what fits the event holistically. Entertainment, while it doesn’t have to be directly relevant to the event agenda and purpose, should relate to the event in some way. Consider what your attendees would want and what would take the content to the next level. Or, if your entertainment is merely a way to draw a bigger crowd and give attendees a chance to relax after a long day of sessions, choose entertainment that will fit your attendee profile.Types of Entertainment
Music
Always a crowd-pleaser, music is a safe choice. It can work for a variety of events. Not only that, there are so many types of music and levels of performers that you can generally find someone to fit your budget.- String Quartet
- Orchestra
- Improv Music Group
- Band
- DJ
- Singer-Songwriter
- Solo Artist
Comedy
Does your event call for collaboration or teamwork? Improv can be a great way to emphasize that point. Stand up is another option that can tie into your content or provide a break in tone.- Improv
- Stand up
Theater
There is something powerful about a performance piece. Whether a play, a one-act, a musical, or other, there are many ways to draw emotions from attendees. Theater can be a great way to bring a story to life.- Poetry
- One-act
- Play
- Musical
- Puppets
- Visual artists
- Dance
Activity Based Entertainment
If you want attendees to be actively engaged, consider bringing to the table an activity that gets them moving. There are so many options out there to take attendees out of their comfort zone to force them to work together or try something new and fun.- Virtual reality
- Escape Room
- Sports
- Photo Booth
- Axe Throwing
Food and Drink
Entertainment isn’t limited to watching a show from your seat. Food and drink can be engaging and powerful, especially if your event has something to do with the two. Consider adding one of the following into your event agenda.- Food Tasting
- Cooking Class
- Wine Pairing
- Wine, Beer, or Liquor Tasting
- Cooking Competition
Entertainment is Key to Your Event
Entertainment has the power to increase registrations, engage attendees, and share a message in a different format than the standard speech. When planning your event, think about how entertainment could add to the daily agenda and take the attendee experience to the next level.For more ideas, check out 4 Teambuilding Ideas for a Corporate Event
