Friday, November 1, 2013

Entertainment Ideas: for Corporate Holiday Parties

As I went through stores today - I noticed all the Christmas decorations taking the place of all the Halloween treats that once had me so excited only hours ago. Then I started to realize how close it really was. Wow - we are only a month and a few weeks away. And its just about that time - time to plan for those holiday parties. From family to friends - Christmas through to New Year's - ones agenda gets filled very quickly.

Today I thought I would talk about ideas for entertainment - for the corporate holiday party.

Holiday parties in general can be a lot fun, or they can be really awkward. As a planner - we look at what makes everyone happy...then book entertainment.

Creating the perfect corporate party with entertainment can be pretty easy. The main thing is to envision how the entertainment will fit into the overall event. I thought a few ideas on ideas out there on entertainment would be very helpful. Better to start thinking about it as early as possible. It does depend on the budget you have to work with in terms of how dramatic the entertainment.

'Tis the Season - Sounds of the Season
Every party definitely isn't a party without music, and corporate events are no exception. That's why during holidays - DJs and bands are always very busy. If you go to the DJ or live band for entertainment - keep in mind 2 things. The first being budget. This avenue is definitely a higher cost in budget. If budget does not accommodate for a DJ or a band - another alternative would be to have an auto DJ. This would mean putting together a long list of music to be played - without any supervision. Often more of a background music alternative. The second thing to keep in mind, is the audience musical tastes. Another thing to keep in mind is that by having a DJ or a band - they are often a main stage type of entertainment option. Also - plan for a dance floor - if the guests get into the music - it would be wise to have an area for them to dance in.

Cocktails and Conversation
Sometimes corporate holiday parties can be dull or even like a business meeting. To avoid this from happening you may want to consider hiring an entertainer. Good ones to hire a magician or juggler of sorts. This really helps to get conversations going. If there is a possibility of having a "Variety Entertainer" where they have multiple talents - they would definitely steal the show. This aids guests to have conversations other than work related topics. Instead of having that awkward small talk - guests will be talking about the amazing entertainment.

Dinner and a Show
This works really well for a dinner style affair. The best to consider using a comedian or hypnotist to put a show while guests are eating. In the last couple of years, the most booked corporate holiday party entertainers are Comedians and hypnotists. There are other options you can consider - but as popular options that reach an over all satisfaction level across all types of personalities. Everyone loves to laugh!

Good Ol' Saint Nick
Even the oldest - is still young at heart. And why not bring in Santa, so that everyone can have a moment of flash back - of when they were little and sitting on Santa's lap. Saying cheese with our biggest smiles to get a picture taken with our "hero". Recreate this aspect - bring in a Santa - and have people take their "grownup" pictures with Santa.

Creating memories - making keepsakes
As with any parties - guests love taking something home from the party. We all love favors! This is also true for corporate events. An idea that works with any size party is the Photo Booth. Depending on budget - you can have it very simple - or very extravagant. Either way - it will be a hit! Everyone likes to get a little goofy. These can be done either DIY or you can rent. There is also another popular trend of having a caricaturist at the party to make drawings of your guests. Either ideas - make great memories...and keepsakes.

In the coming months we will be sharing more ideas. I know it's early - but in the planners world - many of us have already been working on the details of corporate parties and events.


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