Selecting Entertainment Your Client Will Never Forget

Planners, what’s the first thing that comes to mind when you begin organizing a multi-day corporate program? Do you think of amazing cuisine, specially tailored outings in the destination, and unique accommodations? While these logistics need to come first, and rightly so, it’s essential to keep entertainment on the front burner, too. Event entertainment is often the key that makes a program?truly?unforgettable. With everything else planners are working on, entertainment can often become an afterthought. But, for the attendee, it can be one of the most remembered pieces.

So how do you select the best entertainment, whether it be for a welcome reception, an awards dinner, a networking event, or all of the above? Below are a few things to consider.

Incorporate Entertainment into the Overall Design Plan from the Beginning

Again, because entertainment is one of the most dynamic features of a program, it’s critical to think about it from the start of your planning in order to make sure you get something that truly wows while carving out an appropriate budget. It needs to be part of the big picture so make sure you plan with your DMC from the beginning.

Consider the Purpose of Your Event

Love that rock band and think they are a must-have for your next event? But what if the attendees haven’t seen each other in a year, and they’re just getting off of a five-hour flight? You should always start with the intention of the event:

• Is this the welcome night? Do guests just want to catch up with each other?
• Are you trying to promote interaction among the attendees?
• Are you trying to wow them and get their attention directed to the stage before an executive presentation?
• Or maybe you want to give them an experience that showcases a side of the destination?

Simple background music is great, and oftentimes, just what you need. But even simple entertainment can make a statement and should always be a means to help facilitate the goal of the event.

For example, during a reception that 360DG’s San Francisco office organized, the goal was twofold: to showcase how the city celebrates diversity and different cultures, and provide an interactive experience for the guests. They partnered with a global fusion band that could transition from classical jazz to African drumming to Middle Eastern music by swapping out a few instruments. As the night went on and attendees began to let loose, they were encouraged to pick up some of the additional instruments and play alongside the band. The result: The perfect mix of traditional background in the beginning that amped up to an interactive show. In fact, guests were so engaged that the planner ended up extending the event!

Entertainment Doesn’t Just Mean Music

Like the previous example demonstrates, entertainment can also translate to an activity. In fact, more and more 360 Destination Group clients are asking for what we refer to as “interactive stations” – think akin to a food station, but featuring an activity rather than food. 360DG has brought in everything from terrarium-making stations in Half Moon Bay to barrel-making demos in Napa to live glassblowing in San Francisco.

You can even use entertainment as a “give back” element, like setting up a station where guests can participate in making school-supply kits for teachers. Or, a fan favorite, bring in a puppy station – it always excites guests while raising money for the shelter and hopefully helps find a home for some of our furry friends.

Remember, finding unique entertainment is where #360DG excels. Not only do we have vast connections in our specific destinations, but because we have offices all around the country, we are able to share what kinds of unique and novel entertainment ideas and experiences have sprung up in destinations nationwide.

Don’t Be Afraid to Challenge Your Attendees

While it’s important to keep your audience in mind, entertainment can be a way to introduce your attendees to something new (and, therefore, create a memorable experience). Planners shouldn’t be afraid to step out of the lines a bit. The key is to use the feedback from previous events in previous years to help direct your decisions.

Don’t Be Deterred if an Entertainer Doesn’t Have Press Kits

Sure, many entertainers have beautiful promotional videos, photos, and press kits. But we've worked with some really great local groups that don’t have an impressive marketing portfolio and do extremely high quality work. While a professional dance group comprised of students does not have the flashy marketing materials, they are a huge attention grabber, professional, reliable, and affordable. It’s important to work with a DMC who knows the local community and the diverse entertainment options available. Bottom line, trust your DMC!

As always, send me a message here on LinkedIn if you have any questions or need a little inspiration :-)