In a recent study published by Cvent Inc., an event technology supplier, 52 per cent of respondents said their event budgets have increased year over year, compared to 32 per cent reporting increases in the prior year. Additionally, some 21 per cent of event planners cited outside activities as a top influence when selecting an event venue, and 43 per cent said live music and entertainment are strategies they have leveraged to create a memorable event experience for guests.
In this article, we'll show you how to find the absolute best-of-the-best corporate event entertainment in London.
How to Find the Best Corporate Event Entertainment in London
From lively musicians to mystifying magicians, there are thousands of potential corporate entertainment options to choose from in London. Finding the right kind of entertainment adds a certain kind of ambience to any corporate networking event, multi-day conference, or end-of-the-year celebration. Check out this quick step-by-step guide to finding the best event entertainment for your corporate gathering.
1. Know Your Audience
Start by creating a basic audience profile. Who's attending your event? What do they like/dislike? Do attendees share any observable traits or characteristics that might help you to create a more informed event marketing strategy? The idea is to try and understand the commonalities amongst your most valuable attendees. Use these insights to narrow in on the types of entertainment that your guests might enjoy.
Try giving your guests a few different entertainment options. The most effective businesses and organisations will even ask attendees for entertainment feedback well in advance of the event. The golden rule is to select "family friendly" entertainment suitable for any age or demographic.
For a quick guide to building an audience profile, check out Eventbrite's 5 Ways to Segment Your Event Audience.
2. Look for Entertainment Options Early
Start your search for entertainment right away. The most popular entertainers are often hired months in advance and settling for a last-minute, newbie disc jockey or guitarist will leave your guests feeling unsatisfied and unimpressed. Moreover, last-minute acts tend to be a little more expensive.
Finding corporate event entertainment early on allows you to organise other elements of your event including seating plan, room layout, a schedule for the day, and more.
3. Ask for Referrals
Ask your professional network for referrals. Your colleagues have likely hosted a few corporate events and can probably point you to the best-of-the-best entertainers. Who knows — you might even receive a discount for the referral. Additionally, ask vendors for a preferred list of entertainers.
After you've received the referral, check out the entertainer online or attend one of their upcoming gigs. You might get a great referral and then realise later on that he/she doesn't suit the unique look and feel of your event.
4. Interview Prospects
Lastly, narrow your search, select a few entertainers, and ask a ton of questions. During the interview process, remember to ask questions like:
- Are you available on the selected date(s)?
- How much experience do you have as a corporate event entertainer?
- What sets you apart from other corporate event entertainers?
- How far in advance should we secure your services?
- Can you provide any references?
- How much time will you need for setup, sound check, and breakdown?
- How does your pricing structure work?
Just in case your top pick is hired, be sure to have a backup plan.
Host a Successful Corporate Event in London
The fact is — entertainment is only one component of a highly successful corporate event. You need to find a corporate event venue that complements your business or organisation's unique mission and values.
From company results and awards events to networking mixers and parties, RocketSpace has hosted hundreds of corporate gatherings. As a leading corporate event venue in London, RocketSpace offers seating for up to 120 guests, standing room for 250 guests, a cafe for dishes and drinks, next-generation audio-visual components, configurable event space, and more. Additionally, RocketSpace's event management team is on-hand to answer your questions and provide support before, during, and after your event.
RocketSpace can even connect you to a handful of industry-leading vendors including musicians, novelty confectioners, and props to suit your needs. Whether you want to impress your guests with personalised and branded gifts or add that extra "wow" factor, RocketSpace has all the tools you need to make event planning and hosting simple and easy.
