Corporate Entertainment Trends 2024: Make Your Event Unforgettable!
Jeff Newman shares his insights about corporate entertainment trends in 2024.
As a mentalist and magician, I do a lot of corporate events. Conferences, holiday parties, networking events, appreciation events, you name it. And in my years of experience, I’ve seen also seen a lot of entertainment options come and go, and others with the staying power to stand the test of time.
And since it’s shaping up to be another banner year for people in the entertainment biz, I thought it would be helpful to give you the inside track on what the entertainment trends are for 2024 and beyond to help you plan an event that feels fresh, unique, and unforgettable!
Make It Personal
Today’s corporate crowds are looking for something unique. Not just in the style of entertainment, but they want experiences that are tailored to them.
Many organizations are looking for something that creates a one-of-a-kind, personal experience. Imagine an event that seems to read your mind—where the music playlist is somehow filled with your favorite tunes, or the comedian seems to know all inside jokes of your company. This is personalization at its peak, and it's shaping the future of gatherings at the workplace.
Personalization isn't just about the content of the show; it's woven into every aspect, from the moment an attendee receives their invitation to the final applause. Tailored event merchandise, food and drink, and even the lighting are all part of the customized experience. This tailored approach is a testament to the fact that the corporation is not a homogenous entity of suits and lanyards, but a collection of unique individuals, each deserving of a unique, memorable experience. Adding an entertainment factor that feels like a personal touch for everyone in the room is a great way to make that connection with your colleagues.
THE MAGIC MAKERS: Mentalists and Magicians Take Center Stage
One thing I hear daily from clients looking to book a show is: “Last year, we had a band/DJ/Comedian/Whatever that was good…but they kind of just became background noise. We want something that really engages with people. Ya know, make it interesting.”
This is why mentalists and magicians are an ever-increasing feature at live events. They are enablers of human connection. Audience participation is a must, and turns passive watchers into an engaged group who are sharing an experience that is completely unique to them. This is especially true since COVID restrictions have ended. The demand for an interactive experience is at its highest, and shows no signs of slowing down any time soon.
Magic is a great way to check all the boxes; it’s a unique, unforgettable and collective experience for a room full of people.
Technology and Tradition
In the last few years, tech has become a bigger feature at a lot of events. Gone are the days of a simple podium and microphone on a 25-foot cable. Now, we’re seeing everything from wireless sound systems, to projectors, to even 3D soundscapes and holographic displays. Corporate entertainment is no different; even the most technically simple shows are relying more and more on things like projectors, sound systems, social media, and more. Technology is a powerful tool, and in 2024, it's being wielded by event professionals to enhance, not override, the live experience.
Taking advantage of this demand for technology is a great way to engage your guests; whether that’s through hiring an entertainer that implements it into their shows, using it to display new and interesting ideas to your guests, or even implementing social media in new and novel ways can add a dash of wow-factor that you’d never expect.
Crafting the Capstone Event of 2024
In 2024, live events are becoming less about formalities and more about forging a memorable connection with attendees. The capstone event of this year isn’t just the culmination of a meeting; it’s creating experiences and building relationships with the people in the room. It’s the place where networking feels less like a chore and more like a celebration; it’s a way of saying, "We value your time; we value you."
Corporate entertainment is inextricably tied to the holistic experience it offers. It's not just about booking the best entertainer for your event (although that certainly helps); it's about creating a narrative that resonates with your audience and weaves an unforgettable story from start to finish.
Message me and let's make your next corporate event an unforgettable one!
