How to Choose the Perfect Live Event Entertainment

“We want to add something extra, make our event really memorable, any ideas?”

“We want something different for our corporate event, what entertainment can you recommend?

“We’re thinking performers for our Christmas party, what can you do?”

When I was working as a high level event manager, these were questions I got (and get at Event Flair now) all the time! Auckland and New Zealand event clients are wanting to stand out, uplevel on previous events, with the purpose of making their guests feel really appreciated and special.

In most cases when people organising an event are wanting ‘something different’ to elevate their event, booking professional entertainment is a fantastic choice (perhaps we are biased…). In New Zealand and especially Auckland, there are several event entertainment options to choose from, but the trick is choosing the entertainment that suits the event.

There’s a reason why we’re called “Event Flair” – because we always take the time to understand the event’s architecture first, BEFORE suggesting entertainment options, which means we always provide a perfect solution.

While we always encourage clients to get in touch with us to discuss their entertainment needs, it’s helpful to have a starting point on what works and what doesn’t for a conference, corporate event, Christmas party or birthday. Below, we’ve outlined our favourite ideas for a corporate function, conference, awards night, Christmas party, product launch, private celebration or festival - based on the event structure.

First note

You’ll see that for both styles of event, we’ve recommended entertainment on arrival. This is because first impressions are absolutely paramount, especially if there are other factors at play for guests such as rain, difficult parking, or a stressful day at work (all of which are common in Auckland!). A warm welcome from someone matched perfectly to the event style will set the tone for the rest of the event.

For events that have existing structure:

Structured events include an awards night, gala dinner, corporate conference, seated dinner, charity ball or formal celebration – the events that have elements such as meal courses, speeches and other key milestones.

 For this style of event, we recommend entertainment “highlights” rather than several ambient options, as this will match the structure of the event and not get lost in the furniture.

Set the scene

Arrival entertainment

This could be costumed actors in theme, our beautiful showgirls in full feathers, or our walking works of art – aka, our body painted models in wearable art. Entertainment on arrival sets the tone for an exciting evening, encourages guests to take photos (and entices the thought that this will be a night they want to remember), and be excited for what’s happening next.

Live music

Music absolutely creates a vibe, and live music at an event feels so personalised, special and enjoyable. For a more relaxed start, live music is the perfect way to set the tone of “be our guest” as people walk in the door, for which we recommend our acoustic duo, jazz trio, or solo vocalist.

Pop up entertainment

This could be dance performances, circus acts, aerial performances, LED entertainment or live music such as a singer or band. Timings for these should fit around the structure planned – we find a great cadence for pop up acts is before a welcome speech (to open the event), before mains, and before dessert.

If you’re choosing to have multiple performances in one entertainment style (i.e: multiple dance performances), Event Flair can structure the acts to build momentum and excitement. For example: for a 1920s themed event would start with a more traditional cabaret piece, building up later on to a high energy, electro swing cover of a 1920s song to get the party started!

End the night with high energy entertainment

When a host hands over for the evening, it always adds a breath of fresh air when the lead singer from a fantastic looking band takes over. We’ve done several surveys (particularly in wedding chat forums) about a DJ vs a live band, and the response is almost unanimous – if you have the budget, absolutely go for a live band. It is the perfect way to top off an evening, and is always a fantastic talking point.

For events that don’t have a set structure:

This is your casual drinks, cocktail parties, networking events, brand activations, drinks and canape events, trade shows, festivals and birthdays – the events that people show up as they choose, conversations are relaxed and informal.

Setting the scene / creating a vibe

This looks almost identical to above, however the implementation is slightly different. Instead of having themed performers just at the door, these acts would upgrade to more skilled, roving performers around the event for slightly longer, for guests to admire at their leisure.

 I.e: Instead of a costumed performer on arrival, this would be a roving, improv actor, a juggler, multi hoop artist, or dancers in body paint/wearable art.

 These roving acts create points of interest at an event, allowing guests to admire at their own leisure, and maintaining the integrity of a relaxed, casual event.

 To maintain interest, performer times are staggered – some would be on arrival, some would start later. Performers are able to interact and be seen by all guests, which creates an interactive “zone” that elevates the experience.

Entertainment stations

Particularly popular and a point of difference for themed events, festivals and drinks and nibbles style events, our talented painters can add flowers, sparkle, and themed designs using face paint at a designated station. This is different to a kids face paint station – instead of a full face, these are small, elegant designs (which can also be to a theme) that don’t overpower a guests existing makeup or features, and add a level of fun and spontaneity to an event.

 Again, live music is a wonderful addition to any event, and our team is able to scale the performances to start more laid back and relaxed, building up to more toe tapping tunes as the event progresses. This can be done with a duo, trio or a full band – we can make our best recommendation based on the event size and style.

In summary:

 For a structured event – choose highlights to spread throughout the evening

For a non-structured event – choose waves of entertainment, in a style that guests can enjoy at their leisure.

For ideas/advice – our contact form is always open, we’d love to hear from you!

At Event Flair, we provide premium entertainment for:

 ·      Corporate events

·      Conferences

·      Christmas parties

·      Gala dinners

·      Awards nights

·      Brand activations

·      Festivals

·      Weddings

·      Private events

·      And more!

From live music and roaming performers to gorgeous performances, we help clients across Auckland and New Zealand create unforgettable events tailored to their audience and vision. Get in touch with our team to discuss entertainment ideas for your next event.