15 fun entertainment ideas for your next corporate event
Corporate events can often feel predictable, with the same formats repeated year after year. But with thoughtful planning and creativity, your gathering can become an experience that feels fresh, memorable, and worth your guests’ time. Adding corporate event entertainment can elevate any event, boosting attendance, engagement, and helping you achieve your business goals.
Whether you’re planning a donor gala, corporate holiday party, product launch event, grand opening for a new store, or a customer appreciation event, there are countless ways to engage and delight attendees. A photobooth, live music, a comedian, a magic show, an escape room—these corporate party entertainment ideas can make any event stand out.
In our digital-first era, it’s more important than ever to create genuine connections with your team and clients. Before you send your invitations, we’re here to inspire you with some of the best entertainment ideas for corporate events. And once you’ve settled on the perfect lineup, Paperless Post makes it simple to execute your event seamlessly with customizable, on-brand invitations, easy RSVP tracking, and integrated communications.
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Does your corporate event need entertainment?
Adding corporate event entertainment isn’t just for fun—it’s a strategic choice that can enhance the overall experience and engagement at your gathering. Any event where you want attendees to socialize, celebrate, or feel energized can benefit from entertainment. Ideal settings include corporate holiday parties, product launches, award ceremonies, and networking events.
Entertainment creates a shared experience, encourages conversation, and can make even long events feel lively and engaging. A carefully chosen act or activity can reinforce your event theme, strengthen your brand, and provide memorable moments for guests. For remote or hybrid events, interactive virtual options—like online trivia, virtual mixology classes, or a live-streamed comedy performance—help keep everyone connected, no matter where they are.
Corporate event entertainment ideas
Below are some of the best corporate party entertainment ideas to make your next gathering unforgettable. Let’s dive in!
1. Photobooth
A photobooth is a classic yet customizable way to encourage interaction at any event. You can rent a traditional booth that prints photo strips, set up a backdrop for candid shots, or hire a photographer to direct guests and capture moments.
Include props to match your theme—think fun hats, boas, or even company-branded items like mascots or CEO face cutouts. For virtual events, consider a digital photobooth or encourage attendees to snap selfies and submit them via a shared platform. After the event, share photos through a Broadcast Message or on social media using a custom hashtag to amplify your brand. This is ideal for both employee events and client-facing parties, and it works well at any type of gathering, from corporate holiday parties to product launches or donor galas.
2. Speaker or panel discussion
Adding a speaker or panel to your corporate event provides both inspiration and engagement for guests. Start by selecting a subject or expert relevant to your event theme, company mission, or industry trends. Include a Speakers Block in your invitation with bios, photos, and highlights to pique interest. Encourage attendees to submit questions by adding a Guest Question to your RSVP process to make the discussion interactive.
Panels work especially well for product launches, grand openings, or educational sessions, offering networking opportunities before and after the discussion. For virtual or hybrid events, live-streaming the talk or allowing real-time Q&A ensures all participants are involved. You can even record the session to share post-event, maximizing impact and engagement.
3. DJ
A DJ adds energy and versatility to your event, whether as background music or the main attraction. DJs can set the tone with a curated playlist that matches your event style—upbeat and modern for store openings or relaxed and sophisticated for corporate holiday party entertainment.
Consider themed sets to complement the occasion, like jazz-infused lounge music for cocktail hours or danceable hits for after-parties. For larger events, DJs can mix live audio with visual components. Make it interactive by allowing attendees to request songs in advance or live. DJs are especially effective for events where mingling and movement are encouraged, creating an atmosphere that’s lively but still professional.
4. Live music
Live music elevates your corporate event by creating ambiance, energy, and a memorable experience for guests. Start by choosing an act that aligns with your event’s tone: a jazz trio for elegant dinners, a solo acoustic singer for smaller networking receptions, or a full band to energize a corporate party or product launch. For daytime gatherings, consider instrumentalists like a pianist, harpist, or guitarist to add subtle background ambiance without overpowering conversation.
You can also build your run-of-show around musical moments—use short live sets to transition guests between speakers, meal courses, or activity stations. For outdoor events, check that your venue has proper power access and weather protection. For indoor events, ask about sound restrictions. Booking local talent supports the community and can simplify logistics, while big-name acts can boost attendance and create buzz. Either way you go, planning ahead is key—musicians often book months in advance, so secure your act as soon as your event date is locked in.
If you’re hosting a hybrid or virtual event, set up a simple livestream so remote attendees can enjoy the performance, or record the set to share afterward in a Broadcast Message.
5. Screening
Screenings turn your event into a shared cinematic experience. You can show a movie, highlight reels of past projects, stream a documentary, or share a new product campaign. For corporate events, screenings can also double as storytelling, showcasing company history, achievements, or client success stories.
Make it interactive by adding a live Q&A with team members, a trivia game about the content, or a themed photo corner to capture reactions. Set up comfortable seating, provide snacks or drinks, and ensure proper audiovisual equipment for high-quality viewing. Virtual adaptations can include screen-sharing for remote attendees, followed by moderated discussions. This approach works both as corporate holiday party entertainment and team-building events.
6. Auction or silent auction
Auctions and silent auctions add excitement, friendly competition, and a sense of purpose to your corporate event—especially when tied to a charitable cause or internal initiative. You can offer a mix of items at different price points to encourage broad participation: branded merchandise, curated gift baskets, tech gear, gift cards, or experiential prizes like travel packages, chef-led dinners, or VIP passes to local events.
For a silent auction, set up clearly labeled tables with well-lit displays, short item descriptions, and starting bids. Use mobile bidding platforms to let guests track items in real time, receive outbid alerts, and place bids straight from their phones, keeping the energy up without disrupting conversation. To encourage browsing, position auction tables near bars or hors d’oeuvres stations so guests naturally flow through the space.
If you’re hosting virtually, digital auction platforms offer photo galleries, countdown timers, and live leaderboards that create a shared sense of competition. Auctions work especially well for donor galas, corporate holiday party entertainment, and client appreciation events—or any occasion where you want to engage attendees while raising funds or spotlighting company partners.
7. Magic show
A magic show offers interactive corporate event entertainment that captivates guests. Hire a professional magician or hypnotist to perform live, integrating audience participation for an engaging experience. Table-to-table magic is especially effective for cocktail hours, while stage shows work for larger gatherings.
Incorporate your event theme into the performance—tricks can feature company branding or key messages for a personalized touch. Virtual adaptations can include online card tricks or close-up magic via video call, giving remote attendees the same sense of wonder. Magic shows appeal to a wide range of audiences, creating memorable moments that spark conversation during and after the event.
8. Comedy performance
Laughter is great for breaking the ice and energizing attendees. Book a local or well-known comedian for a performance aligned with your corporate culture. Provide clear guidance on off-limit topics to maintain a professional and inclusive atmosphere. For smaller teams, consider light-hearted roasts of your organization or internal projects.
Comedy performances work for both corporate holiday parties and larger conferences, offering a welcome break from speeches or presentations. Virtual comedy shows can be streamed live, and incorporating audience interaction—like live polls or questions—ensures remote participants feel included. Advance booking is crucial, as talent fills quickly during peak event seasons like the holidays or the end of quarters.
9. Trivia
Trivia is an engaging, low-lift activity that blends teamwork, problem-solving, and just the right amount of friendly competition. You can tailor the experience with themed rounds—company history, industry facts, pop culture, “guess that song,” or even personalized questions about leadership teams. Customization ensures the game feels relevant rather than generic, and it also helps reinforce key messages or milestones in a fun way.
Divide guests into small teams and encourage them to choose playful team names to break the ice. To keep the game dynamic, mix question formats: multiple choice, image-based clues, lightning rounds, or buzzer-style questions. Offer small prizes like branded items, bottles of wine, or gift cards to boost participation.
For hybrid or remote groups, virtual trivia works seamlessly through video platforms with polling tools or breakout rooms so teams can huddle privately. Trivia is ideal for team building, corporate cocktail parties, all-hands meetings, or internal celebrations where you want structured interaction without it feeling forced.
10. Wine tasting
A guided wine tasting adds sophistication and encourages mingling. Partner with a local sommelier or wine shop to create a curated experience. Tastings can be short and casual with a few wines or extended with paired cheeses and small bites.
Virtual wine tastings can be arranged by shipping kits to attendees, allowing remote participation. This activity pairs well with corporate holiday party entertainment or product launches, creating conversation starters and a festive ambiance. It’s perfect for groups that appreciate curated experiences, and it provides an elevated alternative to standard drink service.
11. Raffle or giveaway
A raffle or giveaway is an easy way to boost engagement and build anticipation throughout your event. You can distribute tickets at check-in, reward participation in activities to earn additional entries, or surprise guests with “golden tickets” hidden under chairs or inside event programs. Prizes can range from small branded items (mugs, totes, accessories) to high-value rewards like tech gadgets, spa certificates, travel vouchers, or premium company experiences (lunch with the CEO, a tour of HQ, or early access to a new product).
To elevate the moment, schedule the raffle drawing at a strategic time—during a natural lull or as a finale to keep guests around. Make the announcement feel exciting with a dedicated host, upbeat music, and photo ops. For hybrid or virtual events, digital raffle tools allow random selection and instant notification. Raffles work well for donor galas, corporate holiday party entertainment, customer appreciation events, or any gathering where you want to spark energy and reward attendance.
12. Escape room
An escape room challenge is one of the most engaging team-building activities you can offer, encouraging collaboration, communication, and creative problem-solving. You can book an off-site escape room venue with themed rooms (mystery, sci-fi, heist, historical) or bring the experience directly to your event through mobile kits, rented props, or digital escape room providers.
Participants work together to unravel clues, solve puzzles, and “unlock” the final solution before the clock runs out. It’s ideal for mixing departments, onboarding new employees, or encouraging cross-team bonding. For large groups, run multiple rooms simultaneously or rotate teams through timed rounds.
Virtual escape rooms are also widely available and work beautifully for remote or hybrid teams—participants join from anywhere and solve clues via shared screens or interactive online portals. Escape rooms strike the perfect balance between fun and strategy, making them a standout option among entertainment ideas for corporate events where you want high engagement without a formal presentation.
13. Cooking or cocktail class
Cooking classes and cocktail (or mocktail) workshops add a hands-on, sensory element to your event—perfect for audiences who enjoy interactive experiences. For cocktail sessions, bring in a mixologist to guide guests through shaking, stirring, and garnishing drinks using pre-measured ingredients. Consider seasonal themes (holiday spritzes, summer coolers) or brand-specific spins using company colors or product names.
Cooking classes can range from pasta-making and sushi rolling to dessert decorating or chef-led demonstrations with tasting stations. Provide all materials at each workstation, along with recipe cards guests can take home. These activities naturally spark conversation, making them great corporate cocktail party entertainment ideas, team-building sessions, or elevated client events.
They also translate well to virtual formats—provide a shopping list or ship ingredient kits to attendees ahead of time and host the class over video. Guests walk away with new skills and a memorable shared experience, all while enjoying something delicious.
14. Awards ceremony
An awards ceremony is a meaningful way to recognize achievements while adding structure and celebration to your event. You can keep it formal with categories like “Top Innovator,” “Rookie of the Year,” and “Leadership Excellence,” or get playful with lighthearted awards such as “Best Zoom Background,” “Most Likely to Have a Snack Drawer,” or “Spreadsheet Sorcerer.”
Set the tone with a stage area, spotlights, and upbeat walk-up music. Incorporate multimedia elements—slideshows, short videos, or spotlight moments where nominees are introduced. Recruit engaging presenters from across departments to keep the program lively and inclusive.
Trophies, acrylic plaques, personalized certificates, or engraved keepsakes add a special touch. Encourage guests to snap photos at a branded backdrop and share them after the event. For hybrid or virtual attendance, stream the ceremony live and follow up with a replay link via Broadcast Message.
15. DIY station
A DIY station is both an activity and a built-in party favor, giving guests something to make and take home. Select projects that align with your event theme, brand colors, or the season: flower crown building, candle pouring, custom tote bag printing, cookie or cupcake decorating, mini succulent planting, bracelet beading, hand-lettered name tags, or holiday ornament crafting.
Set up a well-organized table with clear instructions, materials sorted into bins, and an attendant or artist who can assist. Offer both simple and slightly more advanced options so guests of all comfort levels can participate. DIY stations work especially well for open-house formats, receptions, or as corporate cocktail party entertainment ideas where people can stop by between conversations.
For virtual events, mail kits ahead of time and host a guided crafting session over video. DIY activities give guests a moment of creativity and relaxation—something memorable they’ll take back to their desk or home, long after the event ends.
Host your next corporate event with Paperless Post
Adding corporate event entertainment is a sure way to enhance engagement, foster connection, and make your next event memorable—whether it’s a corporate holiday party, product launch, or team-building experience. From interactive activities like trivia, escape rooms, or DIY stations, to performances including a comedian, magic show, or live music, the options are endless.
Once you’ve chosen the perfect entertainment lineup, Paperless Post makes it easy to bring your event together with stylish invitations, effortless RSVP tracking, and seamless communication. If you host multiple events, consider subscribing to Paperless Pro for advanced tools and templates that streamline your planning year-round.
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