I’ll never forget the first time I was booked for a major corporate entertainment event.
With so many options available for corporate entertainment, choosing the right one can feel like a daunting task.
The HR manager looked me straight in the eye and said, “Mark, don’t just show up and play music. We’ve had plenty of those. We need energy. We need unforgettable. We need something our employees will actually talk about Monday morning.”
That moment stuck with me. Because she wasn’t really talking about music or lights. She was talking about retention. About creating experiences that make people feel valued, connected, and excited to be part of the team. The right entertainment can bring a level of excitement that energizes the entire event and leaves a lasting impression. That’s the real job of corporate entertainment—not filling a schedule, but filling a room with energy, connection, and joy.
And let me tell you, once you learn that lesson, you’ll never look at events the same way again.
This article will help you choose entertainment that overcomes the daunting task of sorting through so many options and creates excitement your attendees will remember.
The Myth About Corporate Entertainment
For years, companies thought corporate entertainment was about hiring a band, bringing in a DJ, or setting up a photobooth. Check the box. Done.
But here’s the truth: entertainment isn’t about “having something.” It’s about doing something. It’s about making sure every person in that room feels like they matter. Entertainment should always align with the event goal, ensuring that every activity supports the overall purpose or desired outcome of the event.
I learned this the hard way back in my radio days. I hosted events where the music was great, the venue was perfect, but the crowd was flat. Why? Because no one connected the dots between the audience and the experience. They didn’t make it about the people.
Fast forward to today, when I host trivia-based corporate events. The shift is massive. Suddenly employees are laughing, competing, clapping for each other, and actually bonding. HR managers tell me afterward, “That was the most engaged I’ve ever seen my team outside of work.”
That’s the difference between checking a box and creating an unforgettable experience. When planning entertainment, always keep the focus on the audience and the event goal to ensure every element contributes to a meaningful and cohesive experience.
What HR Managers and Planners Really Want
Let’s be honest: you, the HR manager or planner, don’t just want a “show.” You want:
- High-energy interaction that keeps people awake after a long conference day.
- Unforgettable experiences that your team will actually remember—and talk about.
- Inclusive activities that make everyone feel like they’re part of something, not just watching from the sidelines.
Here are a few tips for making entertainment a central part of your event plan.
The mistake I see over and over again? Companies spending thousands on décor and food, but then treating entertainment like an afterthought. Remember, it’s crucial to allocate a portion of your budget specifically for entertainment to ensure you can book quality acts that fit your event goals. I’ve seen $100,000 ballrooms filled with yawns because the “entertainment” was a guy with a laptop in the corner. Setting measurable outcomes from the event’s purpose allows for evaluating its success and ROI, ensuring your investment in entertainment delivers tangible results.
Corporate planners, don’t let that happen to you. Make entertainment a key part of your event plan from the very beginning. The entertainment is the glue. It’s the spark. It’s the retention strategy you didn’t know you needed.
Story From the Field
One night, I was booked to emcee a corporate party in San Diego. The company wanted something “different.” They had already done karaoke, DJs, even magicians. For example, they had also considered improv comedy and live artists as entertainment options. But nothing stuck.
So I brought in my live trivia show. High-energy, music pumping, fast-paced questions tailored to their company culture. Within minutes, the CFO was battling the interns. The HR director was high-fiving the sales team. People who barely spoke in the office were laughing like old friends.
The CEO came up afterward and said: “This was the first time I’ve seen my people actually enjoy each other outside of work. You created a memory, not just a party.”
That’s when it clicked for me—corporate entertainment done right doesn’t just entertain. It retains. It builds culture. It creates connection. A skilled entertainer can make all the difference, turning an ordinary event into a truly memorable experience.
Why High-Energy Matters
I show up in a bright red suit, gold shoes, and a personality turned all the way up. Why? Because energy is contagious. If I walk in looking like just another guy with a mic, people tune out. But if I walk in with high-energy, people can’t help but lean in.
Corporate audiences, especially at conferences, have been sitting all day. They’re tired. They’re checked out. Your job as a planner is to bring them back to life. Amazing entertainment can transform a tired audience into an excited, engaged group that’s ready to participate and remember the experience.
This is why I design my shows to be more than “sit and watch.” Trivia, music, prizes, inside jokes about the company—these things light up a room. And when people are laughing and engaged, they’re connecting.
That’s the kind of exciting entertainment that makes HR managers look like heroes the next day and helps create a truly memorable event.
The Retention Secret
Here’s something I’ve learned after hosting hundreds of events:
Speed is retention. Energy is retention. Connection is retention.
When you respond quickly to your employees, they stay. When you give them energy, they stay. When you connect them to each other, they stay.
Corporate entertainment is your chance to put all three into action at once. Hearing feedback from your employees gives you a better idea of what entertainment works best for your team and helps ensure everyone feels included. Gathering targeted feedback through personalized surveys can refine strategies for future events, making each one more impactful and tailored to your audience.
And if you think retention is just about HR policies, think again. Retention happens at the table where your employees are laughing over a trivia question. Retention happens when they feel included, seen, and celebrated. Retention happens when Monday morning comes, and they say: “That was unforgettable.”
Managing the entertainment process—from initial planning to on-site coordination—ensures your event supports retention and maximizes employee engagement.
Lessons From Slowjamastan
Now, let me tie this into something a little… unusual. As you may know, I’m also the Chief Border Agent of a nation called Slowjamastan. Yes, it’s real. Yes, it’s satirical. Yes, we actually have citizens, passports, and laws (like banning Crocs—don’t ask).
And yet, here’s what I’ve learned: people stick around when they feel part of a community. That’s why Slowjamastan has grown to over 20,000 citizens worldwide. It’s quirky, fun, and high-energy, but more importantly—it’s inclusive. Everyone’s in on the joke.
That’s exactly how corporate entertainment should feel. Not exclusive. Not stiff. Not something only a few people get to enjoy. But a community experience where everyone feels part of the fun. When designing inclusive entertainment, it’s essential to consider your target audience and their interests to ensure everyone feels engaged. The event’s purpose should also guide your entertainment choices, making sure the experience aligns with your goals and welcomes all participants. For large venues, aerial acrobats performing breathtaking feats can captivate audiences and add a dramatic flair to the event.
Role of Experienced Performers
When it comes to planning a truly memorable corporate event, the difference between a forgettable evening and an unforgettable experience often comes down to one thing: the quality and experience of your performers. Experienced performers are the secret weapon of successful event planners—they know how to read a room, adapt to any audience, and deliver event entertainment that aligns perfectly with your company’s vision and event theme.
Whether you’re organizing a high-stakes conference, a product launch, or a company celebration, hiring the right entertainment is crucial. Seasoned professionals—be it a magician who weaves your company’s message into their magic, or a live painter who captures the energy of the night on canvas—bring more than just talent. They bring an understanding of what makes corporate event entertainment work. They know how to encourage audience participation, keep guests engaged, and create a lasting impression that attendees will talk about long after the event ends.
Choosing entertainment for your corporate event isn’t just about picking an act from a list. It’s about finding performers who can tailor their performances to your audience, your venue, and your event’s purpose. Experienced entertainers come prepared—they’ve managed technical requirements in all kinds of venues, and they know how to work with event planners to ensure everything runs smoothly. A quick survey of your space and a conversation about your goals can help them customize their act, making sure it’s a perfect fit for your guests and your company culture.
But the value of experienced performers goes beyond the show itself. They often provide valuable takeaways for your employees and clients, whether it’s a motivational message, a team-building activity, or industry insights woven into their act. This kind of thoughtful, targeted entertainment helps companies achieve their event goals—boosting morale, building relationships, and reinforcing your brand’s message.
For event planners, working with experienced performers means less stress and more success. They can help manage the flow of the event, offer recommendations based on what’s worked for similar companies, and ensure that every detail—from sound and lighting to audience engagement—is handled with professionalism.
In short, if you want your next corporate event to stand out, don’t leave your entertainment to chance. Invest in experienced performers who understand the unique demands of corporate events and can deliver a performance that’s not just entertaining, but unforgettable. Whether it’s live music, interactive workshops, or a magic show tailored to your company, the right entertainment will leave your audience energized, inspired, and eager for your next event.
How to Make Your Event Unforgettable
Here’s what I tell every HR manager and corporate planner:
- Don’t treat entertainment like a line item. It’s the heartbeat of your event.
- Go interactive. Trivia, games, contests—get people involved, not just watching.
- Aim for high-energy. Choose talent who can lift a room, not just fill silence.
- Keep it inclusive. Everyone should feel like they can participate.
- Think retention. Your goal isn’t just to throw a party. It’s to build culture that lasts.
Schedule regular breaks throughout your event. Breaks are essential for networking, re-energizing, and can be used for interactive workshops or icebreaker games. They help attendees connect and make the experience more memorable. Additionally, using mobile apps can provide personalized welcome messages and updates to attendees, ensuring they feel informed and engaged throughout the event.
Consider the difference between passive entertainment, like live music or dance shows, and interactive options such as improv comedy or team-building activities. Passive entertainment creates a relaxed atmosphere, while interactive acts engage your audience directly. Incorporating augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) enhances event engagement by offering immersive experiences that captivate and involve attendees in unique ways.
When you hire entertainment, look for an experienced entertainer who understands corporate settings. An event planner can help you find a good fit and ensure the act matches your event’s theme and audience. Providing a detailed contract is crucial to avoid misunderstandings and ensure all requirements are met, giving both parties clarity and confidence in the event’s execution.
Always watch videos of the performer or artist before you hire them. Videos let you assess their style, professionalism, and whether they’re a match for your event’s needs. Research who has previously hired the performer or artist to get a sense of their experience and reputation.
Don’t forget to have a backup plan in case of cancellations or technical issues. This ensures your event runs smoothly no matter what.
Finally, consider both artists and performers for your event. Live painters, sand artists, and other creative artists can add a unique, memorable touch that sets your event apart. Live music appeals to a wide range of audiences at corporate events, creating a universally enjoyable atmosphere that enhances the overall experience.
When you approach corporate entertainment this way, you’re not just planning an event. You’re creating a memory, a story, a spark that employees will carry back into their work.
Final Thought
If you want your next event to be unforgettable, start with the entertainment. Start with the energy. Start with the connection.
That’s what I do every day at MarkCorona.com. And it’s why companies call me not just to host, but to create retention-driven experiences that keep employees engaged long after the lights go out.
Because at the end of the day, corporate entertainment isn’t about me, or even about the show. It’s about them—your people. And if you make it about them, you’ll win every time.
Need a high energy interactive host? Contact me for rates and booking information