Do you have an event or a party coming up? In this article, you’ll find easy corporate entertainment ideas and activities.
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Office parties and corporate events are the perfect occasions to entertain your employees, key partners and/or stakeholders. Everyone works hard all year so don’t miss the opportunity to have fun!
Easy Corporate Entertainment Ideas
When booking or planning corporate entertainment, a lot depends on the audience and the desired atmosphere of the party. Below you’ll find 28 different corporate entertainment ideas that are suitable for a variety of events and parties.
If you’re looking for some general advice, you can view our tips for hiring a great corporate entertainer.
1. Fake/Comedy Awards
Create fake awards that can either be decided ahead of time or elected on the night. Give out prizes to all the award winners. It’s important that you keep all the prizes positive. It’s a party after all. You don’t want to make the winner feel bad.
A few examples: “Always happy on Monday mornings even when it’s raining”, “Most coffee cups drunk” or “Most likely to secretly be a dog person”….
- Duration: 10 to 15 minutes
- Time slot: Reception or dinner
- Planning: DIY
2. Bingo
Bingo is extremely popular at corporate parties and is a great opportunity for fundraising. They’re simple to plan and easy to play.
A different and really fun take on the classic bingo game is music bingo where a DJ will play songs and if you identify a song on your card you cross it off. It’s a great way to play music and play an interactive game at the same time.
Pro-tip: Plan some spare pens & make sure the venue has tables or hard surfaces to write on. Otherwise, you might be better off with another activity.
- Duration: 10 to 15 minutes per game
- Time slot: Reception or dinner
- Planning: DIY
3. Balloon Popping
Balloon popping is a classic activity that never fails to add a burst of fun to any event – and it can be a great way to raise funds too!
Simply have a number of balloons on display. Inside each balloon is a piece of paper which is either blank or has a prize on it. If you’re fundraising, your guests can pay a fixed price to pop any balloon. If not, each guest can get a free balloon for attending. They win the prize (if any) that they find inside.
Not only does this game inject a bit of playful competition into the mix, it also sparks conversation and plenty of laughs. Balloon popping works perfectly during the reception, at dinner, or even as an after-dinner activity to keep the energy high.
- Duration: Ongoing
- Time slot: Reception or dinner and/or after dinner
- Planning: DIY
4. Talent Night
Talent Nights are a brilliant opportunity to discover the hidden abilities within your team. Ask your employees if they would like to perform for the rest of the company. Whether they’re budding comedians, musicians, or dancers, even a small company often surprises you with the range of talent on display.
Plan the stage and a microphone for the event, then allocate a specific time slot for each performer; 10 minutes is plenty. As a thank-you gesture, consider a small present for all the participants.
- Duration: 10 to 15 minutes per performer
- Time slot: Reception or dinner
- Planning: DIY
5. Comedy PowerPoints and Videos
Long, dull PowerPoint presentations are something everyone dreads. Yet, when given a fun twist, they can provide easy and effective entertainment at a corporate party.
You could ask managers to create a humorous presentation or invite different teams to prepare one. This is a great chance to showcase your company’s culture in a light-hearted way.
The presentation can cover any topic – from a review of the year’s highlights, a tongue-in-cheek look at a day in the life of the CEO, to a playful “business plan” to take over the world. If you have major achievements to celebrate, feel free to slip them in; just remember, the aim is entertainment, not a formal business meeting.
For some inspiration, check out these resources on making your slides funnier: Gold Comedy’s Tips and Viral Nova’s Funny Slide Ideas.
Pro tip: Test all equipment beforehand to ensure the screen is bright and the microphone is working properly.
- Duration: 3 or 4 minutes
- Time slot: Reception or dinner
- Planning: DIY
6. DJ, Band or Singer
Plugging a phone into a speaker will work fine for small events. However, if you want the music to be the entertainment of the evening, you’ll want to book a DJ, a band or a singer.
They can provide ambient music for the reception and then fill up the dance floor later on in the evening. Good music makes any party memorable.
Not all bands are created equal. To make sure you book a high-quality performance, check out our guide on booking a live band.
- Duration: Ongoing
- Time slot: Reception, dinner and/or after dinner
- Planning: Booking
7. Photo Booths & Polaroid Corner
Photo booths and Polaroid corners have become a staple of corporate entertainment, adding a fun and interactive twist to your event. They come in various forms – from renting a dedicated photo booth cubicle to simply setting up a Polaroid camera for instant snapshots.
To ensure your money is well spent, choose a photo booth that suits the style and atmosphere of your occasion. If you’re unsure where to begin, check out our tips on hiring the perfect photo booth.
Pro tip: While photo booths create delightful moments and capture fun memories, they aren’t a substitute for a professional photographer.
- Duration: Ongoing
- Time slot: Reception or after dinner
- Planning: DIY or Rental
8. Magician
If you’re looking for some truly memorable entertainment, consider hiring a magician to dazzle your guests.
At corporate events, magicians are often booked to perform “mix and mingle” magic – where the magician moves among your guests, entertaining them in small groups. This usually takes place during the reception, between courses at dinner, or even before the band starts after dinner.
Alternatively, you can book a magician for a stage show – a more formal performance similar to a comedian’s act – which typically happens once everyone is seated.
For more information, view our tips for hiring a magician. You can also book a corporate event magician with PartyWizz.
Pro tip: Corporate magicians perform magic designed to amaze adults. If your main goal is to entertain children, consider hiring a kid’s magician instead.
- Duration: 1 – 2hours+
- Time slot: Reception, dinner and/or after dinner
- Planning: Booking
9. Raffles & Fundraisers
You can host a raffle during your corporate event to raise money for a charity. At a party, everyone is in a good mood; it’s the perfect opportunity to do some good. You can view some tips and ideas in our article about hosting a corporate fundraiser.
We recommend making the ticket price low so that everyone can play (encourage players to get multiple tickets) and find some fun & silly prizes.
- Duration: 20 min
- Time slot: Reception or Dinner
- Planning: DIY
10. Caricaturists & Cartoon artists
Booking a caricaturist for your corporate event is a fun way to entertain your guests and to have them walk away with a fun souvenir of your corporate event.
Only those who are brave enough and ready for a laugh need to ask for a drawing. Others are free to remain in blissful ignorance.
Most often caricaturists and cartoon artists are booked to entertain during the reception. Each drawing (usually) takes around 5 minutes or less to complete.
- Duration: 1 – 2hours+
- Time slot: Reception
- Planning: Booking
11. Body Painting & Face Painting
You can also hire a body painting artist to decorate your guests. This can be done in real-time or in advance. It provides some great branding opportunities and always makes for some unforgettable pictures!
If it’s a family event and kids will be attending, consider booking a face painter for the occasion. Organising some entertainment for the kids is always appreciated. Don’t be fooled… some of your adult guests will want to get their faces painted.
Pro-tip: If the objective is to have amazing & crazy pictures, pair this activity with the photo booth or Polaroid corner.
- Duration: 1-2 hours+
- Time slot: Reception
- Planning: Booking
12. Match Making Games
Breaking the ice and encouraging interaction is essential at corporate events, and match making games are a fun way to achieve that. The concept is simple: assign each guest a random name, item, or tag, and challenge them to find their matching partner.
For an extra dose of fun, consider awarding a small prize to those who succeed, or even introduce a playful forfeit – such as singing a song – for anyone who doesn’t find their match in time. This activity works best at smaller corporate events (fewer than 100 guests), as it can be more challenging to locate your partner in larger groups.
- Duration: Ongoing
- Time slot: Reception, dinner and/or after dinner
- Planning: DIY
13. Dancers
Dancers can really energise your corporate event and add a fun, dynamic element. You might even discover some talented employees willing to give a brief demonstration.
Alternatively, you can hire professional dancers to perform a full show. This activity isn’t limited to one style – you can find dancers performing a range of genres to suit your event’s theme.
If you want to get everyone moving, consider booking a dance course for your employees. This works best for smaller events (fewer than 100 guests). Even if not everyone masters the moves, it’s a fantastic way to open the dance floor and encourage team bonding.
- Duration: 20 min
- Time slot: Reception or after dinner
- Planning: DIY or Booking
14. Bouncy Castle
Bouncy castles are always a hit with kids, and honestly, many adults enjoy a bit of bouncing fun too! You can easily book one in your area for your next event.
If you want to rent one for the adults, make sure the model you rent is appropriate for adult, some are specifically for kids.
Pro-tip: Get the bouncy castle set up a bit further away from the main reception area. Depending on the unit you rent, the ventilation noise can be loud.
- Duration: Ongoing
- Time slot: Reception
- Planning: Rental
15. Make Your Own Cocktails
A DIY cocktail bar is a fun and interactive way to add a personal touch to your event. It allows guests to get creative with their drinks while enjoying a relaxed atmosphere. Start by looking up a few easy cocktail recipes – for instance, on BBC Good Food – and set out all the essential ingredients in an appealing display. Consider including a variety of mixers, garnishes, and even non-alcoholic options to cater to all tastes.
For a more polished experience, or if you want to ensure every cocktail is expertly crafted, you might consider hiring a professional mixologist to run the bar. A skilled cocktail expert can add a touch of flair, share tips on perfect blends, and guarantee that every drink is a delight.
Whether your guests are busy mixing their own concoctions or simply enjoying a professionally made cocktail, this interactive station is sure to be a highlight of your event, leaving everyone refreshed and entertained.
- Duration: Ongoing
- Time slot: Reception
- Planning: DIY or Booking
16. Singing Waiters
Surprise your guests by booking waiters to spontaneously break into song during the dinner or the reception! This is always great fun and they can be booked to perform different styles of music depending on your tastes. Book singers here.
- Duration: 20 min
- Time slot: Dinner
- Planning: Booking
17. Petting Zoo, Reptiles & Live Animals
You can book a mobile petting zoo for your event to provide a delightful and interactive experience. This unique attraction is a hit with both children and adults. Kids will love the chance to interact with gentle animals such as goats, rabbits, or even miniature horses, while adults appreciate the novelty and conversation starter it provides. These charming encounters make for fantastic photo opportunities that can brighten up any photo album.
Pro tip: Always check ahead with your venue to confirm that there is enough space and any necessary permissions are in place.
- Duration: 1 – 2 hours+
- Time slot: Reception
- Planning: Booking
18. Silent Disco
Silent discos have become increasingly popular over the past few years. In fact, you may have already experienced or seen one in action. The concept is simple yet captivating: instead of blasting music through speakers, all the guests wear wireless headphones to listen to the tunes. This creates a surreal and personal experience where each individual can control their own volume and even switch between channels.
Not only does this provide a unique atmosphere, but it also means you can enjoy a lively party without disturbing the surrounding area. If the idea appeals to you, search your local area for silent disco equipment rental to bring this innovative entertainment option to your event.
- Duration: 5 hours+
- Time slot: After dinner
- Planning: Booking
19. Jugglers
Jugglers can be booked either to put on a full show or to provide atmospheric entertainment for those who love to watch a captivating display. Whether it’s a classic juggling act or something more daring like juggling with fire, these performers can add a dynamic twist to your event. If you choose a fiery performance, be sure to check with your venue ahead of time to ensure all safety measures are in place.
- Duration: 1 – 2 hours+
- Time slot: Reception
- Planning: Booking
20. Stilt Walkers
Enhance your event by booking stilt walkers who mingle with your guests, adding a unique and eccentric charm. For a festive twist, you can even have them don themed costumes to perfectly match the occasion.
- Duration: 1 – 2 hours+
- Time slot: Reception
- Planning: Booking
21. Fire Eaters
Fire eaters are real – they’re not just a myth or a campfire story! These performers literally put their talents on the line, creating a dazzling and daring show that can really heat up your event (pun intended!) Just remember, if you’re considering adding a fiery performance to your programme, make sure to check with your venue first.
- Duration: 1 – 2 hours+
- Time slot: Reception
- Planning: Booking
22. Circus Acts
Technically the past three entertainers are circus acts – that’s because they are the ultimate crowd-pleasers at corporate events, offering jaw-dropping displays of talent and daring. From fire-eaters and jugglers to acrobats and stilt walkers, these performers bring the magic of the circus right to your reception. They’re perfect for energising the crowd and creating memorable moments – just be sure to confirm that your venue meets all necessary safety and insurance requirements.
Most often circus acts are booked to entertain at the reception. Just check to make sure that they’re allowed at your venue (fire, insurance etc.).
Book a circus entertainer here.
- Duration: 1 – 2 hours+
- Time slot: Reception
- Planning: Booking
23. Pub Quiz
Another fun DIY activity at corporate events is table trivia – think of it as your very own pub quiz with a twist. To keep things lively, divide your questions into fun categories such as:
- Company Culture: For example, “Which department is unofficially known as the coffee champions?”
- Pop Culture: Questions about recent hits or nostalgic favourites.
- Random Facts: Quirky, unexpected tidbits that make everyone scratch their heads.
- Buzzword Bingo: Trivia on industry terms and office lingo.
Mix company-related questions with general trivia to keep it light and engaging. The winning table not only gets a silly prize but also the ultimate bragging rights for the evening.
- Duration: 15 – 20 min
- Time slot: Dinner
- Planning: DIY
24. Casino Night
Bring a touch of glitz and glamour to your corporate event with a Casino Night! Set up classic games like blackjack, roulette, and more for guests to enjoy. Funds raised can be donated to your chosen charity or used to help fund your next bash.
If you’d prefer not to wager real money, try a token system instead. Guests can play for tokens and exchange them for a drink or a playful prize, keeping the excitement high without the risk.
- Duration: 1-3 hours
- Time slot: Reception
- Planning: DIY or Rental
25. Karaoke
Judge your audience carefully before going down this route. It can be hit or miss. However, if it’s a hit, it’s the most fun you’ll ever have!
Check with the venue to see if they have the equipment you need. A screen, a speaker and a microphone is all you really require. You might also be able to rent the equipment for the evening or book a karaoke entertainer for the occasion.
Once again, don’t make this activity too long and don’t force everyone to do it… it’s likely going to terrify some of your guests!
Pro-tip: Make sure you test the equipment beforehand. The lyrics and the microphone need to be fully functional for this game to work well.
- Duration: 30 min
- Time slot: After Diner
- Planning: DIY or Rental
26. Pass The Parcel
Pass the Parcel might sound like a children’s game – and it is – but it can also add a delightful twist to dinner entertainment. Imagine the parcel being passed around the table as everyone eagerly waits to unwrap the next layer. With each layer, you can hide a fun prize or a quirky forfeit to keep the game exciting. This playful twist not only sparks laughter and conversation, but it also helps break the ice and encourages guests to interact in a light-hearted way. Whether it’s a silly reward or a fun challenge, this reimagined classic is sure to be a hit at your event.
- Duration: 10 min
- Time slot: Dinner
- Planning: DIY
27. Blind Tasting
Have a stand where guests are blindfolded and challenged to guess different drinks or foods. A wine tasting is always a popular choice, especially if your employees are keen wine connoisseurs. You can expand the concept by offering a variety of flavours, from robust reds to crisp whites, and even pair them with complementary small bites. For an extra twist, organise a friendly competition and reward the guest who gets the most correct guesses.
Pro Tip: When setting up this activity, remember to take into account any food allergies or intolerances. Clearly label all the items and consider offering alternative options so that every guest can participate safely and comfortably.
- Duration: 20 min
- Time slot: Reception or Diner
- Planning: DIY
28. Stage Show Extravaganza
If you have the required space, why not cap off your event with a full stage show? This option is the ultimate culmination of everything PartyWizz has to offer. Whether you’re a fan of a soulful singer, a witty comedian, an awe-inspiring magician, or any other art form that resonates with you, a stage show is the perfect after-dinner entertainment. It creates a dynamic atmosphere that not only entertains but also leaves a lasting impression on your guests.
A well-curated stage performance brings a touch of glamour and energy to your event, transforming it into an unforgettable celebration that your colleagues and clients will be talking about for months to come.
- Duration: 30 min – 1hour+
- Time slot: After Diner
- Planning: Booking
>> Hire a Corporate Entertainer
That’s A Wrap
We hope these ideas inspire you to create a truly memorable event. Have an amazing time with your corporate entertainment, and let PartyWizz help you deliver exceptional experiences every step of the way!
PartyWizz helps you book the best corporate entertainers and event services in the UK and Ireland. From magicians and corporate entertainers to DJs and photographers, you’ll find top-notch talent in your area on our easy-to-use platform. Whether you’re planning a conference, product launch, team-building day, or a corporate gala, go to PartyWizz to effortlessly connect with the perfect service providers for your event!
