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Booking event entertainment: how to choose acts that actually work

Entertainment isn't an extra. It's the heart of your event. It sets the mood and the energy. Plus the memories your guests take home with them.

The right act at the right moment can transform an evening: a strong opening that grabs attention, an interactive moment that brings people together. Or a personal acoustic moment that makes your message land.

Yet booking event entertainment is often left until last: 'we still need to find a band.' That should have been decided long ago. Because entertainment shapes the build-up and energy of your entire programme.

Which type of entertainment suits your event?

The type of entertainment depends on your event, your audience and your goal.

Staff party: a cover band, DJ, or a combination. Interactive acts as an icebreaker. A spectacular show as the highlight.

Client event: an acoustic duo during dinner, a jazz trio for atmosphere, a speaker or entertainer who combines substance with humour.

Conference or kick-off: an opening act that sets the tone, energizers between sessions, a musical moment that reinforces the message.

Gala or awards: a live band for dinner and the party, spectacular acts, a DJ for the after-drinks.

At Live Impact we advise on entertainment that fits the concept and the audience. No standard list, but a tailored choice.

Using entertainment strategically

The best events use entertainment not as filler, but as a strategic tool. It reinforces your message, creates emotion and steers the energy of the evening.

Opening: set the tone with an act that grabs attention straight away. Guests know immediately: this is going to be special.

In between: use entertainment to connect the different parts of the programme. A musical interlude, a short act, or an interactive moment.

Highlight: build the programme towards a climax. The main act at the high point of the evening.

Closing: end with a moment that sticks. A confetti moment, a shared song, or a surprising finale.

What to look out for when booking entertainment

Audience: a band that works perfectly for a young team can fall completely flat at a client event for directors. Know your audience.

Venue and technology: not every act suits every venue. Check the space, the sound, the power supply and the stage size.

Timing: popular acts are booked up months in advance. Book early, especially in autumn.

References: ask for videos of previous performances at corporate events. An act that works at festivals doesn't automatically work at a corporate event.

Direction: entertainment has to fit within the bigger programme. A good show director coordinates all the acts and ensures smooth transitions.

What does entertainment for a corporate event cost?

Costs vary enormously depending on the type of act and how well known it is:

DJ: €500 to €2,500.
Acoustic duo/trio: €1,000 to €3,000.
Cover band (4 to 8 members): €2,500 to €8,000.
Spectacular act/show: €3,000 to €15,000.
Well-known artist: €10,000 to more than €50,000.

At Live Impact we work with a selection of artists and acts we know inside out. We know what they cost, how they perform and which audience they work best with.

The role of a show director

At events with several entertainment elements, a show director is indispensable. The show director coordinates all the acts, the technology and the parts of the programme. They ensure a smooth build-up, the right timing and a professional delivery.

At Live Impact we work with experienced show directors who run the whole evening. That means: smooth transitions, the right energy at the right moment and no surprises. Except in the programme.

Ready to book entertainment that makes the difference?

At Live Impact we advise on and book entertainment that fits your concept and audience, within the available budget. From an acoustic duo to a full show: we know the acts that work at corporate events.

Call us on 085 401 40 14 or email hello@live-impact.nl. Or fill in the brief form. Seriously fun.

Also read

• Event marketing: why a live event makes your message resonate more strongly

• Kick-off program: how to build a day that sticks

• Teambuilding activities: 20 ideas that really work

Frequently asked questions

Can Live Impact help organise a corporate event?

Yes. Live Impact is a concept agency for corporate events. We help with the complete process: from first brainstorm and concept development to venue selection, programming and production.

Whether you're planning a staff party, conference, kick-off, anniversary or client event: we think along. We ask sharp questions and make sure the result stays with people.

Get in touch via hello@live-impact.nl or call +31 85 401 40 14.

Read our full article on organising a corporate event →

How much time do you need to organise a corporate event?

Start at least three months ahead. For large events (300+ guests, complex production), six months is more realistic.

The organisation runs in four phases. First lay the foundation (12 to 10 weeks before the date), then concept and partners (10 to 6 weeks). Then the detailed work (6 to 3 weeks) and finally execution plus aftercare in the last 3 weeks. Popular venues and artists are quickly booked up in autumn.

See the full phasing in our article →

How do you write a good brief for a corporate event?

A good brief contains at least six elements. They are: the objective, the target audience, the number of guests, the preferred date, the budget and prerequisites (venue, dietary requirements, travel time).

Write it on a single A4. Share it with your project team and your agency. Without a brief, everyone works from assumptions. That delivers a messy result.

Read the full article with all brief elements →

What is the difference between a corporate event and a staff party?

A staff party is specifically for staff: internal, familiar, and the mood is looser. A corporate event is broader and can be a staff party, but also a conference, kick-off, anniversary or client event.

The difference lies in the approach: a staff party is about celebrating and connecting. A corporate event can also serve strategic goals, such as knowledge sharing, brand positioning or culture change.

More on organising a corporate event →

What does it cost to organise a corporate event?

A corporate event costs around €200 to €500+ per person ex. VAT for 250 to 500 guests. For 500 to 1,000 guests, expect around €150 to €400+ per person. For 1,000 to 2,000 guests, expect around €125 to €350+ per person. For more than 2,000 guests, expect around €100 to €300+ per person. All amounts excluding VAT, including venue, catering, entertainment and production.

The exact budget depends on the type, the venue and the programme. The brackets above indicate the range for an average corporate event.