Planning a corporate event can feel like a big task, but it comes down to a few key decisions: choosing the right speaker, selecting appropriate entertainment, and crafting an experience your audience will truly enjoy. Your choices here can turn your event into something people will talk about for years.
This guide is designed to help you find the best speaker and entertainment for your corporate event with updated suggestions and actionable tips.
Why Choosing the Right Talent Matters
Your event’s success hinges on how well your speakers and entertainers connect with your audience. A great keynote speaker can inspire new perspectives and spark meaningful conversations, while memorable entertainment ensures energy stays high.
The Role of Keynote Speakers
Keynote speakers set the tone for the entire event. They can leave a lasting impression, whether opening with a motivational talk or closing with thought-provoking insights.
The Power of Entertainment
Entertainment is more than just fun—it’s a tool to re-energize your audience, maintain engagement, and create shared experiences that spark conversations long after the event ends.
Case Studies of Talent in Action
- Adam Trent Energizes a Fortune 500 Conference: His interactive illusions captivated a room of over 1,000 professionals, boosting morale after a long day of strategy sessions.
- Dustin Tavella Inspires a Nonprofit Gala: Dustin helped a nonprofit exceed its fundraising goals through magic and storytelling, leaving the audience both moved and entertained.
- Darci Lynne Connects with a Diverse Audience: Her unique mix of ventriloquism, comedy, and music bridged generational gaps at a company holiday party, leaving attendees inspired and entertained.
Step 1: Define What Success Looks Like for Your Event
Great events start with clear objectives. Think about what you want your event to achieve. Is it about motivating your team? Educating your audience on key industry trends? Or maybe celebrating a year of achievements?
Once you’ve answered those questions, connect your goals to your chosen speaker and entertainment.
Examples That Align Talent with Goals:
- Motivational Goal: Book a speaker like Simon Sinek (Start With Why) or Michelle Poler (Fearless at Work) to inspire growth and leadership.
- Tech-Focused Goal: Choose futurists like Ian Khan or Amber MacArthur to simplify complex trends like AI or blockchain.
- Wellness Goal: Bring in someone like Dr. Michael Breus, “The Sleep Doctor,” to help your team recharge and stay productive.
Pro Tip: Don’t settle for just one type of focus. Combine education and entertainment to keep your audience engaged throughout the day.
Step 2: Know Your Audience Inside and Out
Your event is all about the audience. Your event might fall flat if you don’t know what they want. Take some time to think about their needs and expectations.
Key Questions to Ask:
- Who are they? Consider age, profession, and industry.
- What will engage them? Do they want high-energy fun, deep insights, or both?
- How are they attending? Is your event in-person, virtual, or hybrid?
Tailored Pairings Based on Audience:
- For a younger, tech-savvy crowd:
- Speaker: Crystal Washington, who simplifies digital tools for business.
- Performer: Adam Trent, a modern magician with a tech-forward, high-energy show.
- For a diverse, family-oriented audience:
- Speaker: Michelle Poler, who inspires overcoming fears.
- Performer: Darci Lynne, blending ventriloquism, comedy, and music to connect with audiences of all ages.
Step 3: Find the Speaker Who Will Bring Your Event to Life
The right speaker can set the tone, inspire your audience, and deliver on your event goals. Look for speakers who align with your message and can connect with your audience. Below is a curated list of featured keynote speakers offering unique perspectives and expertise.
Featured Keynote Speakers to Consider
- Crystal Washington
- Expertise: Social media and digital tools.
- Why Book Her: Crystal makes technology easy to understand, with insights that help businesses grow and connect with their audience.
- Credits: Worked with Google, Microsoft, and General Electric.
- Ian Khan
- Expertise: AI, blockchain, and emerging technologies.
- Why Book Him: Ian is a futurist who makes cutting-edge tech accessible and shows businesses how to adapt to a rapidly changing world.
- Credits: Featured on CNN, Forbes, and BBC.
- Amber MacArthur
- Expertise: Digital transformation and leadership.
- Why Book Her: Amber’s relatable style helps audiences confidently navigate the challenges of a digital-first economy.
- Credits: Hosted shows on Bloomberg, CTV, and CBS.
- Heather McGowan
- Expertise: The future of work and adaptability.
- Why Book Her: Heather inspires leaders to rethink how their teams prepare for the future, using practical and data-driven advice.
- Credits: Featured speaker at Microsoft, Autodesk, and Deloitte events.
- Dustin Tavella
- Expertise: Storytelling and magic.
- Why Book Him: As an America’s Got Talent winner, Dustin combines jaw-dropping illusions with heartfelt stories to inspire hope and connection.
- Credits: Performed for charities, corporate events, and The Huckabee Show.
- Molly Bloom
- Expertise: Resilience and decision-making.
- Why Book Her: Molly’s incredible story of overcoming personal challenges will captivate and motivate your audience.
- Credits: Author of Molly’s Game, featured in The New York Times, and inspiration for an Oscar-nominated film.
- Erica Dhawan
- Expertise: Collaboration and communication.
- Why Book Her: Erica’s talks focus on building stronger teams, fostering trust, and thriving in an interconnected world.
- Credits: Digital Body Language Author featured on TEDx stages and global leadership summits.
- Michelle Poler
- Expertise: Overcoming fear and building confidence.
- Why Book Her: Michelle inspires audiences to push past their comfort zones and confidently embrace challenges.
- Credits: Founder of Hello Fears, TEDx speaker, and author of The Fearless Journey.
- Seth Godin
- Expertise: Marketing and leadership.
- Why Book Him: Seth’s innovative ideas challenge conventional wisdom and inspire businesses to stand out in competitive markets.
- Credits: Author of Purple Cow and This Is Marketing, frequently featured on Inc. and Forbes.
- Dr. Michael Breus
- Expertise: Sleep, health, and productivity.
- Why Book Him: Dr. Breus offers actionable strategies to improve energy, decision-making, and overall well-being through better sleep.
- Credits: Featured on The Today Show and Oprah, author of The Power of When.
- Jay Shetty
- Expertise: Mindfulness and purpose.
- Why Book Him: Jay brings practical wisdom for work-life balance and purpose-driven success.
- Credits: Author of Think Like a Monk, speaker at Google and Facebook events.
- Brené Brown
- Expertise: Vulnerability and leadership.
- Why Book Her: Brené’s talks inspire authentic leadership and stronger team dynamics.
- Credits: Author of Dare to Lead, Netflix special, and TED speaker.
- Simon T. Bailey
- Expertise: Personal and professional transformation.
- Why Book Him: Simon delivers actionable strategies for fostering innovation and excellence.
- Credits: Former Disney leader and author of Shift Your Brilliance.
- Jon Acuff
- Expertise: Career development and goal-setting.
- Why Book Him: Jon’s humorous and actionable insights empower audiences to embrace new opportunities and overcome challenges.
- Credits: Author of Finish and Start, TEDx speaker.
- Amy Cuddy
- Expertise: Confidence and body language.
- Why Book Her: Amy helps audiences understand the power of nonverbal communication to influence and inspire.
- Credits: Author of Presence, TED Talk with 60+ million views.
- Vince Poscente
- Expertise: Speed and growth.
- Why Book Him: Vince inspires teams to accelerate their progress and embrace innovation through his high-energy keynotes.
- Credits: Olympic athlete, author of The Age of Speed.
- Barbara Corcoran
- Expertise: Entrepreneurship and business growth.
- Why Book Her: Barbara’s savvy business advice has made her a trusted voice for entrepreneurs.
- Credits: Shark Tank star and real estate mogul.
Step 4: Choose Entertainment That Keeps the Energy High
Speakers are only part of the equation. Great entertainment can energize your audience and leave a lasting impression. Look for acts that complement your speaker and align with the tone of your event.
Top Entertainment Acts for Corporate Events
- Adam Trent
- What He Does: Combines magic, technology, and comedy for high-energy shows.
- Perfect For: Events looking for cutting-edge entertainment.
- Credits: Starred in The Illusionists on Broadway and featured on Netflix.
- The Passing Zone
- What They Do: Blend juggling, comedy, and teamwork.
- Perfect For: Corporate events that focus on leadership and collaboration.
- Credits: Performed for IBM, Google, and the Today Show.
- Taylor Mason
- What He Does: Delivers clean, interactive comedy with ventriloquism.
- Perfect For: Family-friendly or diverse audiences.
- Credits: Featured on Dry Bar Comedy and performed for Walmart and FedEx.
- Drew Lynch
- What He Does: Delivers stand-up comedy with a unique perspective and is known for his self-deprecating humor.
- Perfect For: Audiences who enjoy a witty and uplifting comedy.
- Credits: Finalist on America’s Got Talent and a popular YouTube creator.
- Joe Castillo
- What He Does: Performs live sand art storytelling, creating evolving visuals in real time.
- Perfect For: Creative and artistic audiences.
- Credits: Performed for global brands like Apple and Disney and at TEDx.
- Piff the Magic Dragon
- What He Does: Delivers a quirky mix of comedy and magic with a dash of absurdity.
- Perfect For: Events seeking unconventional, laugh-out-loud entertainment.
- Credits: Finalist on America’s Got Talent and Penn & Teller: Fool Us.
- Don McMillan
- What He Does: Brings corporate and tech humor to life with witty PowerPoint comedy.
- Perfect For: Tech-savvy corporate audiences.
- Credits: Featured at Cisco, Google, and Apple events.
- The Bucket Boys
- What They Do: High-energy drumming performances that include audience participation.
- Perfect For: Events looking to energize the audience.
- Credits: Performed at schools, festivals, and corporate events worldwide.
- Ron Pearson
- What He Does: High-energy juggling and clean comedy.
- Perfect For: Energizing corporate audiences during breaks or transitions.
- Credits: Appeared on The Late Late Show and performed for Microsoft and Pepsi.
- The Evasons
- What They Do: A husband-and-wife mentalism duo who is amazed by mind-reading and audience involvement.
- Perfect For: Sophisticated audiences who appreciate intrigue and wonder.
- Credits: Performed for IBM and at events worldwide.
- Ken Groves
- What He Does: Delivers family-friendly ventriloquism with humor that resonates across generations.
- Perfect For: Corporate and family events.
- Credits: Performed for Ford and Coca-Cola.
- Darci Lynne
- What She Does: Combines ventriloquism, music, and comedy in performances that connect with all age groups.
- Perfect For: Family-friendly or diverse audiences.
- Credits: Winner of America’s Got Talent and star of her national tours.
- Jeff Civillico
- What He Does: Comedy juggling with audience interaction.
- Perfect For: High-energy events needing an interactive touch.
- Credits: Las Vegas headliner; performed for Disney and Intel.
- Colin Cloud
- What He Does: Combines mind-reading with mentalism and humor.
- Perfect For: Audiences who appreciate intelligence and intrigue.
- Credits: America’s Got Talent finalist and featured in The Illusionists tour.
- Kevin Viner
- What He Does: Delivers sleek magic and mentalism performances.
- Perfect For: Sophisticated corporate audiences.
- Credits: Performed for Google, Amazon, and The Magic Castle.
- Bella Electric Strings
- What They Do: An electric string quartet known for high-energy performances.
- Perfect For: Corporate events that need a mix of music and showmanship.
- Credits: Performed at large-scale events and galas nationwide.
- RePercussion
- What They Do: High-energy drumming group known for interactive performances.
- Perfect For: Events seeking audience involvement and excitement.
- Credits: Featured at major corporate events and festivals.
- Jeff Allen
- What He Does: A seasoned comedian specializing in clean, family-oriented humor.
- Perfect For: Corporate audiences and family-friendly events.
- Credits: Featured on Dry Bar Comedy and America’s Got Talent.
- Tom Cotter
- What He Does: Delivers rapid-fire humor and relatable comedy.
- Perfect For: High-energy events and comedy-focused audiences.
- Credits: Finalist on America’s Got Talent and frequent headliner.
- The Tenors of Comedy
- What They Do: Blend opera and comedy for a unique musical experience.
- Perfect For: Events looking for a mix of humor and music.
- Credits: Performed at prestigious venues nationwide.
- Artrageous
- What They Do: A troupe that combines art, music, and audience interaction for a vibrant performance.
- Perfect For: Creative audiences and interactive events.
- Credits: Performed at schools, festivals, and corporate events worldwide.
Regional Talent Options
Highlighting regional talent can help save on travel costs while bringing in performers familiar with local audiences. Below is a curated list of speakers and entertainers across regions to suit your event’s goals and budget.
West Coast
- Speakers:
- Erica Dhawan (California)
An expert on collaboration and communication, Erica helps organizations break down silos and foster innovation. - Don McMillan (Los Angeles, California)
Known for his “Technically Funny” stand-up, Don blends engineering insights with humor, making him ideal for tech-savvy audiences.
- Erica Dhawan (California)
- Entertainers:
- Adam Trent (Las Vegas, Nevada)
Combines magic, technology, and comedy for high-energy shows. - Piff the Magic Dragon (Las Vegas, Nevada)
Delivers a quirky mix of comedy and magic with a dash of absurdity. - Colin Cloud (Las Vegas, Nevada)
Combines mind-reading with mentalism and humor. - Bella Electric Strings (Las Vegas, Nevada)
An electric string quartet is known for high-energy performances. - Artrageous (New Mexico)
A troupe that combines art, music, and audience interaction for a vibrant performance.
- Adam Trent (Las Vegas, Nevada)
East Coast
- Speakers:
- Amber MacArthur (Toronto, Canada)
Specializes in digital transformation and leadership, helping businesses navigate the digital economy. - Tom Cotter (New York, New York)
A comedian known for his rapid-fire humor and as a finalist on America’s Got Talent, Tom brings a dynamic presence to any event.
- Amber MacArthur (Toronto, Canada)
- Entertainers:
- The Tenors of Comedy (New York, New York)
Blend opera and comedy for a unique musical experience. - Darci Lynne (Oklahoma)
A ventriloquist who combines music, comedy, and heartfelt performances.
- The Tenors of Comedy (New York, New York)
Midwest
- Speakers:
- Heather McGowan (Massachusetts)
An authority on the future of work and adaptability, Heather prepares leaders for rapid change. - Jon Acuff (Tennessee)
Motivates audiences on career development and goal-setting with humor and actionable advice.
- Heather McGowan (Massachusetts)
- Entertainers:
- Jeff Allen (Nashville, Tennessee)
A seasoned comedian specializing in clean, family-oriented humor. - RePercussion (Nashville, Tennessee)
A high-energy drumming group is known for interactive performances. - Joe Castillo (Georgia)
Performs live sand art storytelling, creating evolving visuals in real time. - Drew Lynch (Los Angeles, California)
He delivers stand-up comedy with a unique perspective and is known for his self-deprecating humor.
- Jeff Allen (Nashville, Tennessee)
By selecting regional talent, you can enhance your event with professionals who bring local flavor and relevance while optimizing your budget. Regional talent is particularly effective for hybrid and in-person events where cost savings and cultural alignment are essential.
Interactive and Experiential Entertainment Options
Interactive experiences create memorable moments and keep your audience engaged. Incorporate acts or activities that directly involve attendees, fostering connection and leaving a lasting impression. Below are suggestions for interactive entertainment that will elevate your event.
Suggestions for Interactive Entertainment
- The Bucket Boys
- What They Do: High-energy drumming performances that use everyday objects as instruments.
- Why Book Them: Their interactive style encourages audience participation, making them ideal for events that need a fun and engaging energy boost.
- Perfect For: Conferences, team-building events, and product launches.
- The Evasons
- What They Do: A husband-and-wife mentalism duo amazed by mind-reading and audience involvement.
- Why Book Them: Their interactive mind-reading acts amaze audiences and ensure active engagement throughout the performance.
- Perfect For: Corporate galas, conferences, and private functions.
- Joe Castillo
- What He Does: Performs live sand art storytelling, creating evolving visuals in real time.
- Why Book Him: Joe’s unique performances can incorporate event themes, making the experience personal and memorable for attendees.
- Perfect For: Charity galas, conferences, and artistic-focused audiences.
- Darci Lynne
- What She Does: Combines ventriloquism, music, and comedy to connect with audiences of all ages.
- Why Book Her: Darci’s interactive performances often include playful audience engagement, ensuring her shows resonate deeply with all attendees.
- Perfect For: Family-friendly events, corporate holiday parties, and diverse audiences.
- RePercussion
- What They Do: A high-energy drumming group known for interactive performances.
- Why Book Them: Their unique ability to involve the audience in rhythm-based activities creates a dynamic and fun atmosphere.
- Perfect For: Team-building sessions, corporate parties, and outdoor events.
- Artrageous
- What They Do: A troupe that combines art, music, and audience interaction for a vibrant performance.
- Why Book Them: Their shows are fully immersive, often involving audience members in live art creation.
- Perfect For: Creative workshops, artistic conferences, and interactive galas.
- Jeff Civillico
- What He Does: Comedy juggling with high levels of audience interaction.
- Why Book Him: Jeff’s performances are fast-paced and hilarious, and he involves the audience directly, ensuring they’re part of the fun.
- Perfect For: Corporate events, conferences, and high-energy parties.
- Colin Cloud
- What He Does: Combines mind-reading with mentalism and humor.
- Why Book Him: Colin’s performances often involve volunteers from the audience, creating personalized and unforgettable experiences.
- Perfect For: Tech-focused events, sophisticated audiences, and high-impact presentations.
- Bella Electric Strings
- What They Do: An electric string quartet known for high-energy, interactive performances.
- Why Book Them: They can involve the audience in rhythm or call-and-response elements, blending music with excitement.
- Perfect For: Galas, live music events, and large-scale celebrations.
- Piff the Magic Dragon
- What He Does: Combines comedy and magic in a quirky and interactive performance.
- Why Book Him: Piff’s deadpan humor and on-stage antics often involve audience participation, making every show unique.
- Perfect For: Comedy-focused events, corporate celebrations, and offbeat entertainment seekers.
Incorporating interactive entertainment into your event creates opportunities for connection and engagement beyond passive viewing. These acts are guaranteed to leave a lasting impression on your audience.
FAQs About Event Planning
How Far in Advance Should I Book?
Plan to book speakers and entertainers 3-6 months in advance. Popular names like Seth Godin or Darci Lynne may need more lead time.
What’s the Average Cost of Entertainment?
- Local Talent: $3,000-$8,000.
- National Talent: $10,000-$30,000.
- High-Profile Talent: $50,000 and up.
How Do I Make a Virtual Event Engaging?
- Use interactive tools like polls and live Q&A.
- Choose talent experienced in virtual formats, such as The Evasons or Darci Lynne.
- Invest in high-quality production for video, sound, and lighting.
Trends and Final Thoughts
Upcoming Trends in Corporate Events:
- Hybrid Formats: Talent who can engage live and virtual audiences will be in high demand.
- Personalized Experiences: Tailored talks and performances resonate more deeply with attendees.
- Wellness Focus: Speakers like Dr. Michael Breus bring essential health and productivity insights to corporate audiences.
Your corporate event has the potential to inspire, connect, and leave a lasting impression. Choosing the right speaker and entertainment is key.
Ready to book your talent? Call us at (615) 283-0039 or complete our online form today to get started. Let’s create an event your audience will never forget.
