How to Plan a Corporate Holiday Party Your Team Will Actually Love - Tips from an Event Director
Planning a corporate or holiday party can feel overwhelming, especially if you don’t work in events every day.
To make it easier, The Music Trust has pulled together some of the most important questions to ask your venue, DJ, or entertainment partner before the big night, along with a few insider tips from our team to help make your event seamless, engaging, and unforgettable.
Where should a planner start if they’ve never booked entertainment before?
Start with the venue and vibe. A downtown rooftop cocktail party calls for something totally different than an office ballroom bash.
Once you know your space and guest count, you can start thinking about the experience you want to create - whether that’s high-energy (DJ + photo booth), elevated (live band), or experiential elements (casino tables or fashion illustrators).
What types of entertainment are always a hit for corporate holiday parties?
Casino tables are always a favorite if space allows. They bring people together and spark friendly competition, especially if fun prizes are involved at the end.
Live music and DJs keep the energy flowing, and photo booths or roaming photographers are a must for engagement. Interactive add-ons like magicians or live caricature artists are also great ice-breakers
Any insider tips for making it feel seamless day-of?
Think about flow. You want music during arrival, along with a moment that feels like a “wow” factor like an aerialist pouring champagne for your guests.
The Music Trust will create a “Run of Show” (a schedule of all the elements of the night) and can handle the day-of coordination so you can enjoy the moments along with your guests
How can you make a corporate party feel fresh every year?
Change one or two big elements. Try a different theme (casino, retro disco, carnival), swap your DJ for a live band, or add a surprise act. Add something hometown or headquarter-based, for instance in Chicago we love bringing in the Pack Drumline for a drumline moment.
Lighting and decor upgrades can also transform a familiar space. Check with the onsite AV team about how to create subtle “wow” moments through lighting design, or that reflect your company’s branding. Sometimes this can even be included with the package from your venue!
What’s your favorite recent event?
We recently produced a corporate party where the feedback being “was a 10 out of 10.” They had casino tables, stilt walkers, and an incredible DJ and percussion set - guests stayed all night. It was a perfect example of how a thoughtful entertainment mix creates lasting memories.
Make Your Holiday Party Legendary
Whether you’re planning your first company holiday party or refreshing a long-standing tradition, the right entertainment makes all the difference. The Music Trust team can help you design an experience that fits your budget, brand, and crowd—and makes you look like the office hero.
Reach out to start planning your next event.
