Tricks of the Conference Entertainment Trade

by: corporatejacks

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Date: Thu, 17 Sep 2009 Time: 9:47 AM - 0 comments

To many, the planning of corporate events is seen as bit of a drudgery. Not only is there an agenda of business that must be addressed, but the often unenviable task of trying to make sure everyone enjoys the event can rest heavily on the planner as well.

Many approaches have been taken along these lines. There are several interesting activities that can provide entertainment for a large group of people. Yet the deadline pressures and the emphasis on business can cause those in charge of conference entertainment to forego inventiveness for the traditional music and dinner activities.

While there will certainly be few staff members who will gripe about having to enjoy a well-catered meal and several turns on the dance floor, the routine can potentially foster complacency and lowered expectations from the company. These are not exactly part and parcel of motivational management techniques.

Clearly, more creative ideas are needed for corporate events to continue to be successful. Even though participation is understood to be mandatory, there is no need to make an event feel like a visit to the dentist. Business can still be covered while the staff are looking forward to the conference entertainment that will be taking place in between meetings.

Venue selection can be important, as is the genre of activities that are scheduled for the staff’s pleasure. Yet of the two, it can be said that an evening at the Ritz won’t necessarily be a memorable one if the dinner party was a bust. On the other hand, an evening of fun and games that everyone enjoyed can happen in the middle of the desert, and will still be talked about around the office for months to come.

A very popular and successful idea for conference entertainment is having a casino night for the staff. Unlike the usual motivation that accompanies a trip to gaming houses, a casino night for corporate events is more for the mutual enjoyment and relaxation of all members of the organization than it is for monetary gains.

Another positive aspect to casino games is the team building that can take place in the middle of the fun. Even though the idea is for the individual throwing the dice or betting the roulette wheel to win for themselves, the rooting, cheering, and general support when someone is “on a roll” can bring the associates together in a way that usually isn’t possible with most conference entertainment.

There is nothing wrong with a little competition, though. A friendly head-to-head round of blackjack or stud can bring out that drive and will to succeed that any CEO loves to foster in their staff. There can even be a gratuitous award, such as a winner’s trophy, that can draw attention to an especially courageous or ambitious associate who ends up with the most chips at the end of the evening.

Conference entertainment for corporate events needn’t be such an unwelcome chore. Using an event such as a casino night can be seen as a double bonus: ensuring the staff enjoys the event and reaffirming and supporting many of the characteristics that make them feel part of the team.