Corporate events are an excellent opportunity to allow for team members to relax, talk business, network, and grow.
When you're investing in these events, it's important to ensure they are memorable and provide an all-encompassing experience for those who attend. With so many options to choose from, it can be difficult deciding whether or not to hire a full band, DJ, or solo musician.
I have learned through the last 20 years of performing live the importance of ensuring that each audience is provided with a customized experience. The overall goal of live entertainment is to create and maintain an atmosphere that encourages networking, learning, and socialization all within a short time-frame.
Cocktail Hour to Dinner Music
Not all corporate events begin and end with cocktails. Sometimes a high-energy beginning can tire out an audience if the transition from cocktails to dinner is too abrupt. When you have party bands or DJs who kick-off a networking event, this musical change could become noticeably uncomfortable for attendees.
Imagine Bob from HR tapping his foot one minute and then listening to the CEO go on and on about this year's profits. He's waiting for his steak dinner but he's forced to slowly eat a salad during presentations.
A solo musician is able to adapt quickly and maintain consistent sound levels without much room for error. Large bands have multiple members with different settings through a PA who may have multiple opinions on volume.
Event Venue Atmosphere
Solo guitarists can bring a level of sophistication and elegance to any event. Whether your event is a formal dinner, cocktail reception, or product launch, the soft and mellow sounds of a guitar with vocals can create the perfect ambiance. The solo act can fit perfectly within your brand's standards and compliment your event as an ambassador for its success.
Musicians who perform at business conventions are exceptional marketers who understand the importance of stage presence, branding, and professionalism. They become the first point of contact when attendees enter an event meeting space.
100% of the event planners I've worked with know that creating a welcoming atmosphere is one of the most important aspects of an event.
A solo guitarist can elevate the atmosphere of an event and make it an unforgettable experience. Sometimes just having the perfect setlist to hit on all demographics is the precise recipe for a successful event.
Interactions and Networking
Live music can help boost engagement and make attendees more likely to participate in activities or discussions. According to a survey by EventMB, 78% of event planners believe that audience engagement is a key measure of success for events. Asking the musician to play a song can help audience members regroup when they hear it moments later during a lull period. Solo musicians are able to take each interaction & turn it into a personalization for audience members who may need a small boost to help them take that first step towards socialization and networking.
Versatility
One of the biggest advantages of hiring a solo guitarist is their versatility. Acoustic performers can play a wide range of genres and can also adapt their performance to suit the theme and mood of your event. Whether you want a smooth beachy sound or a more upbeat and modern vibe, a solo guitarist can deliver on all fronts.
Minimal setup and space
Compared to a full band or orchestra, an acoustic entertainer requires minimal setup and space. This makes them a great option for events with limited space or where setup time is tight. They can easily move around the venue and perform in multiple locations if needed, making them a flexible choice for any event.
Professionalism
Hiring a professional solo musician can showcase the professionalism of the company or organization hosting the event. According to a survey by Forbes, 83% of event planners believe that the quality of the entertainment has a major impact on the overall success of an event.
The Costs of Corporate Event Entertainment
Hiring a solo guitarist is often more cost-effective than hiring a full band. When looking for a group of musicians that will show up on time, dress accordingly, and deliver, event planners should budget $10,000 at a minimum. Solo acts are able to work within a more reasonable budget in the $1,000-5,000 range pending the details of the event.
Most professional musicians travel an upwards of 2-4 hours for these types of performances, and events that end at 9, 10, or even 12am are infeasible for a full-band of professionals or even solo musicians if they don't have a room to stay in after the event.
Company gatherings often involve travel accommodations and hotels. Adding one room to a group rate is much more cost-effective VS hiring a full-band and providing multiple members with accommodations.
Conclusion
There are many potential benefits to hiring a solo musician for a corporate event, from creating a welcoming atmosphere to enhancing the overall experience for attendees. By investing in a pro solo musician, companies and organizations can showcase their professionalism and create a positive image while also providing attendees with a memorable and engaging experience.