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Best Entertainment Ideas for Conventions

Finding the Perfect Fit: Matching Speakers to Your Event(Opens in a new browser tab)

Convention Entertainment Ideas

Planning a convention or corporate event can be a lot of work, but it’s also a great opportunity to create a memorable and engaging experience for your attendees. One of the key aspects of any successful event is the entertainment. After all, people attend conventions not only to learn and network but also to have a great time and be entertained.

In this article, I’m going to share with you some of the best entertainment ideas for conventions. These ideas will not only keep your attendees engaged and entertained but also leave a lasting impression, making your event one to remember. From interactive entertainment to live performances, we’ve got you covered. So let’s dive in and discover the exciting entertainment options you can incorporate into your next convention!

Let’s explore some of the best entertainment ideas, from interactive workshops and guest speakers to themed costume contests and gaming tournaments, there’s something for everyone.

Best Entertainment Ideas for Conventions: Speakers and Emcees 

Amy McWhirter - Event Emcee - Corporate Presenter - Funny Business Agency

Speakers and emcees play a vital role in the success of conventions, as they have the power to captivate audiences, deliver valuable insights, and guide the flow of the event. Whether it’s an industry expert sharing their knowledge or a skilled emcee keeping the energy high, choosing the right individuals for these roles is crucial. In this section, we’ll explore the importance of speakers and emcees for conventions and what to look for when selecting them.

1. Speakers: Delivering Valuable Insights

Speakers are the driving force behind the educational and informative aspect of a convention. They bring their expertise, experience, and unique perspectives to engage attendees and provide them with valuable insights. When choosing speakers for your convention, consider the following:

  • Relevance: Select speakers who are relevant to the theme and goals of your convention. They should be experts in their field, able to provide up-to-date and relevant information to your target audience.
  • Engaging Communication Skills: Look for speakers who possess exceptional communication skills. They should be able to connect with the audience, deliver their message clearly, and create an engaging and interactive experience.
  • Expertise and Credibility: Seek out speakers who have a strong track record in their industry and can demonstrate their expertise through previous speaking engagements, published works, or notable achievements.

2. Emcees: Guiding the Flow and Energizing the Event

Emcees are the charismatic guides who keep the energy high, ensure smooth transitions between sessions, and engage the audience throughout the convention. They set the tone, establish a connection with attendees, and create a sense of excitement. Consider the following when selecting an emcee for your convention:

  • Charisma and Stage Presence: Choose an emcee who exudes charisma and has a commanding stage presence. They should be able to connect with the audience, infuse energy into the event, and keep attendees engaged.
  • Adaptability and Versatility: Look for emcees who can adapt to different scenarios and audience demographics. They should be able to handle unexpected situations, maintain the flow of the event, and create a seamless experience.
  • Strong Communication Skills: Emcees should be skilled communicators, capable of delivering information clearly and concisely. They should possess excellent improvisation skills and be able to think on their feet to entertain and engage the audience.

Speakers and emcees are indispensable elements of a successful convention. Speakers provide valuable insights and deliver educational content, while emcees ensure smooth transitions, energize the event, and engage the audience. By carefully selecting speakers and emcees who possess relevant expertise, engaging communication skills, and charismatic stage presence, you can create a convention experience that leaves a lasting impact on attendees and achieves your event objectives.

“The power of guest speakers lies in their ability to share valuable knowledge and experiences with the audience. Make sure to choose speakers who not only have expertise but can also engage and inspire your attendees.”

Best Entertainment Ideas for Conventions: Interactive, Roving, and Ambient Entertainment

Roving Cirque Performers

When it comes to conventions, capturing the attention and engagement of attendees is crucial for creating a memorable experience. One effective way to achieve this is through interactive, roving, and ambient entertainment. These unique forms of entertainment go beyond traditional stage performances, immersing attendees in an interactive and dynamic atmosphere. In this blog post, we’ll explore some of the best entertainment ideas for conventions that will leave a lasting impression on your attendees.

1. Interactive Entertainment

Interactive entertainment encourages active participation from attendees, making them an integral part of the experience. This type of entertainment breaks the barrier between performers and the audience, fostering a sense of connection and excitement. Consider incorporating activities like:

  • Virtual Reality (VR) Experiences: Set up VR booths where attendees can dive into immersive virtual worlds or try out exciting games and simulations.
  • Interactive Games and Challenges: Arrange interactive game stations or challenges that attendees can participate in individually or as teams, creating a friendly competitive spirit.
  • Live Demonstrations and Workshops: Invite industry experts who can provide live demonstrations or conduct workshops where attendees can learn new skills or techniques.

2. Roving Entertainment

Roving entertainment adds an element of surprise and delight to conventions by bringing performances directly to attendees. These entertainers move around the venue, interacting with people and creating spontaneous moments of joy and entertainment. Consider these roving entertainment options:

  • Stilt Walkers and Living Statues: Tall stilt walkers in vibrant costumes or living statues that come to life create visual spectacles that captivate attendees as they roam around.
  • Magicians and Illusionists: Skilled magicians and illusionists who can perform close-up magic tricks or mind-bending illusions right in front of attendees, leaving them amazed and intrigued.
  • Caricature Artists and Face Painters: Have talented artists offering caricature sketches or face painting services, allowing attendees to take home personalized souvenirs of the event.

3. Ambient Entertainment

Ambient entertainment sets the tone and enhances the overall atmosphere of the convention. It creates a dynamic backdrop that keeps attendees engaged and entertained throughout the event. Some ambient entertainment ideas include:

  • Aerial Performances: Engage aerial artists who can perform breathtaking acrobatic feats suspended from the ceiling, adding a touch of elegance and awe-inspiring spectacle.
  • Musical Ensembles and Bands: Set up stages or performance areas where talented musicians or bands can play live music throughout the event, creating a vibrant and energetic ambiance.
  • Living Décor and Atmospheric Characters: Incorporate living decor elements such as elaborate costumes, body-painted performers, or atmospheric characters who blend seamlessly with the surroundings, adding a touch of enchantment to the convention space.

By incorporating interactive, roving, and ambient entertainment into your convention, you can elevate the attendee experience and create an event that stands out from the rest. These unique forms of entertainment foster engagement, create memorable moments, and ensure that attendees leave with a lasting impression of your convention.

Best Entertainment Ideas for Conventions: Booth Traffic Builders and Engaging Entertainment

Time Stoppers 360 - High Tech Entertainment - Funny Business Agency

Trade shows provide a unique opportunity for businesses to showcase their products and services to a targeted audience. To stand out from the competition and attract attendees to their booth, exhibitors often rely on trade show entertainment as booth traffic builders. These entertainment options not only draw attention but also create a memorable and engaging experience. In this section, we’ll explore some effective booth traffic builders and entertainment ideas for trade shows.

1. Interactive Demonstrations and Product Experiences

Interactive demonstrations and product experiences are excellent booth traffic builders as they allow attendees to engage with the products or services firsthand. Consider the following ideas:

  • Hands-on Workshops: Set up interactive workshops where attendees can learn about your product or service through hands-on activities. This provides them with a tangible experience and allows them to see the value for themselves.
  • Virtual Reality (VR) Experiences: Incorporate VR technology to offer immersive experiences related to your industry or products. This can include virtual tours, interactive simulations, or product demos in a virtual environment.

2. Engaging Performances and Presentations

Entertainment acts that are both engaging and relevant to your industry can effectively attract and retain booth traffic. Some entertainment ideas include:

  • Live Performers: Consider hiring live performers such as musicians, magicians, or dancers who can captivate attendees with their skills and charisma. The entertainment should align with your brand and create a positive association with your products or services.
  • Interactive Presentations: Instead of traditional presentations, opt for interactive sessions that involve the audience. This can include Q&A sessions, panel discussions, or interactive games that highlight key features or benefits of your offerings.

3. Contests, Giveaways, and Prize Draws

Contests, giveaways, and prize draws create excitement and incentivize attendees to visit your booth. Consider these engagement strategies:

  • Social Media Contests: Encourage attendees to engage with your brand on social media by hosting contests that require them to share a post or use a specific hashtag. This helps increase your brand’s online presence and create buzz around your booth.
  • Prize Draws: Offer attractive prizes or exclusive discounts to attendees who provide their contact information. This allows you to follow up with potential leads after the trade show.

4. Interactive Photo Opportunities

Photo opportunities that are interactive and shareable can help increase booth traffic and create a buzz around your brand. Consider these ideas:

  • Branded Photo Booths: Set up a photo booth with your company logo or theme where attendees can take pictures and instantly share them on social media. This serves as a fun and engaging way to promote your brand while generating user-generated content.
  • Virtual Reality (VR):  Virtual Reality adds an element of fun and creativity while promoting your brand.

By incorporating booth traffic builders and engaging entertainment into your trade show strategy, you can attract more attendees, create memorable experiences, and increase the chances of generating leads and sales. Remember to align the entertainment options with your brand image and industry to ensure maximum impact and relevance.

Best Entertainment Ideas for Conventions: Live Performances and Concerts

Hire Mike Goodwin - Clean Comedian - Funny Business Agency

When it comes to conventions, live performances and concerts are always a hit among attendees. These events provide a great opportunity to enjoy the talents of artists and entertainers from various fields.  Here are some ideas for live performances and concerts that will add a memorable touch to your convention:

Musical Performances

  • Concerts by Popular Artists: Bring in well-known musicians or bands to perform live on stage. This could include mainstream artists from different genres, such as pop, rock, hip-hop, or electronic music. Offering a diverse range of musical styles will cater to the varied tastes of your attendees and ensure an exciting and enjoyable experience.
  • Cover Bands: Hiring talented cover bands is another great option. These bands can recreate the music of popular artists or even specific eras or genres. For example, a cover band that specializes in 80s music can transport attendees back in time and create a nostalgic and fun atmosphere.
  • Local Bands and Emerging Artists: Don’t overlook the local talent in the area where your convention is taking place. Supporting local artists not only provides them with exposure, but also adds a unique flavor to your event. Additionally, featuring emerging artists can give them a platform to showcase their skills and gain recognition.

Comedy Shows

  • Stand-up Comedy: Laughter is the best medicine, and stand-up comedy shows can be a fantastic addition to your convention. Invite professional comedians who can entertain the crowd with their jokes and humor. Ensure that the material is appropriate for all audiences attending the event.
  • Improv Shows: Improvisational comedy shows are a great way to engage the audience and create a unique experience. These shows involve performers creating scenes and dialogue on the spot, based on suggestions from the audience. It’s an interactive and unpredictable form of comedy that keeps attendees entertained and laughing throughout.

Incorporating live performances and concerts into your convention’s entertainment lineup is sure to create memorable experiences for attendees. Whether it’s enjoying live music or laughing along with comedians, these events will add a vibrant and entertaining element to your convention.

Conclusion

In conclusion, incorporating entertainment into your conventions can greatly enhance the overall experience for attendees. From interactive workshops and demonstrations to guest speakers and panels, there are countless options to choose from that will engage and entertain your audience. Themed costume contests, gaming tournaments, art shows, live performances, and networking events can all add an element of fun and excitement to your convention.

By selecting the right entertainment options, you can create a memorable event that will leave a lasting impression on your attendees. Whether you’re hosting a corporate conference, industry trade show, or any other type of convention, the right entertainment will help to create a positive and enjoyable atmosphere.

Where to Find the Best Entertainment Ideas for Conventions

Visit the website at Funny Business Agency to explore the range of entertainment options they offer and to get in touch with their team. With their expertise and extensive network of entertainers, they can help you bring your convention to life with exciting and engaging entertainment.

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Frequently Asked Questions(FAQ)

What are some popular entertainment ideas for conventions?
Some popular entertainment ideas for conventions include live performances by bands or artists, comedy shows, interactive games and activities, photo booths, themed parties, and keynote speakers.
How do I choose the right entertainment for my convention?
Consider the theme and purpose of your convention, the demographics and interests of your attendees, and the overall atmosphere you want to create. Research and book entertainment that aligns with your goals and will engage and entertain your audience.
Are there any budget-friendly entertainment options for conventions?
Yes, there are several budget-friendly entertainment options for conventions. You can consider local talent or emerging artists, organize DIY activities or workshops, host a talent show or karaoke night, or leverage sponsorships or partnerships for discounted or free entertainment services.
What are some interactive entertainment ideas for conventions?
Some interactive entertainment ideas for conventions include virtual reality experiences, escape rooms, gaming zones, interactive photo booths with props, live polls or quizzes, and interactive workshops or demonstrations.
How can I ensure the entertainment runs smoothly during the convention?
To ensure smooth entertainment during the convention, have a detailed schedule and timeline, communicate with the entertainers and vendors beforehand, provide them with necessary equipment and resources, and have a backup plan in case of any technical or logistical issues.