Music is an important aspect of every corporate event, whether it’s a retirement party, a company milestone, or a general celebration for your customers. The music you play at your corporate events sets the tone for how people experience your event and can shape the perception of your brand.
This is why choosing the right music is so vital, and opting for live music is the best choice if your goal is to provide a truly personal experience. However, the big question is what type of band should you choose? The answer depends on your event and your audience.
If you host corporate events that include live music, here are some tips for selecting the right band.
1. Consider the image you want to portray
What type of image are you trying to project at your corporate event? Think about this because the music played at your event will create an image that your guests will associate with your brand.
Choose your music based on your brand’s identity. For instance, if your brand’s identity conveys an image of sophistication and class, you may want to hire a jazz band for your party.
On the other hand, if you’re a technology leader with a younger customer base, you might find edgy and contemporary music to be a better fit. If your business centers on financial planning, you may again need something classy, upscale, and reserved.
The type of music you choose should be pleasant to your guests. However, don’t choose a band style based solely on popularity. If you’re trying to convey a specific characteristic or image, choose a band style that aligns with the image you’re trying to project.
2. Watch previous performances
When you find bands you consider to be possibilities for your event, watch some videos of their previous performances to get an idea of how they look and sound. Reading biographies and a list of past experiences will tell you a lot about a band, but it won’t show you their synergy – you’ll need to watch their performances to see that.
You really want a band that has good synergy because otherwise, all you have are people playing musical instruments. A good band, regardless of genre, will be in sync with each other not just musically, but psychologically as well.
3. Consider your budget
Your budget will ultimately control who you can hire for your party. Some bands will cost more than others, so you’ll need to work within your budget. However, you might be able to increase your budget by hosting the event in a space that already has audio equipment.
For instance, if you’re hosting an event in a space equipped with audio equipment, a good sound pro can tune the system to meet your needs regardless of what type of band you choose. However, if you don’t have access to sound equipment, you’ll want a band that has their own equipment and you’ll also need a sound pro.
If you on’t have extra money to spend on renting equipment for your event, look for a band that doesn’t rely on house equipment for their gigs or search for a venue that provides the equipment in their space.
4. Consider your venue
The physical location of your event will impact the way your live music is perceived. For instance, if you hire a solo violinist to play in a huge convention hall, the music won’t be heard very well. On the contrary, if you hire a large band for an extremely small space, the music might be too loud.
Ideally, you’ll want to choose a venue that is naturally suited for live music. This will ensure that your band will sound excellent regardless of their genre. You may want to see what venues other companies have used to host their corporate events to get an idea of what options you have.
Choose your band intentionally
Choosing the right band for your corporate event doesn’t have to be challenging. To make the best choice, consider the image you wish to portray, your audience, and the mood you want to create at your event.
Once you know what you want, select the band that best fits your needs. Your guests will be happy and most importantly, they’ll have the experience you set out to create for them.
