Conference Entertainment Ideas: Keeping Attendees Engaged and Entertained

Ask some of the best meeting and conference planners in the U.S. for their secret to planning a memorable event, and chances are one of their top answers will boil down to this: “Don’t forget the fun!”

Of course, a great venue is important, as well as the catering and the accommodations, all of which help set the tone of your event. But it’s a well-curated collection of conference activities that expert planners credit for keeping participants engaged throughout an event. And that is the real secret to a successful conference of any size – engaged participants.

We set out to explore that idea more – and uncovered some big ideas for any entertainment budget in the process.

Why entertainment for conferences is a successful event planner's favorite secret

Hosting a conference is a huge investment on the part of an organization. Yet, even today, when video meetings have all but booted old school conference calls out the door, in-person conferences and corporate events continue to prove their worth, bringing teams together to share ideas, solve problems and build camaraderie. Here are a few reasons why getting the conference entertainment ideas right is important.

1. Entertainment keeps attendees engaged

Conferences, by their nature, pack in a ton of information in a few short days. Research has shown that people learn better when they’re feeling strong, positive emotions. Adding an element of play, fun or curiosity also helps put people into a growth mindset, making it easier for participants to assimilate more of what’s being shared.

2. Entertainment keeps your attendees' energy up

Choosing entertainment or engagement activities that are on brand – either with your company or with your event’s theme – keep the energy of the experience going while adding a layer of fun on top. Mixers, after-parties, post-event entertainment or novel team-building experiences amp up the fun and the sense of camaraderie.

3. Entertainment opens up natural networking opportunities

Informal breakout sessions or evening events give people a chance to loosen the formalities and get to network and meet others more organically. Some of the most valuable seeds to grow from your conference may be planted at just such events. Give them a space to be sewn.

4. Entertainment brings out the people behind the title

Humans are a social species. It’s in our DNA to work as a team, to forge alliances, to care for family and to be part of a community. It’s through our connections that we find the kind of common ground to make the work we do together stronger.

Maybe after a concert you learn that your company COO used to tour as a session musician for one of your favorite bands. Or in a golf scramble, your entire sales team gets schooled by the new saleswoman – who you learn just missed qualifying for the LPGA before joining the company. Everyone at your conference was drawn to your organization for a reason. Create a space for these reasons to be shared and celebrated and bonds to be built.

Conference entertainment ideas and activities

You’re ready to dial up the fun for your upcoming conference. Now for some ideas.

Instagrammable photo booths, life-sized magazine covers or themed backdrops

Instagrammable photo booths are easy to set up and fun to customize with props and backdrops. Superhero capes, poster board thought bubbles, costume accessories and more help you tailor the theme to your event. Life-size magazine covers also make stunning backdrops, letting guests simulate themselves on the cover. Photos in front of themed backdrops also make for fun conference activities, especially if the entire venue is already expertly themed.

Host a cocktail night afterparty

Cocktail nights are fun because they can be informal, elegant or even themed. Maybe your company is forecasting its own Roaring 20s. Or celebrating a launch that’s shaking and stirring up the industry, a great martini theme for the night. Turning Stone’s Turquoise Tiger is a sophisticated venue inspired by 1940s film noir that lends itself to all types of themes and cocktail events, creating an afterparty to remember.

Host a networking night

Opening night socials are classic networking events – if you have the right venue. Too crowded and attendees can’t mingle. Too noisy and they can’t hear. The new Tower Lounge at Turning Stone has that just-right mix of energy and ambiance in a casual venue ideal for post-conference entertainment.

Host a casino night

Casino night themed events are sure to bring out the competitive spirit within your team. At Turning Stone, you can arrange for group lessons with an expert dealer, a fun way to get everyone in on the action. You may be surprised by who on your team actually has a true poker face!

Make it a game night upscale arcade

Looking for corporate event entertainment ideas with an appeal that crosses generations and cultures? Turning Stone’s adult-only New York Rec & Social Club is a show-stopping venue for up to 200 guests, blending a modern sports lounge with a nightlife venue filled with the timeless fun of arcade games, darts, billiards, shuffleboard and more. Whether for team-building tournaments or sheer fun to keep the energy going, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Golf scrambles

A golf scramble is a great conference entertainment idea since it not only gives attendees a chance to get outside and active, it also helps them recharge for the remainder of the event. Since all players tee off from the best shot, everyone from golf enthusiasts to amateurs can test their skills and advance as a team. Turning Stone is home to three world-class professional courses and two 9-hole courses. Golf pros can provide tips while seasoned players will be delighted by the pristine greens and challenging courses.

"Don't forget the fun!"

Now that you know the secret the most successful conference and event planners share, turn to the expert meeting and event planners at Turning Stone to help you bring your event to life. 

Call 888.361.7958 to talk with an Event Specialist or submit a RFP using the button below.