Company Party Entertainment Ideas That Work at Home or in a Rented Space

The worst company party entertainment I attended was a PowerPoint slideshow of the year’s accomplishments followed by a speech from the CEO. The employees sat through forty minutes of slides, then the party started. The party was supposed to be fun. The PowerPoint was not fun. A company party should be about the people, not the presentations. If the entertainment starts with a PowerPoint, it is not entertainment.

Company party entertainment ideas are activities and entertainment options for a workplace celebration, ranging from games to activities to hired entertainment. The best company party entertainment is interactive, inclusive, and fun. The worst are passive, long, and feel like a work event.

The short answer: pick one or two interactive activities that coworkers can do together. A game, a trivia contest, or an activity station. The BAD CHOICES party game works for a conversation game. The birthday party decoration kit sets the stage.

Interactive Entertainment Ideas

The Trivia Contest

Twenty to thirty questions about the company, the industry, or general knowledge. Split the group into teams. The trivia is the game. The flaw: keep it to thirty minutes. After that, the energy drops.

The Party Game

The BAD CHOICES party game is a conversation card game for adults. The game is the conversation. The flaw: the humor is edgy. For a conservative group, pick a different game.

The Photo Booth

A simple photo booth with a backdrop and a few props. The activity is the photos. The flaw: a rented photo booth is expensive ($200 to $500). Use a DIY version with a backdrop and a phone camera.

The Activity Station

A craft station, a cocktail-making station, or a coffee-tasting station. The activity is the making. The flaw: activity stations require supplies and space.

The Game Tournament

A board game tournament, a card game tournament, or a video game tournament. The activity is the games. The flaw: keep it to four to eight players at a time.

Low-Activity Entertainment Ideas

The Playlist and Dance Floor

A good playlist and a cleared floor. The activity is the dancing. The flaw: most coworkers will not dance. Do not force it.

The Movie Night

A movie related to the company or the industry. The activity is the movie. The flaw: it is passive.

What to Avoid

Avoid the PowerPoint slideshow. It is not entertainment. Avoid the CEO speech. It is not entertainment. Avoid the awards ceremony that lasts longer than fifteen minutes. Avoid the activity that only a few people can do at a time. Avoid the forced dancing.

The Verdict

Company party entertainment works when it is interactive, inclusive, and fun. A trivia contest, a party game, a photo booth, or an activity station. The most common mistake is starting the party with a PowerPoint and a speech. The party is supposed to be fun. Skip the presentation. Start with the activity.

FAQ

What is good entertainment for a company party? A trivia contest, a party game (BAD CHOICES), a DIY photo booth, an activity station (craft, cocktail, coffee), or a game tournament. Pick one or two interactive activities.

How do I entertain coworkers at a company party? Pick one or two interactive activities that coworkers can do together. A game, a trivia contest, or an activity station. Skip the PowerPoint and the speech.

What should I avoid for company party entertainment? PowerPoint slideshows, CEO speeches, awards ceremonies longer than fifteen minutes, activities that only a few people can do, and forced dancing.

How much does company party entertainment cost? $25 for a party game. $20 to $50 for a DIY photo booth. $30 to $100 for activity station supplies. Total: $25 to $150. Skip the rented photo booth ($200 to $500).

How long should company party entertainment last? 30 to 60 minutes. After 60 minutes, the energy drops. End the activity while people are still having fun.

Should I hire entertainment for a company party? Only for a large group (50+). For a small group, a game or a trivia contest is enough. A hired DJ or a band is expensive and most coworkers will not dance.

How many activities should I plan for a company party? One or two. More than two and the party feels rushed. One activity with free time for conversation is better than three activities with no time to talk.

References

• The Bash, “Company Party Ideas,” thebash.com
• SignUpGenius, “Office Party Ideas,” signupgenius.com
• Team Building, “Corporate Event Entertainment Ideas,” teambuilding.com