Corporate holiday events in 2024 are all about pushing the envelope, blending innovation with tradition, and creating experiences that captivate the senses and spark conversation long after the event has ended. From immersive experiences and technology-driven entertainment to personalized, nostalgic touches, event planners across Canada are shaping what’s next for holiday celebrations, and we’ve gathered insights from top professionals to help you craft a standout event.
Emma Singh from Emma Singh Creative has seen the rise of immersive experiences that blend the real and digital, creating spaces where guests can feel fully transported. Singh recommends using virtual reality installations or even creating physical environments that transform an ordinary event space into another world. According to Singh, acrobats, aerialists, and fire dancers are just some examples of performances that will add a sense of wonder and awe to holiday parties. “Bringing back childhood experiences, like arcade games or customizable photo booths, can spark nostalgia while fully engaging your guests,” she adds, underscoring the power of entertainment that connects emotionally.
Looking for interactive dancers, acrobats, aerialists, and theatrics for a customized show? Consider hiring Cirque Revolution! They specialize in creating bespoke shows that meet your corporate objectives and leave your audience in awe and delight.
Sebastien Centner at Eatertainment sees interactive theatrics as a way to make guests feel like they’re part of the show rather than mere observers. “We’re increasingly incorporating performers who interact with the audience instead of just performing from a stage,” says Centner. Whether it’s a drummer performing alongside a DJ or a violinist adding to a live mix, these musician-DJ collaborations add a new layer of energy and excitement. It’s a strategy echoed by Hailey Dawood at The Idea Hunter, who loves the concept of pop-up entertainment—multiple performers evolving throughout the night to keep guests engaged, starting with traditional ballerinas and transitioning into modern hip-hop dancers as the night goes on.
Adding a more modern, tech-driven element, Earlyn Joseph of Creative Event Solutions (CES) is seeing augmented reality and projection mapping take center stage. “Guests can interact with AR holiday decorations, play games, or even view digital messages that blend into the real-world environment,” says Joseph. This trend, which merges physical and digital realms, is echoed by Judy Duong from Starmuse Entertainment, who sees AI and immersive experiences stealing the spotlight. Also on her radar is living art decor (models that are part of the art installation) that guests can interact with, which is becoming super popular. Dancers wear mirrors where guests can actually see themselves. Also, the human disco ball is something that is all the rage. It’s an aerialist dressed in a mirror costume with lights shining on it to resemble a disco ball. So many fun ideas are out there; we love what’s coming out this season.
The traditional and classics always stay in style. Marc Katz from Abbey Road Entertainment has seen casino nights make a comeback as fun, interactive options for corporate holiday parties. “Games like poker, blackjack, and roulette create a lighthearted, exciting atmosphere while encouraging colleague interaction,” Katz explains. It’s a non-monetary way to bring a sense of thrill and competition to the evening.
Carol Priest of Carol Priest Entertainment also supports the idea that classic holiday interactive entertainment, such as s’mores stations, doughnut walls, ice cream bars, and holiday-themed trivia nights, will always be a hit. Carol also believes that a great dance band will never disappoint. Music is everything when it comes to great events.
Music is also on the menu at this year’s holiday events for Elizabeth Nutting from TK Events, who sees performances getting a unique twist this season by highlighting the “Bridgerton Effect,” where instrumentalists play modern hits on classical instruments like sitars or string quartets. The blend of old and new keeps guests intrigued and offers an unexpected, delightful musical experience. Nutting emphasizes that a big dance band like Side One can also turn up the energy and get guests on their feet.
Sara Gundy from The Goods BMC takes music a step further with crowd karaoke. In this interactive activity, a live band or DJ helps guests take center stage, turning the audience into the entertainment. This activity fosters camaraderie and breaks the ice, allowing guests to let loose and connect.
Meanwhile, Grail Noble of Yellow House Events prefers spoken word performances, drawing on the success of poets like Amanda Gorman. “Diversity on stage is as important as diversity in the audience,” Noble points out, encouraging planners to incorporate acts that reflect the varied backgrounds of their guests. Noble also underscores the impact of celebrity appearances, sharing that the unexpected pairing of stars like Martha Stewart and Snoop Dogg adds a surprising, memorable twist.
Jennifer Rabanillo from StyleWorthy Studio is focused on creating niche experiences this year, particularly making them personal and intimate. Jennifer suggests a reflective twist to holiday events with interactive gratitude walls, where guests can share positive moments or reflections from the past year. Paired with models dressed in elaborate costumes and immersive performances, Rabanillo believes this kind of experience fosters deeper connections and leaves guests feeling fulfilled.
Creating niche entertainment spaces is something Julia Livia and Samantha Kostopoulos from RISE Event Planning are passionate about. From cozy speakeasy corners with live jazz quartets to futuristic lounges with DJs, these spaces allow guests to explore different themes within a single event. By curating unique lounge experiences, Livia and Kostopoulos aim to offer something for every guest, creating a personalized event atmosphere.
Games are big with Joannie Langevin from OPC Événements, who believes in incorporating opportunities for employee engagement by highlighting your attendees in surprising ways. “A ‘Canadian’s Got Talent’ competition featuring your employees’ hidden skills is a fun way to add interactivity and celebrate your team,” says Langevin. For Langevin, the key to a successful holiday party is finding creative ways to engage your guests directly in the entertainment experience. Games also bring back a sense of nostalgia and amplify the holiday vibes.
Nostalgia is also a big theme for Sarah Valencia of Our Jonrah Events. “Bringing back oversized versions of classic games like checkers or Jenga is a great way to add a playful, fun vibe to your event,” Valencia says. In addition to these interactive elements, Valencia suggests a seasonal scent bar where guests can create their own personalized perfume or cologne—offering a multi-sensory experience and a memorable takeaway.
Multisensory is where it’s at for Dwayne Rutherford of Debonair Corporate Events, who believes live art performances where artists create pieces in real-time during the event are always popular. “My favourite right now is the mixed live art,” says Rutherford. This can range from traditional painting to digital art or even collaborative installations where guests can contribute.
Don’t forget about your emcee. When hiring an emcee and performers, the possibilities are endless. A few great suggestions include “It’s Shirley Happening,” Adam Reid, Mike Arsenault, and Wesley “Wes” Williams (Maestro Fresh Wes); and there are literally hundreds of amazing Canadian hosts and emcees. CSE suggests using a nationwide entertainment agency to connect you with exceptional talent. Excellent resources for finding emcees, performers, and entertainers can take your event to the next level.
For one-of-a-kind talent, CSE suggests reaching out to some of the country’s leading entertainment agencies like Cirque Revolution, The Idea Hunter, Carol Priest Entertainment, Jestr Entertainment, The Booking House, Paquin Entertainment, Fuze Entertainment, Showvision, East Coast Entertainment, PM Gigs, and Mega Magic, who can source top-tier talent for your event and help you bring your big ideas to life.
From VR installations and immersive performances to celebrity appearances and crowd karaoke, 2024 holiday events are all about creating unexpected, unforgettable moments that keep guests engaged and talking long after the night is over. Whether you’re looking to go high-tech with AR experiences, bring in the warmth of nostalgia with giant games, or create moments of reflection with a gratitude wall, these ideas from Canada’s top event planners will help you craft an entertainment experience that truly stands out.