Exciting new trends to incorporate into your events this year By Amanda Nicklaus
I f there’s one word to sum up the way events changed after the pandemic, it’s immersive. We’ve seen the ways that attendees crave exciting, interactive experiences that completely engulf them in another world for the duration of an event. Driving that immersive experience is event entertainment. “Stand-alone live entertainment has become a bit passé,” observes Sebastien Centner (Eatertainment Events & Catering), “and it is now moving toward live entertainment that is more interactive or has more elements like integration of food items or immersive environments. Guests no longer want to be passive observers—they want to engage, and they want to feel transported.” Today’s events are wrapped in a variety of eye-catching, total-sensory features, giving attendees an experience that engages them from the second they step through the door to the moment they pack up their party favors. Here’s how you can use the latest entertainment trends to delight your attendees. Musical endeavors One of the most obvious forms of event entertainment is music, but if you’re imagining a simple DJ set in the background, think again. Live music is back in a big way, and today's entertainers provide unique, interactive experiences— stepping off the stage to interact with guests, roaming through the venue with instrument in hand, even customizing the playlist to fit
An electric violinist hyped up the crowd that gathered for the Opening General Session at Catersource + The Special Event 2025. Photo courtesy Ivan Piedra Photography/AGNYC Productions/SpotMyPhotos
the guests’ specific taste—which sometimes means adjusting the music on the fly. “Customization is a big deal,” says Craig Peterman (Craig Peterman Photography & Videography). “Couples want live bands to reflect their personalities, so you’ll see a band transition from playing a classic Sinatra tune during cocktail
hour to a high-energy Bruno Mars dance set at the reception. The ability to adapt to the crowd has become a key selling point.” Many event planners even provide surprise and delight by bringing in top-tier headliners that remain secret until their performance begins. As far as the performers themselves? “I’m seeing an increase
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SPECIAL EVENTS SPRING 2025
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