Corporate events have come a long way since the days of awkward mixers and potluck picnics. I’m reminded of that Simpsons episode where Homer attends Mr. Burns’ family barbecue — Marge in tow with one of many gelatin cakes. Those days of polite small talk under fluorescent lights are long gone.
Today, companies are realizing the value of rewarding their teams — not just with bonuses or plaques, but with experiences. Many of these gatherings are incentive trips, blending seminars and sales recognition with unforgettable moments in beautiful destinations around the world.
And at the center of many of these nights — after the speeches, after the awards, after the gala dinner — is live music.
Live Music as the Emotional Payoff
A great corporate event band doesn’t just perform; it amplifies the emotion of the evening. When you’ve got hundreds of people who’ve worked all year to hit ambitious targets, standing shoulder to shoulder on a dance floor, the energy in the room is electric. That’s where live music becomes more than entertainment — it’s catharsis.
We see it night after night. A well-chosen song sparks nostalgia, camaraderie, and release. The CEO ends up dancing next to a first-year employee. People who rarely cross paths in the office are suddenly singing the same chorus together. It’s a shared moment that reminds everyone why they work so hard.
Collaboration with Event Planners and DMCs
Most incentive events today involve collaboration between in-house event planners and local Destination Management Companies (DMCs). These planners are the unsung heroes — they’re responsible for crafting an experience that feels seamless, celebratory, and unique to the company’s culture.
Our role is to integrate into that vision. Whether it’s timing the first set to coincide with a “room reveal,” learning a company anthem for a surprise encore, or building a setlist that reflects the theme of the trip, we see ourselves as part of the creative team.
At Side One, we’ve had the pleasure of collaborating with some of the best in the business — including Cantrav Services, Pacific Destinations, PM Gigs, Fuze Entertainment Solutions, Brandlive, Quintessential Events, E=MC² Events, Modern Rentals, Aly Armstrong Events, JPdL, Bliss Events Toronto, SHW, eVoque Event Solutions, TK Events, and Power Play Production Group Inc.
These teams make magic happen — and we’re proud to bring the soundtrack to their vision.
Creating the Moment
The goal of every corporate event is to make employees feel seen, valued, and connected. Live music does this in a way nothing else can. It transforms a ballroom into a celebration, a work trip into a memory.
As performers, we don’t take that lightly. We know we’re part of the reward — the payoff for months of effort and dedication. And when the lights hit, and the crowd sings every word, that’s when it all comes together.
Because at the end of the day, it’s not just a show. It’s a thank-you — in the universal language of music.
Watch Our Corporate Event Band in Action
We’re proud to share our new Corporate Event Video, showcasing what live music can bring to your next celebration. Whether you’re hosting a gala in Vancouver, an incentive trip in Calgary, a downtown Toronto awards night, or a corporate celebration in Seattle, Side One delivers the energy, connection, and polish that make the night shine.
