An awards evening has a clear centre of gravity: the ceremony. Everything else, from the reception to dinner, is there to put guests in the right mood for it and to fill the time around it. Good entertainment supports the ceremony; it never competes with it.
Map the running order
Most awards nights follow a similar shape: arrival and drinks, dinner, the ceremony, then the bar or dancing. The waiting is in the first two. Guests stand around while seating is finalised, and sit between courses while the kitchen catches up. Those are the moments close-up magic is made for.
Keep the ceremony clear
- Agree a hard stop with your producer, typically before the final course is cleared.
- Make sure performers know the cue, whether it is a lighting change or the host walking on.
- Keep performers off the floor and away from the stage until the last award is given.
Plan for every table
Shortlisted guests and sponsors notice if a neighbouring table enjoyed something they missed. For table to table magic, plan one magician for every 100 guests and divide the room into blocks, with the most important tables early in each route.
After the ceremony
Once the awards are over, a short set as guests move to the bar works well, especially for winners and their tables. It is optional, and worth deciding in advance so performers can plan their time.
Questions to settle early
- How long is the reception, and when are guests called to dinner?
- How many courses, and how long between them?
- When does the ceremony start, and what is the cue?
- Which tables need particular attention?
- Is there other entertainment, such as a host, a band or a DJ?
Our awards evenings page shows how we plan these nights, and the coverage calculator suggests a team size for your guest numbers.
