5 Surprising Songs That Will SAVE Your Event

So, you're planning a networking event? That's fantastic! But let's be honest, networking event music is often an afterthought. It's easy to just throw on some generic elevator music and call it a day. But what if your music selection could actually enhance the networking experience, making it more engaging and memorable?

Believe it or not, the right background music can significantly impact the mood and energy of your event. It can encourage conversation, foster connections, and even leave a lasting positive impression on your attendees. In this guide, we'll reveal some surprising song choices that go beyond the typical corporate playlist. We'll dive into specific tracks, explore why they work, and give you practical tips for creating the perfect sonic atmosphere.

Ready to ditch the dull and discover the power of strategic event music? Let's get started!

Why Does Networking Event Music Matter Anyway?

You might be thinking, "It's just background noise, right?" Wrong! Music profoundly affects our emotions and behavior. Studies have shown that music can influence our mood, energy levels, and even our perception of time. At a networking event, the right music can:

• Create a Welcoming Atmosphere: A carefully curated playlist can help attendees feel more comfortable and relaxed, making them more likely to approach others and strike up conversations.
• Enhance Engagement: Upbeat, positive music can boost energy levels and encourage interaction.
• Reinforce Your Brand: The music you choose can reflect your company's culture and values, leaving a lasting impression on your guests.
• Minimize Awkward Silences: Let's face it, networking can be a little awkward. Music can fill those gaps and provide a comfortable backdrop for conversation.

Think about it this way: imagine walking into a brightly lit, sterile room with no music. Now imagine walking into a softly lit space with comfortable seating and upbeat, yet unobtrusive music playing. Which environment would make you feel more at ease and ready to connect? The answer is obvious.

Choosing the right event playlist is about more than just filling the silence. It's about creating an environment that fosters connection, engagement, and positive experiences. Don't underestimate the power of a well-curated soundtrack!

Surprising Song Choices That Actually Work

Okay, let's get to the good stuff. Forget the generic instrumental tracks. These surprising song choices can add personality and energy to your networking event music selection:

• "Walking on Sunshine" by Katrina & The Waves — This is pure, unadulterated joy in musical form. Its upbeat tempo and positive lyrics are guaranteed to lift spirits and create a cheerful atmosphere. It's a great way to start the event on a high note.
• "September" by Earth, Wind & Fire — A classic for a reason! This song is impossible not to groove to. It's energetic, funky, and universally loved. It's perfect for encouraging people to loosen up and mingle.
• "Lovely Day" by Bill Withers — This song exudes warmth and optimism. Its mellow groove and heartfelt lyrics create a sense of calm and connection. It's ideal for fostering meaningful conversations.
• "Good as Hell" by Lizzo — This empowering anthem is all about confidence and self-love. It can help attendees feel good about themselves and project a positive image. Plus, it's just plain fun!
• "A Sky Full of Stars" by Coldplay — Uplifting and anthemic, this song builds energy without being overly aggressive. Its soaring melody and positive message make it a great choice for creating a sense of excitement and possibility.

These songs are all upbeat, positive, and generally inoffensive. They're also recognizable enough to be engaging, but not so overplayed that they'll become annoying. Remember to adjust the volume to a comfortable level so that people can still easily converse.

Don't be afraid to experiment and find songs that resonate with your brand and target audience. The key is to choose music that is both energizing and appropriate for a professional setting.

How to Build the Perfect Networking Event Playlist

Creating a successful event playlist is more than just throwing a bunch of songs together. It requires careful planning and attention to detail. Here's a step-by-step guide:

1. Define Your Audience: Who are you trying to reach with your event? Consider their age, interests, and professional backgrounds. This will help you choose music that resonates with them.
2. Set the Tone: What kind of atmosphere do you want to create? Do you want your event to feel formal and sophisticated, or casual and energetic? Choose music that reflects your desired tone.
3. Choose a Variety of Genres: Don't stick to just one genre. Mix it up with a blend of pop, soul, funk, and light electronic music to keep things interesting.
4. Create a Song List: Start by brainstorming a list of songs that fit your criteria. Aim for at least 3-4 hours of music to avoid repetition. Consider using a collaborative playlist tool like PartyMusicPlaylist to allow guests to contribute song requests.
5. Order Your Playlist: Arrange your songs in a way that creates a natural flow. Start with something mellow to ease people in, build up to something more energetic in the middle, and then wind down with something relaxing towards the end.
6. Test Your Playlist: Before the event, listen to your playlist from start to finish to make sure it flows well and that there are no jarring transitions.
7. Adjust the Volume: During the event, pay attention to the volume level. The music should be loud enough to be heard, but not so loud that it interferes with conversation.

Remember, the goal is to create a subtle and supportive atmosphere. The music should enhance the experience, not distract from it. With careful planning, you can create a playlist that sets the perfect tone for your networking event.

Crafting the Soundtrack for Key Moments

Your event playlist shouldn't be a static block of music. Consider tailoring the music to specific moments throughout the event:

• Arrival: Play something upbeat and welcoming to create a positive first impression.
  • "Come Together" by The Beatles
  • "Happy" by Pharrell Williams
• Networking Session: Choose music that is energetic but not distracting.
  • "Signed, Sealed, Delivered (I'm Yours)" by Stevie Wonder
  • "Valerie" by Mark Ronson ft. Amy Winehouse
• Speeches/Presentations: Lower the volume or pause the music entirely to avoid distractions.
• Breaks: Play something more upbeat and energetic to keep people engaged.
  • "Uptown Funk" by Mark Ronson ft. Bruno Mars
  • "Don't Stop Me Now" by Queen
• Departure: Play something mellow and positive to leave a lasting good impression.
  • "Better Together" by Jack Johnson
  • "What a Wonderful World" by Louis Armstrong

By strategically curating your music selection for different moments, you can create a more dynamic and engaging experience for your attendees. Think of it as creating a soundtrack for your event, with each song playing a specific role in setting the mood and enhancing the atmosphere.

Set the Mood: Song Lists for Different Networking Event Vibes

Need some more inspiration? Here are some sample song lists tailored to different networking event themes and moods:

Energetic & Innovative

• "Dynamite" by BTS — A global sensation with a catchy beat and positive vibes.
• "High Hopes" by Panic! at the Disco — An uplifting anthem about achieving your goals.
• "Shut Up and Dance" by Walk the Moon — An irresistible dance track that's guaranteed to get people moving.
• "Flowers" by Miley Cyrus - Empowering and catchy, perfect for a modern vibe.
• "Levitating" by Dua Lipa - Disco-inspired and fun, keeping the energy high.

Sophisticated & Professional

• "Beyond" by Leon Bridges — A smooth and soulful track with a classic feel.
• "Thinking Out Loud" by Ed Sheeran — A romantic ballad that's perfect for creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.
• "Come Away With Me" by Norah Jones — A mellow and sophisticated jazz track.
• "The Way You Look Tonight" by Frank Sinatra - Timeless and elegant, adding a touch of class.
• "Feeling Good" by Nina Simone - Powerful and confident, setting a strong tone.

Relaxed & Casual

• "Riptide" by Vance Joy — A folksy and upbeat acoustic track.
• "Ho Hey" by The Lumineers — An infectious and feel-good anthem.
• "Better Together" by Jack Johnson — A mellow and optimistic tune.
• "Island in the Sun" by Weezer - Laid-back and cheerful, creating a friendly vibe.
• "Three Little Birds" by Bob Marley - Relaxing and positive, encouraging connection.

Remember to adjust these lists to fit your specific event and audience. You can also use these as a starting point and build your own custom playlists.

Strategic Volume Control: The Key to Ambient Success

Volume control is paramount when it comes to networking event music. The goal is to create a subtle background ambiance that enhances the experience, not overpowers it. Here's how to achieve the perfect balance:

• Start Low: Begin with a low volume level and gradually increase it until it's just audible.
• Monitor the Noise Level: Pay attention to the noise level of the room. If people are struggling to hear each other, lower the volume.
• Adjust for Different Areas: Consider adjusting the volume in different areas of the venue. For example, you might want to lower the volume in quieter areas where people are having more focused conversations.
• Use a Sound Meter: If you're unsure about the volume level, use a sound meter to measure the decibels. A comfortable level for background music is typically between 60 and 70 decibels.
• Get Feedback: Ask attendees for feedback on the music volume. Are they able to hear each other comfortably? Is the music too loud or too soft?

Remember, the music should be felt, not heard. It should create a subtle atmosphere that encourages conversation and connection. Too loud, and it becomes a distraction. Too quiet, and it's barely noticeable. Finding the right balance is key.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Choosing Event Music

Even with the best intentions, it's easy to make mistakes when selecting networking event music. Here are some common pitfalls to avoid:

• Playing Music That's Too Loud: This is the most common mistake. Remember, the music should be background ambiance, not a concert.
• Choosing Music That's Too Distracting: Avoid songs with complex arrangements or overly prominent vocals.
• Playing Music That's Inappropriate for the Audience: Consider the age, interests, and professional backgrounds of your attendees.
• Using a Premade "Corporate" Playlist Without Customization: These playlists are often generic and uninspired. Take the time to curate your own playlist.
• Ignoring Song Lyrics: Make sure the lyrics are appropriate for a professional setting. Avoid songs with explicit or offensive content.
• Forgetting About Copyright Laws: Ensure you have the proper licenses to play music at your event.
• Not Testing the Playlist in Advance: Always test your playlist from start to finish to make sure it flows well and that there are no jarring transitions.

By avoiding these common mistakes, you can ensure that your event music enhances the experience for your attendees, rather than detracting from it.

Pro Tip: Leverage Guest Song Requests for Engagement

Want to take your networking event music to the next level? Consider incorporating guest song requests. This is a great way to engage your attendees and make them feel more involved in the event. Here's how to do it effectively:

• Use a Platform Like PartyMusicPlaylist: PartyMusicPlaylist allows guests to easily submit song requests via their smartphones. You can then approve or reject requests based on your preferences.
• Set Clear Guidelines: Provide clear guidelines for song requests. Let guests know what genres are appropriate and what types of songs to avoid.
• Monitor Requests: Keep an eye on the song requests as they come in. Be prepared to reject requests that don't fit your event's tone or guidelines.
• Incorporate Popular Requests: Try to incorporate as many popular requests as possible into your playlist. This will show your guests that you're listening to their feedback.
• Announce Song Selections: Consider announcing some of the song selections throughout the event. This can help build excitement and engagement.

“Music is the universal language of mankind.” — Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

By leveraging guest song requests, you can create a more interactive and engaging experience for your attendees. It's a simple way to show that you value their input and that you're committed to creating a memorable event.

Expert Advice: Finding Local DJs for Corporate Events

If you're looking to elevate your networking event music even further, consider hiring a professional DJ. A skilled DJ can create a seamless and engaging musical experience that is tailored to your specific event and audience. Here's how to find the right DJ for your corporate event:

• Define Your Needs:Determine the type of music you want, the length of the event, and your budget.
• Ask for Recommendations: Reach out to other event planners or businesses in your area and ask for recommendations.
• Check Online Reviews: Look for DJs with positive online reviews on sites.
• Review DJ Profiles: Many DJs have online profiles with music samples and event photos.
• Request a Demo Playlist: A DJ should be able to provide a demo playlist based on your event's needs.
• Interview Potential DJs: Ask about their experience with corporate events, their music library, and their ability to read the crowd.
• Get a Contract: Ensure all details of the agreement are in writing, including the DJ's fee, the length of the performance, and any equipment they will provide.

“One good thing about music, when it hits you, you feel no pain.” — Bob Marley

Platforms like PartyMusicPlaylist can also help you find local DJs who specialize in corporate events. Look for DJs who understand the importance of creating a professional and engaging atmosphere.