The programme on the night should feel like part of the dinner, not an interruption to it. Each element needs a clear role and a sensible place in the evening.
Leadership remarks work best when they are short and written for the occasion. Agree the speaker order, target length and main message in advance. If several leaders speak, avoid having each of them recap the past year. One can thank the team, another can recognise contributions and a final speaker can look ahead.
Prepare pronunciation notes for names and awards.
Test slides and videos on the actual playback system.
Keep sensitive performance information out of public remarks.
Tossing yusheng together is often the highlight of a company dinner. Treat it as a planned cultural moment with a clear start, a short explanation from the host, a way for everyone to join in and a smooth clean-up before the next segment. Think about table access and guests with limited mobility. Colleagues who prefer not to take part should still feel welcome at the table.
Entertainment should support conversation rather than drown it out. Check sightlines, sound limits, stage space and setup access before booking an act. One well-placed performance often has more impact than several disconnected ones. Keep culturally specific acts respectful and give guests a little context through the host.
Not every guest celebrates the festival in the same way, and some international colleagues may be new to it. Brief the host to explain traditions briefly and warmly. Make participation comfortable rather than compulsory, and use language that includes everyone in the room.
If awards or thanks are part of the evening, confirm names, titles and criteria well in advance. Follow your organisation's consent process for any photos that will be shared later.
Keep the whole programme modest in length. Guests at a company dinner came to eat and talk with colleagues, so every segment should leave them wanting a little more rather than checking the time.
About this guide: Company Chinese New Year Dinner Guide is written and maintained by Get Out! Events, a Singapore corporate event company at 14 Robinson Road #08-01A, Singapore 048545. It contains general planning guidance only; confirm current venue rules, permits and partner requirements before you book anything.