The programme decides whether the evening flows or drags. A good run sheet balances speeches, food service, recognition and entertainment so there is always something happening, but never too much at once.
Arrival and registration: guests check in, collect table numbers and take photos.
Opening: the emcee welcomes guests and explains the theme.
Leadership address: keep it short and place it early, before attention drifts.
Dinner service with entertainment: use performances or games between courses.
Recognition and awards: a clear segment with rehearsed walk-ups.
Lucky draw: split into rounds to hold energy through the night.
Dance floor and close: a DJ or band takes over for the final stretch.
Ask the venue how long each course takes to serve and clear. Schedule speeches and quiet segments when plates are down, and lively segments between courses. Nothing kills a performance faster than waiters walking in front of the stage.
Confirm award names and winners early, prepare citations, and rehearse the walk from table to stage. Decide who presents each award and where they stand. A tidy recognition segment shows respect to the people being honoured.
Share the company background, names that must be pronounced correctly, sensitivities to avoid and the timing for each segment. The emcee is the person most able to rescue a delay, so make sure they know the plan.
Get Out! Events describes its five-step approach from brief to event day on its dinner and dance planner page.
About this guide: Company Dinner and Dance Planning 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.