Awards nights and gala dinners are some of the most prestigious events in the calendar and expectations are always high. Guests come dressed to impress, ready to celebrate, network, and enjoy a night of luxury. That’s why your awards entertainment choices matter.
The best awards and gala entertainment goes beyond “filling time” between courses. It should engage, surprise, and delight every guest, making the event memorable for all the right reasons.
At Smile Events & Media, we believe the key to a great experience is inclusive, engaging, and innovative entertainment — something that everyone, from VIPs to first-time attendees, can enjoy and participate in.
Why Inclusivity in Awards Entertainment Matters
In a mixed crowd, you’ll have:
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Different age groups
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Varying confidence levels (the introverts and the extroverts)
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Diverse cultural backgrounds
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Different accessibility needs
- Different interests
- Different roles and seniority within companies
Inclusive entertainment ensures everyone feels welcome to join in, whether that’s posing for a photo, enjoying a live performance, or simply enjoying the atmosphere.
The right mix means your event will be talked about positively long after the awards are handed out.
Innovative Awards Entertainment Ideas
Here are our top recommendations for 2025 — all of which we’ve seen transform events into unforgettable evenings.
1. Hollywood Glam Photo Booth
Why it works:
A Black & White Hollywood Glam booth is the ultimate red-carpet experience. Guests feel like movie stars as they step into soft, flattering lighting for high quality portraits.
Inclusive factor:
Perfect for all ages and styles — no dancing skills or extrovert personality required, just a big smile!
2. Vogue Booth or Cover Star Booth
Why it works:
A high-fashion experience where guests strike a pose inside a dynamic, LED-lit set, just like a fashion shoot. The final images look like they belong on the pages of Vogue.
Inclusive factor:
Great for confident posers but also fun for small groups. For those who are a little shy the lights and optional confetti machine help guests to feel at ease in the spotlight.
3. Glamera Booth
Why it works:
Combining video and photography, the Glamera booth offers cinematic, slow-motion clips with stunning effects. It’s perfect for high-style, sophisticated events.
Inclusive factor:
Guests can choose to be as bold or subtle as they like, from a dramatic spin to a simple smile the glamera does the rest. Guests also love to watch the glamera robot work it’s magic.
4. AI-Live Booth
Why it works:
Transforms guest portraits into creative works of art in seconds — from watercolour paintings to bold futuristic styles.
Inclusive factor:
Ideal for guests who love a talking point but might be a little less confident in front of the camera. Everyone leaves with a truly, one of a kind keepsake from the event.
5. Roamer Booth
Why it works:
Our roaming photographers with instant-print and instant-share devices bring the photo experience directly to the guests, no queuing required.
Inclusive factor:
Perfect for shy guests, those who prefer to enjoy entertainment from their table, busy drinks receptions where space is a premium or to capture more of the venue/scenery.
Beyond Photo Booths, Other Crowd-Pleasing Awards Entertainment
While premium photo booths deliver huge engagement and shareable content, combining them with other live entertainment creates a layered, high-energy atmosphere.
Here are some favourites that work beautifully for awards and gala settings:
Live Magicians
Why it works:
Close-up magic during drinks receptions or between courses gets people talking instantly.
Inclusive factor:
Magicians can tailor performances to each table, ensuring nobody is left out.
Roaming Artists / Walkabout Acts
Why it works:
Living statues, themed characters, or caricaturists create fun, unexpected encounters.
Inclusive factor:
Guests can choose to interact or simply enjoy the performance from afar. 
Live Bands & String Quartets
Why it works:
Music sets the tone — from a sophisticated quartet during dinner to a high-energy band after the awards.
Inclusive factor:
Appeals across generations and gets people on the dance floor without pressure.
Professional Dance Performances
Why it works:
From ballroom showcases to high-energy street dance crews, performances add a burst of visual excitement.
Inclusive factor:
Guests can watch from their seats, so it’s perfect for mixed mobility audiences.
At Smile Events & Media, we collaborate with a wide network of talented entertainers that we can recommend and arrange for you. We also partner with exceptional agencies like Sternberg Clark, who are true experts when it comes to entertainment.
Designing a Flow That Works for Everyone
The best awards events and gala nights have a flow: moments of spectacle, moments of interaction, and moments of relaxation.
A well-designed entertainment schedule could look like this:
Arrival & Drinks – Hollywood Glam Booth + Magician + String Quartet
Between Courses – Roaming artists and Roamer Booth with AI engage tables
Post-Awards – Glamera Booth or Vogue Booth for evening fun
After Party – Live band or DJ to keep the energy high
Real Event Spotlight: Awards Entertainment Highlights
At a London law firm’s gala anniversary, we combined Hollywood Glam portraits, a Roamer Booth during the dinner service, and a 360 Video Booth for the after-party. Add a live band and a mentalist, and the evening flowed seamlessly — every guest found something they loved. The result? Record-high post-event feedback scores and hundreds of branded social shares.
Create a Night Your Guests Will Talk About for Years
Awards evenings and gala dinners are your guest’s chance to celebrate in style, but also to connect, be inspired, and entertained. By blending inclusive, high-quality, and innovative experiences, you’ll make sure every guest leaves with amazing memories.
At Smile Events & Media, we specialise in creating these unforgettable moments. From professional photography and videography and high end photo booths to cutting-edge AI experiences and Roaming Entertainment we’ll design a package that fits your vision.
View our Awards Brochure Here
Contact us today to discuss your awards or gala entertainment plan. Call 0203 9976228, email hello@smile-events-media.com or whatsapp 07760 283328 or complete the contact form below.
