DJ Tips: How to successfully DJ Corporate Holiday Parties (BEST PRACTICES)

Corporate holiday parties can be very lucrative and fun! They also may be very diverse and can present some unique considerations for DJs.
This video explains my top tips for DJs to crush their corporate holiday parties with confidence and success.

[@jamesosteen6899]

Hello Rachel, great video. I've had corprate holiday parties with a ton of raffle ticket prizes, and most people are watitng around to win. Sometimes, as soon as the gifts are gone they are too lol. I love how you compensated for the Jewish dance, and often we have those spot on request. As far as the Jesus music; I tend to not be over bearing with it, you can get a sense if it's received well by prayer over dinner. Even if the prayer is in Jesus name I never turn it into church service - That's a huge no no... Thanks again for all the tips and confidence for our dj community to know it's ok; if the floors not pack, but the feet are in tap, and the fingers snap, and they singalongs or rap. DJ Rachel may your 2023 be far greater then 2022.. Happy Holidays my friend... another 5 ***** video.

[@DJRachelLynch]

Ahhhh yes!! Great point about the raffles. Didn’t get a chance to sneak that in, especially since these parties didn’t have any. But you are 💯💯💯💯 right. As soon as the prizes are handed out the party clears out. Appreciate your time to check this out and your feedback. Have a wonderful holiday!

[@popzjrhoc6551]

My Wednesday night bar & grill classic rock experience is a "bar toe tappin" chill conversation type vibe. You do great work DJ Rachel it's a pleasure to share your experiences.

[@JimHornEntertainment]

Thanks so much Rachel for the vlog! Great advice!! This will be saved forever in my video resource library as a great reference at the Holidays. We DJs really appreciate all the videos and the support you offer…keep up the great work!

[@DJRachelLynch]

❤️🙏🏻 Happy Holidays!

[@djkeviekevbx]

Thank you for the information. Im looking forward to putting it in my routine.

[@mariaray75]

You do have great points. And it's true about the music talk to the clients. 💯 I like watching your Videos. Thanks

[@DJRachelLynch]

Appreciate you tuning in! 🙏🏻❤️ Happy New Year!

[@jimsargent7288]

Thank you, glad to see others have parties that the dance floor isn't full. I had a dance two weeks ago and felt bad no one was dancing. But people came to me and said thank you for playing the best music. 60-80 etc. So, it happens.

[@DJRachelLynch]

It does! Full dance floor aren’t always needed for an event to be successful!

[@rp_a3480]

Thanks for posting. I did a holiday party with all ladies employees with their significant others and definitely different

[@DJRachelLynch]

💯. Spouses can change the dynamic a lot. Not a bad thing. It’s just different.

[@harryraetz2953]

Good tips!!!!! You are absolutely right. I did a friend of mine 50th birthday. Lots of drinking and socializing but very limited dancing. Wobble, Cupid shuffle nothing. I got a good tip at the end of the night and was asked to do the daughter’s baby shower coming up so I guess it was good lol.

[@DJRachelLynch]

I have had lots of parties where there was no heavy dancing. Sometimes people just need a good vibe and a great party backdrop.

[@ThomasHaydenDJ]

Please upload more on here! Love watching this content :) - Cheers!

[@DJRachelLynch]

Thanks so much for stopping by! I have more videos coming! 🙂 Enjoy the weekend.

[@kevinyoung6900]

Great info

[@gewing61]

Great video. Glad you are keeping busy. Some great advice, things I would never have thought of!!! Don’t work to hard and have a great Holiday season.

[@DJRachelLynch]

Thanks so much for tuning in! I appreciate it. Happy Holidays and have a tremendous NYE!

[@MrGoat71]

keep up the good word..i know exactly what your talking about

[@nesentertainments]

Great video on holiday parties. I agree an empty dance floor is hard to accept at times, especially if you have a lot good parties. But it is true as long as you play good music show a good library and dj skills your audience is listening and may see the value for their event. HAPPY HOLIDAYS

[@merrilldjsiyen5706]

Funny that I had exactly the same vibe party last night. Toe tappers all night. It's fun playing upbeat and sing-along songs from all decades. 100% agree with playing conservative and safe. Even though nobody danced they were still thanking me at the end of the night

[@djandre3827]

Great tips. Wish i had listened to this before my party last night! It went great tho! The "spouse" question is a great probing question. Thanks!!!

[@DJRachelLynch]

How did the party go?

[@djandre3827]

Went great! I appreciate your videos 💯🔥

[@ChuckZerambo]

Great insight my friend! Rachel, thanks for elevating our industry by delivering awesome tips to up and coming DJs as well as reminding old vets jocks about the ebb & flow at Holiday Events! WELL DONE!

[@DJRachelLynch]

❤️💪🏻Thanks for your time. Merry Christmas!

[@stayhappy9893]

Your a true Professional. Much thought and preparation for success. Merry Christmas

[@DJRachelLynch]

Thanks for being here. ❤🎄

[@Neckwerk2]

What up Superstar? Your advice is spot on. I dj’ed a holiday party last week with mixed results. The crowd only responded to slow country songs and line dances. They mostly drank and talked. The last hour I had 10 people who really wanted to party and we turned up to 90s and 2000s. In Minnesota, it may take a little while to get going. Happy Holidays and thanks for your content.

[@DJRachelLynch]

Have a wonderful holiday! Hope you have a rocking 2023!!

[@sikhumbuzodionne2780]

Hey DJ Rachel! Seriously thank you for your advices! I will be DJ'ing tonight for a christmas party and thank god I came across your video in time! :)!

[@DJRachelLynch]

Have a blast! Crush your party! Let me know how it went. Thanks so much for being here. 🎄

[@sikhumbuzodionne2780]

@@DJRachelLynch I will keep you posted for sure! By the way, I'll totally need your help because a friend of mine wants me to DJ at their wedding next year! However I have no experience for this type of event!

[@MrTbanks2834]

Thanks Rachel I had 2 parties like that one was a backyard surprise pool Bday party no body was dancing everybody was just chilling talking and asking for requests when the party was over everybody said I did a great job the second party was a gender reveal party this one had a few dancers but everyone said I did a great job now I know not to force it…… thanks again and Great video

[@derickrose663]

Hey DJ Rachel video was very insightful very informational and some of those scenarios and situations I came across last week and I was able to go through making that event very enjoyable thanks for the tips

[@DJRachelLynch]

So glad you were able to work it all out and throw a good party!! Appreciate you checking this out. Happy Holidays.

[@MrGoat71]

awesome video thanks

[@DJRachelLynch]

Appreciate your time!

[@tuneroneff]

Thank you so much!! Sharing the. Tipe of experience. It will save the night for some of us.

[@DJRachelLynch]

Glad it was helpful!

[@soundssensational4568]

Here in UK I usually walk round tables during dinner and ask what music the guests would like to dance to. It saves having to guess what music will be appreciated and creates a good rapport with everyone. It’s surprising how often you get asked for your business card when talking to people!

[@popzjrhoc6551]

I created a song request list that allows me to obtain the requester's name & their song request, then I make their name & request a big deal. I always thank them for their request contribution regarding my request list. The request list & KZbin are 100-0 lol.

[@tonyjefford8449]

Thanks for the vid really help full good to see djs at the top sometimes have empty floors

[@DJRachelLynch]

Any private event DJ who says otherwise is lying. 😂 It’s not always a packed floor. Obviously we want to promote our best work; but the truth is, it still can be great work. This client was super happy and people enjoyed the night out. That’s a success in my book. ❤️💯

[@djfamilysweden]

Great video... keeping it up.. you doing great job 🔥🔥💪

[@DJRachelLynch]

🙏🏻❤️

[@ScojoDak]

Merry Christmas Rachel.

[@DJRachelLynch]

Merry Christmas! Have a wonderful New Year too! Thanks for being here.

[@georgethedj4946]

Corporate parties are awesome to DJ. Love the diverse crowds without the wedding formalities. I usually play Xmas music as folks arrive and during dinner. If there is dancing I will then go to other types ( non Xmas ). Depending on the group, I usually don’t get too spiritual but it’s fun to “take them to church” every now and then with a good up beat song that mentions “ the reason for the season “ or maybe a slow Kenny G type instrumental of, let’s say holy night while they are eating. Again, “Know your audience “ I am never at an event to push my values and beliefs on others with the music I play. On the same note, I would not DJ an event that went against who I am at the core. Fortunately I have not run into that. I usually don’t run from controversy either. Example. I play “ Baby it’s cold outside “. To me it’s flirtation but if a guest or client felt it was offensive to women and asked me not to,I would simply not play it. I’m there to bring folks together and make all feel welcomed. I must admit, I never though about the “ retail folks” that hear. Xmas songs 8 hours a day 5 days a week since before Thanksgiving. May have to cut them some slack on the Santa stuff next time. Lol

[@DJRachelLynch]

Thanks for your comment! I agree. These aren’t black and white rules. Ya know? I do have some clients where I do know I can play things I normally wouldn’t at other company parties. This was more of a best practice if you don’t have an established relationship or this is your first time doing these types of events. I would always play it safe unless you really know you can branch out and take more calculated “risks.” Thanks for being here. Happy Holidays!

[@scottaber85]

The whole controversy over "Baby It's Cold Outside" was started by a struggling radio station who wanted to boost their ratings by generating publicity. So they made a huge announcement about pulling the song from rotation (which is something that any & every radio station has a perfect right to do, without broadcasting - pun intended - it, nor asking for their audience's approval) just to keep people talking about their station. In all sincerity, this is why most such controversies are created. To keep names in people's minds, and generate enough curiosity for people to tune in & see what the fuss is really all about.

[@djpete595]

I have always found corporate events to be hit or miss. People are either going to dance or you're just going to be background music. If that's the case then I'll use the time to practice my beat matching. ;)

[@djtighedudeck]

Great video and very informative! Thanks for keeping it real on how these events go sometimes. 😊

[@DJRachelLynch]

My pleasure! It’s important to not have unrealistic expectations thinking that every event is going to resemble an EDC concert. 😂 Sometimes it’s just about creating a social backdrop for people.

[@djtighedudeck]

@@DJRachelLynch I couldn’t agree more!

[@tanneragpoon]

Thank u for this

[@DJRachelLynch]

Appreciate you stopping by the channel!

[@FUNNYMANERICWHITE]

Thanks

[@DJRachelLynch]

👊🏻

[@stevetheq]

I had a party just like that Saturday. MINIMAL holiday music, zero country, don't bother with microphones were my requests from the host. Played everything from Classic rock to Unholy and one line dance by request which got 4 people dancing. Nice tip at the end of the night and lots of compliments from guests. It was a great gig

[@djgerrykelly5474]

Excellent video & insight DJ Rachel! Thumbs up! Happy Holiday!

[@DJRachelLynch]

Happy holidays!

[@DJChrisCenzo]

Thanks for the tips! Corp parties are always better without spouses. The spouses are typically not comfortable in this environment and are less likely to dance.

[@DJRachelLynch]

Interesting observation!

[@petravandijk1738]

Happy Holidays Rachel

[@DJRachelLynch]

Thank you so much. Have a wonderful new year and happy holidays!

[@JohnSmith-kn5wt]

Both companies are apparently both very cheap. If you can only come alone and not bring your better half, why go? Good tips as usual Rachel. Safe Holidays to you and family.

[@DJRachelLynch]

Believe it or not I’d say 70% of my holiday parties are no significant others. It’s very common. Also the first part was during work hours, so it makes sense.

[@DJRachelLynch]

Thanks for checking this out. Happy Holidays! 🎄❤️

[@djmaxreloaded7050]

Tips helped a lot. Thank you. Just a question - are you willing to share which record pools you using please? Just on the hunt for that next level - Cape Town South Africa sends love as always.

[@DJRachelLynch]

Xmix remix Promo only DMS XtendaMix

[@djmaxreloaded7050]

@@DJRachelLynch Thank you. Appreciate it.

[@djhidrocalido4821]

Hola Rachel

[@DJRachelLynch]

🙋🏼‍♀️

[@scottaber85]

I want to add this tip for employees who attend their company's parties. You are representing your employer at said events. And how you treat the event vendors like the DJ could get you in trouble. A few years ago I was DJing a holiday party and for no particular reason, I just happened to be playing a set of predominantly black artists. And I had a white guest/employee approach me & complain by saying, "Everybody here is white." I could not believe my ears, and I made sure to tell a member of management about his behavior.

[@DJRachelLynch]

Wow… that’s an unbelievable story.

[@superdad8274]

Hi there. I need your help. Can you share a few tracks that you played at your holiday party that had people dancing? Thank you

[@DJRachelLynch]

Every group is going to be different. For example I had two parties today. The first was VERY heavy on Latin music the other was more low key and disco/funk later on. Think top 200 wedding classics if you’re now sure. And then read the room as you see what motivates them.

[@superdad8274]

Thank you again..

[@arielmorales757]

HR Nightmares lol

[@DJRachelLynch]

😂😂 As someone who used to work in HR…..It happens.

[@arielmorales757]

@@DJRachelLynch Let your creepy coworker be a creep somewhere else lol

[@DecontactCompte]

We are lucky in Europe 😂 We don't care , And more true when we dont understand the song 😂😂😂

[@DJRachelLynch]

😂😂

[@mibnixon]

Ok DJ Rachel, let me get your opinion on something, I seldom do weddings, but I have one coming up. and the client (my niece) put out in her invites a note which ask what songs would get you on the floor, which she forwarded to me, some are ok some not so ok, Her husbands families, is Cambodian and they also want Cambodian music which I know zilch about, they did give me a few songs to play, ( they sound like a cat with its tail caught in a car door) but thats what they want, How would you handle this, do I risk playing these songs and looking like a whack DJ or do I do my best to mix it up, and get people on the floor dancing. I was planning on using this wedding to make a gig log! what do you think, how would you handle this!

[@DJRachelLynch]

Speak with the couple and do what they want. If they want you to play the requests family and friends sent in, you should do that. There are couple of ways to buffer “bad request” you have to play… 1. Fit them in during dinner or cocktail hour. 2. Announce right before playing the song that it’s a special request so people know it’s not you deciding to play the song. Something like… “This next track is a special request by (enter name).” 3. Cut the songs short or quick mix where you can. 4. Be ready to drop a banger if it clears the floor or pad the songs between two good songs to keep the energy up. Hope that helps.

[@mibnixon]

@@DJRachelLynch thanks for the info, I will do that,

[@djpacman7232]

I DJ my job's staff meetings. As long as it is not too sexually explicit I will play (clean radio edits of course), ex. "Savage Love" "Kiss Me More".

[@DJRachelLynch]

I agree those are fine.

[@MrInternationalSound]

Corp events are not my favorite😂 but they are profitable lol

[@DJRachelLynch]

They are some of the most challenging events for me, but like you said can be very high-end work and lucrative. 🙂 Thanks for checking this out! Happy New Year!

[@alanaban1840]

What is wrong with playing music that says Christ / Christmas

[@DJRachelLynch]

Nothing technically. But you should always make sure the company is okay with "religious undertones". They may want this event to be more of a festive winter party than a "Christmas party." There are no absolutes here. Do what you think is best for your audience and the person cutting the check.

[@jtm71]

So no "WAP" at corporates?

[@DJRachelLynch]

😂