For me, music has always been more than entertainment—it’s a part of my DNA. I played in the band from middle school up through high school, I grew up singing in the church, and I’m a member of the gospel group Joe Leavell w/ 1 Purpose. On top of that, I’ve curated dozens of playlists on Apple Music that match every kind of vibe you can think of. So when I say music sets the tone—I’ve lived that in every space of my life.
In my previous roles, I made it a point to curate playlists for events using artists from the destination or state we were in. It wasn’t just about having music—it was about telling a story. That simple decision created a sense of place and culture before a speaker ever stepped on stage. It also pushed the boundaries of what AV teams were used to. I wasn’t looking for elevator music or generic background tracks. I wanted authenticity. I wanted people to feel where they were through sound.
One of my favorite examples was during the 2023 Destinations International Marketing & Communications Summit in Norfolk, VA. I curated a playlist exclusively featuring artists from Virginia—Timbaland, Pharrell, Missy Elliott, Chris Brown, Ella Fitzgerald, Dave Matthews, and more. That local sound became the walk-up music for speakers and the soundtrack during session breaks. It created a whole vibe. People were nodding, smiling, even dancing during breaks. Multiple attendees came up saying how refreshing the music was—because it felt different. That’s the goal: music that doesn’t just entertain, but transports.
Think about it…
At a game, it’s the bass drop before the tip-off that gets fans hyped.
At a conference, it’s the walk-in music that energizes a room full of early risers.
At church, it’s the opening worship that softens hearts and centers attention.
In every setting, music serves as the transition from where people came from to where you want them to go.
Now think about your own experience: how excited do you get when the right song hits at the right time in the right environment? Whether you’re at a game, in a meeting, riding in your car, or just at home—music transforms that moment.
Even when you’re cleaning the house, what’s the first thing you do? You throw on a playlist. Not because it makes cleaning easier—but because it makes it feel better. That’s the power of music—it shifts the atmosphere no matter the task, space, or scale.
Yet despite all this, music is often the last thing considered in event planning. Sometimes it’s left up to the AV tech. Other times, it’s an afterthought—slotted in once the run-of-show is done. That’s a missed opportunity.
I’ve sat through events where the music felt like a corporate voicemail. No shade, but you can’t expect to energize people with elevator tracks. It’s not just about filling silence—it’s about setting intention.
Here are 3 tips I’ve learned when it comes to using music intentionally at events:
Match the moment. Don’t just play what’s popular—play what fits. Whether it’s a networking breakfast or a closing reception, the vibe should reflect the energy you want people to feel.
Use tempo to guide flow. Morning events might need something mellow to ease people in. Midday sessions can carry more energy. Evening experiences deserve a groove that winds things down or turns things up.
Don’t sleep on volume. It should be loud enough to be felt, but not so loud that people can’t talk or think.
Pro tip: Before the event, test the music from the attendee’s point of view—not just the booth. Sound travels differently across the room.
Music isn’t filler—it’s a storytelling device. So the next time you’re building out your agenda or run-of-show, take a moment and ask yourself: What does this part of the experience sound like?
Because if you get the sound right, you’ll elevate everything else around it.
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