10 Ways to Use Music to Set the Mood  

Everyone has been to that opening session where the jetlagged crowd is ushered away from their breakfast and into a windowless ballroom where “Uptown Funk” is blasting away — at 8:30 in the morning. Though the planners might have thought that would get people pumped up, a scan of their faces reads something more like annoyance. 

There’s no question that music can make or break the mood throughout your event. Whether you’re working with a production company on a 1,000-person meeting or creating a playlist for an intimate client dinner, these 10 tips will help.

1. Start With Your Demographics

Your group will be a mix of generations, and your music should be a mix of genres. Younger audiences (18–34) prefer hip-hop, R&B, and emerging/global, and attendees 35 and older prefer adult contemporary, classic rock/classic hits, and country. If the group is predominantly women, you can lean into favorites like “Superwoman” (Alicia Keys), “Brave” (Sara Bareilles), or “Roar” (Katy Perry).

2. Background-Only for Networking

Cocktail music needs to stay where it belongs — in the background — so people can hear each other while they network. Queue up a mix of soft jazz (Michael Bublé), modern acoustic/pop covers (Jack Johnson), and upbeat soul (Lumineers). Some planners create their own 60- to 90-minute cocktail party playlists on Spotify or Apple Music, but hotels also have playlists you can use to set the mood.

3. Sprinkle in Some Local Favorites

The most obvious is Frank Sinatra’s “New York, New York,” which is sure to get attendees psyched about being there, if not lining up like the Rockettes. Imbue a sense of place by adding Elvis to your playlist in Las Vegas, Drake in Toronto, and Motown classics in Detroit.

4. Don’t Do What Everyone Else Does

If you research music online, you’ll find that multiple playlists refer to the same few songs for opening and general sessions — which is exactly why you don’t want to use them. Attendees have been to other meetings and heard them over and over: “Happy” (Pharrell Williams), Taylor Swift’s “Shake It Off” (Taylor Swift), “I’ve Got A Feeling” (The Black Eyed Peas), and “Can’t Stop the Feeling” (Justin Timberlake), among others.  

5. Celebrate Sales With Your Soundtrack

Popular songs for sales meetings or kickoffs focus on winning, success, and characteristics like strength and determination, like “Don’t Stop Believin’” by Journey, Queen’s “We Are the Champions,” and Survivor’s “Eye of Tiger.” If you want some rap, add “All I Do Is Win” by DJ Khaled.

6. You’re Always Safe with Pop

Pop is considered to be the “cross-demographic bridge genre” because it is timeless. It also incorporates elements from other genres, such as R&B and jazz. Classic anthems like Queen’s “We Are the Champions” or Neil Diamond’s “Sweet Caroline” are a hit with every age. Think: The Beatles, ABBA, Michael Jackson, and Fleetwood Mac. 

7. Leave the EDM for the Festivals

Unless you’re holding a DJ event, electronic dance music is only a fit for the youngest of audiences. If you wonder why many older people aren’t fans of EDM, that’s because the majority of its fan base started listening to it at a young age — so they have grown up with it. But most attendees have not.  

8. Consider Your Client

Think about your client’s tastes and background. One planner included a tune by the Australian-New Zealand band Crowded House on the playlist she had created, much to the delight of her client (who was from New Zealand). From then on, she asked that the band always be included.

9. Country Music is No Longer a Niche

While it’s still more popular in rural destinations and among older crowds, country music is no longer excluded from corporate events. Streaming and TikTok have moved it into the mainstream, and crossover artists like Morgan Wallen and hits like Beyoncé’s “Cowboy Carter” are also driving the trend. Popular country artists for meeting soundtracks include Bailey Zimmerman, Zach Bryan, and Luke Combs.  

10. Check With the Meeting Owner

Sometimes clients will have their own ideas about the music they want played. Some CEOs want to choose the song for their walk-ups, or there might be a product jingle or company song. Others might have specific songs they feel will create the overall vibe they’re looking for.