CORPORATE WORK
I’m a versatile corporate performer with a range of packages on offer. Whether you require a host, bespoke live podcast or workshop leader, I’m ready to cover all bases.
I am comfortable hosting awards ceremonies, dinners and conferences, having performed at venues from the Underglobe to pop-up festivals in a field. My background in improv and love of trivia mean that I am an adaptable performer capable of working any room and to any brief.
If you prefer something a little different, I can provide bespoke live editions of my podcast Worst Foot Forward, a celebration of heroic failure. Along with my co-host Barry McStay (an award-winning playwright and actor) I create a tailored show focused on your company’s niche or even the biography of your CEO!
Last of all, there are countless transferable skills and experiences in resilience, accepting failure and embracing spontaneity that I can share. Every striker, scrum half and stand-up knows the importance of being present in the moment, making the most of opportunities as they arise and quickly resetting when things go wrong. I have the tools to teach that to your team.
Prices range from £500 - £2000, dependent on event.
Testimonials
“Ben was an absolutely brilliant host for the Chartered Institute of Fundraising's Insight in Fundraising Awards 2024. His stand-up content was spot on, drawing on his own experiences in the charity sector plus his research prior to the event made everything really relevant and entertaining for our guests. His professionalism during the awards presentation itself meant that everything ran seamlessly and to time! We wouldn't hesitate in booking Ben again for another event.” (Katie Straker, Program Manager, Women in Data)
“What a brilliant way to launch the new school year! Best staff social event in my 20 years as a teacher. Ben read the room perfectly and had us in stitches throughout. I would thoroughly recommend Ben to any organisation looking to put looking to put fun and laughter at the top of their agenda (for once)!” (Deputy Head Teacher, Dulwich Prep and Seniors)
“Ben was an outstanding host/MC for the evening. He was incredibly professional, sharp, witty - and, most importantly, hilarious from start to finish. Will definitely be using him for corporate events in the future, and would highly recommend him to firms looking for a class A host for an evening of festivities.” Liam Pape, West End Comedy (Show organised for Sidley Austin LLP)
“Ben arrived in plenty of time before the show. He soon had things underway and did a really great job of compering and getting full attention of the audience, plus a bit of focus on a couple of likely suspects near the front! All in all our staff and customers had a great night of fantastic entertainment.” Peter Nisbett , Managing Director, Wind Wave (Organisers of The Core Bike Conference)
“This event was conceived as a mini-music festival and Ben’s remit was to host the stage for the whole afternoon. He did a great job in coaxing staff members down to the front, riffing relentlessly around their personalities and the games industry as a whole and was able to shift seamlessly between warm host, improvising comic and energy-boosting ringmaster. He was unphased by changes to the schedule and was able to tailor his set to the changing schedule as the event progressed.” Gareth Swann, Managing Director, The Lean Consultancy. (Creative Assembly 30th Anniversary Festival)
“Ben Van der Velde has been booked multiple times for The Comedy Box’s events – everything from club gigs and festival shows to high end corporate events. He keeps on blowing us away with his energetic, quriky and fun stories! We absolutely love him and will highly recommend him for any event!” Chi Ton, Comedy Box Stavanger/Urban Rebels Productions
