Utilizing Event Entertainment

How Quality Performers Can Alleviate Your Stress While Bringing Entertainment To Your Function.

This is it! You're moving forward with planning a big event! This could either be something you're doing as a passion project, a company event for which you are on a committee or a fundraiser for any type of organization. The to-do list is overwhelming, but as you check items off, you gain momentum and it all starts coming together. Naturally, there is a budget that you need to work within, but with everyone putting their heads together and pulling resources, that shouldn't be an issue...especially if you can source entertainment that will give you a "deal." That's where the mistakes begins.

Of all the things that you would limit your spending on, why would you be frugal on the element that is going to define your evening the most and will be the item on the agenda that your guests talk about more than any other. As you go over that checklist again--the venue, caterer and the company you rented chairs and table cloths from--begin to pale in comparison when you realize what riding on the need for a featured "headliner," ideally with quality production value.

Any seasoned performer worth their salt will be worth their weight in gold and come with an assortment of additional "perks"...if you know how to utilize them.

I have been performing at large and small scale company and organization events for 20 years. This runs the gambits of large banquet halls, theaters, VIP hospitality suites, trade shows, conventions, universities and retreats. I've seen it all and have seen how quality entertainment can make or break an event and how smart clients, whether it be an executive assistant or a professional event planner, can lean on them. Let me just say that anyone whose job performance is being based on how well I do, never asks me for a "deal." In fact, they want to know what all is on the table.

Anticipation For Your Event

Whether you are attempting to attract a crowd or it's expected that everyone in your company will be in attendance, the one item you cannot overlook when you have booked high-end entertainment is the element of "draw" as it pertains to the excitement of the event itself. The performer or group doesn't have to be a known entity, necessarily. Most entertainers will be happy to provide shareable content via a media kit. You now have material to distribute to your network in order to communicate what they can expect, and, if you made a good choice and chose a form of entertainment that has a strong appeal, then this will greatly increase the "hype" element for your event, as it builds on itself. In fact, I even offer my clients custom internal promotional materials to share with their attendees.

It Allows You To Take A Breather

Events are stressful, (Thank you, Captain Obvious) but look at it like this: If you book just a one hour quality performance for your three or four hour party, that is a huge chunk of time where focus is not on you and you can get ahead for the next item on the agenda. Stagger this with keynote speeches and a video and you've realized the simplest way to let an event happen, based on professional people knowing what to do and when. Professional event planners use tricks like this all the time. Do all the preproduction work beforehand and then let the event run itself once it's set up.

They Can Provide Additional Resources

I always love it when a client asks me for referrals. They know that they're getting dependable resources who I have worked with before and can add their own creative elements to an event and help pick up the slack. We also know how to work well together and act as a safety net, should need-be. This can be anything from another type of performer or silent auction resource, to a caterer or DJ. Don't underestimate your vendors. They can be a big help when it comes to finding additional resources for your occasion.

Communicating A Company Message Or Implementing Your Brand Into The Performance.

As a magician, I cannot tell you how many custom illusions I have had built or how many routines I have developed to accomplish this interesting use of specialized talent by my corporate clients. I have a rolodex of fabricators, production personnel in any medium, printers and numerous other vendors that I've built through experience and demand. Many of my clients did not know this service existed until I offered it, and they took it and ran! From having a CEO appear before giving a speech to having someone levitating on 6th Street in Austin to draw brand attention and hosting Ford Motor Company's activations at NFL Events and The Super Bowl. This is literally the limitless resource of ideas that quality entertainment can bring to the table. You can also have that tired message that management has been trying to drive home delivered in a fun and creative way. Take this concept and put it in your back pocket.

Hopefully these several approaches inspire your creative juices when it comes to how you view your entertainment options and hopefully you keep them in mind when wanting to book a performance for your next function. Be sure to look at credentials and verify experience beforehand, and remember that you get what you pay for. I am well aware that there are performers in my market that will perform for a fraction of what I quote, but I still get flown out and travel to different events because of the quality, service and resources. A true professional performer will take a lot of that weight off your shoulders when it comes to what they have to offer and hopefully some folks will think twice when trying to get a "deal."

Now...What can I do for you?