For many people, hiring entertainment for a corporate event can be an
overwhelming task. The entertainment you select has to be
professional and suited for all audiences. On the other hand, it is easy to get
stuck in the corporate rut of doing “the same old thing” year after year.
How important is keeping your existing clients and employees for your
organization? Showing appreciation to clients and your staff can boost morale,
strengthen business relationships and help your company grow. Having the right
entertainment at your event will accomplish that!
So how do you break from the ordinary and book entertainment that is new and
engaging for your group? Below are some suggestions to make the hiring process
easier for you.
1. Plan Your Event
Plan how would like the evening to go. If you know the exact type of
entertainment you are having, then plan the event around that entertainment.
Otherwise, plan out time for the different events and make a time-table. If you
haven’t decided on the entertainment then be sure to leave some room in your
time-table for adjustments. The setup of the room can vary depending on the
performer you desire, and the itinerary can change as well.
2. Know Your Budget
Know how much you can spend on entertainment before approaching entertainers
to find out about their acts. What you can spend on an entertainer will often
dictate the level of entertainment you get. Every event has a budget and you
need to stay within it and meet your needs. However, hiring an entertainer based
solely on them being the lowest priced can lead to disaster. Put things in a
better perspective, you may wish to determine your “per-person” cost budgeted
for entertainment or activities. The finest food and beverages will soon be a
fading memory to your guests, but high quality entertainment creates an
emotional impact and lasting impression. How much fun they had at your event is
what creates lasting memories.
3. Be Prepared to Discuss Your Event and Your Budget
Any professional entertainer is going to be asking you questions about your
event, such as what type of event you are having, how many guests you expect, if
there is a theme to the event, a general timeline of the event, etc. By doing
this, they are determining if their act is a good match for your group and
function. They may even be able to present ideas to enhance your event that you
hadn’t thought of yet! Ask the entertainer if they offer any special packages.
Your entertainer may have a package that will make your event extra special. By
discussing your budget with them, you are also finding out if they are within
your price range. If so you can move on with the process; if not, you are saving
everyone time and should call the next entertainer on your list.
4. Request References and Promotional Material
If after your initial contact with the entertainer you feel comfortable with
them and you both agree that there is a possibility that they will be a good
match for your group, ask them for references and promotional materials. You
will find that most entertainers have websites that will contain most of the
promotional materials, if not all of it. If an entertainer cannot provide you
with references then DO NOT engage this performer.