#10 - PLAN EARLY. The most popular corporate
entertainers book up very quickly for popular dates. During the corporate
holiday party season (Nov-Jan), entertainers can begin to book up over a year
in advance. Avoid disappointment and start looking for entertainment as soon as
you know the date of your corporate event.
#9 - KNOW WHAT YOU WANT (AND MORE IMPORTANTLY,
WHAT YOUR AUDIENCE WANTS). You can make your search for an entertainer easier
if you have an idea of the type of entertainment that would work well for your
group. Popular corporate entertainment includes:
COMEDY - Comedy acts can be a great way to get
your group laughing together. Comedy acts don't have to be just stand-up
comedians. Many corporate comedies acts blend magic, juggling, or other variety
performances into their comedy show. This variety helps ensure that there is
something for everyone in the performance.
No matter what type of comedy act you choose,
be sure that the comedy is going to be appropriate for your group. Many
comedians have different ideas on what "clean comedy" is, so be sure
to ask for a demo video to preview the show (see #1 below!)
MUSIC - Many headline singers and bands are
available for corporate events.
MAGIC - There are many different styles of
corporate magicians and corporate magic shows. Some magicians offer strolling
magic (going table to table at your event), some perform large illusion show
with special effects and a cast of dancers, others specialize in comedy magic
that gets your audience laughing in involved. Whatever styles of corporate
entertainment you are looking for, be sure to find a magician who specializes
in only that style. There are magicians you will tell you that they do
everything - illusions, comedy, strolling, but that is because they are not
proficient at any specific style, so all their shows are usually only mediocre.
For the best possible show, hire a professional corporate magician who specializes
in one style of magic. These performers will be the best in their field in
illusion, comedy, or sleight-of-hand because that is all they do.
HYPNOSIS - Hypnotists can be great for the
right group. Hypnotist shows are very interactive and require a very outgoing
and uninhibited group to really be successful.
#8 - BOOK DIRECTLY WITH THE ENTERTAINER TO
SAVE MONEY AND HEADACHES. If you book your corporate entertainment directly
through the entertainer, you will save money on entertainment. Most corporate entertainment
agencies add an additional 15-35% to an entertainer's fee. By booking a
corporate entertainer direct, you also have the convenience of being able to
talk with the entertainer (or their office staff) about any questions or
concerns. Most corporate entertainment agencies will not let you talk with the
entertainer until the day of the show. By booking direct, you can be guaranteed
that there are no miscommunications about the performance. You can find direct
contact information for entertainers by doing an internet search for
"corporate entertainers", "California comedian", etc.
#7 - PLAN A REALISTIC BUDGET. The old adage,
"you get what you pay for", applies to entertainment as well. The
entertainment is not a place to save a few dollars. You would never cut corners
on the food you would feed your guests, and should never cut corners on the
entertainment. Bad entertainment can ruin an event just as quickly as bad food.
You are not going to be able to get a GOOD quality corporate entertainer to do
a show for $400. Fees for a TOP QUALITY, professional corporate entertainer
will range from $1500 - $100,000 + depending on the size of the show and the
performer's experience and reputation.
#6 - KNOW THE PERFORMER'S EXPERIENCE. You want
a corporate entertainer who primarily entertainers for corporate audiences.
Don't be afraid to ask questions... Is the performer a full-time entertainer?
Have they performed at events like yours in the past? Do they have letters of
recommendation and reviews from past clients for you to read?
#5 - IF YOU HAVE A SPECIAL REQUEST....ASK!
Many entertainers are happy to customize part of their performance for your
event. If you have a special request in mind, be sure to discuss this with the
performer at the time of booking.
#4 - DISCUSS SET-UP REQUIREMENTS BEFORE
BOOKING. Set-up need for entertainers vary greatly. Some can perform in the
corner of a room with just a microphone, some need a minimum stage area and
special sound and lighting equipment. Be sure that your venue will be able to
meet your entertainer's set-up needs prior to booking.
#3 - LEAVE YOUR GUESTS WANTING MORE. 90
minutes of entertainment may sound like a great idea when you are planning your
corporate event, but most audiences do not want to sit through a 90-minute
show. A longer show does NOT equal better show. Even the TOP comedians and
entertainers in the WORLD (Jerry Seinfeld, Jay Leno, etc.) only perform 60-75-minute
shows. Professional entertainers and corporate event planners agree that a good
length for most corporate live entertainment is 35-50 minutes. It is always
better to leave your audience excited and wanting more...rather than having
them get tired and start looking at the watch.
#2- KNOW WHAT IS INCLUDED IN THE FEE. There
are travel expenses associated with hiring national entertainers for your
corporate party. Many entertainers include the travel expenses into their
performance fee and for some travel will be an additional expense. Be sure to
know what is included in the fee you are quoted to avoid any unexpected (and
potentially expensive!) surprises.
#1 - MOST IMPORTANTLY - ALWAYS ASK TO SEE A DEMO VIDEO. A demo video is the only way you can truly judge whether a corporate entertainer will be right for your company party. The demo video should be short highlights of the segments of an entertainer's show. The video should be filmed in front of a live audience so you can see how a real audience reacts to the show. If an entertainer's video is nothing but split-second clips and flashy graphics set to music, then they are probably trying to cover for an inadequate performance - or worse, it could mean that they have NEVER even performed in front of a real audience.
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