Here are some tips to help you avoid surprises to your budget that may be associated with hiring a corporate entertainer.

Travel Expenses:

Your entertainer has to get to the event.  Unless they are local, you may need to budget for airfare, baggage fees, ground transportation and lodging. These costs will be are over and above the fee your entertainer earns, and add to your programming expense.

Some corporate entertainers like to quote an all-inclusive fee and take care of their own travel expenses. This can save you the headache of trying to schedule appropriate flights and arranging pickup and drop off at the airport.

If you have a block of rooms already booked at the host venue, you may be able to save by providing lodging.  Talk to prospective entertainers before they quote you to arrange the best deal possible.

show productionEquipment Rentals:

As the presenter, you will likely need to provide equipment for the program.  This is especially true if your entertainer is flying in.  Your venue may already be providing a stage, especially if you are hosting an awards banquet.  If not, remember that staging, backdrops, lights, sound and audio/visual equipment may need to be rented.  These are important aspects of the program that need to be in place for your show to be a success.

Make certain you receive a technical rider from any corporate entertainers you are considering so you can calculate the costs of any rentals into your budget.

Hospitality:

Your corporate entertainer needs to be taken care of too. An entertainer who is hungry, or thirsty, or shuffled around prior to the performance can't be at their best when on stage.  You'll want to find out if there are any special needs or food requirements that may be required.

Will you be providing meals? Or a per diem meal allowance?

Don't allow hospitality to surprise your budget! Get all the information up front so you can plan and budget your way to event success!

For a free corporate event consultation, contact our office to discuss your corporate entertainment needs!