Corporate Event Entertainment
It never ceases to amaze us how some people go about hiring entertainers. Most start calling entertainers to ask prices. When we pick up the phone and hear “how much do you charge?” We know the person hasn’t done their homework.
Just because someone is an entertainer, it doesn’t mean they are right for your event and audience. Would you hire a famous rapper to play music for a local fire hall’s country dance? Like music, every form of entertainment has different genres and levels of artist.
That is why we recommend you do some homework. Find out about the entertainer BEFORE you contact them for pricing and availability. If you are looking to hire entertainment for a child’s birthday party, chances are, you don’t want to call a corporate event entertainer who performs at high end corporate functions. If you are looking to hire a corporate entertainer, calling the birthday party entertainer is clearly the wrong choice.
Still not sure if the act is right? Call them and ask. When an event planner contacts our office and starts off by telling us about their event, it allows us to determine if Tom’s show is a good match with their plans. Once the entertainer knows what you want, they can develop a proposal to show you how they can help.
When you want to hire corporate entertainment, research is made easy thanks to the Internet. Do some homework, talk to the entertainers and you can insure your event is a success by hiring entertainers that are a perfect match.
Corporate Event Entertainment
Atlantic City Corporate Entertainment
Atlantic City offers remarkable advantages for corporate entertainment event planners. The city is convenient to New York, Philadelphia, Baltimore and Washington DC. The gambling and casinos offer an enticing draw and resorts and hotels provide top notch meeting locations and services. With all this going for it, Atlantic City, New Jersey has become a major host for East Coast corporate functions.
The appeal of Atlantic City is undeniable, but it also presents an issue when it comes to planning corporate entertainment. Clients want their people to benefit from their event and stay engaged. If the corporate entertainment can’t entice guests to stay, and then deliver the goods, clients lose valuable time with their guests.
Because people often have widely varied musical tastes, many after dinner entertainment planners have looked toward comedy. Everyone loves to laugh, so a comedian or variety artist is often “given a chance” before people will run to the exits. If the act engages the audience, you’ve got a successful evening; in Atlantic City, with the draw of the slots, shows and nightlife, it had better be good!
Event planners often worry a comedian may resort to material that is too racy for their event. You’ve probably heard firsthand or from an aquaintence, the language and topics used in comedy clubs. Although the comedian claims their act will be clean, you worry. If the audience’s response isn’t as expected, the material may drift over the limit. Clean comedians sometimes suffer the opposite effect; their material is so generic it doesn’t produce strong laughs.
Magicians and jugglers are generally considered safe back up forms of entertainment. Because so many events use magic, audiences have seen a bowling ball drop magically from a drawing pad, or a man wiggle out of a strait jacket. And how many times has a juggler tossed around razor sharp machetes?
Give Your Audience
Different Corporate Entertainment!
Ventriloquists are one of the hottest comedy niches in America. Two of them even hold places on Forbes list of the highest grossing entertainers. With as popular as ventriloquism is, most people have never seen a ventriloquist perform in a live setting. There just aren’t that many professional ventriloquists, and the number dwindles when you remove the ones that aren’t suitable for the corporate market.
Ventriloquism offers a combination of comedy, variety and the Muppets thrown into an incredibly entertaining show. Tom takes things a step further by creating a program that is personalized to your event and audience. The moment his puppets begin to recognize some of your guests, the room erupts into huge laughs. Care is taken to ensure no one is embarrassed or offended. Your audience will become the stars of the evening.
When planning corporate entertainment for your Atlantic City corporate event, contact our office for a complimentary event consultation. We look forward to helping you make your next corporate function a successful one!
Corporate Event Entertainment
Reducing Your Corporate Event Budget – Part Three
Today, we share our last three tips on ways to reduce corporate event costs for your next company function. We’ve already shared tips on setting your goals to guide decisions, planning the timing and location of your function, ways to save on catering, yet provide great food and how to reduce your corporate entertainment budget and still get excellent value from your entertainment. If you missed those posts, just check them out starting here.
Now on to the good stuff; each of them worthy of serious consideration!
Technical A/V:
For any event to be a success, your speakers and entertainment must look and sound fantastic. Settling for a cheap sound system is not always advised. Still, there are some excellent ways to save on the costs of A/V.
You can sometimes save money by hiring an outside source for your audio-video needs. In house AV is usually priced at a premium because of a contract clause that tries to restrict you to their use. You can request they remove the “must use house AV” clause before you sign the contract.
As you plan your event, work with your A/V production manager on designing the right sized AV system(s). Explain budget, your vision of the program, your venue set up, provide room layouts and give him or her the number of people you expect. They can get a sound (and if needed, video) system that will be clear for the room.
Make sure to forward all technical requirements from your speakers and entertainers. Don’t hesitate to ask them to contact your A/V manager if there are any questions. Often, microphones can be shared, or set up can be adapted to make better use of equipment. This helps you avoid having to rent more than you need.
Design And Décor:
You can save money on your linens and décor, but don’t let your event look “homemade”. If you do try to create and bring your own centerpieces, you can usually find deals online or in the event’s local area. Use a candle package to make small floral arrangements look larger. You may be able to find creative ways to re-use centerpieces for multi-day events. Try utilizing hotel linens and less expensive place settings.
Instead of commissioning a major décor piece, you could order a custom “gobo” of your company’s logo and use a light to project it on the wall or stage curtain. These are not only less expensive than a banner, but add to the ambience of the event. Your A/V company can provide the light, so all you need do is walk in with the “gobo” disk. (For more information on custom Gobos search Google!)
Another method of adding impressive ambience to a room without adding expensive decoration is up lighting. Talk to your A/V manager about that option too, you’ll find that creates an incredible atmosphere. Adding it to your A/V package is reasonable for the effect it creates.
Marketing:
Marketing is the key that gives your event the visibility that it needs to succeed. A successful marketing campaign keeps your event “hot” and on people’s radar. If you don’t have attendees, you have no event.
If you have a contact list, it makes connecting with your guests or attendees easier. Buzz can be created through web site updates, e-mails, releasing video of your speakers or entertainment, and social media. Consider social media contests to help spread the word. These can be inexpensive, generate interest and because of the viral nature of on-line advertising, often free.
Finally:
Improvisation is necessary when reducing the costs of an event. It is essential to restructure and use your judgment on which elements help you meet your goals. Make partners of your vendors so they share your goals and objectives. Be upfront about your budget and ask them for money-saving ideas that will still wow your attendees. You are more than a single event, so build relationships and enjoy the opportunities they offer.
As always, we wish you a successful corporate event!
For more information on corporate event entertainment that can highlight your event, contact our office today for a free, no-obligation corporate event consultation!
Corporate Event Entertainment
Reduce Corporate Event Costs – Part Two
Yesterday, we shared ways you could reduce event costs for your next corporate entertainment event. They included tips on setting your goals to guide decisions, and planning the timing and location of your function. If you missed that post, you may find it here.
Today we continue with two very important areas. People remember the food and the corporate entertainment, so these tips are extremely important.
Food And Beverage:
There are plenty of ways to save on food and beverage expenses without hurting the quality of the catering. Great food makes happy guests – so don’t skimp on taste!
One of the easiest ways to save on food and beverage is to select a venue that has in-house service. They will usually be flexible with you to help meet your budget. Outside catering tends to cost more since food must be prepared and brought in for service.
A buffet is usually less expensive than a full service banquet. If you choose to have a seated meal, make sure to arrange all vegetarian, diabetic or kosher dishes in advance. This way you aren’t paying for an extra entrée that isn’t eaten because someone required a specific meal. Special requests can also slow down service.
For beverages, consider a beer and wine bar, instead of full service. A cash bar is also an option. Some events offer guests drink tickets for a complimentary beverage or two. If someone wishes to drink more, he or she can then purchase alcohol.
You may think, being on a corporate entertainer’s web site, that we would encourage you NOT to cut your budget when it comes to corporate entertainment. You would be wrong. You can save money on your corporate entertainment; you just want to be careful how you proceed.
Big name entertainment makes a nice headliner, but they can be expensive. They often come with a hefty price tag, an expensive technical rider and other travel/transportation fees. With a bit of research, you can usually find great corporate entertainers that are less expensive. They may not be an instantly recognizable name, but by working with you to create personalized content, they can engage your audience on a more intimate level. You get value for your investment and guests receive a unforgettable experience.
These acts usually have less stringent technical requirements, meaning additional savings on your AV requirements. In some cases, you can have the talent roll all travel into their fee. This way you aren’t hit with any surprises.
That’s all for today. Tomorrow we will close this series out with three more important tips to help reduce the cost of your next corporate event. As always, wishing you success with your next corporate function!
For part three, click here …
Corporate Event Entertainment
Ways To Save On Corporate Event Costs – Part 1
How can you reduce the costs of your corporate event and yet deliver something guests will remember? You want your event to stand out, but you’ve got to stay within your budget. Should you cut back on food & beverages, corporate entertainment, marketing, staff, your venue? If you are wondering the best way to reduce the costs of your next event, these tips will help you save time and money.
You can often save your budget by being up front about your needs and goals with vendors. They are professionals in the corporate entertainment event market and their focus should be on the success of your event. It is essential to build a strong relationship with them and listen to their advice.
Know Your Goal:
It is necessary to understand the goal for your event before you any cut corners. Next decide on your theme. Every time you need to make a decision, ask yourself if your goal or theme is dependent on that item. If it is, then decide how that expenditure will affect these before making the cut. Keeping your goal and theme in mind makes decisions on reducing costs for your event become easier.
Plan The Timing And Location Of Your Corporate Event:
If this is an option, you can save by scheduling your event during a time that isn’t peak for your venue. They can fill a time frame that is vacant and you can save. This is one reason many companies now host “Winter Celebrations” during January, rather than a “Company Holiday Party” during December.
A national event can also save by moving their location to a lower cost area, such as Baltimore instead of New York City. These savings will be felt in all areas of the event planning, venue, meals, beverages, lodging, technical, entertainment and transportation. At the same time, you lower hotel rates for attendees too!
Hosting multiple events at a location can also generate generous discounts. In some cases, the property may also discount for providing advertisement of the property in your event marketing.
That is all for today. We’ll follow up with some additional cost saving tips tomorrow.
Wishing you success with your event!
Click here for part two …
Ventriloquism
Ventriloquist For Hire
It sounds like something you’d read scrawled on a piece of cardboard being held by a homeless person with a puppet.
While my characters often joke about me talking to myself, the truth is, I earn a pretty good living. The fact I get to fly around the country and make people laugh is a bonus!
If you are looking to hire a ventriloquist, chances are you’ve seen one. Maybe a television appearance by Jeff Dunham, Terry Fator, Jay Johnson or Paul Zerdin. Their mass appeal has rejuvenated interest in the art of ventriloquism.
Today, ventriloquists are more popular than ever. The older generation remembers the “good ol’ days” of Nestles’ Chocolate jingle. Although many may not remember, the song was made famous by ventriloquist Jimmy Nelson.
Others remember growing up with Shari Lewis, Lambchop and Charlie Horse. Her talents spanned generations of children, even 20 somethings can remember Shari’s TV shows.
The Muppets had another profound impact on the public. The characters graced the small screen and appeared in major motion pictures. Seasame Street is a classic. Disney loved the muppets so much they paid millions for the rights. Not bad income for a bunch of fleece and foam.
There is something about a puppet that comes to life. The fascination starts back as far as Pinocchio. Sure, Rod Sterling and other movie producers gave it a dark side, but most still love the zaniness a puppet provides.
So if you are want some unique entertainment & are looking for a ventriloquist to hire, let us know. Tom creates personalized programs your audience will love. Let’s talk about your event today.
So back to: Ventriloquist For Hire
Doing some research, my assistant found that yes, people actually enter that phrase into google, yahoo, bing and other search engines trying to find – a ventriloquist for hire.
So we decided to put that phrase on our web site so that we could fail to show up in yet another search! I think I’ll go practice now so just in case someone wants a ventriloquist for hire, and contacts me, I’ll be ready!
Corporate Event Entertainment
Tips To Help You Hire a Comedian
Everyone loves being in the company of people that make them laugh. Laughter truly is good for the body and soul.
Comedians are very special people because they view situations in a way others just don’t. Whatever the situation or moment might be, they dig deep inside and find a treasure trove of laughter. They take this seriously funny thought and pass it on their audience. The skill lies in the audience’s ability to relate to the situation and that’s funny!
Comedians have practiced their talent in night clubs, television, movies, theater and radio for years. They are now moving into a new avenue for their craft, it’s the world of corporations. More precisely, the corporate party, event or function.
The days of corporations throwing parties that consisted of food, drink and chatter are gone. Today corporations want entertaining, memorable events that people will take away with them. Comedians are the perfect answer for turning a party into fun filled event. So, how do you go about finding the right comedian that will meet your needs? Here are some tips that should be taken into consideration when you want to hire a comedian.
Time Should Be On Your Side:
As I’m sure you are aware, coordinating and planning a large event or party takes time. If you are also including a comedian in your plans, give yourself quite a bit more time for preparations. Professional comedians have many bookings, you will need to know what their calendar looks like. Give yourself enough time to book their services several months in advance.
References:
Any HR Department will tell you, when hiring employees, references are extremely important. This is also true when you hire a comedian. Where have they performed in the past? What have others said regarding this person’s comedic abilities? Would past clients hire them again?
By using references you will get a good idea of which comedians you want to look further into.
A Sample of Their Work:
A comedian should always have a video available for you to view. In some cases, they might have a few in different situations. While viewing these videos, ask yourself if you are enjoying the performance, is he or she engaging, does he or she make you laugh? If there is an audience in the video, how are they reacting?
You also need to question whether this particular comedian’s humor will work for you. Will your party’s audience enjoy this type of humor or will they take offense? The last thing a corporation wants is for their participants to walk away feeling insulted or offended.
Understanding Each Other:
Comedians are not mind readers, they need to understand what you are looking for. It is up to you to make sure they clearly know where you are coming from. Once they understand your needs, they will be able to create material that is tailored to your event or party.
Communication is Critical:
Always secure a copy of their contract and read it carefully. Most professional comedians will require travel expenses and probably an upfront deposit. Their contract will probably also state what they will or will not do, so be sure to read the entire contract.
Write down and have available any questions you might have. Has the comedian answered your questions to your satisfaction? Have you answered their questions to their satisfaction?
Communication is critical in ensuring a comedian is the correct match for you.
Is It Go Time:
After you have taken all the steps necessary to find the right comedian, you only have one more consideration to take into account: Are both you and the comedian on the same page? Make a check list to be sure you have covered every possible avenue. Any further questions or concerns should be addressed now, not after you have hired someone.
In A Nutshell:
If you do your homework, taking these suggestions into consideration, you should be able to find the perfect corporate comedian for your event. Never rush into anything, you need someone that will meet your requirements and insure your party or event will be a great success.
Remember, professional comedians have many bookings and will usually need several months in advance to fit you in. They also need time to create their material for you, keep that in mind.
Comedians performing at corporate entertainment events are becoming extremely popular. Participants walk away having a good feeling about the event and also about the corporation. This can also serve as a great marketing tool. In general, people like people who can poke harmless fun at themselves and not take themselves too seriously. In this day and age, we all need a lot more humor and a lot less gloom.
Want to hire a comedian for your next event? Contact Tom to discuss your event now.
Looking for other stand up comedians? Tom has partnered with some upcoming artists and tried and true corporate comedians. For more information or to hire these comedians visit: http://comedy-nights.com
Corporate Event Entertainment
Holding a corporate event in Washington DC, there is an overwhelming variety of Washington DC corporate entertainment to choose from. Whether you’re looking for conference entertainment, or an act to spice up the big awards banquet, you need a performance that is fresh and memorable.
In today’s event environment, audiences have seen it all. Motivational speakers, magicians, jugglers, hypnotists and comedians, all popular forms of corporate entertainment, become the norm. Bands and DJ’s only appeal to certain segments of a diverse corporate audience. Not everyone wants to dance or enjoys the same kind of music. As the night wears on, if the room empties out because of your event entertainers, you’ve lost the momentum of the evening.
Show Your Audience Something Unique.
Due to massive Youtube hits and television exposure on Comedy Central and America’s Got Talent, ventriloquists recently became one of the hottest forms of comedy on the market. Demand exceeded the supply. Because it had been considered a “dying art”, remarkably few entertainers developed the skill on a professional level. For that reason, most people have never experienced a comedy ventriloquist in person. It’s unique corporate entertainment!
Your Guests Become The Stars Of The Show!
As an experienced corporate entertainer, Tom uses the power and popularity of the art to get your audience laughing. He specializes in tailoring material to center around your audience. Meeting with event planners beforehand, they collaborate to develop a show that will keep guests engaged. The client’s message or product can even be incorporated through comedy.
Whether you choose a comedy ventriloquist or a more traditional corporate entertainer for your Washington DC corporate entertainment, remember that communication is the key to ensuring you receive the ovations you deserve.
If you would like a free event consultation to see if Tom’s program would be a fit for your event, please start the discussion here!
