Ventriloquist shows have risen in popularity thanks to a couple of very prominent entertainers.
Jeff Dunham draws huge ratings on Comedy Central. His act is listed as the top grossing touring comedian by Forbes Magazine. One of his tours even made the Guiness Book of World Records for most tickets sold.
Ventriloquist Terry Fator won America's Got Talent. He ended up signing the largest contract ever offered to a reality TV show contest winner. Now Terry headlines his own show, in his own theater, in Las Vegas.
Ventriloquist Paul Zerdin of the UK followed Terry's feat by winning America's Got Talent in 2015.
Ventriloquist Nina Conti has exploded on social media for her stage performances using the Human Puppet mask. (Little known fact – when Nina wanted to purchase a mask, she contacted Tom for information.)
While some may not realize it, ventriloquist shows have been around much longer than today's current crop of stars.
Edgar Bergen became famous for his radio show, which made him one of the biggest stars of his day. Ventriloquist Paul Winchell had his own television program and voiced many popular cartoon characters. Ventriloquist Senor Wences was so popular on the Ed Sullivan Show that they named a street in New York after him. Ventriloquist Jimmy Nelson made the Nestle' Chocolate jingle famous. Shari Lewis entertained and educated children for generations with her puppet Lamb Chop.
If you have an audience of mixed age ranges, few things will appeal to them like a ventriloquist show. Although it may not be the first form of entertainment people think about, it will be remembered!
Tom works with you to personalize his ventriloquist show to your event's theme, message and audience. From a full show to a quick laugh break or even as emcee – he helps you create a atmosphere of hilarity.
To learn more about a ventriloquist show and how Tom can help you create an amazing entertainment experience, contact our office today.
Hosting an event and need some business entertainment ideas?
Corporate events have different goals:
Client Appreciation
Employee Recognition
Training and Education
Public Relations and Outreach
Community Outreach
Each of these goals lend themselves to a variety of event styles. You may host a product launch, holiday party, conference or even an annual company dinner.
When your company hosts an event, they spend money on engagement. The budget goes toward capturing the mindset of your attendees. Even if for a brief time. When attendees lose attention, the goals of the function fail.
28 Business Entertainment Ideas to get you started!
Indoor Events:
1. Wine Tasting: You can either head to the winery, or invite them to you!
2. Brewry Tour: Another fun event that can be held at the office but for maximum fun, head to the brewry!
3. Company Dinner: Good food, socializing and a great way to cap off a day. No matter what type of event you hold, an evening meal is always appreciated. After dinner entertainment can add icing to the cake.
4. Spa Day: Let your staff relax and unwind at the spa.
5. Movies: We had to list this because many companies enjoy a day of cinema. Just make sure to know your attendees likes and dislikes. Some people fall alseep in the dark.
6. Karaoke Night: Have some drinks ready. Not everyone can sing, but people love trying!
7. A Night Of Theatre: Opera, Symphonies, and plays can offer something different for your guests.
8. Comedy Night: You can head to the comedy club, or bring a business comedian to you!
9. The Gift That Keeps Giving: You don't always need to host an event to gain your audience's attention. A gift basket delivered out of the blue grabs attention and puts your firm top of mind.
10. Indoor Mini Golf: From an indoor course to an in office setup, mini golf can be fun. Invite departments to create their own holes and have the entire company play.
Outdoor Events:
1. A Golf Tournament: Golf is a traditional method of doing business. Fresh air, exercise and fun.
2. A Fishing Tournament: Another great way to relax, rejuvenate and have fun outdoors. Just make sure everyone has a fishing license.
3. Sporting Events: Taking in a major league baseball, football, hocky or soccer game can be tons of fun.
4. Shooting Range: Send your group out to a shooting range. Some instruction on gun safety and some friendly competition can bond participants. Don't limit yourself to guns either. Consider Bows & Arrows!
5. Skiing: Hit the slopes and enjoy the mountain air. After some great exercise, host a warm-up open bar where business can flourish.
6. Snorkeling: Near the water? Enjoy an afternoon of snorkeling. Seeing nature's underwater beauty can inspire the mind.
7. Parasailing: Another great boating adventure. A smooth ride that is lots of fun and a great photo opportunity to share with others.
8. Amusement Parks: Hold your event at a nearby amusement park. Talk to their group sales office to discuss bonuses for your guests.
9. Hop On A Horse: Some rural tourist areas offer horseback riding. Get your people on the trail and stop off for a picnic lunch in a remote location.
10. Hot Air Balloons: Up, up and away with an amazing air driven adventure. See about having your company logo banners adorning the basket!
11. The Company Picnic: Pull out the grills and fire things up! Grab some burgers and hotdogs and everyone will have fun.
12. Go Karting: A fun activity for everyone. Race around the track to see who wins.
13. Sail The Seas: Book a yacht, cruise or riverboat. You'll have everyone's undivided attention – just make sure they have fun!
14. Horse Races: Get out for a day on the track. A bit of sun, excitement and refreshment can be refreshing.
15. Bike Trails: Go for a ride. Keep things interesting with checkpoints and perhaps a scavenger hunt.
16. Pool Party: Host your event around the pool. Have drinks and snacks for all, swimming and maybe even a D.J. for those not dipping their feet in the water.
17. Hiking The Trail: A fun way to spend the afternoon, see nature and bond with others.
18. Corporate Charity: Have the staff build a playground for a needy community. A great way to help people become a part of something bigger. Plus it is an excellent community outreach that helps the firm.
Client Entertainment | Corporate Parties | Business Entertainment Ideas
Hosting different types of events makes your company fun and exciting. You'll capture your client's and employee's attention by always offering something new.
Keeping people entertained is not easy. Making sure they remember the reason you value them is important. No matter what type of corporate event you hold, business entertainment can help.
If you are looking for corporate entertainers for your next business function, talk to our office today. Tom will listen to your needs, hear your vision and help you succeed with your ideas.
Comedy Corporate Entertainment For Business Events.
Sales meetings can be tiring for attendees. Even a sales retreat is not immune from the stresses of a hectic work environment. With tactics and ideas creating information overload, staying sharp is essential.
Studies show people work best when there is time for a break. How you make use of that break time is important.
You could provide refreshments. You might offer them time to get away. Or you could give your staff a break that will reinvigorate them. Each of these can be important to keep your attendees energy levels high.
Wouldn't it be nice to get the benefits of a break while reinforcing your message? You can.
Comedy sales meeting entertainment
Laughter reduces stress and relaxes people. It offers your audience a common bond and generates a positive mood swing. After a good laugh, people are more receptive and open to new ideas.
Before you decide on a Sales Meeting entertainer or speaker …
First, you should consider your goals for the meeting. Do you want to educate your people? Build the team? Entertain the group? Or recognize and reward them?
A good corporate comedian can personalize their routine to incorporate your message and theme. They offer your guests a different way to absorb information.
An Important Fact: Event Planners Agree
Most people do not recall the details of an event. They do remember how it made them feel. Let our office help you make that memory amazing!
When you hire dinner party entertainment for a banquet, it is often the final impression of your evening. That makes the final decision to hire an entertainer stressful.
Corporate Banquet Entertainment
We are here to help. Tom provides after dinner corporate entertainment for companies throughout the United States. His personalized comedy ventriloquist act has been the featured evening's entertainment for:
company dinners,
awards banquets,
recognition dinners,
galas
conventions,
conferences
meetings &
holiday parties
Corporate dinner entertainment
When you want to hire dinner party entertainment, have a clear goal in mind. Every company event is different. They have a defined purpose. What is the reason the company is hosting the event? Share that with your prospective entertainer. It will allow him or her to understand your needs and adjust accordingly.
Tom takes your goal and works with you to create a personalized program of after dinner comedy. Your company's message remains top of mind. Your guests become the stars of the show.
The National Association of Postal Supervisors hired Tom for after dinner entertainment in Washington DC and said:
” … an uproariously funny ending … a very entertaining evening.”
The Cumming County Feeders Association hired Tom for after dinner entertainment in Kansas and said:
“He was great! Going to be hard to beat next year.”
The dinner party entertainment you hire should create the same type of response. Your guests staying in their seats, laughing and engaged.
Corporate Dinner Acts & Entertainers
Tom brings you over 30 years of experience in the after dinner entertainment market. He has worked with some of the best corporate entertainers and agencies in the business. If he isn't the right act for your event, he will put you in touch with someone who is.
Business meetings can be tedious. As a business meeting planner, you have an agenda. There is work to do, items to discuss and information to share. But once your attendees lose focus, things unravel fast. That is why business meeting entertainment is so important. Our brains need a break.
Introducing Something Different In Business Meeting Entertainment
If you've attended corporate events, you feel like you have seen it all. The magician, the imposter who presents a crazy speech, the comedian that doesn't connect.
We'd like to offer you something unique. Business meeting entertainment that relaxes your group. Personalized comedy that pulls them into the show, presenting your message in a different light.
Your group will be laughing. Their brain's neurons firing creating synaptic connections that lighten the mood. Business meeting entertainment that creates a shift in the event dynamics, allowing everyone to tackle tasks with renewed enthusiasm.
If you are planning a business meeting, sales meeting or other type of corporate meeting, contact Tom now.
Or fill out the business meeting entertainment request form to check availability. (Sometimes, the form is faster!)
Business Meeting Entertainment by Tom Crowl
With over 30 years in the corporate meeting entertainment business, Tom understands how to help. He'll consult with you to learn your plans, vision and goals before he even quotes a fee. It is important for your corporate entertainer to be a perfect fit.
Meeting entertainment must help you achieve an outcome. If Tom senses he is not a fit, he helps you find entertainment that will be. The only goal is to make sure you have a successful event.
Need some new corporate event entertainment ideas?
Every event has a reason. Conventions, conferences, seminars and meetings may be to educate or motivate. Smaller events like holiday parties, picnics, charity drives or concerts may be to build staff morale.
Before you decide on entertainment options for corporate events, you need to be clear on the purpose.
You want guests to have fun. You want to avoid boredom. But you need to make certain every speaker or entertainer you use contributes to the event goal. Keep that in mind as you continue reading.
Entertainment Options:
Corporate Comedy:
Naturally, since Tom is a corporate comedian, we want to share this option with you first. Comedians lighten the mood. Laughter reduces stress and the best jokes continue to be recalled in the work environment. That increases your event ROI, keeping the topic top of mind.
Corporate comedians are flexible and can fit beautifully in most types of corporate events.
Start your morning with a comedian bringing up the energy level of your conference audience.
Bring back attendee energy after a series of meetings.
Insert one into your keynote spot or as a short speaker set.
Hire a corporate comedian for after dinner entertainment at the big banquet.
Have a comedian host your awards ceremony to rivet attention.
A strong corporate comedian makes your job easier. Tom works with clients to make certain the material reflects their needs. Your show is personalized with client message and information about the audience. This helps the performance contribute toward achieving your event goals.
Music:
Music is another highly flexible corporate entertainment option for corporate events. Pre-recorded music can be used to gain attention, set a backdrop for social interaction or get people on their feet and moving.
Social hours, mixers or pre-dinner functions can feature a musician playing piano or guitar. An acoustic ensemble creates a nice ambience for these events. These same talents can also double to provide dinner music. This adds an air of elegance to your event.
Depending on your event, a DJ or a band may be a suitable entertainment choice. Although music tastes vary widely, if you have a feel for your audience, which you should, you can make an appropriate selection.
You could hire a wedding band. They are usually well versed in a variety of musical styles. Perhaps a tribute band might appeal to your group. Show bands tend to add theatrics, flair and costuming to make the entertainment exciting.
Depending on the scale of your event, celebrity entertainment may fit your budget. A private concert goes a long way to impress attendees. Just make certain the celebrity doesn't outshine the company. That calls back to the fact you must keep your event goals & message top of mind.
When hiring musical entertainment, keep in mind the sound levels. Some people have sensitive hearing or may not be in the mood for loud music. Offer them an alternative place to talk and socialize or they will head for the doors.
Team Building Entertainment:
If your event is focused on team building, you may want to think about other entertainment options. Perhaps instead of traditional entertainment, you would want to try physical activities. Tug of war, basketball or soccer, relay races and scavenger hunts could be fun.
Game shows also fall under this category. Teams compete against each other to win prizes.
Other team building entertainment options for corporate events include trivia, Iron Chef cooking competitions and go-kart races.
Variety Entertainment Options:
Tom falls under this heading too. Ventriloquists are considered variety entertainment by many corporate entertainment agencies. (Which is weird considering the top grossing touring comic – according to Forbes magazine – is a ventriloquist.) Still, ventriloquism is popular with all ages, despite the fact it isn't often thought about or seen in a live entertainment setting.
Magicians are another popular form of corporate entertainment. There are magicians who move about the crowd engaging people with interactive magic in their hands. One of the best is Mike Rose. Mike is known as the “Gala Magician” although he works many types of corporate events. His specialty is bringing people together in a hospitality setting. You'll see your attendees laugh, losen up and start to socialize.
Stage magicians are a common form of after dinner entertainment. The problem with magic is that chances are your guests have seen a full stage magic show. Many magicians purchase their effects from dealers and tend to favor the latest popular tricks. That can make a performance seem like your audience has watched it before.
If you want to work with a stage magician, talk to Nathan Coe Marsh of Florida. He is worth bringing to your event. Nathan incorporates new ideas and technologies into his act to make it fresh for the “seen-it-all” crowd.
Talk to your magician about the possibility of customized magic with your theme or product. This helps keep the crowd focused on your company and message. Nathan can even produce your CEO or president on stage!
Impressionists are another form of variety entertainment. Larry G. Jones has starred in his own Las Vegas show and now travels the country offering musical impressions. Hiring Larry is like getting Elton John, Elvis, Tina Turner and hundreds of other singers.
Acrobats make an amazing entertainment option. Imagine people spinning on aerial fabrics or floating on trapezes above the crowd. On stage a team of acrobats makes everyone realize they need to hit the gym.
Technological Entertainment Options:
Virtual entertainment is on the way! Take your guests into the virtual world. Green screen technology can have them skiing down the alps or fighting villians with James Bond.
V.J's – Video disc jockeys can project everything from music videos to company logos. This technology creates a unique atmosphere for parties or product launches.
LED and Laser Technology creates amazing options. The Led dancers and 3-D Laser man always draw attention. Their black light movements astounded audiences on America's Got Talent. While the staging and lighting have to be perfect, if this is within your budget it can be a lot of fun.
Thanks to the internet,
todays entertainment options for corporate events
are almost endless.
The fact you want to find fresh, exciting performers for events shows you have your audience's best interests in mind.
Keep your event goals foremost when talking with potential entertainment partners. With over 30 years in the corporate entertainment business, Tom would be happy to assist you. There is no charge, there is no pressure. If he isn't right for your event needs, we are happy to make recommendations. We do not take commissions or add percentages to other acts. The only goal is to make sure your event is a success, so you and your company look amazing!
WESTMINISTER, MD., March 16th, 2016 – Comedy ventriloquist and corporate entertainment professional Tom Crowl has been chosen to be one of 15 celebrity faces to grace the inaugural run of the Cybevent All Stars Collectors Cards for the ventriloquist community. Thirty-five ventriloquists nationwide were part of a contest to determine who would make it in to the deck. After the votes were tallied, the top fifteen were chosen, including comedy ventriloquist Tom Crowl.
“I am honored just to be listed among some true legends in the world of ventriloquism,” Crowl said. “The fact that people voted for me to be part of the first edition set is flattering. I'm lucky to be in the company of some very talented ventriloquists, many of whom I consider friends.”
Daniel Jay, web administrator and owner of the Cybervent website, spearheaded the vote and will be creating the cards. He said, “I was inspired to create the deck after I saw a black and white deck from a while back. I thought the concept was great. So I created a new deck, but made them full-color and updated them with current ventriloquists. I call them the Cybevent All Stars Collectors Cards.”
The other 14 celebrity ventriloquists chosen are: Jeff Dunham – Comedy Central Terry Fator – America's Got Talent Winner Season Two / Las Vegas Headliner Jay Johnson – Tony Award Winner and Sitcom Actor (SOAP) Willie Tyler – Laugh-In / TV Sitcom Star Jimmy Nelson – TV Actor / Nestle's Spokesman / Dean of American Ventriloquism Nina Conti – YouTube Sensation David Strassman – Australia's Most Famous Ventriloquist Dan Horn – Cruise Ship Ventriloquist Ronn Lucas – TV Actor / Las Vegas Headliner Jim Barber – Headlined in Branson, Missouri Ken Groves – One of America's Best Ventriloquists Mackenzie Bart – Former Miss Ohio State Mark Wade – Executive Director of the Vent Haven International Ventriloquist ConVENTion Taylor Mason – Singer-songwriter, ventriloquist, comedian, & entertainer
Business comedians for corporate events
are a special kind of funny.
They represent your company. They can't offend or rely on off-color material.
Plus people in a work environment don't react like they would in a comedy club. Co-workers are watching. People don't want to laugh if the boss isn't. The wrong corporate comedian can backfire and put everyone on edge.
Even with the possible pitfalls, corporate comedy entertainment is in growing demand. More companies are rewarding employees, networking with contacts and impressing clients. Comedy is an effective way of doing this.
Comedians at corporate events can reduce stress & create a shared moment of fun that people recall. Comics being booked for corporate events range from the comedy club act looking for bigger dollars, to the full time professional corporate comedian.
Many standup comedians work shorter sets because the corporate environment is not what they are used to. In corporate entertainment, people aren't there to see the show. The event has it's own goals and agenda. For the comedian to be a success, they must align their program with the event.
The best comics are ones who do their homework. They double check names to make sure pronunciation is correct. They add in bits of business about the work environment that people relate with.
In Corporate Comedy – Filthy Isn't Funny
Just Say “NO” to obscenity, sexual innuendo and offensive material. Tom's corporate comedy act replaces vulgarity with variety. You won't have to worry about upsetting the boss or embarrassing your company.
Tom is the ventriloquist comedian of choice for corporate comedy entertainment throughout the United States. Companies across the U.S.A. have hired Tom to entertain guests at:
What makes Tom's corporate comedy ventriloquism special?
Tom doesn't “offer a one size fits all” comedy program. When contracted, he works with you to learn about your event goals, company and attendees. The corporate comedy is then personalized to your occasion. This makes certain it is appropriate to your audience and event.
Bring over 30 years of live entertainment experience to your next event. Tom has entertained all types of audiences from all walks of life. This allows him to rivet your audience's attention no matter what the age range, while delivering a program that matches your needs.
Give Your Guests the Gift of Laughter!
If you are looking for comedians for corporate events, contact our office now. If Tom is unavailable or not the right act for you, he will be happy to recommend someone to make your event amazing. There is no consultation fee and Tom accepts no commissions from acts he recommends. It truly is all about your success.
Are you looking for Ventriloquists? No two ventriloquist acts are the same. For example, you may want a ventriloquist who works corporate events such as conference dinners. That is not the ventriloquist you would hire for a child's birthday party.
Some ventriloquists have no problem working outdoors in a fair or festival environment. Others prefer indoor venues with staging, lights and curtains.
There are hundreds of ventriloquists at various skill levels. How can you tell which is right for you?
Here are some ventriloquist booking tips to help:
1. Find a ventriloquist who specializes in the type of event you are hosting.
2. Make sure the ventriloquist fits the show you envision. Do you want to hire a ventriloquist like Jeff Dunham? Jeff keeps audiences in hysterics, but is edgier and not always clean. Do you need a squeaky clean comedy ventriloquist show? Perhaps something PG-13.
3. Find out if the ventriloquist has experience entertaining your type of audience. How often do they perform for executives of a company at corporate events? Or do they mostly work six year old birthday parties? You want to make certain they can entertain your guests.
4. Watch video of their act. Does it engage you? Does it make you laugh? Don't just settle for the laugh tracks on the video. They can be added. Or the audience may have been laughing at how bad the ventriloquist was. If the video doesn't make you laugh, or you have questions about it, ask to see more.
5. Get references. If you aren't comfortable, check them! Previous clients will give you insights from the event planner's point of view.
6. Find out what the ventriloquist needs for the show. Do they carry all props? What about sound equipment? What do you need to provide? That may add to your budget. Never hire a ventriloquist without knowing these things upfront.
7. Discuss the event. Know what time the ventriloquist will arrive to set up and sound check. Find out their policy if your event runs long and they must start late. Will they be flexible, or headed out the door for another show?
8. Ask about their cancellation policy, their postponement policy and their travel requirements if any.
9. Request a contract. Get everything in writing.
10. Understand that not all ventriloquists are the same. Each handles their business and performance in different ways. If one ventriloquist is not right for your event, that doesn't mean you should give up. A reputable ventriloquist will tell you if they are not right for your event. They will also offer suggestions to help you hire a ventriloquist that is.
When you want to book ventriloquists
for corporate events, conventions, awards banquets,
meetings, seminars, or a college, contact our office.
Tom is recognized as one of the top professional corporate comedy ventriloquists in the business. He works with you to create event entertainment that will generate raving reviews.
As co-founder of the International Ventriloquist Society, Tom knows most of the top ventriloquists working today. If his act is not right for your audience or event, don't worry. Tom will connect you with a ventriloquist that will help make your event a success.
Want to hire a professional ventriloquist today? Start the conversation now. Ventriloquism is an extremely popular form of comedy entertainment. Make sure you plan early to hire a ventriloquist that will make your event memorable!
HEBRON, KY., March 2nd, 2016 – Comedy ventriloquist and corporate entertainment professional Tom Crowl has been chosen to moderate a panel discussion at the 40th Vent Haven International Ventriloquist ConVENTion slated for July 13 – 16, 2016 in Hebron, Kentucky. The Vent Haven International Ventriloquist ConVENTion is spearheaded by Mark Wade, executive director of the ConVENTion, and was created to help others learn the specialized skill of ventriloquism while artfully improving their craft. Crowl has been part of the staff at the ConVENTion since 2009.
The topic discussion that Crowl produced and will be moderating is “Tips From The Pros,” based on an audio series he created for Maher Ventriloquist Studios. The star-studded panel will take the stage Saturday, July 16th, at 7:15pm, and will include other seasoned professionals like Jimmy Nelson and Todd Oliver.
Nelson became famous in the 50's after appearing on television with Ronald Reagan, Milton Berle, Jackie Gleason, and Ed Sullivan, just to name a few. He later became the spokesperson for Nestle's, making the Nestle's Chocolate jingle famous.
Oliver was a semi-finalist on America's Got Talent. He also headlined for a number of years in Branson, MO. Branson is a popular family destination town in Missouri where the very best of diverse entertainers can be found honing their craft and pleasing audiences alike.
During the discussion, Crowl and the panel will accept questions and comments from attendees.
The conVENTion always closes with an All-Star show, but this year they are changing things up a bit. Ventriloquist and stand-up comedian Jeff Dunham has reserved 700 free tickets for ConVENTION attendees for his show at the BB&T Center at Northern Kentucky University. Dunham will be bussing attendees to and from the Cincinnati Airport Marriott Hotel at no cost to them. Executive Director Mark Wade and his hard working staff and volunteers are beyond humbled at this gesture. Dunham is offering the free tickets and transportation as a thank you, and to express his level of commitment to the art and to the people who were fans long before his fame.
Other stars that will be in attendance are Tony Award Winner Jay Johnson and ventriloquist Terry Fator. Johnson won a Tony for his one-man Broadway show, “The Two And Only.” He is also remembered for his role in the sitcom, SOAP. Fator won the second season of America's Got Talent and now headlines at the Mirage in Las Vegas.
