What Makes Corporate Entertainers Corporate?

What Makes Corporate Entertainers Corporate?

The moment you start looking for corporate entertainment ideas you get bombarded. Search results and entertainment agencies overwhelm you. There are so many different styles of corporate entertainers.

Before you begin to narrow down the selection, there is something important to know. Anyone can call themselves corporate entertainers. There is no license, or credentialed program that distinguishes one from another. So what makes corporate entertainers corporate?

First, you need to realize not all corporate performers are entertainers. Just because someone has a skill or talent, doesn’t mean it is entertaining. Unfortunately some feel that is enough. They learn some magic tricks, or how to juggle and try to get shows. These acts borrow a couple of jokes from other entertainers and perform them. It may be entertaining at times, but they only know their act. If the situation changes, they suffer and can fail on-stage.

Entertainers on the other hand concentrate on the audience in front of them. An entertainer can talk about nothing and rivet the crowd. The talent is there as a vehicle to engage people through a personality driven program.

This makes the entertainer more flexible and more in demand than a performer. Would you want someone who could freeze when thrown a curve? Or someone that could run with changes, stay relaxed and make everyone happy?

How can you tell the difference? Read reviews, watch video, talk with previous clients and communicate with the act. Ask them what would happen if their show slot was reduced to 10 minutes instead of 30. Find out how they handle going on later than scheduled. Learn what they would do if the program had to be stretched to accomodate a change.

Now you know the difference between corporate performers and corporate entertainers. But what makes them corporate?

Corporate entertainers are not there to perform. They are there to represent your company. These entertainers realize the program is one small, albeit important, part of your event. Their concern is making certain your company’s needs and goals are met.

Performers and entertainers who do not specialize in corporate entertainment don’t think this way. They think in terms of their act. To them, the act is the most important part of your event. They lose sight of the bigger picture.

These part-time corporate entertainers advertise different types of shows on their web sites. If they perform for all occasions, beware. As an event planner, your reputation is on the line. You need entertainment that you can rely on. After all, their performance reflects on you.

How can you avoid part time corporate entertainers? Talk to them. Are they trying to sell you on the features of their program? If so, they have a product and want you to buy it.

An experienced corporate entertainer realizes they are not the right match for every function. They will ask questions and try to determine if the program would be a match for your needs. If it isn’t, they will make suggestions. They don’t want to look bad and that insures that you will look good!

If you need corporate entertainers for your next event, contact our office. We are happy to offer corporate entertainment ideas that can make your next event incredible!

Corporate Event Planning Tips –  The Entertainment Challenge

Corporate Event Planning Tips – The Entertainment Challenge

Perhaps your boss casually mentioned, as you were pouring your first cup of joe, that it would be your job this year to plan the company awards dinner, holiday party, or corporate event. Or maybe this task is written into your job description, and you’ve done it many times before.

You Want Me To Do What?!

Whether you are a newbie at finding corporate entertainment and planning company events or a pro with years of experience, you’re approaching the task in one of two modes: mild dread or panic attack. Yep, it’s your job to plan an event that everyone enjoys, including management and the chronic complainers.

And your biggest task, finding great entertainment, is no small feat. But take a deep breath, think about your past experience, both personal and professional, consider one last question, and you’re on your way to success.

You Know It

As you consider entertainment ideas for corporate events, keep your focus on the facts that you already know: 
It’s best to rely on testimonials, not entertainer “pitches.”
You should supplement information you get from an entertainer with your own research.
You need entertainment that is appropriate for your company, and can be tailored to fit your needs. Finding out what the entertainer expects from you reduces surprises.

Things happen before a show, and no doubt, the entertainer has “war stories.” How the entertainer handles unexpected challenges is one thing to consider in the hiring process.

One Question

You’ve done all the basics. Now consider one more question.

Does the entertainer present any team building activities? Regardless of the event, it can have a positive effect on what happens in the workplace. Best scenario, employees come to work after the event with a positive attitude and an additional thought to consider or act upon.

Perhaps the entertainer tells an anecdote that helps company strategy or morale. Or maybe employees are active participants in the show, something to talk about in the lunchroom. The guy you sometimes silently pass on the way to the refrigerator suddenly becomes “the guy from the show” and you chat with him about it.

Employees will be talking about the event, and a takeaway positively directs the conversation.

The Best

Obviously, your job as an event planner is easier if entertainers are brutally honest. The best entertainers will refuse to work with you when they realize that, despite their best efforts, their show just won’t fit your needs. Ventriloquist Tom Crowl takes it one step further. He will help you by directing you to appropriate entertainment.

Tom is not only a great entertainer, but he has improved the field of ventriloquism and helped newcomers just entering the field. Find out how Tom can help you by signing up for a free corporate entertainment consultation now.


Searching for more Corporate Event Planning Tips? 

Check out Tom’s weekly show:
The Savvy Event Planner Podcast at http://SavvyEventPodcast.com

6 Truly Innovative Entertainment Ideas for Corporate Events and Meetings

6 Truly Innovative Entertainment Ideas for Corporate Events and Meetings

Looking for unique event entertainment ideas for your next corporate event? Event planners and talent agencies tend to fall back on traditional entertainment sources. We wanted to share some creative solutions that may meet your goals and appeal to the “seen it all” corporate audience.

6 Truly Innovative
Entertainment Ideas for Corporate Events and Meetings

1. Hire a musician to write a song for your company. This could be a simple marketing jingle, or a comedy song about your product, services and personnel. Have them play it at the event and then distribute the song via CD’s or MP3’s.

2. Hire a ventriloquist to turn someone on your staff into a puppet! With enough notice, they can produce a puppet that looks like your boss or CEO. Imagine your audience’s reactions when Mini-boss comes on stage to discuss new company policies. As a bonus, the look-alike puppet is presented to the guest of honor!

3. Hire a digital caricature artist to project their artwork on screens. Everyone will be entertained watching their co-workers appear digitally. You can use the artwork as electronic room decor, personalized to reflect your company and event. Not only will guests have a great souvenir, the art can be utilized in your company newsletters and brochures.

4. Contract a cirque style act to create a buzz among your guests. Cirque acts provide a sense of elegance and style with amazing skills. From aerialists who float on silks above your guests, to full blown acrobatic acts, this idea is very popular with guests.

5. Hire a graffiti artist to create a painting of someone or something. Working with a huge canvas, these artists create unique visuals for your guests during a meal. Speed graffiti with splatters of paint flying everywhere are more than a fun program. You can display the artwork at your company, giving employees great memories of the event.

6. Hire a comedian to have some fun with your staff. Laughter reduces stress and brings people together. There are many types of business comedians to choose from. Stand up comedians, impersonators, magicians, jugglers, prop comics and ventriloquists may fall under this heading.

No matter what type of event entertainment you select there is one sure fire way to make it unique for your event. Request the corporate entertainer personalize the program. This way your guests realize this entertainment was created just for them.

If you’ve enjoyed these suggestions, we invite you to share them with your colleagues and friends.

More
Entertainment Ideas For Corporate Events:

Contact our office to discuss your corporate entertainment needs. There is no cost and no obligation. We’ll work with you to determine what entertainment will fit your needs and event. If Tom’s act isn’t right, we will connect you with corporate event entertainment to meet your goals.

Comedy Entertainment Ideas for Corporate Events

You know that the right corporate entertainment will be a highlight of your event. You also realize the wrong corporate entertainment could cost you months of planning and plenty of grief. You want something guests will talk about. Corporate entertainment that they will remember. Something to create emotional connections for the group to generate a long lasting impact.

Hiring great corporate entertainment isn’t easy. The corporate audience is often a wide range of demographics. Pleasing everyone can be difficult. So how can you generate the best results and achieve the highest possible return on your entertainment investment? Make the program about your audience!

laughitupLaughter reduces stress and provides a common bond when experienced by a group. As far as entertainment ideas for corporate events, comedy is always rated as a top selection. Who doesn’t enjoy a good laugh? Laughter provides benefits and makes certain your event and brand are remembered.

If you are looking for corporate dinner entertainment ideas, consider a comedian ventriloquist. Almost everyone has memories of being entertained by puppets. Some may remember Shari Lewis and Lambchop, a popular children’s ventriloquist. Others may think of the Muppets. A skilled ventriloquist recalls these memories while presenting corporate comedy suited to your audience.

A unique corporate entertainment idea, comedy ventriloquists are very popular. Ventriloquist Jeff Dunham holds a record on Comedy Central for the highest rated comedy specials. Ventriloquist Terry Fator received millions of votes on the way to winning America’s Got Talent. These gentlemen are contracted entertainers in Las Vegas, and may be out of many budgets. Finding a top comedy ventriloquist is not easy, but we can help.

Tom Crowl is not only one of the top comedian ventriloquists working today, he is a respected leader in the field of ventriloquism. Tom created the Learn Ventriloquism course which teaches people interested in the art. The course has become the most recommended way to learn ventriloquism. Tom is also a co-founder of the International Ventriloquist Society. The Society includes members like Dunham, Fator and many other famous ventriloquists.

If you are looking for unique event entertainment ideas, or corporate family event ideas, contact our office. If Tom’s act is not available, or not right for your audience, we are happy to make recommendations based on your event’s needs.

Corporate Event Planning Tip – Entertainment Logistics

Planning your corporate event so everything flows smoothly saves you headaches the day of your function.  Here are some corporate event planning tips that can make the logistics of your corporate entertainment easier on your entertainers and your stress level!

Selecting the right corporate entertainer can be a tough job, but as an event planner, you need to realize it is only part of the equation.

Every form of entertainment requires some production. Corporate comedians may be simple, needing only a microphone and suitable sound system. Bands, magicians and acrobats, may have more complex production requirements including staging, lighting, rigging and freight.

Corporate Entertainment Logistics

When scheduling, you will need to allow time for the entertainer to set their show and perform a sound check. The corporate entertainer should know your schedule and help fit this period to match your intended agenda.

It is also important that you coordinate the entertainer’s arrival with your venue manager.  Find out where should they park, if the entertainer should they use a special entrance, if their equipment can be carted in through the entrance or if they need to use a loading dock and freight elevator.

Make certain your entertainer knows these details in advance, along with accurate directions to the venue.  Providing this type of advance information will make their arrival smoother and prevent frustrations that could affect you, your event or their performance.

We hope you enjoyed this
Corporate Event Planning Tip:

For a complete corporate event entertainment consultation, contact our office today.

Popular Corporate Entertainment

Popular Corporate Entertainment

Searching for popular corporate entertainment

As an event planner, you want your function to stand out and be a success.  Finding out what is popular in the world of corporate entertainment can help you with this goal.

But there are important things to consider before you proceed.

The most popular corporate entertainment, is an entertainer who fits into your event.  You need to consider what you want your audience to experience.  Should they be motivated?  Relaxed?  Laughing?  When you know the desired outcome, you narrow the search to an appropriate form of entertainment.

If your event will be casual, classical music wouldn’t be a wise choice.  If you are hosting an elegant dinner, heavy metal music wouldn’t fit the bill.  No matter how popular they are in the right setting, they will be performing in your setting.

The popularity of corporate entertainment will depend on the demographics of your guests.  50’s rock and roll may not appeal to a younger crowd, but may be perfect for an older set.  If you appeal musically to your younger guests, older attendees may head for the doors. It is impossible to please everyone, but you don’t want to alienate a particular age group.

Comedy is one of the most popular corporate entertainment forms around. Everyone loves to laugh, and a good corporate comedian can bring together information about your company, event, guests and message to create a memorable program. Comedy is popular corporate entertainment for after dinner programs at seminars, conventions, conferences, holiday parties and awards banquets. It also helps to break up long days of training sessions and educational workshops.

No matter what type of corporate event you are planning, contact our office for a free corporate entertainment consultation. We have worked with some of the most popular and top corporate entertainers in the business and will help you find an entertainer that will be a hit with your guests! To plan your event contact Tom now.