Corporate Event Entertainment
Find Performers For Corporate Events
12 Tips To Help You Select A Corporate Entertainer That Rocks Your Company Function
Planning a corporate event can be stressful. Here are some tips to make hiring corporate entertainment easier on you!
1. Don’t Allow Yourself to Fall into The Same Old Thing. Using the same corporate entertainer you hired last year can reduce the effectiveness of your program, even if people liked the show. Look for ways to improve the event entertainment every year. It keeps your guests excited about your functions, instead of making them tired and redundant.
2. Remember That Corporate Entertainment has to be Clean and Not Offensive. You’ll want to make certain your corporate entertainer understands that from the start.
3. Know Your Budget. The two things most people remember about a corporate event are the food and the entertainment. Decide on a per person expense to determine your entertainment budget. If you are spending $80 a head for dinner and drinks, you don’t want to ruin your evening with a $10 per guest entertainer. Popular entertainers or unique talents are usually more expensive.
They often say you get what you pay for,
and in corporate entertainment, that is usually true.
4. Learn About The Corporate Entertainer You Are Considering. Watch their video. Does their style meet your needs? Do you find them entertaining? If a video doesn’t give you confidence in their abilities, ask to see more.
5. Talk With Potential Corporate Entertainers. They should learn about your event before providing a quote. Not every act is right for every event. By discussing your needs and goals, the entertainer will gain a better understanding of your guests, needs and desired outcome.
6. Discuss Logistics. Understand when they will arrive, set, sound check and coordinate with you. Know what they will need for sound and staging. Make certain they are willing to work to your schedule. You want their appearance to be a seamless part of the evening.
7. Request A Proposal. Some entertainers will attempt to sell you immediately by saying the date may not be available if you wait. That could be true, but don’t get pressured into hire corporate entertainment without considering the conversation. By requesting a proposal, you’ll have everything in writing and something to share with bosses or committee members. You’ll also know that the act listened to you and your needs because they will address those points in the proposal.
8. 100% Money Back Guarantee? You’ve only got one chance to get the night right. If the entertainer was confident in his or her ability to meet your needs and thrill the audience, why even bring up the subject? To make you feel more comfortable with the decision to hire them? If you have any concerns, don’t allow a guarantee to sway you. Find someone you are confident can handle the event with no problems.
9. Request A Contract. Get everything spelled out in writing. The contract should include all the details of the event, including technical information for the performance. Know who provides what, and be positive of any special requirements which could add to your budget. Make certain everything is clear before you sign!
10. Keep Your Corporate Entertainment Informed. Make sure they know about any changes. If they are providing customized material, make certain they have as many details as possible well before the event, and are notified of any updates.
11. Promote Your Entertainment. Allow your guests to anticipate the performance by informing everyone of the show. Your corporate entertainer should be able to provide photos, press releases and other promotional materials upon request.
12. Enjoy The Show! If you have followed these tips, you can sit back, relax and have a great time knowing your corporate entertainment is in the hands of a professional.
When you need to find performers for corporate events, a holiday party, after dinner program or awards banquet, conference or seminar, contact our office for a free corporate entertainment consultation. Our goal is your success.
Corporate Event Entertainment
Searching for the best corporate entertainment acts is a bit like deep sea fishing. You know there are plenty of fish there, you just aren’t sure what you will catch.
“Best” is elusive.
Corporate entertainers that are a smashing success in one setting, may die in another. That is because no two audiences are the same. Your event, your message, your attendees and your goal are unique. Your corporate entertainment should be too.
The Best Corporate Entertainment Acts
Are Ones That Connect With Your Audience.
The corporate entertainer that is right for you takes part in a conversation. They don’t just tell you what they do. He or she will:
- Be curious about your event.
- Ask questions.
- Listen.
- Offer suggestions.
- Work with you.
Here Are Some Of The Best Corporate Entertainment Acts We Recommend:
Ventriloquist:
Ventriloquism is more popular than ever. Jeff Dunham, star of Comedy Central is the top grossing touring comedian according to Forbes. Terry Fator won the second season of America’s Got Talent and headlines sold out performances in Las Vegas. In 2015, ventriloquist Paul Zerdin won AGT, proving that good ventriloquists continue to be crowd pleasers.
Ventriloquist Tom Crowl is recognized as one of the top ventriloquists in the world. He has appeared on NBC’s Last Comic Standing and been the opener for legends of country music and rock and roll.
His performances have taken him from the resorts of Cancun, Mexico to the showrooms of cruise ships. He has been the featured event entertainer for companies such as Oxy Permain, Admiral Beverage and Toyota.
In addition to his 30 years in showbusiness, Tom also teaches other ventriloquists the art. His Learn Ventriloquism course is considered the best instruction in the field.
When Tom works with you, he personalizes the program for your event. During the program, your message, event and people become the stars of the show. If you are looking for corporate entertainment to keep your group laughing and involved, contact Tom now.
Corporate Magicians:
Corporate magicians come in all shapes and sizes. From ice breaking miracles during cocktails and networking to full blown stage shows following dinner.
The best corporate entertainment magicians evolve their act to become event based. They interact with your product, message and audience. Their magic amazes, engages and enthralls your attendees.
In his thirty plus years as a corporate entertainer, Tom has worked with many corporate magicians. Here are the few that he recommends:
Nathan Coe Marsh is one of the premier corporate magicians based in Orlando. He travels internationally amazing corporate audiences and event planners as a magician and speaker. An active member of MPI Orlando, Nathan understands the nuances & importance of corporate entertainment.
Nathan specializes in both mingling or strolling magic during cocktails and stage presentations. For more information on Nathan, contact our office now.
Mike Rose is another of Tom’s favorite corporate magicians. Mike is an expert icebreaker. His strolling magic gets people laughing and talking at networking events. Mike’s talents are in demand by major Gala events to break down barriers and introduce guests to each other. If you are looking for the best corporate entertainment for a cocktail hour, Mike is your man.
If you are looking for an amazing stage show of spectacular illusion, Brian Glow of Canada is an excellent choice. Brian is a high end illusionist recognized as one of the best in the world. His knowledge, experience and audience winning personality make him the preferred illusionist for top companies around the globe.
Jugglers:
From juggling acts that have appeared on the Tonight Show to major venues around the world, jugglers are always a popular form of entertainment. Allow us to recommend these acts for your consideration:
The Raspyni Brothers – if you can get Barry and Dan, do it. Their comedy has been wowing corporate audiences since the 1980’s. This award winning juggling duo has appeared on major television shows and been featured TedTalks more than 8 times.
Niels Duinker of Holland is one of today’s hottest juggling acts. Niels holds several Guiness World Book records. He regularly headlines on cruise ships and in Las Vegas. Young, hip and in demand, Niels will bring energy to any corporate entertainment event.
Steve Russell is another excellent choice for corporate juggling. Steve’s wacky sense of comedy makes him a hit with midwest audiences. A very versatile performer, talk to Steve about his Wacky Waiters program. He starts out disguised as a server during your meal. Audiences can’t believe the antics and love when they realize they have been fooled by the evening’s entertainment.
We hope these ideas and suggestions help with your corporate entertainment selection. Contact our office now to discuss your event needs.
With over 30 years in the entertainment business, Tom has worked with some of the best corporate entertainment acts in the business. There is no consultation fee, and unlike entertainment agencies, we do not take commissions from the acts we recommend. Our only goal is the success of your event.
Email or call us now.
Corporate Event Entertainment
It is always a great time to recognize your employees for their contributions to the company’s success. Even if the economics aren’t favorable, providing employee recognition boosts morale and productivity of your staff and workforce. Companies that focus on the value of their personnel find greater loyalty and dedication to the well-being of the corporation’s health.
When planning to recognize employees, make the presentation an event. Awards presented in front of the staff do more for self-esteem than awards presented in private. The recognition inspires the entire staff to work harder and reach higher to achieve your corporate goals.
As the planner of a recognition event, you will need to handle the minute details that create a successful function.
Here are some tips that can help make planning your
Employee Recognition Event easier.
Find a fitting venue.
You will need to determine if the location will be easily accessible for the guests. Consider parking, room size, lighting, sound, available staging, pipe and drape (curtains) and possible seating arrangements for excellent visibility. You will want to have access to a podium, but should also have access to hand held microphones on stands and wireless lavalieres in the event a presenter requests them.
It is important to discuss room availability for set up, sound check and striking your equipment following the event. If the venue is catering your meal or refreshments, get everything down to the napkins and silverware in writing. This way the venue can provide you with a complete quote and there will be no surprises.
Once the room is arranged – get the invitations out!
Invitations should be sent at least three weeks prior to the event. Make sure it is easy to R.S.V.P. so you have an accurate head count for the caterer. If you haven’t heard from guests by the required date, have a follow-up in mind to be certain of your attendance numbers.
Order your awards!
Talk with your supplier about the purpose of the awards event. Find a trophy or plaque that will symbolize the event and purpose of the award. Make certain your supplier will deliver the awards with enough time that you can check all engraving. In the event of a mistake, you will want time for them to make corrections.
Talk to presenters early!
They will need time to craft their speeches and prepare. People may be funny in a one-on-one setting, but under the spotlight, an unprepared speech is painful to watch. You may want to consider hiring a corporate MC to warm up the crowd and keeps the evening flowing. A professional corporate emcee can do wonders to elevate the status of your recognition event.
Create an award profile for each recipient.
Make sure to include their name together with a phonetic pronunciation. There is nothing worse than having your name announced incorrectly at an awards banquet. Have presenters practice the names so they get it right. This small tip goes a long way in showing employees you value them.
Avoid The Slow…
Have you ever been to an awards banquet that was painfully slow? Nothing can kill the momentum of the evening like a drawn out awards program. The Emmy Awards, The Oscars, The Golden Globes and all of the music awards shows have learned that viewership drops off as the evening wears on.
One way to solve the problem is to set a schedule and make certain everyone sticks to the agenda. Presenters should be given time limits to make their speech before the award recipient is announced. Make sure they craft their presentation with a short discussion of the specific contribution or reason behind the award.
If you plan on allowing recipients an opportunity at the microphone, ask people who are up for awards to keep acceptance speeches under 30 seconds. This helps to prevent long winded speeches that can drag out the evening. Keeping the presentations and acceptances on topic allow the program to flow smoothly. Your evening can fly by before anyone notices.
Avoid long hikes from the back of the room when someone’s name is announced. Plan your seating chart so the winners are spaced throughout, but have easy, fast access to the stage. A DJ who can play some music as people make their way to the stage adds a great touch of class.
You may want to consider hiring a corporate emcee to keep everything on schedule. A professional emcee will keep your audience laughing and enjoying the evening as he or she seamlessly guides the flow. Problems may be easily covered and the emcee can also advise people to help shorten a program that is in danger of running too long.
If you plan on having awards banquet entertainment, consider placing the entertainment before the awards. Following dinner, people require time for their food to digest. If the awards slow down the evening, you may lose the audience before your entertainment ever hits the stage. That is a waste of your budget. A good program following dinner can elevate your audience into an excited state. That will make the awards program even more enjoyable.
When you are hosting an employee recognition event and require an emcee or after dinner corporate entertainment, contact our office for a complimentary event consultation. We look forward to helping you create an incredible evening everyone will remember!
Corporate Event Entertainment
Corporate Dinner Entertainment Ideas
That Keep People In Their Seats
Looking for after dinner shows that can deliver a stellar finale for your evening? With so many options it can be hard to decide what type of entertainment would be right. That is why we’ve put together a list of corporate dinner entertainment ideas that keep people in their seats.
Popular Corporate Dinner Entertainment Ideas
Awards Dinner Program:
People love to be recognized for their efforts. However after dinner awards shows can be excruciating to other guests. Someone who is not up for an award may eat and leave. Or uninterested guests can start conversations that create distracting background noise. If you plan to host an after dinner awards show, remember to keep it tight. Hiring an emcee to organize the participants is a smart decision. Professional emcees know how to keep things moving or cover if something unexpected happens.
Bands:
Music is a popular choice for after dinner entertainment. Depending on the age range of your guests, music selection can be tricky. Not everyone will dance either. Make sure those not into the music still have a place where they can converse and enjoy the evening.
Caricaturists:
This type of entertainment is more suited to atmosphere than stage show. The drawings make a great “gift” for those lucky enough to become the artist’s subject. Others often enjoy watching the likenesses appear on the drawing pad. Depending on the size of your guest list, you may find it helpful to have several caricaturists work your event. Keep in mind that floor space will be required for the artists to work, and lines might form.
Today, some artists have gone beyond the traditional caricaturist format. They use electronic sketch pads and can project their art onto screens based around the venue. Some artists even create their own stage shows, which can easily take this from atmosphere to show stopper. Talk with your artists to get a feel for where they will work best in your evening plans.
Celebrity Speakers:
Celebrity speakers can inspire, motivate or enlighten your audience. They can also add a major dent in your event budget. It is important to make sure a celebrity speaker will fit with your event. You don’t want the speaker or their message to interfere with your strategic goals for planning the event. Other options can be emerging talents. People love to “discover” something new and noteworthy. Your event will definitely be remembered for introducing them!
Comedians:
Corporate comedians can keep your guests laughing while remembering they represent your company. The goal of the business comedian is to poke fun while remaining respectful.
Dancers:
From atmosphere entertainment to the main stage, dancers can liven up your evening entertainment. Be aware that many dancers not in major markets may have side jobs. This isn’t to disparage them, everyone needs to eat. But dancing is hard and requires hours of dedication and work. In major markets like New York and Las Vegas, there are opportunities for dancers to practice and perform their art. Part time dancers can not be as dedicated, which can affect the overall performance if you hire a group or troupe.
D.J.’s:
Disc Jockeys are another very popular form of entertainment for after dinner events. While they can play a wider assortment of music than most bands, they may still not be able to please everyone. Remember the rule shared under the bands: make sure those not interested have a place they can converse, yet still be involved in the evening.
Fire Eaters:
Here is another talent that lends itself to atmosphere or stage. Make certain to check with your event venue to see if they allow this type of entertainment. You don’t want sprinklers going off during the performance. Also be sure that all insurances are in place so you, the venue and the fire eater are covered in the event of an accident.
Jugglers:
Another extremely popular form of after dinner entertainment is the juggler. The right combination of skill and comedy can keep your audience laughing and waiting to see if they will succeed.
Living Statues:
Living statues are fun forms of atmosphere entertainment. They not only add to the overall theme when properly presented, but can generate laughs from unexacting guests.
Look-A-Likes:
Imagine Sean Connery, Britney Spears, Billy Joel or any one of hundreds of celebrities making an appearance. Look-a-likes can be a fun form of atmosphere entertainment at a corporate dinner event.
Magicians:
Magic is another talent that lends itself to multiple uses for the corporate dinner event planner. Atmosphere entertainment during the cocktail hour can help break the ice as magic happens in their hands. Following a delicious dinner, a magician can amaze and perhaps even make your product, or CEO appear.
There are a lot of corporate magicians working today. If you’d like recommendations, please contact our office. We only recommend acts Tom has worked with in the corporate environment. Tom does not charge for this service, nor does he take a commission. Our only goal is your event’s success.
Mentalists:
Mind reading and amazing feats of memory can captivate your guests. Mentalists are becoming more and more prevalent in the after dinner entertainment market. Talk with them about their act to make certain they aren’t duplicating the standard “magic square” finales that many mentalists use. You want something new and unique for your audience.
Musicians:
From classical players to small groups, musicians can add ambience to your event. One very popular use of musicians include violin or harp music during cocktail hours and dinner.
Pick Pockets:
At one time, pick pockets were very popular. You don’t often see this type of entertainment at events anymore. In some cases, corporate magicians will incorporate pick pocketry into their acts. The full pick pocket show can be very entertaining for today’s audiences.
Photo Booths and Photography:
Photo booths and crazy props are very popular forms of dinner event entertainment. People love to line up at the photo booth with their friends and pose in ridiculous manners. Talk with your photo booth supplier about the options. Guests love to take home their pics, which can end up on social media to promote your event efforts. Some suppliers can project the images on big screens during dinner, which add to the atmosphere of your dinner. You can also get picture albums of all the shots. These come in handy as memories, and for promoting future events.
Another corporate dinner entertainment idea is to have a photography studio set up. This is perfect for a classy event where guests will be dressed in their finest. You can even hire photographers to act as paparazzi if you host a theme event.
Singers:
Working to karaoke tracks, singers can brighten the room at a dinner event. Tom worked with an excellent singer/DJ combination in St Augustine Florida recently. During dinner she sang many popular holiday tunes. As people finished their meals, they became more involved with the entertainment and ended with a standing ovation for her efforts.
Ventriloquist:
You had to figure this one would be coming. (It is the website of a corporate ventriloquist after all.) Ventriloquism cuts across many age levels and is perfect for a diverse audience. With the popularity of Jeff Dunham and AGT winners Terry Fator (now Las Vegas headliner) Paul Zerdin and Darci Lynne Farmer, people are exposed to the art. Even with all that exposure, it is a talent seldom seen in a live setting. There is something about a puppet that comes to life that keeps people enthralled. Add in great comedy and you have a winner for unique corporate after dinner entertainment.
Wacky Waiters:
Wacky waiters will come at your guests so unexpectedly it creates a major surprise. The waiters blend in with the regular serving staff. Mishaps begin to happen at the amusement of the guests. As the antics go global, your attendees will begin laughing and enjoy the “surprises”.
Remember These Corporate Dinner Event Tips:
The corporate dinner’s success pivots on a few select choices. These key points are location, food, atmosphere and entertainment. Falling short on any of these can result in all of your hard work going down the toilet. It is easy to scout location. Food is another easy point to nail. Atmosphere can be developed in a variety of manners. Everything from decorations to music to lighting and ambience.
After Dinner Entertainment Can Be Tricky.
A corporate entertainer you see nail the show in one location, may not be right in another. There is no one size fits all when it comes to entertainment. That is why Tom works with you to provide personalized after dinner programs.
Make your corporate dinner a memorable event. Keep your guests laughing with a hilarious after dinner show of variety comedy. Contact our office now to discuss your corporate entertainment needs.
Corporate Event Entertainment
The first question we often get when someone makes an inquiry is “how much?”
How much do corporate entertainers charge?
Is price really the first thing you want to know?
- How about, is this type of corporate entertainment right for my audience?
- Is this type of corporate entertainment right for my event?
- Is this the RIGHT corporate entertainer for the event?
Choosing corporate entertainers for your company’s upcoming event may not seem like top priority. There are a lot of pressing details that must come together seamlessly for a successful occasion.
Often, the choice of performer comes down to affordability of talent fee rather than compatibility of the performance to the event theme.
To avoid taking the path of least resistance, define the reasons for including corporate performers in your event.
Optimizing the Presence of Corporate Entertainers at your Event
Typically, the entertainment portion of a corporate event is intended as either a transition from one part of the event to the next. For instance, the performance can serve to break up the monotony of a series of formal presentations.
With prior preparation, the performance of corporate entertainers can be tailored to the theme of the event. It can be used to make a major announcement or to unveil a new product or service. Don’t hesitate to ask prospective performers if they can incorporate your brand their act. Seasoned performers will usually localize their act without being asked.
Corporate performers can be called upon to make recognition ceremonies more memorable with special attention given to awardees. Including a popular act as part of your event may increase attendance and enthusiasm for the event.
Budgeting for Corporate Performers
The fees charged by performers for corporate events vary from one performer to the next. Entertainers who are at the peak of their careers will be in demand and may have a tight schedule. These performers may charge anywhere from five to six-figure fees. In contrast, emerging performers and those with less than stellar careers may be available for a few hundred dollars.
The fees may also depend on the type of performance, the length of the appearance and other expenses such as travel, hotel expenses and some remuneration for their entourage. Some corporate performers may require additional payment for a customized production. This is especially true if the performance requires development of new material to complement your branding efforts.
Making the most of your Corporate Entertainment Budget
Including corporate entertainers in your event can serve many purposes. It is tempting to aspire for the biggest name you can get because this will create a buzz for the occasion if not some unintended promotional opportunities for your message and your event. However, the biggest may not always be the best for your corporate entertainment ideas.
Some performers may charge a premium for events that are scheduled on short notice, so plan on doing your research and securing a contract well ahead of the event. Ensure that the contract covers all contingencies, including rain dates and cancellation by either party.
Talent fees of corporate performers may not be negotiable, but you can make sure that your organization will get the most out of your entertainment budget by working closely with the chosen performers and keeping them in the information loop as needed.
To discuss corporate entertainment for your next event, contact our office now!
Corporate Event Entertainment
As an event planner, you want to make each event unique and memorable. The best events are the ones that people continue to talk about. How can you ensure your events fall into that category? Let us share a couple of:
Corporate Party Entertainment Ideas
That Can Help!
Human Puppets:
When the guests become involved in the program, attention rivets to the stage. Create some incredible comedy around that participation and you have memories that last.
Comedy ventriloquist Tom Crowl turns people into living ventriloquist puppets, complete with articulated jaw. Volunteers won’t believe what comes out of their “mouth.” Corporate comedy moves to a new level and everyone has a new topic of conversation for years to come.
Virtual Puppets:
Tom also offers a unique presentation of virtual puppets. Any photo turns into a puppet completely under Crowl’s control. Imagine your product, a mascot or a picture of your CEO coming to life and interacting with everyone. The virtual puppets were hailed by America’s Got Talent judges as the future of ventriloquism. Contact Tom to discuss how your next event may use this entertainment idea.
The Boss Puppet:
Another cool corporate party entertainment idea is creating a ventriloquist puppet of your boss! Imagine announcing the president of your company wants to say a few words. The employees quiet down and look toward the stage. The laughs start as a ventriloquist figure replica of the president (or any other executive) is carried out. The comedy flies as the “president” issues some changes being made at the company. Just when it can’t get any funnier, the real president shows up to confront the impostor.
Your company will talk about the Boss Puppet for a long time! Best of all, the puppet gets presented to your boss at the end of the performance. He will have a momento that can continue to make appearances for years to come.
If you’d like to discuss these or other cool corporate entertainment ideas, contact Tom now. He listens to your event goals and brainstorms with you to create an unforgettable experience for your guests.
Avoid The Slow…
