Event Planning Podcasts

Event Planning Podcasts

Corporate Event Entertainment

Podcasting isn’t new, but I’m surprised by how many people have no idea what a podcast is.

In its basic form, a podcast is an MP3 audio file. Listeners can download the files and play them on a computer or mobile device. You can subscribe to a podcast through an online service like iTunes or Stitcher.

Keys to a good podcast is:

  • excellent sound
  • an entertaining host
  • fascinating guests and
  • killer information shared with the audience.

There are all different types of podcasts. Unfortunately the event planning industry isn’t well represented in the podcasting universe. That fact and the desire to help my clients plan better events, led to the creation of my latest project:

Savvy Event Planner Podcast

The Savvy Event Planner Podcast

Each episode features a guest from the event planning industry. You’ll hear from event service providers offering tips to help you navigate tricky areas of the event. Event planners offer insights and ideas to make your events amazing. I also interview planning experts that share advice to help you improve the planning process.

If you want to create incredible events that leave your guests talking, check out the podcast at:
http://SavvyEventPodcast.com or subscribe on iTunes, or Stitcher.

The Event Tech Podcast

Event Tech can be dull reading, but this upbeat podcast is fun and informative. You’ll hear from entrepreneurs and executives talking about the latest tools and technologies for event professionals.

You can subscribe to the podcast on iTunes or Stitcher

Event Supremecy

Host Vernon T. Walker II promises information on how create, organize and host kick-ass online and in-person events. He’s interviewed some of the who’s who of the industry. I’m not certain this podcast is still current. Still, there is a wealth of episodes and information here.

The podcast is available on iTunes.

The Persuaders Marketing Podcast

The Persuaders Marketing Podcast is another podcast worth a listen. You can find it on their podcasting platform – Libsysn. Just go to: http://thepersuaders.libsyn.com

The Planner’s Pod – Metropolis

Event professionals sharing their experiences and discussing cutting edge ideas. The program is aimed at anybody in the international events industry.

The Planner’s Pod is also available on iTunes.

and finally

The Meetings Podcast with Mike McAllen & Jon Trask

Mike & Jon cover a wide range of event planning topics on the podcast. From meeting and event logistics, AV and technology, you’ll find a lot of information to help with your events.

You’ll find The Meetings Podcast on the Grass Shack Events & Media website.

If you plan events, subscribe to a podcast today and expand your knowledge when working out, driving or relaxing!

If you are in need of corporate event entertainment, contact our office to discuss your needs. We look forward to helping you create an incredible event!

 

Comedians for Corporate Events

Comedians for Corporate Events

Corporate Event Entertainment

Need Comedians for Corporate Events?

Filthy isn’t funny when it comes to your company function.

Most comedians develop in the comedy club atmosphere where no holds barred language elicits response. That comedy style doesn’t always translate to the stricter environment of corporate events entertainment.

That is why ventriloquist Tom Crowl might be the perfect corporate comedy entertainment solution. Offering visual and verbal appeal, he creates a unique performance experience. Personalized comedy for your audience, event, theme, message and company, your guests will continue to laugh long after the show.

Variety comedians, like ventriloquists, are different. Tom developed his material and style working for family audiences. He is equally at home in the comedy club because he understands how to make people laugh. And he doesn’t have to resort to vulgarity to achieve results.

Allow Your Group To Enjoy The Gift Of Laughter

Laughter reduces stress and provides emotional relief. A shared emotional experience bonds people. These reasons are just the tip of the “results iceberg” that a corporate comedian like Tom provides your event.

Make your awards banquet, dinner meeting or holiday party a hit. Contact our office now to tell us your vision for a successful event. We’ll work with you to provide corporate entertainment that maximizes your investment, makes you look great and has everyone thanking you for an incredible time!

Entertainers for hire …

Entertainers for hire …

Corporate Event Entertainment

Do you understand your entertainment needs?

That may sound like a stupid question. It isn’t.

Before you hire entertainers for an event, you need to understand your function’s requirements.

Do you have a goal? Do you have a vision? What entertainment style would make your event a success?

No two entertainers are alike. Using the apples to oranges comparison, you wouldn’t buy apples if you wanted to serve oranges. You wouldn’t hire strolling or walk around entertainers if you envision a stage performance. You wouldn’t hire background music if you want people to dance.

Before you bail out of this article, thinking “duh!”, I want you to understand WHY this is important.

In the entertainment world, there is no certification. Anyone can hang out their “shingle” and become an entertainer. No governing body, no schooling, no requirements. This can spell big problems for event planners.

If you Google (or Bing, or Yahoo) “entertainers”, you will find they run the gamut. From birthday acts to full fledge headline shows. Some acts offer everything, from your child’s party to corporate entertainment. That would be like going to a general practitioner to get brain surgery. Probably not the best idea.

Granted, entertainment isn’t medical surgery, but it has similarities. Corporate Entertainers who specialize in an area tend to work more of that style event. They understand the client’s function and can offer insights to help achieve success.

You don’t have to worry if it will be right. You can proceed with confidence to present an event that will amaze your guests.

Tom specializes in corporate entertainment events. From awards dinners to theme events, holiday parties to conferences and seminars, he works with clients to help them realize their goals.

Unlike the standard corporate comedian, ventriloquism creates a visual impact while remaining highly adaptable. Personalized comedy remains clean while incorporating your guests, message, theme and company. The results are a memorable, hilarious program exclusive to your event.

If you want to create an atmosphere of fun and laughter, contact our office for a no obligation corporate entertainment consultation. If Tom isn’t the right entertainer for your event, he will be happy to recommend someone that can help you.

Let us know how we can be of service!

How to Hire Performers for your next event …

How to Hire Performers for your next event …

Corporate Event Entertainment

You want to host an incredible event.

A large part of that success will depend on the performers you hire.

When entertainment goes wrong, it is usually due to a lack of clear communication. Performers and event planners often have different views of an event. It is important to align these perspectives and make certain everyone is on the same page.

With those differences in mind, we have created a simple to follow guide that makes hiring performers easier. While every event and performing situation is unique, these steps will help in many situations.

BEFORE YOU HIRE PERFORMERS …

The first step is identifying the type of performers you that would be a match for your event goals. You want to hire acts that will appeal to your audience, fit your venue and match your vision.

Examples of this: you wouldn’t hire a juggler if your banquet room has a low ceiling. You may hire a full band instead of a DJ if you are hosting a formal blacktie event.

For more information on types of performers to hire for your event, check out our short video here.

Once you know what type of performers fit your event, develop a list. Search engines can lead you directly to performer web sites. We recommend going to visit a performer’s site rather than settling for what listing agencies offer. You can learn a lot about a performer’s professionalism by checking their web site.

Think about your entertainment budget as you review possibilities. If you have an entertainment budget of $200, an entertainer with national references for corporate entertainment will not be a fit. Chances are they will be well outside of your budget. The reverse is true too. Don’t waste time if the performer’s web site doesn’t match your vision or needs.

In your initial contact, introduce yourself. Explain your role in hiring performers. Are you the decision maker? The information gatherer or part of a committee?

Provide the date, time and location, along with a description of your event. Tell the performer a bit about your audience. Also include a brief description of what you envision for the entertainment part of your event.

Remember, this should be a brief overview. You will go into greater depth during an:

ENTERTAINMENT CONSULTATION

After (and sometimes during) the initial contact, the performer should consult with you about your event. This will allow you to elaborate on the information above.

Instead of asking the performer questions, communicate your vision of the event. Answer their questions to the best of your ability.

Make certain to tell the performer if other entertainers or speakers will be sharing the stage. If the performer will be on during other activities, (such as dinner*) you will want to share that information as well.

* – We do not advise having entertainment during dinner unless you are hiring background music.

The goal of this consultation isn’t to sell you an act. (If it is – be wary.) The goal of an entertainment consultation is to allow the performer to get a feel for your entertainment needs. It will help the performer to understand if his or her act would be right for your vision.

ENTERTAINMENT PROPOSAL

Before you decide which performer to hire, request a proposal. The proposal should cover everything you have discussed so there are no surprises.

Know when the performer would arrive. The services and time provided. What they will require in terms of space and show tech (i.e. – sound, lighting, etc.)

Make sure you read and understand the technical rider. Riders are not meant to be a burden. They include requirements to make your event entertainment successful.

The proposal should also include the performer’s fee and information on any travel charges. Know who will pay for flights, ground transportation, lodging and meals. Knowing who will pay for what helps you avoid surprises to your entertainment budget.

You should also check out our post on Things To Consider Before Hiring A Corporate Entertainer.

BOOKING PERFORMERS

Once you have decided on the performer you wish to hire, contact them immediately. Most entertainers do not hold dates without some form of written agreement or deposit. You don’t want to decide on a performer only to discover your date is no longer available.

Note: It is always polite to contact the performers you did not hire to explain you have decided to go in a different direction. Offer to keep their materials on file for future possibilities.

Professional performers will usually send a performance agreement or contract. These can consist of a simple form stating all the details to a larger document with clauses and contingencies. Be sure to read over and understand everything before signing. If you have questions, consult your lawyer or request clarification from the performer/agent/management.

All contracts should include a cancellation clause. You are requesting the performer hold a date for your event. This means they must turn away other performance possibilities. If your event cancels, they will require compensation for lost wages. Know the cancellation policy so you understand the ramifications in the event of a problem.

Are you are looking to hire performers for corporate entertainment? Contact our office for a no-obligation corporate entertainment consultation. If Tom is not the right act for your event, he is happy to put you in touch with a performer that works with you to create a successful event.

Corporate Party Entertainer

Corporate Party Entertainer

Corporate Event Entertainment

The term party entertainers may bring to mind a child’s birthday with a magician, clown, bounce house and pony rides. Not exactly the type of entertainment you want at a corporate party. (Unless your party is a family day event.)

There is nothing wrong with a children’s entertainer, but they won’t cut the mustard at an all adult corporate event.

Corporate party entertainers are a different breed.

A corporate party entertainer understands that every corporate function has a purpose. There is a reason behind the event and their role is to help the organizer exceed the boss’ expectations.

Corporate entertainment needs to be appropriate to your event and audience. Keeping things clean, yet genuinely funny is an art in itself.

Foul language, political rants & sexual inuendo may play in the comedy club, but definitely not at the corporate level. If your comedian doesn’t understand that, you will be the one talking with the boss the next day.

A big mistake many new company event planners make is under-budgeting entertainment. There is a difference between the $500 comedian and a $5,000 comedy act. Just as you pay more for a steak from a 5 star restaurant, you get a refined level of quality, service and expertise. That experience shows up big time when laughs are rolling through your audience and people congratulate you on a great event afterward.

Finding the right party entertainer for your corporate event can be a difficult task. Every event has a different level of expectation. A holiday party for a local business is very different than a Fortune 500 company. How can you determine which entertainer is right for your event?

That is where we can help. Tom Crowl has over thirty years of international performing experience. He has entertained at corporate events from coast to coast. In that time he has worked with some of the best event planners and corporate party entertainers in the business.

Contact our office now to discuss your event needs. If Tom isn’t the right act for your corporate party, he will help you find someone that can make your event a success.

Hiring Entertainment For Corporate Functions

Hiring Entertainment For Corporate Functions

Corporate Event Entertainment

Hiring Entertainment For Corporate Functions

Planning a corporate function?

The entertainment you select will likely become a talking point for your guests. If people don’t like a specific food, they can bypass it on their plate. But when it comes to the program, if it isn’t right, the evening can become uncomfortable.

When you hire a corporate entertainer for a headline show, the program needs to blow your guests away. A strong corporate comedian can uplift everyone, creating shared laughter specific to your evening. A specialty or novelty act can provide a breath of freshness to impress and entertain your audience. Combine both into one and you have an act that can bring the ovations your corporate function deserves.

Every event is different and there is no single entertainment solution. Entertainment loved by one company may be inappropriate for your vision, plans and audience. That is why contacting our office makes sense.

Tom Crowl has provided corporate entertainment for both large and small companies. With over thirty years of experience he has seen:

What works, what doesn’t and what can.

As entertainment at corporate functions, Tom has worked with some of the best corporate performers in the business. He knows many of the top corporate event planners and agencies. If he is not the right act for your function, he is happy to discuss your event and direct you to the person, people or corporate event service that can help.

It’s complimentary – no charge – no hassle.

It doesn’t matter what type of event you’re organizing. From a corporate awards dinner, product launch, conference, office or holiday party or summer ball, we can help.

If you need to hire live entertainment for corporate functions, contact our office now. We will help you determine your entertainment options and tailor them to suit your event.