Hiring live entertainment for your event takes a lot of thought. You need appropriate entertainment that will appeal to your guests. The entertainment must fit within the limitations of your venue. It must also contribute to your plans and goals to create a successful outcome.

There are all styles of corporate events:

  • live-entertainment-wordsSeminars
  • Conferences
  • Meetings
  • Awards Dinners
  • Breakfasts
  • Luncheons
  • Picnics
  • Trade Shows
  • Incentive Programs
  • Retreats
  • Golfing
  • Product Launches
  • Client Appreciation
  • etc.

And all styles of live entertainers:

  • Ventriloquists
  • Magicians
  • Jugglers
  • Aerialists
  • Speed Painters
  • Caricaturists
  • Musicians
  • Bands
  • Disc Jockeys
  • Stand Up Comedians
  • Impressionists
  • Cirque Acts
  • Speakers
  • etc.

These categories are by no means complete. To further complicate things, each branches off in personalities, styles and levels of professionalism.

Before you hire live entertainment, here are some tips you should consider.

1. What is your entertainment budget?
Skimping on your entertainment budget is never a good idea. Live entertainment is one of the most memorable things about any event. For new event planners, entertainment can be an after-thought. Don't let that happen to you.

Your budget will help you narrow a lot of options before you begin your search. Can you afford quality professional corporate entertainment? Or will the budget force you to hire a weekend warrior? If it is too low, you may want to look for non-entertainment options. The entertainment will reflect on your job as event planner and on your company.

2. What do you hope to achieve from the event?

All planning decisions should stem from this goal. If something doesn't contribute to the desired outcome, it may be expendable. Will the entertainment you select help you achieve to goal? Should it contain a message? Reinforce an idea? Or is it simply there to relax guests and make sure they have a wonderful time.

3. What will your guests like?

Know your attendees and understand their likes and dislikes. You wouldn't want to hire a techno-DJ for a senior crowd. Bands usually lack the ability to appeal to a diverse audience too.

One example is the company who hired a touring production of “The Jersey Boys”. The company was to entertain their field crew with some songs from the musical. As awesome as the act was, the 20-somethings headed for the door. A case of the wrong type of music and entertainment for the event audience.

4. Will the entertainment fit your venue?

In a limited space, a band may not be able to fit their instruments. An illusionist may not be able to fit his or her boxes and trunks. When you have a limited space, a standup comedian or a ventriloquist comedian may be a better solution. Either of these comedian types would make excellent live entertainment for parties. Just make sure they understand how to work clean. Any language may reflect poorly on your company's image.

5. Can the entertainment customize their program?

One sure fire way to get your guests involved is to make the program about them. Will your entertainment incorporate your audience? Can they work in your message, company and product?

Live entertainment offers your people a chance to relax and have fun. Celebrate your success with something special that provides memories for years to come. Contact our office for a free live entertainment consultation. We look forward to helping your event achieve the ovations you deserve.