You’ve been briefed by your client, now you have to find the entertainment, Oh yes “and it has to be something different”. As we have all seen on TV there is plenty of talent out there, but not all of it may be to the standard you would wish for your client. How do you avoid the lemons and go about choosing quality, reliable entertainment?
Recommendations are a great way to get a shortlist of entertainers. Personally, I only recommend acts that I have seen perm or worked with before.
Search the web but be careful Anybody with a little know how can muster up a pretty impressive web page saying what a wonderful act they have, and list a number of clients and companies they have worked for. As we all know, you can book an act once and will never book them again. You really must dig deeper. Ask the question: Does the act or entertainer have testimonials on his web page? Written, audio and video and are these verifiable? It is simple to put YouTube videos on sites these days.
Ask yourself; is this a full time professional or a part time act? Don’t get me wrong here, some part time entertainers are really very good, but are they focused on your event, or are they a gig for a Saturday night just hoping to earn some extra cash?
Personality is important. Permers with personality on and off the stage get repeat bookings.
Arrange a face-to-face meeting with a potential act if possible, if not a phone call. The entertainer or act should not be all about “me, me, me”. They should be focused on you, your client and the event. They should be asking you questions and listening to your answers before recommending which package or service best suits your event.
Is your permer capable of customising part of their permance for your event and incorporating special requests? Ensure this is discussed in detail from the outset.
Plan a realistic budget. The old adage, “you get what you pay for”, applies to entertainment as well. Bad entertainment can ruin an event just as quickly as bad food. Fees for a top quality, professional corporate entertainer will range from £750 to several thousand pounds.
Guarantee. What, if any, guarantee does the act offer? If they are not prepared to offer a guarantee are they confident enough in themselves?
Above all, you really want a permer who is personable, arrives early/on time, is ready to start at the allotted time, and is flexible should the times change (as they frequently do), works hard during the permance time and leaves the guests with smiles on their faces wanting more.
Any comments? Email conferencenews@mashmedia.net
