Author: Tim Decker

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Corporate Event Ideas

Company Picnic Ideas: 5 Reasons to Have a Company Picnic

Company Picnic Ideas - Corporate IdeasThough the economy has it’s up and downs, company picnics are the one thing your company should not cut out of the budget. This one day may not seem important on the surface, but it can really serve many purposes within among your employees and within your company. Think about it as more than a lost work day or a drain on funds, instead think about the following benefits your company will reap all year long.

Thank employees for their hard work.

Let’s face it. Without good employees your business would go nowhere. So, company picnics are a great way to show workers how much their diligence means to you. Rewarding everyone with a fun day away from the office with promises of food, entertainment, and games is the perfect way to say thanks! People will work harder when their efforts are applauded.

Boost morale within the company.

Employees that are happy and feel good about the company they work for will be more productive. They are aware that not every company goes out of it’s way to throw a company picnic, so it will be very much appreciated. It’s the extras that build long term loyalty and make an employee truly love the company they work for.

Strengthen bonds between employees.  

Company picnics are the perfect way to build teamwork and camaraderie. It is the perfect environment for employees to let their guards down and get to know one another. People who work in different departments and others who are not normally able to interact on an everyday basis will get a chance to talk in a laid back atmosphere. Company picnics are about building connections that just can’t be made in the office.

Show your company values family.

Everyone wants to work for a company that understands family comes first. All year long, there are meetings and other functions that are for workers only, so opening up the company picnic to families shows your support. An added bonus is the connections now felt between your company and the spouses and children of your employees.

A fun day for employees and executives, alike!

The most important thing is that everyone just have a good time. Company picnics allow everyone to step outside the normal environment and forget the stress of the work day. Be sure to create a fun atmosphere by having activities for the kids, team building games for the adults and exciting entertainment for all!

Remember, company picnics are not a waste of time or money. When done right, employees will leave feeling rejuvenated, appreciated, and motivated. Your company will be seeing the benefits long after the event.

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Corporate Venue Ideas

How to Choose the Right Venue for your Corporate Event

How to choose the right venue for corporate eventOne of the most important aspects of planning a corporate event is choosing the venue. Finding the right location can be a time consuming process, especially if you are not prepared with the right information ahead of time. The number one thing to know is how many people will be in attendance. That is single handedly the most important piece of information and will dictate just about every aspect of your decisions regarding spacing, food, and overnight accommodations. Once you have those figures, it’s time to go venue hunting. The following ideas are things to consider and questions to ask before or during a venue walk through while planning for your next corporate event.

Space – Be sure the venue has enough rooms available for meetings, breakout sessions, awards dinners, and so on. Check that the rooms are spacious enough to fit all your guests, but not so big that people will feel disconnected. Also, find out about any capacity limits the venue has.

Location – If having the corporate event locally, choose a central location or one near the office to ensure better attendance. If the event will be thrown out of town or state, choose a location close to the airport for easy access. Be sure to note whether the location is near restaurants and activities for guests during their down times. And of course, choose an area where people will safe.

Transportation – If you hold your corporate event at the same place guests will be staying, transportation can be a simple issue. However, you should still consider whether people should rent cars, take cabs, or if you will be providing a shuttle to and from the airport.

Parking – Are there enough spaces for guests who will be driving? Is there a self park option or will it be valet only? Will attendees get parking permits or will parking be validated?

Accommodations – When planning out of town corporate events, it’s a bonus to choose a venue that also has hotel accommodations so guests don’t have to worry about getting to and from the event. Be sure the venue has enough rooms available for all the attendees.

Services – Ask what is included with the venue rental… tables, chairs, wifi, and so on. Then find out what can be added on a la carte. This will usually be things along the lines of catering, stages, sound equipment, etc. Discuss which staffing options are complimentary and which need to be added on.

Catering – Decide which meals you will be providing for your guests and if you will be providing them at the venue. Maybe you will provide breakfast and lunch and let attendees do their own thing for dinner. Plan all this out ahead of time. Also, find out if the venue has a minimum food purchase requirement.

Audiovisual – Will you be doing powerpoint presentations, showing slides, playing videos? Do you need things like microphones, projectors, screens, or special lighting? Have a clear idea of your AV needs before booking your venue, so you know if they can meet your needs or if you will have to rent from another source.

Fees – Get an accurate quote with taxes included and don’t be afraid to negotiate. Find out their policies regarding the deposit, cancellation fees, and payment procedures. Get the price in writing, as well a clear outline of what is included before placing a deposit.

Restrictions – Most venues have some sort of restrictions on their rentals. It usually involves things like decor, alcohol, and outside catering. Be clear on these so you do not violate your contract or have to scramble last minute to fix the issues in violation.

Setup and Cleanup –  Find out when you can access the event space to begin setting up for your corporate event. Can you come the night before? Early morning on the day of? Will you be able to use loading zones? And of course, when do you need to be out by?

Hopefully this will help when you start planning your next corporate event. Pick the right venue and you will be on your way to creating a great atmosphere and in turn a great event.

Happy venue searching!

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Corporate Event Ideas

Corporate Event Planning: 10 Mistakes to Avoid

corporate_event_planning_mistakes_to_avoidThere are so many things to think about when planning a corporate event, many people do not even know where to begin. While your to do list is endless, here are a few key things you want to avoid doing in order to have a seamless event.

1. Choosing a bad date.Take care not to book your corporate event on or near major holidays or during a time when people tend to vacation. Doing so can lead to poor attendance.

2. Speech Overload. Allowing meetings to go too long and letting speakers ramble on and on is a huge no no. You want to avoid this at all costs, unless your goal is to bore those in attendance. When there are a lot of meetings and information to deliver just be sure to allow time for breaks so people can stretch, use the restroom, grab a snack, etc.

3. Skipping a venue walk through. A venue walk through is the only way to know if the space will work for your event. This is your chance to decide things such as if there is enough space for your purposes, see the condition of the venue, the quality of the sound system, ask any additional questions, etc.

4. Not using checklists. Don’t try to wing it and remember everything. It won’t work and something will inevitably be overlooked. Make lists…to do lists, supply lists, vendor lists, contact lists, etc. and make sure everyone involved in the process has copies and is on the same page.

5. Micromanaging and carrying the load alone. You need to task out jobs to people you trust. Handling every aspect of the event on your own is not the best use of your time and will drive you crazy. Once you outsource a task, give them space to do their job. If you choose someone qualified there should be no need to keep looking over their shoulder. You can then touch bases at meetings.

6. Booking repeat speakers.  Avoid monotony by finding different speakers to inspire your crowd than the year before.  Booking speakers never before heard is the way to keep your event fresh and keep attendance high.

7. Not allowing enough time to set up.  If you need to rent the venue for a few extra hours, then do it. There is nothing worse than having to scramble last minute or having to put finishing touches on while guests are arriving. Making sure you enlist enough help to set up is equally as important.

8. Communicating in only one way. Switch it up. Use powerpoints when you need to, but throw in more unique visual aids such as videos, props, and games. This will keep those in attendance on their toes and eager to hear what you have to say.

9. Going overboard with themes. Themes can be a lot of fun when they are done right. The key is to not overdo it. Find fun ways to incorporate your theme into things like the decor or the menu. Don’t feel the need to force the theme into every speech or entertainment portion.

10. Not hiring entertainment.  Entertainment fits into a corporate event in so many ways. It can be a way to begin an opening session, break up a day of meetings, or end the entire event with a bang. Corporate entertainment has the power to pump up attendees and make them receptive to your message. Speed Painter Tim Decker’s show is a perfect fit for any of these purposes. His high impact speed painting show can be tailored to any time frame and will be sure to get attendees pumped!

While there are no set rules to follow for a flawless corporate event, avoiding these fatal mistakes is a start!

Categories
Charity Venue Ideas

Charity Event Planning in St. Louis, Missouri: 15 Venue Ideas

charity_event_planning_st_louis_venue_ideasSt. Louis, Missouri is a city rich with history, which makes for some unique charity event locations. The venues in this city are a mix of old and new with historic buildings dating back to the 1800’s to super sleek structures with modern architecture. St. Louis is truly an amazing city to hold a charity event in. Here are some venue ideas to get your charity event planning in St. Louis started.

1) Kemp Auto Museum– This location is the epitome of a modern space with it’s sleek black floors and large open floor plans. The museum displays an amazing collection of Mercedes Benz and other one of kind cars. Room for up to 1500 for a cocktail setting and 800 for a seated event.

2) Anheuser-Busch Tour Center– In addition to having space for 500 guests, the center has 150 years worth of memorabilia on display. Tours of the Clydesdale stables and historic brewhouse can make for a unique pre program activity.

3) The Pageant– This is typically a live music venue, which makes it the absolute perfect place to host your charity event if you want to put a focus on the fabulous live entertainment you booked! Seated dinners can be set up for 350 people and for cocktail parties there is room for up to 1200.

4) Contemporary Art Museum– Multiple options are offered including a room lined with floor to ceiling windows, an outdoor terrace, and a contemporary lobby space perfect for cocktail receptions. As a bonus, the galleries remain open during private events and guests are encouraged to view the exhibits.

St. Louis Art Museum - St. Louis Charity Event Venue Ideas
St. Louis Art Museum

5) St. Louis Art Museum– One more option for those looking for an artsy setting. This museum has an auditorium and a number of options for smaller events. For those looking for more space, check out Scripture Hall which features beautiful roman architecture.

6) The Sophia M. Sachs Butterfly House– If you are looking for a gorgeous outdoor St. Louis venue, this is the place to go. Your event will take place on a lakeside terrace with the beautiful glass Butterfly Conservatory as a backdrop. The conservatory will remain open for guests to visit the 1500 tropical butterflies.

7) 360 Rooftop– Another breathtaking outdoor venue located 400 feet above downtown St. Louis. From this location you can take in all the sights the city has to offer including Busch Stadium, the Gateway Arch and the Mississippi River.

8) Busch Stadium– Home of the St. Louis Cardinals! The stadium offers 16 event spaces with various capacities and you can even hold your charity event right down on the field. Package options include player or mascot appearances, as well as batting and pitching experiences.

9) City Museum– What makes this St. Louis venue special is the fact that it is decorated with salvaged architectural pieces. There are 5 rooms to choose from and general admission to the museum is included for guests during your event.

Fabulous Fox Theatre - St. Louis Charity Event Venue Ideas
Fabulous Fox Theatre

10) The Fabulous Fox Theater – This venue is perfect for any classy, upscale affair! While there are several rental options, the Promenade room is especially breathtaking.  The room is flanked by massive columns, art glass wall coverings, Indian balconies and Persian arches. You can even set up on the stage of the theater itself, with room for 370 people.

11) Missouri Botanical Gardens– While the garden offers several options for very small events, the Japanese Garden can accommodate up to 250 guests. The Garden overlooks a 4.5 acre lake making for a truly beautiful setting. Another amazing feature is that when you rent the Japanese Garden you are guaranteed an indoor site should there be bad weather.

12) St. Louis Science Center– One of the top 5 science centers in the country! With four room options to choose from, two of it’s most unique options include the main building where guests can mingle among more than 700 hands on exhibits or the James S. Mcdonnell Planetarium where you can throw a truly magical affair under 9000 twinkling stars.

13) St. Louis Zoo – Lakeside Cafe is just one of the spaces within the zoo to hold your charity event. It’s a covered pavilion right on a lake inhabited by waterfowl and turtles.  You can even add on packages for behind the scenes tours and visits from zoo speakers.

14) The Grand Hall– This historic building opened in 1894 and is located at Union Station. Standing 65 feet at its highest point, it was recently renovated and restored to its former glory. Details include stained glass windows, amazing archways, and gold leaf detailing. Room for 300 people at a seated dinner.

15) Hard Rock Cafe– Also located in Union Station, the Hard Rock St. Louis is set inside a former train shed. This venue is covered in a collection of rock & roll memorabilia making for an event fit for a rock star!

Hopefully the above St. Louis charity event venue ideas will help when planning your next event. The better the venue and setting, the more fun your guests will have and the more likely they will be to return next year. Even better yet, may gain interest in the cause and support you throughout the year. Here’s to a great event. Happy planning!

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Charity Event Ideas Charity Events Event Planning

Charity Events: 10 Mistakes to Avoid when planning a Charity Event

mistakes to avoid when planning a charity eventWhile there are many do and don’ts when it comes to charity event planning, there are many mistakes that can be avoided simply by planning ahead of time. Raise as much money as you can for your cause and avoid making your event a bust by reviewing this list of commonly made mistakes at charity events.

Mistake #1: Not using a professional auctioneer

 
This is the worst mistake you can make when planning a live auction at a charity event.

Using a staff member or any other non professional to auctioneer can cost you a lot of money. Many charity event planners do not want to spend the funds to hire an auctioneer but it will not be wasted money.

A professional will easily earn their fee back and increase profits from previous years. This is what they do for a living and know how to get every penny out of the room. Many auctioneers will also bring their own bid spotters which is a must! If the auctioneer does not provide them, be sure to have people on hand to spot. You don’t want to miss out funds because the auctioneer never saw the bid.

Mistake #2: No transition plan
 
The transition between cocktail hour and the actual charity event program can often be sloppy and throw off the timeline. One simple tip can help solve that problem… Close down the cocktail bar as soon as the doors to the event open.

When people can no longer get their drinks from this area, they will naturally make their way inside. Open a bar inside when you want them to make the transition or better yet, switch to table service from the servers. This will keep everyone seated and keep a great flow to the evening.

Charity event timelines are oftentimes thrown off by as much as an hour because of people continuing to drink in the cocktail area. Account for this early on in the charity event planning process.

Mistake #3: Choosing oversized centerpieces

 
A lot of attention is given to making the room feel magical. While this is indeed a very important aspect to setting the mood of the charity event, it’s possible to get carried away in some aspects.

Large centerpieces may look beautiful, but are often impractical in this setting as they just end up blocking the view of over half the people in the room.

Obscuring the view of the stage will make people feel disconnected resulting in chatter at the wrong times and lower bidding when it comes time to raise money.

Mistake #4: Ineffective room layout

 
Try to lay out the room so that all tables are in front of the stage. Having tables directly to the left or right makes for a terrible view for those guests.

Another aspect to consider while charity event planning is table distance from the stage. Try not to have a huge gap between the attendees and the stage, as this is yet another thing that can cause a disconnect. The further away people are, the more they feel they aren’t apart of what’s happening onstage.

Spacing between tables is also important. Make sure there is enough space for servers and guests to move comfortably.

Mistake #5: Not hiring charity event entertainment

 
Obviously, the point of a charity event is to raise money for a great cause, but what better way to show your appreciation to donors than with amazing entertainment? Great charity event entertainment puts donors in a good mood and happy people are generous people.

Hiring charity entertainment doesn’t have to be just a loss to your budget.  Charity event entertainer Tim Decker can provide your audience with a fast paced, high energy speed painting performance right before your live auction begins. He will get the crowd pumped to bid and the pieces he created before their very eyes can be auctioned to raise funds for your cause!

Mistake #6: Unprofessional sound system

 
So, you hired a professional auctioneer and planned for some touching testimonies about your cause? It’s all for naught if you’re not using a professional sound system. The last thing you want is people talking over the program because they can’t hear a word of it.

This mistake can also stunt you financially. If people cannot hear and are chatting, do you really think they will be bidding during the live auction? Many auctions have been ruined due to a faulty sound system, as people strain to hear auction item descriptions and just give up. This is definitely one of the more overlooked aspects of charity event planning.

Mistake #7: Too many auction items

 
Having too many items takes away the unique excitement of bidding. Having just the right amount of high impact items will drive higher competition among bidders, drawing in greater amounts of money.

If the list of auction items is too long, people can also become bored with bidding causing those items to go for way under value and people may even leave early.

Still need ideas for the live auction items? Live Auction Ideas for your Next Charity Event

Mistake #8: Skipping the fund a need
 
Why skip out on an opportunity to raise funds without having to spend a dime? This will give charity event guests an opportunity to donate to your cause even if an auction item hasn’t caught their eye.

It can also allow guests who cannot afford to bid on an expensive trip or experience to still contribute. It all adds up!

Mistake #9: Boring guests with too many speeches

 
If you put donors to sleep with hours of speeches, how will they bid later on in the night? Or even worse, will they return next year? Beware of putting your donors to sleep with long speeches and an excess of auction items! 😴Click to Tweet
Short, high impact videos are great, as are first person testimonials about your cause. All other speeches should be very limited so you do not kill the pace of the evening. Make sure anyone who plans to speak that night knows their time limit.

Mistake #10: Saving the auction until the very end of the night
 
Waiting to hold the auction until the very end can definitely cost your charity event much needed funds. By that point in the evening people will be less energetic and winding down, resulting in a lackluster live auction.

You also run the risk that people will leave once they have had their share of food and drinks. Holding your live auction to a half empty room would be tragic.

Need some tips for the live auction? Charity Event Planning: How to Run a Live Auction

In Conclusion…

 
With so many aspects to consider while charity event planning, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. Following these tips can help make your life a little easier and help you avoid the mistakes that have been made at countless events.

Happy planning!

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Event Planning Trade Show Ideas

Trade Show Entertainment: How to Increase Trade Show Booth Traffic

How to increase trade show booth traffic with entertainmentYou’ve spent money on your trade show booth and promotional materials, so you are all set, right? Wrong!

 
How will your booth stand out from hundreds of others? What will draw the eyes of the passersby to your space instead of your neighbors?

The most common questioned asked when taking part in a trade show is “How do I increase traffic to my trade show booth?” The answer is trade show entertainment. Many are skeptical when it comes to investing in entertainment, but here are just a few things trade show entertainment can do for you.

Drive traffic to your trade show booth with entertainment.

 
While the booth next to you is handing out tote bags, you can have hundreds of people trying to get into your booth by choosing the right trade show entertainment. Hiring someone to do multiple shows throughout the day will guarantee a steady and increased flow of traffic. The entertainment will draw them in, allowing you to familiarize more people than ever with your brand and message.

Generate more leads with engaging trade show entertainment.

 
You can get more bang for your buck using an act like Speed Painter Tim Decker. Not only will his unique speed painting shows catch the eye of everyone in attendance, but you can raffle the finished paintings to generate leads. This method will get you a steady stream of traffic, as well as the business cards or badge information of attendees for future follow up.

Use trade show entertainment to build a relationship with potential prospects.

 
Entertaining potential prospects is a great way to build a relationship before you have even had a chance to speak. Providing them with a unique and fun experience amidst a long day at a trade show will automatically build a positive rapport. Breaking the ice via entertainment makes prospects more susceptible to your message and brand and also makes them more likely to set foot inside your trade show booth. This is absolutely the best way to connect with your future customers.

Be the talk of the trade show.

 
When you have amazing trade show entertainment at your booth word will get around! People will be lining up to see the next show resulting in untold branding opportunities for your company. By being different than the next booth you will be remembered and talked about.

When presenting at a trade show, never underestimate the power of hiring trade show entertainment.

 
It is one investment that will pay off in many ways. Don’t miss out on the chance to impress your booth visitors with your ingenuity and have them be excited to see what your company has to offer.

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Corporate Event Ideas

Corporate Awards Dinner Ideas: 3 Tips to a Successful Event

Corporate awards dinner ideasThere are a lot of things to consider when planning a corporate awards dinner.

 
From deciding the menu to the lighting to the decor, you may begin to feel overwhelmed. All these aspects are indeed important in pulling off a polished event, however, there are certain areas of the evening that should be given some extra thought.

The following three corporate awards dinner ideas will give you something to think about to ensure your event is a success. More importantly, they help keep your employees motivated and productive throughout the year.

Awards

 
Deciding how to reward the recipients at a corporate awards ceremony can be tricky. Do you want to stick with a plaque or trophy or should you mix in tangible rewards like trips, money, or electronics?

Other alternatives that show recognition, but don’t cost the company extra money include prime parking spots or an office with a view.  The key is to find a good balance. Plaques are nice, but people feel more appreciated and excited about physical gifts. Who wants to work hard year after year only to have a dusty plaque collection to show for it?

Also, be sure to use the corporate awards dinner to recognize the truly amazing accomplishments. Create the award categories at the start of the year along with specific milestones needed to reach the achievement. This way the awards are not left up to interpretation or favoritism and people know exactly what needs to be done to receive it.

Remember, this isn’t little league, every single person doesn’t need or deserve a trophy. Over awarding doesn’t make anyone feel special, so why would anyone work as hard next year?

Program Length

 
Don’t let the night get away from you. Limit speech lengths of award recipients and guest speakers. Let them know ahead of the corporate awards ceremony how much time you have allotted for them.

Try having one person act as a designated emcee for the night. This will keep the program moving at a good pace. Hiring a professional emcee is an option that allows the event to flow seamlessly, while allowing top executives to enjoy the program as well.

The corporate awards dinner is a time to recognize people for their accomplishments and allow them to eat, drink, and have a good time. Listening to ten half hour speeches is not a good time.

Entertainment

 
This is the most important part of any corporate awards ceremony, so book an amazing act early on. Having fun corporate entertainment can help break up the night, build excitement, and show appreciation.

In a night full of speeches, entertainment is not something you should skip or skimp on. It can take your corporate awards dinner from run of the mill to extraordinary! Hire the right entertainment and you will look like a hero as people talk about the event long after it’s come and gone.

Choosing a high impact corporate entertainer like Speed Painter Tim Decker is a perfect way to combine entertainment and awarding. His fast paced speed painting show gets the audience pumped and the finished pieces are given as prizes throughout the show.

Remember, this night is all about acknowledging the hard work of those in attendance.

 
By following these few corporate awards dinner ideas, you will be well on your way to a successful event.

Make sure the evening is inspiring, upbeat, and has a good flow. Don’t bore guests with too much information on this night, save it for the meetings.

Your goal is to have people leave feeling good about their accomplishments and excited to be even greater next year!

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Corporate Event Ideas

Corporate Event Entertainment: Things to consider when booking an act

Corporate Event Entertainment: Things to Consider when booking an actFinding the right corporate entertainment for your next event can be overwhelming. There are so many choices, so how do you make the right one? Consider the following things when trying to find the perfect act for your next corporate event.

Choose something unique and fresh

Companies tend to book similar corporate entertainment acts year after year. This does nothing to inspire those in attendance and definitely doesn’t give them anything to look forward to the following year.

Consider your demographic

Know your audience and choose corporate event entertainment accordingly. For example, Justin Bieber isn’t appropriate for middle aged executives. Remember, corporate entertainment isn’t always a one size fits all.

Create a reasonable budget

Don’t create a budget out of thin air. Inquire with corporate entertainers to get a realistic idea of what you need to spend. Entertainment is not an area where you should cut costs if you want to book a fun and inspiring act.

Choose something interactive

The act should be engaging in order to motivate those in attendance. If the act is one where the audience doesn’t feel a connection, then what was the point?

Don’t wait until the last minute

If you want exceptional entertainment you need to book it as soon as possible. If you think the act is amazing, so does somebody else. The best acts’ schedule fill up fast so don’t wait! You do not want to get stuck with subpar corporate entertainment because you put it off.

Don’t ignore setup requirements

Corporate entertainers provide you with their setup requirements for a reason. Make sure you are able to meet those requirements to get the full impact of the show.

Room setup is key

Be sure every seat has a good view of the stage. The last thing you want is to book a stellar act, only to overlook room layout. Try not to have attendees be too far from the stage. For instance, when the guests are separated by something like a large dance floor it creates a sense of detachment which is no fun for the entertainer or those watching.

Don’t force a long show

Many people think they need 60-90 minutes of corporate event entertainment. In reality all you need is a solid 30-45 minutes of strong entertainment. By forcing a longer show, the entertainer is just going to add filler most likely lowering the quality of the show. You want to leave them wanting more, not checking their watches waiting for it to end. There is a time and place for a 90 minute act. Corporate events are usually not one of them.

Great entertainment has the power to make or break a corporate event. Give it the consideration it deserves and choose wisely!

 
 

Categories
Corporate Event Ideas

Corporate Event Tips: 5 Easy Steps to a Successful Corporate Event

Corporate Event Tips: Steps to a Successful Corporate EventPlanning a corporate event that is informative yet is enjoyable for those in attendance can be a daunting task.

Not until the actual planning and execution does one realize there are many moving parts to consider. While there are countless steps from start to finish, these 5 tips will put any event on the right track.

Planning

Creating a detailed plan, establishing a reasonable timeline, and setting goals are the first steps in throwing a successful corporate event. Writing out a plan will keep everyone on the same page and help catch aspects that may otherwise be overlooked.

Budgeting

This is probably the first issue people consider in regards to corporate event planning.  In order to properly allocate funds, you must first have a realistic understanding of the costs of each feature of the event. Randomly assigning a budget without the proper knowledge or research can cause deficits in one area and overages in others. Making a list that includes all your expenses, such as corporate entertainment, decor, venue, food, etc. and getting quotes is key to setting proper budgets for each category.

Venue

Choosing the right venue sets the tone for your entire event. Be sure to visit the venue in person. Pictures can be deceiving and it is hard to envision scale and overall atmosphere from photographs. Perhaps the biggest factor in choosing a venue is finding one that is big enough to seat attendees comfortably during meetings, breakout sessions, dining and so on. Cramming too many people into a small space is a sure fire way to make people uncomfortable and cranky. On the flip side, choosing a venue that is oversized can create feelings of detachment leading to attendees becoming uninterested.

Program

The whole reason for the event. Whatever message you are trying to portray, be sure not to overload guests by planning overly long sessions. Those in attendance will become bored and start to lose focus, defeating the purpose of all your planning. Appropriately breaking up meetings with breaks and activities that allow people to get out of their seats will keep people sharp and attentive.

Entertainment

This is something many people planning corporate events do not even consider. This often overlooked portion of the event has the power to re-energize the crowd by breaking up a long day of meetings or send attendees off excited about your company and what they have learned by placing it at the end of the event. Booking exciting and unique corporate event entertainment is the difference between creating a one of a kind experience or a forgettable one.

If you follow these simple tips, you should be on your way to throwing a successful corporate event.

 

Categories
Corporate Entertainment

Corporate Event Entertainment: An inside look at the life of a touring Corporate Entertainer

Corporate Event Planning: Corporate event ideas for entertainment

 

My alarm sounds and the time is 3 am.

 
As a corporate entertainer, this is not an uncommon morning as most of my flights are early… around 6 am or so. The early bird gets the worm and in this case gets to the job on time.

An early flight allows leeway for any delays that may occur. It also allows for an early arrival to the city I will be performing in that night. This will ensure we have plenty of time for sound check and setup, both being essential parts to a good show.

I fly about 200 days out of the year so the miles really add up and so does the status.

 
Achieving top level status with an airline really does have its perks. I can use the “fly by lane” for fast and easy access through airport security. It’s a running joke that I should change my address to the airport and start getting my mail when I arrive. I feel at times I live at the airport more than my home, but it’s just a part of the business of being a corporate entertainer. Long travel days, lots of waiting around, conference calls, and planning.

After events are booked, thorough planning goes into the show and making sure equipment is shipped in time to arrive to the venue when it is needed. This job is much more involved than just showing up at a venue and giving your best performance. Most people only see the end result, the show. They don’t see the rehearsals, the airports, the hotels, the packing… you get the idea.

The truth is, this life is not for everyone, but I can honestly say it is for me.

 
I would not trade it for anything. After all, I get to do what I love, go on stage and make people smile, make people happy.

I don’t get nervous about performing, I get excited. The excitement that out of all the acts in the world, I was selected to entertain top executives, celebrities, raise money for charity, and so on. Whatever type of event it is, I was the one that stood out. In a tough and grueling business, I made the cut. I put everything I have into my work to make a company gain confidence that I am the right choice to entertain their guests.

In turn, I am grateful for each and every company that hires me for a performance. I am grateful to each committee that is presented 10 corporate entertainment ideas and narrows those down to me. The last corporate entertainer standing.

This business is tough, definitely not for the faint of heart.

 
It’s also not for someone who has a tough time being in front of people. It takes time to be good, it takes more time to be really good, and it takes a lot of time to be great. Comfort on stage does not happen overnight. It takes work, it takes hard work. I can say I definitely put in the time.

The payoff, I get to share my passion with the world. I leave everything I have on the stage during each corporate performance. The people watching deserve my best and that is what I am going to give them.

After a great performance, all the equipment has to be packed up and shipped along to the next show. Up at 3 am and usually in bed by 11 pm.

The most common thing I am asked is, “do you like this city.” The truthful answer is, “I don’t know.” I can tell you if I like your airport but not your city. I typically don’t get to see the places I perform. Often times, I am in most places under 24 hours. Most often, not even enough time to step outside the hotel.

Despite all the hard work, I don’t think there is anything I would change. I live my dream, I live my passion and no one can take that from me.

Gotta go, my alarm just went off. It’s 3 am and I have to get to the airport.
 

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