subject: How To Successfully Plan Corporate Entertainment [print this page] Is your corporation about to introduce a new product or confer awards on products or people? Is it time to reward your top producers or are you seeking to boost morale in this bumpy economy? Do you want to sweep new clients off their feet or show appreciation to faithful customers? If the answer to any of these questions is yes, then you can achieve all of your goals by providing the right corporate entertainment.
If your corporation has an event planning department, they will handle the details. If not, a planner or coordinator must be hired or designated. Make sure that all committees and designees are all clear about the goal of the event and their function in it. Whether it is an annual affair or something new, the date, time, and venue must be decided before any other plans can be made. Next, decide on the scope of the entertainment. Will it be the main attraction or designed to celebrate the main attraction?
Next, planners must create a budget for entertainment. Specific questions must be answered. Is the event for employees, clients, or both? Will families be included? Will the event include everyone or is it by invitation only? Will the event generate funds or deplete funds? Will food be included in the entertainment or planned as a separate element? How many people will attend? Will people need to travel to attend? Will overnight accommodations be needed? Who will make these arrangements and who will pay for them? The answers to these questions will help determine the budget for the event.
Once the time, place, and budget are decided, the professional entertainment must be chosen and booked. Often planners have a log of successful entertainment they have booked in the past and work well with but sometimes they must start from scratch. You can begin by making a list of appropriate types of entertainment for the event. For instance, if families are attending, magic shows, musicals, and acrobatic or animal shows are good choices for everyone. Comedians may not be a good choice for families but would delight adult audiences. Remember, the more exciting the show, the more anticipation will build.
The internet is a great resource when looking for entertainment. Many entertainers, shows, or event planners feature photographs and videos of the entertainment they offer. Most offer brochures, price lists, and availability and some offer help in planning the actual event. The most reliable sites will also show previous client's reviews or endorsements.
Probably the best company to deal with is the one that offers many different types or packages. Many companies have different levels or tiers available so that they can easily tailor your package to your budget, goals, and audience. Working with this type of company can make your job much easier and the experience a guaranteed success.
Unless you are a professional event planner, there is no reason to do it all yourself. Even professionals hire production companies and shows by the package. Remember that a show entails much more than just the performers; sound technicians, scenery, props, and stage managers, lighting experts, make-up artists, costumers, roadies, and business managers are just a few of the people it takes to put on a show. Expensive equipment must be insured, and union labor must often be used. Presenting a show for a corporation is not a time to do it yourself.
Creating exciting corporate entertainment is a full time professional job. An engaging, memorable show can increase your profits by increasing your company's reputation, creating good will and loyalty, boosting morale and trust, and making people happy. Finding the right partner for this endeavor is as close as your keyboard. Be prepared to be delighted and successful!
