dthomas13's Journal

How to Find an Entertainer Online

Last year your “special event” was a huge success, the entertainment was great, now you have to raise the bar and find something new and exciting. Where do you go?

Expand into the world of entertainment online.

It was not too long ago that finding entertainment was quiet a daunting task. You really had to work with agents and talent buyers to find talent that would work for you and your corporate event. But now the “world of entertainment” is at your fingertips. With the major search engines on the net you are able to find just about any act you are looking for.

1 – Begin the search - To find prospective talent type in keywords like ”Corporate Entertainment” or “Event Entertainment.” If you have specific styles you are looking for then you can fine tune the search to key phrases like Cirque Style Entertainment, Stomp Style Entertainment, ect.

2 – The first contact - When you find a company or act that perks your interest, contact them and give them the date, the type of venue, the makeup of the guests, and the location of the corporate event. Also be able and willing to give them “budget parameters”. There is no reason to waste their time and yours if the date is not available, the venue is not conducive to their type of act, or if the act plus rider costs will not be feasible on your budget. Ask for a general range of costs. If you feel that you are still interested in their services ask for a proposal for the show costs plus their rider requirements. It is not uncommon for you to ask them to give you “historical costs” for that rider. Be aware that if you are working with “national talent”, ravel and production costs can be considerable and must be factored in as not be budget busters.

3 – Vet the talent - Always ask for references and follow up. Any successful act that works in the corporate arena will have many former “happy clients” and the talent will be glad to share them with you. This is a great time to “pick the brains” and learn from the past experiences of people just like you. Ask them what is the best way to showcase the talent?

Now ask the act:

Do they have liability insurance?
Do they provide workers comp for their cast?
Will they help arrange flights?
Will they work with you on the details to make the show successful?

4 - Book the Show - If you feel comfortable with the talent ask them to hold the date and send a contract for their services. Pay attention to the professionalism during this process. Do they give you what you need on a timely basis? Do they seem know what they are talking about? Are they personable and helpful? All these things give you incite on how the talent will be the day of show. A great act is a “pro” on and off stage!