Creativity for events entertainment is becoming an essential necessity to the outcome of any event. Clients are looking for that talking point of naija gist the night and are requesting for something “different”. Event Managers are being stretched when it comes to creating imaginative entertainment ideas to find something brand new for their client.
Here are a list of some tips and ideas as to how you can bring something new to the table when it comes to live events entertainment and performances:
1. Know your clients and guests requirements. What are they looking to gain or achieve from the event? The better understanding you have of the brief the easier for the performer to recommend and provide the right performance for the event.
2. Use specialists within the entertainment industry like an entertainment company or a choreographer. If your event is heavily live event entertainment based you might want an entertainment specialist to help you pitch. They will know the act inside and out, so will be able to answer any questions from your client, which will help you win the pitch.
3. Build a relationship with the entertainment company. The events industry constantly use the word “supplier”, which I think is very cold. I see it as a partnership. The entertainment company should be the first people you go to for entertainment advice when you receive an enquiry. Ask them to brainstorm with you or to help you with entertainment solutions and ideas. It saves you time and will provide you with a great outcome. Keep them on speed dial!
4. If you can’t find the right events entertainment, produce it! There are so many creative’s within the events industry who will be able to produce a brand new act or performance. If your client wants something new or different, this is your answer. You will make your client very happy by saying you can 100% guarantee that none of your clients would have seen the entertainment you will be able to provide.
5. Always speak to your production team and make sure they are in contact with the live events entertainment you are providing. So many times you turn up on the day of the event and the lighting is of poor quality or the PA system is at the other end of the room so you can’t hear the music during the performance. Communication is key between the entertainment company and the production company. A 10-minute phone call can dissolve many potential problems you would find on the day. Lighting, sound and production must compliment the entertainment to ensure a high quality performance and to get your moneys worth.
6. Make sure you are thorough when reading the entertainment’s requirements. If you’re hiring a performer with detailed technical specifications such as aerial artists make sure the production team has it at the earliest convenience. You don’t want to book a fantastic aerial performer, but realise you can’t put rigging up due to health and safety.
7. Don’t let the act perform for longer than is needed. I think the most important rule when providing entertainment is leave the guests wanting more. Make an impact! This sounds like a simple rule, but this happens more often then not. This goes back to knowing what the intention and brief of the event.
8. Listen to the performer and entertainment company they will know what will work best for your event when it comes to performances and timings. They want to provide the very best entertainment and performance to ensure your event is perfect. Listen to their advice!
