It’s time to start booking your event’s entertainment for 2022 now! We all know from experience that a great entertainer helps guests have more fun while engaging and peaking their interest in your company. This generates an exciting buzz around your event, leaving your attendees with an unforgettable impression of your company and brand. Whether your event is in-person, virtual, or hybrid, carefully selecting entertainment is crucial. If done right, it can take your event to the next level. With a few key tips, you’re one step closer to bringing your dream event to life! Read on to see what you need to know before booking your upcoming event’s entertainment.

• Book Now

As soon as you set your event date, make a down-payment and book your entertainment right away! Why the rush, you ask? To be frank: COVID-19. Due to so many events being cancelled or postponed during the past 2 years, there is now an increase in bookings within a shorter amount of time. This means a growing shortage of available dates, especially on weekends. Entertainers and booking agents want to deliver as much as possible, but don’t expect to be able to book anyone last minute. The reality is, there is a high demand for top-tier entertainers, but there is certainly not enough of them to always meet that demand. So if you don't book early, you are left to choose from less popular performers. That doesn’t necessarily mean that the show will be subpar, but if you have your heart set on someone in particular, it’s really important that you confirm your entertainment long before your event takes place. 

• Hire the Best Entertainer for Your Event

Booking the right entertainer for your event all depends on what sort of gathering you’re hosting. Is this your special day? Your personal event? You have the choice of choosing your favorite performers! However, if the event is for your company or marketing/fundraising means, we suggest selecting your entertainment based on the demographics of your audience, not your own personal preferences. Being as objective as possible when brainstorming the right talent is more helpful when collaborating with a team. Ask your team members or attendees for their opinions or preferences when researching possible entertainment options. Make sure to do a fair bit of research beforehand to see if the entertainer is appropriate for your audience and what they will require of you and your company to provide. Read their reviews and ask for videos from prior events. You don’t want any surprises! If your event is being held virtually or in a hybrid model, look for entertainers that have had experience in this. Many performers also shifted their shows to accommodate the digital world, so ask questions and see what they have to offer your virtual guests. Top talent may cost slightly more, but it is worth it for what you get in talent, professionalism, and stage presence.  This being said, budgets are set for a reason. You can find the right entertainment for your audience, at any budget, with enough planning and research.

• Be Prepared 

Since availability is what is most crucial in this day and age, we recommend starting out with a few of your top choices to first see if they can work with your schedule. Be realistic about logistics, and always have a contingency plan. If we’ve learned anything these past 2 years, we know that unforeseen circumstances can always arise. Try to follow your plan A, but be prepared for a possible last minute cancellation due to sickness or travel delays. We suggest including a few buffer days for such occasions, and to ask the talent to provide proof of vaccination or negative Covid test within 48 hours of arrival. Make sure you are protected with adequate insurance. Know what fees you are going to be responsible for, whether your performer is allowed to break contract if they get a better offer, and who owns the rights to your event’s media. Be sure to include any special requests in the contract. For example, would you like to increase your fundraising with a meet & greet for distinguished guests or donors? Write out every detail in the contract so you and the performer are on the exact same page of what’s expected.

• Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for Help

While the process of booking entertainment can feel a bit intimidating, it doesn’t have to be scary. However, it’s best to understand that it does take a lot of work and attention to detail. Between choosing the artist, securing a date, writing a contract, organizing sound and lighting equipment, booking hotel rooms and transportation, researching sound ordinances and curfews, and assembling a crew, the entertainment of your event is no small task. If you are not familiar with coordinating rehearsals, setting up sound checks, or writing out entertainer contracts, hire someone who knows what to do and has the experience required to make your event a success. 

Let the experts at Wizard Studios make it happen for you. Our detail-oriented team is the best in the business of production and entertainment. We can take the pressure off your hands and handle all of your event’s entertainment affairs. Allow us to bring your dream event to life!