If you are running an event that requires entertainment, the right choice can be crucial to your events success. Along with the catering, this is make or break time.

Bored guests won’t be coming back for round two next year!

But how do you pick the perfect entertainment for your event? Should you book a band? A magician? An inspirational speaker?

Before you lay down a deposit on that contortionist, you need to consider these 5 things:

1. YOUR AUDIENCE

Duh (!) right? But don’t skim over this. You need to really consider what your audience wants, expects and needs (even if they didn’t know it!).

Get into their shoes. Is this is a gala dinner where people want to be dazzled in the early stages of the evening with something fun like a professional dance show and then hit the dance floor themselves later to see out the rest of the night on a high?

Is this a fundraising event where people want to feel connected to your cause by hearing the years achievements from the CEO and then listen to those who have directly benefited from the organisation’s support?

Is this a business breakfast where attendees are informed on business building topics but could also benefit from a speaker who has faced personal adversity and has come out the other side with an inspiring message to share?

Think about your audiences expectations for the event and brainstorm entertainment that you think they would like.

2. RESTRICTIONS

Depending on what you are doing, you may find there are some restrictions that you have to consider.

Things to think about include:

•   Size
•   Location
•   Amenities
•   Noise restrictions (you don’t want to wind up with a nasty fine!)
•   Viewing restrictions

Once you have a firm handle on these, you will be able to assess what is most suitable for your event.

3. REPUTATION

Have you seen your entertainment perform? If not in person, perhaps on video or high quality audio? Don’t go in without knowing what you are in for.

Alongside videos, testimonials from previous customers are also great. Check out their reviews and references including ones on review websites and Facebook.

Take the time to put their name into google and see what comes up. Personal recommendations from a trusted source are always fabulous too.

4. BUDGET

Yeah you know I’m obsessed with the budget, but you know it’s for good reason!

Unexpected costs can be painful so make sure you know what they are upfront. Some additional costs can be:

-   Travel charges or transport to and from the venue
-   Meals and drinks
-   Complimentary tickets for them to attend the event
-   Thank you gifts and cards
-   Green room hire

Make sure you know exactly what you are up for, before booking anyone in.

5. YOUR CONTRACT

Will you both be signing a booking agreement that outlines all the terms, conditions and expectations? Don’t leave anything to chance.

If no formal agreement is made for any reason, it is always a good idea to draw up an outline or overview with all the details including payment, their expectations of you and what they will be providing on the day.

Get them to sign it or agree to all the details in writing.

All of these things will ensure that you are prepped and primed to have a brilliant event, with entertainment that wows the crowd - without breaking your budget or your brain!

Have fun and happy planning!