Entertainment the biggest bang-for-the-buck!


Entertainment is the single most essential element at most special events in the creation of the special event experience. Why, because it is the Entertainment that  will create the active atmosphere for a social environment which will in turn will create the experience and memories for people because of the way they felt while at the event.

Thus the entertainment generally plays the key role in the overall success of any special event.   The entertainment is the one most prevalent element that gives the biggest "bang-for-the-buck" at most special events. Neglecting or not understanding the entertainment's impact on an event is like not understanding the power and energy release from the splitting of an atom. Many well meaning individuals plan for a great event then schedule and compromise away the effectiveness of the entertainment they have hired to make their event great.

What is your barometer reading for your event?


Entertainment is like a barometer for special events. The more professionally experienced entertainers posses a greater talent level which will directly translate as a higher temperature reading in the overall atmosphere of your event. Thus the effect will produce a highly successful event. Equally true is that of if the entertainment is composed of inexperienced part-timers or hobbyists the temperature reading may be so low that the event will end earlier than expected and no one  will stick around to see how long it will actually last. Chances are you won't either.

The entertainment is the key element to the party


The entertainment is part of the party not the wait staff. At most events where the entertainment is principle player in producing the active atmosphere and is expected to be the life of the party the entertainment becomes an intricate part of that party. What does this mean.  For events where interaction between the entertainment and their audience (guests) is a primary consideration such as at social affairs, parties, fund raisers and high energy engagements the entertainment is the key factor to getting and keeping the event on track. Their interaction, eye contact, enthusiasm and energy gets the party happening and produces an electrically charged affair. Affairs that require no personal contact between the entertainer and audience are events that are typically considered background, low key, sedated or boring affairs. If the entertainment is expected  to be an active part of the event and to carry the event separating and segregating the entertainer from their audience by logistically setting the band in a corner or in locations or under conditions where they are separated from their audience will guarantee that the party will never get off the ground, but will be a very sedated or boring affair at best. One should always consult with the entertainment as pertaining to any logistical or agenda questions or considerations that will depend on the entertainment to play a part in.

The logistical role the entertainment will play


Logistical location of band stand, considerations and event expectations of the entertainment should be gone over with the entertainment to get their professional opinion and guidance to assure the event results you are planning and expecting for your event as pertaining to the part the entertainment will play. Not getting the entertainment input could several demise or reduce the effectiveness of the entertainment to set the proper atmosphere and mood you have planned and expected for your event. I have seen many events that advice was given from a caterer on entertainment considerations. The vast majority of this advice given by many caterers is often bad entertainment advise as pertaining to entertainment logistics and considerations and is given primarily so as to convenience the catering staff and not to enhance the guests comfort and enjoyment nor to enhance the event expectations of the one hiring them. Always get entertainment advice from the entertainment itself. Also get catering advise on menu choices and food services from the caterer not from the entertainment. After all would you go to the entertainment to answer your questions or give kitchen or serving advice for your event as pertaining to catering logistics or responsibilities? I should hope not for you may have hamburgers and hot dogs served for your event. The same is true about entertainment always get entertainment questions, logistics, considerations and concerns pertaining to the role the entertainment will play from the entertainment.

Employing trained professionals vs. bargain hobbyists


In summary for most special events where the entertainment is actively involved in an event's atmosphere the overall success will almost solely depend upon the talent, experience and the level of  professionalism of the entertainment. Not understanding the crucial role that the entertainment plays for special events would compare to driving a vehicle with a defective gas gauge. You won't know whether or not you'll be stranded and run out of fuel well before you arrive safely at  your destination. Not  understanding or underestimating the crucial role true professional entertainers play for an event is to risk having your event  run of steam well before the end or worse having an event that never truly had a chance to get off the ground. Employing "bargain hobbyists" to do the work of  trained experienced professionals is a recipe for disaster. In the world of entertainment the old adage "You get what you pay for" real comes home to roost once the event begins. You will know right then and there whether you made the right choice base on bargain cost or based on the real value of professional experienced talent. Unfortunately some find out the hard way at the expense of their whole event.