Entertainment ConsiderationsProfessional vs. hobbyists
Do you know the different between experienced professional entertainment and hobbyists?
Not knowing the difference may be the difference between creating a highly successful event or an event disaster. Why Professional Entertainment?
Many individuals have made grave errors and false assumptions in their quest to provide entertainment for their special event. We hope the following information will help to expel some myths about entertainment and assist those who are truly seeking to have an above average and highly successful event. All Entertainment is the same
The greatest error that nearly half of individuals seeking entertainment make is that "All entertainment is the same."
Once that assumption becomes a belief that all entertainment is the same then obtaining cheap, inexperienced and nonprofessional entertainment becomes the order of the day. Typically the next justifiable step once that mind set is established is for these individuals to shop for the price of entertainment rather than finding quality entertainment that is suitable for the event. The quest for how cheap the entertainment can be obtained for for these types of individuals becomes the priority for employing such entertainment. For many the quest for cheapness becomes such an obsession that it undermines the success and the integrity of the overall event itself.
However those who are invited to these cheap, nonprofessional entertainment events know the difference and remark rather consistently about how terrible the music or entertainment was to friends as well as to other entertainment providers. 
Those who understand that employing professionals becomes a matter of event life or death understand the true value, quality and experience only professionals possess.
If individuals would employ and approach entertainment for their event like they would employ a heart surgeon to perform life or death surgery on themselves they would never allow cheap, inexperience or hobbyists to become part of their vocabulary or much less the event equation.
Dedication, determination and delivery that most professionals possess most hobbyists are mediocre at producing at best. Some hobbyists maybe good, but the difference between good mediocre and average mediocre is not much at best. Entertainment Myths
That all entertainment is the same. If that is so why is it that the most experienced, talented and professional entertainers sell the most recordings, pack the most venues and dance floors where ever they go? Why is it that the higher quality entertainment cost more than cheap entertainment. It is because all entertainment is not the same and generally speaking entertainment like any other commodity is you get what you pay for!
That I can get by with cheap entertainment. Is a special event an occasion where getting by is every a consideration or option? If getting by is the answer then perhaps not having the event is a better consideration or solution to the problem.
One may think or fool themselves into believing that getting by with cheap entertainment is a great option but by the phone calls I have received over the years guests who are invited don't think so. Guests who are invited to special events that serve cheap entertainment generally don't say anything except to simply say their good byes early. Cheap entertainment is like cheap wine it may appear to have a lot of sizzle, but just one taste will expose the true content of the bottle. Entertainment a key role in the success of any event
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.
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 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 part of the party not the wait staff. At most events were 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 will guarantee that the party will never get off the ground, but will be a very sedated or boring affair.
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. Studies on important aspects of events
Over the years and recently some studies were taken and here is the results of those who responded and what they had to say was the most important aspects of an event that had the most impact on the event itself. Weddings Corporate Events
Entertainment (50%) (80%)
Food (25%) (10%)
Location (14%) (5%)
Flowers/decorations (5%) (5%)
Other (6%)
These studies are surprising to some but are interesting to show what really has the greatest impact on on an event and those attending. Think about what is budgeted for each aspect or type of service for your event and what rate of return (overall success) do you expect from your event investment dollars? Putting the emphasis (budget) on the area or areas of greatest impact or "bang for your buck" will yield the greatest results.
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