• Select the Best Corporate Entertainer for Your Event
Selecting the right Entertainer for a corporate event is a time-consuming task, even for the most seasoned corporate meeting planner.
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With hundreds of categories and thousands of sizzling entertainers to choose from, meeting planners are looking to select an entertainer who
will deliver an energizing performance and create the positive mood and right message for your entire corporate audience. It's important to
match the right performer with the right audience. How is a meeting planner to know who is right for their group or event?
The answer is both knowledge and experience. Our Eagles Talent Consultants are among the most knowledgeable in the industry. We have thirty years of
in-depth, hands-on experience, working specifically for associations and corporate meeting planners. Eagles Talent Connection knows who the best
entertainers are, and who will dazzle your corporate audience and event. The Eagles Talent Connection staff always works arduously for you and your
company, wining you as a client continuously.
Explore the possibilities. Search our web site for entertainment ideas in any category. We can help you select and book headlining bands and comedians,
magicians, jugglers, celebrities and more. The fastest way to get what you want is to call us and discuss your requirements. There is never a charge for
consulting with one of our Eagles Talent Consultants. With Eagles Talent Connection on your side, you are assured of finding the right entertainer, and
igniting your next corporate event. After all, our mission is your success.
We invite you to call us today at 1-800-345-5607, or use our Eagles Talent Request Form.
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• Types of Entertainers
The perfect entertainment can greatly contribute to the success of a business meeting, conference, or convention.
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Entertainment can lift the spirit, spark camaraderie, and electrify a normally "strictly business" event. Eagles Talent Connection can assist
you in booking entertainment that specializes in corporate and association audiences.
Here are some types of events to consider when booking entertainers:
1. Star and Headliner Concerts
Staging an event with top recording artists, or "Las Vegas-type" headline acts will certainly impress both your clients and your own employees.
Eagles Talent Connection will help you produce a star event that is sure to become a lasting memory.
2. Full-Scale Theatrical/Industrial Extravaganzas
Eagles Talent Connection works closely with several excellent freelance corporate-show directors. Together, we will produce and stage a theatrical
extravaganza to highlight your product, service, or special event. We will design, build and install the set, write the script, score the music,
hire actors, singers and dancers, and deliver a self-contained, standing ovation production. Allow Eagles Talent Connection to submit a proposal
for your next Industrial Show.
3. Grand Opening & Closing Programs
A strong opening and a memorable closing will go a long way towards creating a successful event. Your opening should set the mood and tone for the
rest of your conference. Your closing should send your attendees off feeling energized to contribute to your organization. Specialized entertainment
is an excellent way to start and end your events. This can be accomplished a number of ways: high-energy music (both live and taped), marching bands,
lively dancers, acrobats, a magic spectacles, or, numerous other variety acts. Lightshows, pyrotechnics, and customized videos are also very effective.
For your closing, a good audience participation act will help to recap your conference's theme before sending them on their way.
4. After-Dinner Performances
A great after-dinner performance can turn a good meal into a great evening. There are numerous self-contained acts that always provide the right spark.
A few examples are: Musical groups, comedians, humorists, satirists, impressionists, improvisational troupes, Murder Mystery shows, mentalists,
hypnotists, and other specialty attractions that put the exclamation mark after dinner.
5. Award and Banquet Shows
To add some sizzle into your awards banquet, consider bringing in:
(a) a Professional Comedian to MC the event,
(b) Magicians, Jugglers, Ventriloquist, etc. in-between every few recipients
(c) Cheerleaders from the local professional sports team to take the awards to the recipients
(d) a Dance Band after the ceremony
There are many ideas that can turn a lengthy and tedious banquet into an unforgettable affair. Speak with an Eagles Talent Consultant for suggestions.
6. Dance Bands/Spectaculars
Dance bands come in all sounds and sizes, from a tight "four-piece rock ensemble" to large big bands. Some bands even come with professional costumed
dancers, high-tech lights, and pyrotechnics; some are even the very same bands hired for celebrity weddings. Our Eagles Talent Consultants know the best
dance bands for any corporate event. We guarantee the bands you book through us will provide the big splash for your audience.
7. Outdoor Activities (Corporate Picnics)
There are several excellent entertainment groups who have ideal programs for an outdoor event. Some of these are: an Olympic-type sporting events utilizing
fun games, a laugh-provoking Simon-Sez contest, an audience-participation hypnosis show, team-building games, treasure hunts, and much more.
8. Fun and Educational Programs
There are several extraordinary entertainers who incorporate an educational message in their programs. Give your audience a break from the content-laden
seminars by booking someone who can entertain and educate simultaneously.
9. Product Introductions
Introducing a product in an entertaining yet sophisticated way gives it a perfect platform to blast off. There are several fun ways to do this. Our Eagles
Talent Consultant can help you launch your new product into the stratosphere.
10. Trade-Show Demonstrations
The success of a trade-show exhibit is judged by both how many people visit your booth, and more importantly, how many people take with them valuable
information about your product and service. We can recommend impressive entertainers who specialize in trade-show demonstrations. These entertainers will
customize a presentation, highlighting your product and service. They know how to get a crowd, and, more importantly, how to get your message out while
being thoroughly entertaining.
Other ideas, to generate excitement at an exhibit booth is to hire a sports celebrity or soap star to meet and greet. Celebrity impersonators and
presidential look-alikes also are good crowd-pleasers. Based on your product and the kind of exhibit space you have, our Eagles Talent Consultants
will always recommend the appropriate attraction.
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• Sure-Fire Qualities Of An Entertainer
Selecting the right entertainer to set an upbeat, positive mood at your event is a crucial and difficult task.
Here are some traits that Eagles Talent Connection recommends you consider with us when booking a presenter.
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Before hiring entertainment, we must first examine "what will the entertainment be hired to do?"
a. Star and Headliner Concerts
b. Full Scale Theatrical/Industrial Extravaganza
c. Grand Opening or Closing Programs
d. Entertaining Before/After Each Session
e. After Lunch/Dinner Entertainment
f. Award and Banquet Show
g. Emcee
h. Play Background Dinner Music
i. Provide Dance Music
j. Provide Strolling Entertainment (in the hospitality suite)
k. Provide Outdoor Entertainment (corporate picnics)
l. Product Introduction
m. Trade-Show Demonstration
Consider what attributes the entertainer needs to possess in order to fulfill their intended purpose for your event.
Also, consider the style of entertainer that your audience would best relate to; and if they have a strong track record.
Entertainers need to have an excellent reputation and verifiable references. Here are some of the in-depth details that Eagles Talent
Connection examines for you before recommending an entertainer.
a. The quality and style of their presentation
b. The performer's ability to tailor their show for your audience
c. If the performer will relate to your audience
d. If the material suitable for your audience
e. How other audiences responded to their performance
f. The overall attitude and cooperation of the performer
g. If the act easy to produce
h. The amount of special production requirements
We will listen carefully to all of your requests and work with you to book entertainment that will ignite your corporate audience.
If you need some guidance on finding entertainment, we invite you to call us today at 1-800-345-5607, or use our Eagles Talent Request Form.
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• FAQs for Booking Entertainers
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Q. How does "Corporate Entertainment" differ from other entertainment?
The term "corporate entertainment" suggests the types of (clean not "blue") entertainment that is suitable for corporate and association meetings,
conferences, and conventions.
Q. What type of corporate entertainment is available to us?
The categories of suitable entertainment for corporate and association events includes just about all areas of entertainment from background music
to headliner extravaganzas.
Q. What kind of corporate entertainment can Eagles Talent Connection provide for us?
Eagles Talent Connection is equipped to get for you any and all available entertainment, from musical attractions to variety acts to celebrities.
Q. Can I book big name entertainment?
Yes, many name entertainment acts will do corporate events. Comedians, national recording artists, and television stars are often available. Exact
dates must be checked against their production schedules. Many corporations have enjoyed bringing top acts to their most important event creating a
truly one-of-a-kind experience for all attendees. Please call to talk with one of our Eagles Talent Consultants about what star would be most appropriate
for your event.
Q. Who stages the big name entertainment for us?
Large-scale shows require special production. Your Eagles Talent Consultant will work closely with your in-house-production people to insure a successful,
"worry-free" event. Also, when needed, we bring in, and work closely with outside production companies and producers. Because of the amount of details
involved in a large-scale show, working with professional outfits makes it much easier and assures a tremendous show.
Q. What does corporate entertainment cost?
The price varies considerably depending on the type of entertainment and celebrity status. Your Eagles Talent Consultant will work with you and your
budget constraints to find you the most suitable attractions to make your event sizzle.
Q. Does the fee quoted for the entertainment include travel expenses?
Generally, there are three main costs involved. The first is the attraction's performance fee. The second is travel expenses. The third is the cost of
sound, lights, back-line, and other sundry production costs (Also known as the "rider").
Working with Eagles Talent Connection, you'll never be surprised or caught of guard by hidden charges. Your Eagles Talent Consultant will always explain
all charges to you up front. All charges need to be understood, negotiated, and approved before contracts are signed. Your Eagles Talent Event Coordinator
will guide you through this potential "financial minefield." It's our job at Eagles Talent Connection to make sure you, our client, fully understand why
and what you are paying for, and getting you the fairest deal.
Q. Who makes the entertainer's travel arrangements?
Since the entertainer's travel itinerary is subject to frequent changes, most entertainers prefer to make their own travel arrangements. This is the most
convenient and expedient arrangement for all concerned. Eagles Talent Connection is fully responsible for supplying to you, prior to the engagement date,
the presenter's final (detailed) travel itinerary and all other pertinent information. Travel and incidental expenses (as agreed upon and delineated in
the contract) are usually billed after the engagement.
Q. Do I pay more for entertainment when I book it through Eagles Talent Connection?
Absolutely not! Here's why:
a. In many cases, we receive our entire fee from the entertainer. On those occasions where a high-profile celebrity or entertainer does not pay the
bureau's fee, our markup is among the most modest in the industry.
b. Eagles Talent Connection strives for your continuous, long-term business. Therefore, we will always find you the best entertainer for your budget.
c. Eagles Talent Connection generates an appreciative volume of business for many entertainers, putting us in a more favorable position to negotiate
for you. In many instances, we can actually save you money.
Q. What if I can't afford a big name star? Are there good acts I can count on?
Eagles Talent Connection can recommend numerous attractions that specialize in corporate entertainment. Just like professional speakers, they may not
have a household name; however, they have incredible reputations in the meeting industry (from Comedians, impressionists, magicians, hypnotists, jugglers,
ventriloquists, bands, shows, revues, and variety acts of all types). In case of a super tight budget, we can recommend acts that are based close to your
event's location. You save on travel expenses and often can negotiate a lesser fee for a local engagement.
Q. What if my group has "seen it all, been there, done that" and needs something special?
We work with this question on a daily basis, and we welcome the challenge to show you that there is always something new to offer. The Eagles Talent
Consultants are continually on the lookout for the hottest attractions. Fresh acts are being discovered every day; some of them are the stars of tomorrow.
Because of our reputation for booking entertainment, we receive dozens of PR kits and videos from entertainers. We are constantly analyzing these
performers, finding only the best to recommend to you. As a result, we work with some very creative and innovate performers who are at the cutting
edge of new entertainment.
We look forward to dazzling your attendees with something they have never seen before! Please call for a creative brain storming session with our Eagles
Talent Consultant.
Q. What is the process for booking entertainment?
After you and your Eagles Talent Consultant have determined the best entertainment for your needs, and the entertainer's availability for your engagement
is established, the next step is to put in a "firm offer."
Q. What is a "Firm Offer?"
Some celebrities and high-profile presenters require, from the buyer, what is known in the industry as a "firm offer." A firm offer is a commitment, on
the part of the buyer, to book a specific presenter for a specific date at a specified fee. Some celebrities and high-profile presenters will not even
consider an engagement unless a firm offer is first put forth. A firm offer does not guarantee the buyer that the presenter will accept the offer, only
that he/she will consider it. If, however, the presenter accepts the buyer's offer, the firm offer is legally binding. Firm offers are usually made in
writing and can either be mailed or faxed. Eagles Talent Connection has a special "firm offer form" that we e-mail to you when and/or if required.
Q. What is a "Hold?"
A "hold" is when a presenter, prior to finalizing the engagement, is reserving a particular date for you. Eagles Talent Connection rarely recommends a
presenter to you without first checking to make sure the presenter will be available for your engagement. In the event the presenter, while on hold for
you, receives a firm offer for the same date, you, as the first hold, will have twenty-four hours to either go ahead and book the presenter or release
the hold.
Q. What is a "Rider?"
Most entertainers, especially big name musical acts, have a rider. A rider is an addendum to their contract that delineates what extras the entertainer(s)
expects the buyer to provide, ensuring a good performance. The rider may include specific items such as platform dimensions and setup, a particular type
of lighting and sound. Some musical acts, for example, have special requirements for their instrumentation -- drum kit, amplifiers, keyboards, and piano,
etc. Rest assure, Your Eagles Talent Consultant will "walk you through" the rider.
Q. Do famous comedians alter their nightclub act for my corporate event?
Some comedians will tone down their act and present an appropriately clean show for corporate audiences. Others work in more of a "blue" style that runs
from PG-13 to decidedly "R" rated material. Generally speaking, those that appear on national network TV shows will be fine for your audience.
Q. What is a "Self-Contained" act?
A self-contained act is one that brings everything they need for the performance with them. Many dance/party bands will travel to your event bringing
their own sound and lights package and back-line equipment. This is very common when booking a local band. In cases of a very large crowd, their sound
can be augmented with some inexpensive rentals.
You may need to provide a stage, sound and lighting for entertainers such as comedians, magicians, hypnotists, and other variety acts.
Q. Will an act customize their material for our corporate group?
There are some wonderful acts that specialize in customizing material specifically for your corporate group and event. They will work with you beforehand
to gather inside information and meld your company's culture and meeting theme into their performance. Your Eagles Talent Consultant can recommend
comedians, impersonators, magicians and many others who do this.
Q. Will I be able to preview the entertainment before I book it?
Absolutely! You can view a sample of the entertainer instantly on our web site. You may also request a sample DVD of the entertainer, of your choice, in
action, giving you an adequate sense if he/she is right for your audience. For those meeting planners who prefer to see an entertainer do a live performance
before committing, permission may be granted (in most cases) for a visitor to sit in on a performance. (This may require the visiting meeting planner to
travel to the event.) Eagles Talent Connection is always happy to seek permission for a live preview.
Q. Do I get to speak with the entertainer before he/she comes to our event?
Absolutely. We always insist that entertainers get in touch with the person in charge of the program weeks in advance of the event. Most of the entertainers
we recommend are accustomed to personally speaking with the organizers of the event.
Q. What happens in the case that an entertainer is unable to attend my event due to an accident, illness or travel difficulties?
Although this rarely happens, Eagles Talent Connection is here to help you twenty-four hours, seven days a week. You will receive, with the paper work for
the engagement, both Eagles Talent Connection 24-hour emergency phone number, and the personal cell-phone number to your Eagles Talent Consultant. In the
event of a last minute emergency, we immediately spring into action to secure you a comparable entertainer replacement. Fees will, of course, be adjusted.
Q. How do we pay for the entertainer?
The most common arrangement is that 50% of the fee, or a deposit, along with the signed contract is sent to Eagles Talent Connection. The balance is due
prior to the presentation. Expenses for travel and other incidentals will be billed after the event.
Q. What happens in the case of a cancellation either by us or by the entertainer?
Although usually quite liberal, different entertainers may have different cancellation policies. Each entertainer's policy will always be clearly outlined
in the contract. However, after you have narrowed down your entertainer choices and would like to know their particular cancellation policy before booking
them, (this is especially wise before booking a high-priced celebrity) Eagles Talent Connection will be more than happy to e-mail or fax a specific
entertainer's cancellation policy. When a cancellation becomes necessary, we will do our best to prevent or minimize any loss to you, our client.
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