Planning a successful corporate event goes beyond just finding a venue and sending invitations. The corporate event entertainment you choose can make or break your gathering, leaving a lasting impression on your attendees. That’s where a corporate entertainment agency comes in. These specialized firms are experts in booking entertainment for corporate events, offering a diverse range of options from comedians and magicians to live bands and virtual entertainment.
Whether you’re hosting a trade show, holiday party, or team-building exercise, selecting the right agency for corporate events is crucial. These full-service agencies do more than just book corporate entertainment; they help align entertainment options with your event’s goals, manage logistics, and ensure a seamless experience. From product launches to Incentive Programs, Holiday parties and more, a good entertainment company will have you covered.
When you’re looking to find the perfect entertainment for your corporate event, it’s essential to choose a booking agency that understands your specific needs and can deliver exceptional results. The right entertainment booking agency can help you navigate the complex world of corporate entertainment services and ensure your event is a resounding success.
Here are the essential questions you should ask when interviewing a corporate entertainment agency
What is your history and experience with corporate entertainment?
Experience in corporate event entertainment is crucial. A reputable booking agency should have a track record of successfully managing various types of corporate events. They should be familiar with the latest entertainment trends and have experience working with best corporate entertainers, from headliners to up-and-coming talents.
Nicole Bernardi from Innovative Entertainment emphasizes, “If somebody’s never done it before, there’s a lot of things that can go really wrong and really south if they don’t know how to negotiate these contracts.”
Nicole provides a revealing example: “Somebody might say, ‘Oh, I can get XYZ headliner for a hundred thousand dollars.’ Well, maybe he’s not a hundred thousand dollars. He’s a lot more money than that.” An experienced agency knows the real costs and won’t make false promises when booking popular corporate entertainers.
Ask about:
- Their years in the industry and types of corporate events handled
- Experience with your specific industry or event type
- Their understanding of contract negotiations and potential pitfalls
What is your annual volume of events?
The number of events an agency handles annually can be a good indicator of their capacity and connections in the industry. A leading corporate entertainment agency should be able to handle a significant volume of events, from intimate corporate party gatherings to large-scale gala events. Nicole explains, “our relationships with major agencies is based on the volume of business we bring to them each year, vs a person they have never talked to or done business with before.”
This volume translates to relationships and knowledge in the industry, which can lead to better access to top-tier talent and accurate budgeting and quoting for clients. We’ve got the connections to ensure you get the best corporate entertainers for your event.
Ask about:
- The number of corporate events they book annually
- The range of event sizes they handle
- How their volume benefits clients (e.g., better rates, access to best acts)
What relationships do you have in the industry?
A well-connected corporate entertainment agency can be invaluable when you’re looking for entertainment ideas for your next event. Strong industry relationships often result in quicker responses and special considerations for clients.
Jamie Snively from Innovative Entertainment notes, “We have the relationships with the tour managers, agents, production managers and talent that we know what’s working, what’s not for the corporate scene.”
These relationships often result in quicker responses and special considerations. As Nicole adds, “ they know we have legitimate business and are not on a fishing expedition”
Ask about:
- Their relationships with entertainers, from comedians to DJs
- Connections with venues and other event service providers
- Any exclusive partnerships or preferred status with certain acts
- Access to talent from across the globe
- Their network of booking agents and how it benefits clients
Do you carry liability insurance?
This question might not seem exciting, but it’s crucial when hiring a corporate entertainment agency. Insurance protects the client and the agency, especially for special events. Innovative Entertainment takes insurance seriously.
Nicole emphasizes, “Insurance is extremely important to talent, clients and venues. It is very important to make sure your booking providers carry insurance. “ Nicole goes on, “We make sure everybody we hire is fully covered. We make sure we’re covered all around.” This comprehensive approach protects both the client and the agency.
For international events, Nicole adds, “There’s different insurance required to go out of the country, usually by providers.” This is especially relevant for clients planning events worldwide.
Ask about:
- The types and amounts of insurance they carry
- Whether their insurance covers virtual events and international performances
- If they ensure all booked entertainers are also properly insured
How do you manage contracts and the offer process?
Understanding an agency’s contract management and offer process is crucial. A professional agency should have a streamlined process for managing contracts and making offers to talent agency representatives.
Nicole stresses the importance of aligning client expectations with talent agreements: “Whatever it is that you’re agreeing to is what the actual talent’s agreeing to and that they marry each other.”
She also warns about the commitment to making offers: “Dave Matthews is not going to hold a date for you. There’s no holding it. If you make a firm offer, you are committed if the offer is accepted with all the terms.”
Ask about:
- Their process for managing contracts and offers, artist holds, etc.
- How they ensure client requirements are met in talent agreements
- Their approach to handling complex contract clauses, including force majeure
What industry affiliations do you have?
Industry affiliations indicate an agency’s commitment to professional standards and ongoing education. Professional corporate entertainment agencies often belong to reputable industry associations. Jamie describes the importance of associations like Meeting Professionals International (MPI): “It’s where the corporate planners go to stay on top of trends and keep up to date with what’s going on in the meetings and incentives and corporate event world.”
Other key associations include the Society of Incentive Travel Executives (SITE), Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA), and International Association of Speakers Bureaus (IASB).
Ask about:
- Specific industry associations they belong to
- How these affiliations benefit their clients
- Their involvement level in these organizations
- Their involvement in staying current with entertainment trends
What companies like ours have you worked with?
An agency’s experience with similar companies can be invaluable. Whether you’re planning to host a corporate event for a small business or a large corporation, the agency should have relevant experience.
Jamie explains, “If we’re doing a security conference and they’re looking for a speaker, have you done security events before? Do you know the demographic well? Or same for pharmaceutical, tech, etc.”
Nicole adds, “It’s brand understanding, and it could also involve understanding event size, audience demographics, and how those different-sized companies and organizations work.”
Ask about:
- Their experience in your specific industry
- How they’ve handled events of similar size and scope
- Examples of successful events for similar companies
- Their expertise with your specific type of event (e.g., product launch, annual conference, awards ceremony)
Have you worked in this venue/city/country before?
Local and international experience can significantly impact event success. If you’re planning an event abroad, it’s crucial to work with an agency that understands the complexities of international bookings.
Nicole highlights their global experience: “We’re registered in United Kingdom and Canada to do business in both those countries. And we pay taxes there to do business in them.”
She also notes the importance of understanding local regulations: “Do we need work visas? Do we need permits? Do we have to pay taxes there? Are we allowed to come in? What do we need to do to come in?”
Ask about:
- Their experience in your chosen location
- How they handle international events and regulations
- Their process for managing location-specific challenges
How involved are you throughout the entire event process?
The level of agency involvement can vary greatly. Look for an agency that offers comprehensive support throughout the entire event process.
Nicole stresses the importance of on-site presence: “Our job, part of our job is to make sure that the talent’s doing what the talent said they were going to do. And that the client’s doing their end of it, but also to service the client.”
She adds, “We manage that process with the client and with the talent from start to finish so that both are taken care of and we stay in the middle of all communication to keep everyone aligned.”
Ask about:
- Their level of involvement from planning to execution
- Whether they provide on-site staff during the event
- How they handle last-minute changes or issues
- How do you customize entertainment to complement event themes and decor?
Customization can elevate an event from good to unforgettable. The best agencies offer themed entertainment options that align perfectly with your event’s goals and aesthetics.
Nicole describes their approach: “We do a lot of that when it comes to customization and custom branding and themes of how do we tell the story through the entertainment?”
Jamie adds, “Our team does a really great job of this through dance and music, telling the brand story for a general session opener or something like that, but telling it through something visual.”
Ask about:
- Their process for customizing entertainment
- Examples of past customized performances
- How they align entertainment with brand messages and event themes
When selecting a corporate entertainment agency, there are a few more factors to keep in mind:
Ability to Suggest Improvements
A top-tier agency doesn’t just execute your ideas; they enhance them.
Look for an agency that can take your initial concept and elevate it, bringing fresh ideas to the table that you might not have considered. Whether you are looking for a comedian, magician, or live band, the best corporate entertainers can adapt to your needs.
Storytelling Through Entertainment
The best corporate entertainment doesn’t just entertain; it reinforces your brand message. From cabaret performances to cover bands, talented performers can help bring your brand story to life. Bespoke entertainment options can create a truly memorable experience for your attendees.
Nicole explains, “We do a lot of that when it comes to customization and custom branding and themes of how do we tell the story through the entertainment? Like Jamie said, how do we bring maybe what the decor looks like alive with entertainment and compliment what’s happening in the room?”
Ask potential agencies how they’ve incorporated brand storytelling into past events and how they might approach it for yours. From cabaret performances to cover bands, talented performers can help bring your brand story to life.
Flexibility and Problem-Solving
Events rarely go exactly as planned. An experienced agency should be adept at handling unexpected challenges. As Nicole puts it, “You advance everything, and then you get onsite, and it all changes anyway.” Look for an agency that can think on its feet and quickly adapt to changing circumstances.
Conclusion
Selecting the right corporate entertainment agency is crucial for ensuring the success of your event. By asking these key questions, you’ll be well-equipped to find an agency that not only meets your needs but exceeds your expectations.
Remember, when you’re looking for the best entertainment for your corporate event, it’s essential to work with a reputable agency that understands your vision and can deliver exceptional results. Whether you’re planning private parties, a fundraiser, or a large-scale corporate gathering, the right entertainment can make all the difference.
With the right partner, your next corporate event can be more than just successful – it can be truly unforgettable, leaving a lasting impression on your attendees and elevating your brand. From product launches to Holiday parties, a professional corporate entertainment agency will have got you covered. Contact us today to learn how we can help make your next event a resounding success.
