Being a ‘creative’ researcher will ensure you produce more unique events. Here at Workshop Events, we don't always use the same suppliers or engage the first company that comes up in a Google search.
Here's PART TWO of our blog - how WE find event 'stuff'!
ENTERTAINMENT – How to make an event engaging!
7) Support charity events and repay the good... I went to a fundraising dinner at a CBD hotel some years ago. The band were friends of the organiser. They had donated their time on the night and they were super talented. I engaged them for numerous weddings and corporate events after seeing them perform so well live. Booking a band online is almost impossible so the more live entertainment you see, the more talent you’ll have in your entertainment kitty.
8) Get out the door, go to festivals... public or community festivals are a feast of entertainers, food suppliers and ideas. It's generally pretty easy to approach anyone, ask questions and grab a business card for future reference. File the ideas away in your mental or online database and use them for future events. Festival websites often have a program or schedule which can be helpful to search names and gather ideas.
A firm favourite, these kangaroos on stilts were perfect for an Aussie theme conference delegate dinner over 10 years ago. We originally discovered them at an event industry event.
9) On the street... stop and actually listen to or watch a busker. Even the super talented have to start somewhere. Keep an open mind too. Imagine their potential and how you could tailor their act with custom costumes, the right pace and emotive music. It’s also important to be clear in your communication in regard to expectations if they haven’t performed at corporate events before… eg. set times, crew meals… and when they need to head home (the client won’t be pleased if the hired entertainment is propping up the bar at the end of the night).
With the addition of some stage lighting and enthusiastic volunteers, this busking contortionist became a feature act.
10) Newsletters... along with event industry businesses, theatres and dance companies all send out regular newsletters. Even if you can't attend live shows yourself, there are often links to video footage which can be inspiring. Tailoring an existing performance for an event is often more economical that producing something from scratch. Seeing an act or speaker live or in video format is always recommended before booking.
Dr Jordan Nguyen, relatively unknown at the time, was an inspiring new speaker discovered for this conference via a newsletter.
11) Attend art related events and exhibitions... The Biennale of Sydney, The Other Art Fair and similar events hold workshops, presentations, talks and an opening night with entertainment. Here you can find art to incorporate into your event styling, performers to entertain and creatives to run interactive sessions or workshops. Take photos of the exhibition booth along with the artist’s business card to ensure you can locate them when you need them down the track.
12) Watch TV... The latest ‘Voice’, ‘Australia’s Got Talent’ or ‘Ninja Warrior’ could provide you with talent ideas for your next event… but make sure you’re watching the current season to ensure they are still ‘hot’ and not last year’s name.
Starstruck young kids loved seeing Wes Carr perform live at this private Christmas event. He was a TV sensation of the season.
And if you haven’t found what you need using the techniques above…
13) Google can be the answer… I needed a high end French Can Can performance but couldn’t find a dance troupe with suitable costumes in Sydney. Google led me to a performer based in Queensland who had actually worked in Paris at the Moulin Rouge. She flew down her collection of costumes, gathered a number of Australian dancers she’d worked with in Paris and created a spectacular show!
IF YOU MISSED tips and tricks on sourcing AMAZING DECOR for your event, CHECK OUR WEBSITE BLOG PAGE FOR PART ONE OF ‘How to find stuff FOR YOUR EVENT’.
Part Two of ‘How to find stuff’ by Alexandra Cowie, Senior Event Producer, Workshop Events (Corporate Event Management Sydney)
Workshop Events can assist with your event sourcing, design, management and production, whether it’s LIVE OR ONLINE - www.workshopevents.com.au
Two members of an authentic Cuban band provided arrival music for a Streets of Havana event. Originally sourced via a Latin dance club, I spent a Saturday night out to check they were suitable for my client’s event.