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Best Ways to Boost Audience Interaction at Corporate Events

April 8, 2019 by Tim Grable

Whether organizing a corporate party, conference or an end of the year gala, you’ll want your guests to feel comfortable, interact with one another and get the most out of the event. So how do you do it?

The key to boosting audience interaction at corporate events is paying extra attention to how you shape your event experience. Here are a few practical ideas which will help you with that.

1. Leverage Social Media

Using social media is an excellent way to connect during events, particularly during large ones, such as conferences which involve lots of people. Consider creating dedicated hashtags for your event and ask attendees to join a particular online group where they can chat prior and after the event.

This way, you can build an online community around your event and give the attendees an opportunity to be heard. Plus, by using different hashtags, it will be much easier for guests to connect over common topics and interests during the event.

2. Book a Speaker for Your Corporate Events

A high-quality, charismatic keynote speaker will be able to engage actively and interact with the audience, thus making them feel more involved in the event.

A professional speaker will most likely be willing to collaborate with you and come up with ideas for activities they can include in their presentation to make it more engaging.

One such example is adding a Q&A section at the end of the presentation where guests can share their opinions and ask questions. Another tactic you can suggest is to have your speaker respond to a few questions asked via Twitter by your guests.

This way, attendees who may not feel comfortable getting up in front of a room full of people to ask their questions can still feel heard and involved.

If you want to book a top keynote speaker for your next event, make sure to browse our extensive portfolio featuring a wide array of best-in-class corporate speakers.

If you have any questions about the booking process or want to share more details about your event with us, you can give us a call at (615) 283 0039.

3. Create Memories Your Audience Will Not Forget

Everyone likes to feel like their opinion and input matters, so why not make the most of this to boost engagement at your corporate events?

Have someone with a professional camera record on site, capturing comments and reactions from the audience. Lay down a set of questions to interview attendees on topics relevant to the event.

Ask them to share their stories, advice and their top tips.

Then, you can edit the material into short segments like, for instance, “5 Reasons Great Customer Service Matters” you can share during the event. It will sure get people talking.

You can then post the footage on YouTube to further raise awareness of the event. You also can copy the testimonials given by guests in newsletters, eBooks and blog posts to ensure people will be talking about the event long after it’s ended.

Don’t Fall For Common Misconceptions About Corporate Events

Are you having trouble deciding whether or not organizing corporate events is worth all that time and effort? While it is true that not all of your employees would like to attend them, the majority of them probably wouldn’t mind. However, if you really want to get everyone to attend, then you need to cater to all their needs in an equal manner.

This doesn’t only mean providing them with a lot of alcohol and good food, but with quality entertainment as well. Don’t forget that some people might easily get offended, while others easily get bored. Hiring good entertainment will surely keep both of those types of people interested in and wanting more.

But first, you still need to decide if corporate events are the way to go when it comes to team building. Check out these common misconceptions and make sure you also share them with your employees:

1. Corporate events are all about a structured schedule and rules.

This is one of the things that makes most employees not want to attend a corporate event. It’s understandable that most of them would think the strict schedule and rules from their work lives will be enforced at such an event, but it does not make it true.

This is where you need to step in an assure them that they won’t have to worry about getting in trouble if they do their own thing for the duration of the event or if some of them don’t show up at all. For those that are interested in attending, all you need to do is make sure they understand that the only mandatory thing is the arrival time.

This is because the beginning of corporate events is generally when food is served and when people get to know each other. Just make it clear that afterward, it’s up to them how they want to have fun, as long as it’s nothing too rowdy.

2. These events are not generally cost-efficient.

While you may have to invest some money upfront, the long-term benefits will definitely be worth it. Keep in mind that, nowadays, people easily get stressed when overworked, so if you want your employees to be productive you need to also let them unwind every once in a while.

Reward them with an entertaining and relaxing corporate event every once in a while. It shows them that you care and will definitely restore morale. Plus, you won’t have to worry about them quitting because your company is all about “all work and no play”.

3. Corporate events are dull and boring.

Well, they don’t have to be. This is why hiring quality entertainment is a must. It will keep your guests laughing and amazed throughout the event. Soon enough, they might start asking when you will organize another one.

For instance, Anthony Griffith will surely make your corporate event a huge success. His witty, friendly humor will cater to everybody’s needs and ensure nobody gets too bored or too offended.

It Doesn’t Stop Here

We’ve got a myriad of entertainers you can choose from when it comes to finding the right type of entertainment for your event. From America’s Got Talent contestants to comedians with decades of experience under their belt, you’ll definitely find someone who can meet all your needs.

Heading out?

We hope you enjoyed the ideas we’ve included in this article and you’ll give them a try to boost audience interaction at corporate events.

For more inspiration, we encourage you to check out some of the other articles posted on our site to take your event planning skills to the next level. We are continually adding new posts, so don’t be a stranger.

4 Tips for Picking High-Quality Corporate Event Entertainment

March 18, 2019 by Tim Grable

Picking high-quality corporate event entertainment is an essential part of planning successful events and delivering an experience your guests will never forget.

However, making the best choice in terms of what entertainment is right for your event is not always the easiest thing to do.

To help you out, we’ve put together a list of four effective tips you should keep in mind when shopping for an entertainment act. Keep reading.

1. Your Personal Preferences Shouldn’t Come First

When browsing for high-quality corporate event entertainment, there’s always the temptation to pick an activity you enjoy.

However, remember that you are not your guests and that the primary purpose of the entertainment is to serve your audience.

So you should always pick the entertainment keeping the audience’s interests and preferences in mind.

It helps if you take some time to build a profile of your audience by taking into account things like:

the age of your guests
their cultural background
the industry they are in
the number of guests (some acts like say an intimate solo live guitar act may not be the best fit if there is a large audience present at your corporate event).

2. Take Your Event’s Theme into Account

Nowadays, it’s pretty standard for corporate events to have a specific theme.

If that’s the case for your event, then you’ll need to make sure your choice of high-quality corporate event entertainment will tie in nicely with the theme of the event.

This connection will elevate the experience and make the entertainment much more engaging.

It’s true that some entertainers can adjust their shows to match the concept of an event better. However, it’s more efficient if the theme of your event is something to guide your research for the right entertainer – not an afterthought.

3. Properly Research the High-Quality Corporate Event Entertainment You’re Considering

For every type of entertainment, you can think of; there are many options out there.

So, if you want to make an informed decision, you have to be willing to put in more than a couple of hours to research the specific entertainers you’re thinking about booking.

Here are a few resources which will come in handy at this point:

Online reviews from past clients who describe their experience working with the entertainer.
Videos showing the performers in actions. (YouTube is an excellent resource for this).
TV appearances where you can get a sense of an entertainer’s charisma and personality.

4. Think About Working with a Professional Agency

Nowadays, you can do much research online and get in touch with an entertainer you want to book directly. However, there is no denying the fact that working with a professional entertainment agency can provide you with several notable benefits.

For starters, in a short amount of time, the agency can put you in contact with a large variety of entertainers, including top keynote speakers, variety artists, musicians and more. This saves you a significant amount of time and energy.

Secondly, working with a professional agency helps minimize the risks of booking an entertainer who doesn’t live up to his promises, as everything will be written down in a contract.

If working with an agency is an option you are willing to consider, then we invite you to learn more about the Tim Grable Agency and take a look at our portfolio featuring over 1,100 leading entertainers.

Who Are the Top Musicians for Fundraising Events?

March 9, 2019 by Courtney Grable

Are you struggling to find musicians for your fundraising events? It’s a rather tedious and draining job, isn’t it? First, you have to find them, make a list, do the research, present them, the whole ordeal. If only there were a way to find these acts easier without all of the time staring at a laptop screen when you could be enjoying spending time with your family. Wait! There is a quicker way to find musicians for fundraising events! Let us do the work for you. What can be more simple than reading a quick description and watching a video for a few minutes? Not to mention, you already have all of the contact information right at your fingertips. Just simply click on the artist’s name, and you should be redirected to a contacting page. See? That’s not so hard, is it? Well, what are you waiting for? Let’s get started finding the perfect musicians for fundraising events!

Four Musicians for Fundraising Events

Christina Wells

Singer Cristina Wells is one of the top musicians for fundraising events, as she blows the crowd away every time she sings. With a degree in nursing, it’s pretty obvious that there’s more to her story than just singing, which is what makes her the top pick when you chose your next performer. She grew up in a single parent home where her mom worked hard just to make ends meet. Now, Wells is captivating her audience with her magnificent voice that has an outstanding range. That’s why we know that no matter what you’re looking for, Wells should certainly be the top pick for you!

Courtney Haldwin

A thirteen-year-old singer with the voice range of a professional musician, Courtney Haldwin is someone to watch. Her unique style of dancing and her bold voice creates a breathtaking performance for every audience member. She can conquer singing rock songs such as “Born to Be Wild,” “Could Have Been Me,” “Piece of My Heart,” and many more challenging pieces to sing. With a voice like this, it’s no wonder why she received a golden buzzer on NBC’s hit show America’s Got Talent and why she is one of the best musicians for fundraising events. So, if you want to have the time of your life watching a performer takes the stage, check out Courtney Haldwin!

Kechi Okwuchi

If you’re looking for a talented singer with a unique and inspiring story to tell, Kechi Okwuchi is the one to book! After surviving a plane crash as a college student, music became her escape from the world of surgeries and procedures. Despite having over one hundred procedures, however, Kechi still managed to graduate Summa Cum Laude from the University of Thomas Houston. That’s not all she’s managed to accomplish. She has given a TedTalk with TedTalkxEuston and has appeared as a finalist on NBC’s America’s Got Talent. Her touching voice has managed to move the audience to tears, and the future looks bright for this up and coming singer. That’s why she is one of the best musicians for fundraising events. She has a beautiful and inspirational story to tell and an astounding voice. So, what are you waiting for? Go check her out!

Hans

This talented German is a true renaissance man. Hans sings, dances, and even plays the accordion! Yes, the German musician, Hans, is sweeping away the competition every time he steps onstage. He’s performed on countless stages and toured around the world bringing his talented act from Berlin, Germany to Australia to the United States. Yes, Hans is one of the best Germany has to offer and definitely one of the best musicians for fundraising events. Check him out today!

So In Conclusion…

Are you ready to take your fundraising events to the next level? Are you excited to bring someone else on stage rather than those boring everyday singers you hear all day long? Well, look no further, as we’ve just shown you some of the best musicians for fundraising events. What are you waiting for? You’ve got four wonderfully talented acts right here in front of you! Check them out and make sure to share with us your favorite!

Simple Ways to Create Networking Opportunities at Your Event

March 4, 2019 by Tim Grable

A recent study conducted across multiple types of industries and professions shows that networking is one of the top three factors which influence people’s decision to attend events, such as conventions or exhibitions.

So, if you want to make your next conference more appealing for guests and thus more successful, you need to create networking opportunities.

However, this is often easier said than done. It’s why we wanted to share with you a few simple ways to make it easy for event attendees to get to know each other and build meaningful connections.

Include Speed Networking Sessions

The networking part of events is often reduced to unstructured coffee breaks where people are supposed to mix and mingle as they please.

However, most people feel uncomfortable just walking up to a stranger and starting a conversation. Also, ending a conversation can feel awkward and quite stressful.

Speed networking, an adaptation of speed dating for professionals, solves both those problems. Plus, it helps create networking opportunities by allowing participants to have one-on-one short meetings and exchange information during a set period of time.

What makes speed networking so effective is the rotation of guests to ensure each person gets a chance to interact with every other person at the event.

Here are some of the best practices which will help you be successful with this format:

time each round (one-on-one meeting) to last exactly one minute
every guest needs to introduce themselves and ask one question each round briefly

you can prepare a set of questions beforehand in case people get stuck and run out of ideas of things to ask.

Use Group Activities to Create Networking Opportunities

An excellent way to take the pressure off is to turn the networking part of your event into a fun and entertaining competition.

A simple way to do that is to group people into teams and allow them to collaborate on completing different activities and games. This gives guests a chance to get to know each other, while also learning new things and having lots of fun.

This way, it will be a lot easier for them to strike up a follow-up conversation.

In case you need some inspiration when it comes to the best activities, you can include getting people talking and connecting; here are seventy ideas you can try.

Feature Live Entertainment to Help Break the Ice

Entertainment helps people loosen up, and it’s a great conversation starter. Also, by featuring a live act at your event, you give attendees a chance to experience something new together, thus making them feel more comfortable with each other.

The key here is to book the right type of entertainment. You’ll want an act which is surprising and engaging enough to get people talking without being too much of a distraction.

Here are a couple of top suggestions which are sure vamp up your next event:

Live event painting. Artist Heidi Schwartz creates interpretative live paintings which beautifully capture the mood of an event. And while she is a discrete presence, her amazing art speaks volumes of her talent – and is sure to get people talking.
Piano player. The live music playing in the background is a great conversation starter. Plus, it will help create a more relaxing, yet sophisticated vibe at your event.

Find More Excellent Entertainment Options in Our Portfolio

We feature over 1,000 amazing speakers, artists, musicians and comedians in our portfolio. So we’re confident the best entertainment for your next event is included in that list.

Feel free to reach out to us at 615 283 0039 if you want to ask any questions or share more details about your upcoming event.

How to Boost Audience Engagement at Corporate Events

February 26, 2019 by Tim Grable

Audience engagement is one of those aspects which determines whether your event was a success or not. During the event planning stage, it’s important to figure out creative ways you can employ to boost event engagement.

If your guests aren’t engaged, then they will probably not want to attend other corporate events you organize and even leave early.

You could also end up with negative reviews on social media and through word of mouth. People tend to share negative experiences with their friends more than positive ones.

To make sure this doesn’t happen to you, continue reading the article to find out what tips we recommend when it comes to boosting audience engagement.

1. Plan a Contest

Testing their luck is something people love to do, and a contest will satisfy this desire. The most important thing you need to keep in mind when planning a contest is to offer a relevant prize which will incentivize your audience to join and increase Audience Engagement at corporate events.

One of the easiest ways for the guests to submit their contest entry would be on social media – whether it’s on Twitter, Instagram or Facebook.

Now only this is going to help you create a ton of buzz on social media about your event, but the social proof is essential for securing sponsors and partners for future corporate events.

A contest idea you can use is one where your guests will showcase in a social media post their favorite part of your event. In this case, the winner would be selected at random.

2. Create an Event Hashtag to drive Audience Engagement at Corporate Events

To ensure the attendees and everyone invited will know the event’s hashtag, make sure to promote it before the event takes place and also on materials, during presentations, and of course, on social media.

The use of a hashtag goes hand in hand with the contest you can organize, but you can also encourage the participants to post their favorite part about your event.

3. Book Quality Entertainment/Speakers

A speaker or an entertainer who does not spark any emotion will not leave a pleasant impression on your guests.

The talent you hire needs to enhance the overall experience for the participants, so be sure you go for someone who knows how to engage an audience through an original presentation or performance properly.

4. Do Live Polls/Q&As

Another effective way to boost audience engagement at corporate events is by involving the participants in an activity, such as doing a live poll or a Q&A, either with company leaders or other experts you’ve invited.

By employing these two methods, you will make the audience feel like their opinion matters because they get to contribute to the event.

5. Have a Mobile App

Nowadays, event mobile apps have become the norm in the industry. Major and small events use apps to keep their audiences engaged effectively.

Aside from this, a mobile app can help you plan a better experience during the event. The attendees will be able to check the schedule anytime they want, find answers to common questions they might have and even specific updates or announcements you make before or during the event.

Your Corporate Events Deserve the Best

Your audience is an essential asset for your event’s success – if they don’t have a good time, then all your efforts will be in vain.

That’s why you need to make sure you employ the tips we presented in this article. We’re confident you can fit at least one idea in the planning process.

In case you need help with entertainment or choosing a speaker to increase Audience Engagement at corporate events, don’t hesitate to call us at (615) 283-0039 and we’ll help you make a perfect choice.