The responsibility of hiring corporate entertainment is exciting, but it can also feel overwhelming. You’re suddenly aware that the night’s success is in your hands, and that you’ll need to do everything you can to get it right. You want your company’s event to be a triumph, reminisced and raved about for months or even years to come. Thankfully, this intimidating task can be smoothly achieved – as long as you follow through on a few essential steps. Discover them in our ultimate guide of how to hire corporate entertainment for your event, and get ready for a legendary night.
Discover Show-stopping Corporate Entertainment
Make Sure That The Venue Will Accept Live Music
Before you begin your search, an essential first move is making sure that it’s even possible for a band to perform at your venue. Are they happy to host live music, and if so, do they hold the licence to do so? On that note, what kind of space is available for the band’s performance, and will there be any restrictions on how loudly they can play? Many venues will have a sound limiter, something unlikely to be a problem as long as you let us know well in advance. We’re then able to pass this on to the band, giving them plenty of time to make any necessary adjustments.
And if you’re in any doubt about these technicalities, don’t forget that we’re on-hand to advise 7 days a week, committed to making sure that your performance sounds as amazing as it possibly can.
Remember Who’s Attending
Now that you’ve thought about the venue, it’s time to turn your attention to the guest list. What will the age range of attendees be, and what musical preferences are they likely to have? This is obviously easier to know if you’re familiar with everybody personally, but don’t panic if you’re not – you can still ensure that the band wins the crowd without this information. Consider, for instance, a multi-genre band with enough variation to please guests across the board, and take a look through their repertoire for hits everybody will be familiar with.
Also think about the best fit for the tone and mood of your event – is it formal, polished, and professional, or do you want the night to end as one huge, sparkling party?
Think About The Budget
The venue’s sorted, you know the style and genre you’re aiming for – now it’s time to turn to the money. Most likely you’ll have a budget set up, something to remember before you become dazzled by that 13-piece complete with horns and percussion. But even if it’s outside of your budget, don’t assume that the band is no longer an option. Many acts offer reduced line-ups at a lower price, with some using high-quality backing tracks to capture that full, hard-hitting sound. Just remember that there’ll be less room for negotiation if your event takes place on a busy date, such as during Christmas or on New Year’s Eve.
It’s worth keeping an open mind when searching for your act – some of the most sparkling performers are solos or duos, and innovative trends like combined DJ and musician acts cut the cost of hiring two separate performers. Let us know your budget and preferred genre and style, and we’ll come back to you with a range of amazing acts all within your price-range.
Think About The Timings
As early as possible, get thinking about the nitty gritty of your event, and let us know the details so we can pass them on to the band. For example, how long will you need the band to perform, and how would you like to split the sets? Most event bands will perform for 2 hours as standard, split into 2×60 minute sets or 3×40 minute sets. They’re normally flexible about these timings – simply tell us in advance and it’s easily sorted.
Start Your Search Early
Speaking of timings, don’t forget how important it is to get your entertainment booked as soon as possible. High-quality bands are booked months (sometimes years) in advance, so you may need to get in quick to secure the perfect band for your date. Dates, again, are crucial to consider, as bands are less likely to be available at peak times like Christmas, New Years’, and during the wedding season. When it comes to booking corporate entertainment, remember: the more time, the more choice!
Check Out The Promotional Material
When browsing corporate bands, pay attention to the promotional material on their profiles. The best acts will invest in professionally made promotional material to give you the best idea of what they’ll sound like on the night, giving you a taste of the live experience in all its glory. It’d be brilliant to see the band in person before the event, but because most bands perform exclusively at private events it isn’t usually possible, so watch the videos and get a great representation of the kind of performance you can expect!
Take A Look At The Reviews
It might seem like common sense, but it’s also important to take a look at the reviews when booking a corporate band. We feature the band’s reviews on their profile so they’re really easy to find.
Book Through A Reputable Agency
You’ve found the perfect band, read the reviews, watched the promo, and you know that they’re in your budget. Now for the final step! At Entertainment Nation, you secure your band by signing a legally binding contract which ensures that the band will perform at your event. This is an essential part of booking corporate entertainment, as it legally guarantees that your entertainment will arrive and perform at your function.
And if, somehow, they’re forced to cancel, you’re also guaranteed that we’ll do everything in our power to find you the ideal replacement. Without an agency and contract in place, this can be extremely stressful and expensive to sort out yourself – particularly when it’s so near to the date. To decide if an agency is reputable check out their trustpilot reviews before booking.
But with these steps in place, both an incredible night and a stress-free booking process are on the cards. All that’s left to do is to get ready to enjoy your soon-to-be-famous function, and to accept some well-earned compliments on a job well done. Again, don’t forget that we’re on-hand to help and advise 7 days a week (including bank holidays).
How Do I Book Corporate Entertainment?
If you’re ready to hire entertainment for your event or you just have a few questions, go ahead and get in touch! You can call us on 0800 53 000 35, email newenquiries@entertainment-nation.co.uk or fill in the simple enquiry form on your chosen band’s profile.
