Are you planning a corporate event in Calgary and looking for entertainment that'll leave your guests in awe? There's no better way to do that than hiring a magician or mentalist to amaze your guests at your next event in Calgary!
Hiring a magician is a great way to add an element of surprise and delight to your event. But how do you find and hire the right magician in Calgary? Luckily for you, I am a magician in Calgary who specializes in corporate event entertainment and offers a variety of performances, including close-up magic and stage shows, so I may know a thing or two that can help you out. So, I put together this handy guide to walk you through the steps to ensure your event is nothing short of magical. One of the biggest challenges employers face today is creating an environment that keeps their employees engaged, happy, and productive. And while there are plenty of ways to create that environment in a day-to-day landscape, many employers plan things like holiday parties, staff appreciation events, and more to help show their appreciation to the employees who keep the lights on. The downside? A lot of times, those events can, shall we say…fall short. They’re boring, there’s no excitement, and it winds up being another place where employees watch the clock while waiting to leave. So, how do you fix this? Three words: Get. Great. Entertainment. As a magician who has turned many a corporate gathering from an event to endure into a night to remember, I've seen firsthand how a dash of dazzle can skyrocket morale and turn grumbles into a gleeful hum of productivity that lasts far longer than the event itself. THE ILLUSION OF AN ENGAGED WORKPLACE The First Trick – Building a Shared Experience Imagine the energy in the room when the focus is not on spreadsheets but on the collective awe that unites the entire staff. A magician's act, a stand-up comedian, or a live band doesn't just provide a spectacle; it crafts a shared memory, a bonding experience that makes the hard work seem part of a grander and happier narrative. Corporate events have come a long way. What used to be just a few drinks and a cheap meal with some co-workers has evolved into powerhouses of engagement, networking, (also known by the technical term, “schmoozing”) and, increasingly, entertainment.
And while most organizations are adding entertainment to their events for fun, corporate entertainment has also increasingly become a strategic tool. It’s a way to nurture relationships, reinforce brand identity, and foster an environment where collaboration and innovation can thrive. So, let’s take a deep-dive into the vibrant world of corporate entertainment, peppered with pragmatic tips and inside tricks that are as essential as a good magician at a company gala! Understanding the Upside of Upscale Events Imagine a corporate event as a grand narrative—each guest, a character; each element, a plot device. Now, the entertainment? It's the captivating twist that develops the story's emotional arc. Is this analogy a tad dramatic? Absolutely. But the truth is that every second you entertain your employees, guests, or potential business contacts is a second you command attention and influence. A well-planned event isn't just a night of illusions and laughter; it's a strategic move, positioning your company as a thought leader, a community builder, or perhaps an innovator. It's word-of-mouth marketing on steroids—memorable moments that extend far beyond the venue and schedule. As a mentalist and magician, I do a lot of corporate events. Conferences, holiday parties, networking events, appreciation events, you name it. And in my years of experience, I’ve seen also seen a lot of entertainment options come and go, and others with the staying power to stand the test of time. And since it’s shaping up to be another banner year for people in the entertainment biz, I thought it would be helpful to give you the inside track on what the entertainment trends are for 2024 and beyond to help you plan an event that feels fresh, unique, and unforgettable! Make It Personal
Today’s corporate crowds are looking for something unique. Not just in the style of entertainment, but they want experiences that are tailored to them. Many organizations are looking for something that creates a one-of-a-kind, personal experience. Imagine an event that seems to read your mind—where the music playlist is somehow filled with your favorite tunes, or the comedian seems to know all inside jokes of your company. This is personalization at its peak, and it's shaping the future of gatherings at the workplace. Personalization isn't just about the content of the show; it's woven into every aspect, from the moment an attendee receives their invitation to the final applause. Tailored event merchandise, food and drink, and even the lighting are all part of the customized experience. This tailored approach is a testament to the fact that the corporation is not a homogenous entity of suits and lanyards, but a collection of unique individuals, each deserving of a unique, memorable experience. Adding an entertainment factor that feels like a personal touch for everyone in the room is a great way to make that connection with your colleagues. Hiring a magician for your event is a GREAT idea. It’s entertaining, engaging, and most importantly, different. But many magicians will offer several options for your event, and it can all boil down to two different kinds of performances. A stage show, or close-up performances.
So, which do you choose? Are you better off with the intimate, up-close-and-personal marvels of close-up magic, or a stage performance that engages the entire crowd? Or, both? In this article, we’ll break it down for you! First, What’s The Difference? Since this may be the first time you’re hiring a magician, let’s go over the basics of Stage vs. Close-up. A stage show, is, indeed, a stage show. It happens in front of a crowd, on stage (or a dance floor, or a corner of the room, etc.), for everyone to watch at once. Depending on the event and the venue, it can resemble anything from a stand-up comedy show to a grand Las-Vegas-Style magic act, to a banquet presentation. But, no matter the scale, it’s a show that everyone watches at once while seated in an audience. However, because a magic show is, well, magic show, even a stage show for a thousand people can engaging, interactive, and astounding. It’s a great experience that the whole room gets to not only experience together, but interact with in real time. Close-up magic refers to a type of performance during which the audience is within arms' reach of the magician. Typically, close-up magic can be presented in one of two ways. The first is roaming or walk-around performances; the magician moves from group to group around the room, performing magic for a few people at a time. The second is a stationary show; people come to the magician, where he performs a small-scale close-up show before the group leaves the table. In either situation, the magic is up-close, personal and happens right in the spectator’s hands. So, you’ve hired a magician or mentalist for your event. Yet, it still seems stressful…after all, you’ve shelled out the big bucks for entertainment for your guests, and you want it to be amazing, right? I get it…you want your event to be as memorable as possible, including the entertainment. And while most professional magicians can put on an incredible show, there are some things that you can do to make sure your entertainer has the best chance to wow your guests. So I thought I’d share some tips to make sure your entertainment is spectacular! 1. READ. THE. RIDER.
When you hire a top-tier entertainer, they will have a rider. This document outlines the needs, requirements, or expectations of the performer and generally covers things like lighting, sound, stage setup, and more. This document is essentially a checklist for what the performer needs to put on a great show for you and your guests. Generally, these riders are relatively simple, especially for corporate events or audiences. But, in some cases, some things may need addressing before the event to make sure everything goes off without a hitch. Make sure that you read the rider thoroughly, from beginning to end. Most entertainers (the good ones, at least) will be more than willing to help if you have any questions or work around any limitations you, your event, or your venue may also have. And make sure you reach out with plenty of time to make any necessary adjustments or arrangements. Human beings are social creatures.
And a LARGE portion of our brain is dedicated to communication. Spoken words, music, facial expressions, body language…our brain sees it all. And no matter where you work, who you are, or what language you speak, there are ways you can use this psychology to help. Using your communication skills and body language to your advantage can make a lasting impact and help you be more persuasive to the people around you. While you think this may be something just for corporate professionals in high-profile organizations, this can be helpful for anybody. Understanding how critical persuasive communication skills are can be a huge advantage in any setting. So, what techniques can help you improve your communication skills and become a persuasive speaker? 1. Body Language and Mirroring When it comes to influencing others, your body language speaks louder than your words. Reading others' body language is an essential skill that can help you understand their thoughts and feelings. By understanding their non-verbal cues, you can tailor your message to communicate more effectively. Be aware of any signs of anxiety, stress, confidence, or other non-verbal signals. In turn, Use non-verbal cues such as eye contact, facial expressions, and body posture to convey your message confidently. You can also adopt mirroring techniques when you're speaking with someone to show that you’re listening to them. By examining someone’s posture, physical actions, or speaking patterns, you can subtly copy those actions. This can communicate familiarity and help with… Have you ever seen faces in places they don’t belong? Maybe a wall outlet with a surprised expression? Or a smiling face in the holes of a cardboard box? Or the shadow of a person in chipped paint on a wall? Or, maybe most controversially…a face on the surface of Mars? In 1976, Viking 1 was sent out into our solar system to snap photos of Mars and beam them back to NASA here on our little blue marble. While most of the images were of the barren Martian landscape, one photo showed something that caused a craze that has persisted for decades. That is a face. A large face. Approximately two miles across. On Mars. When the photo hit the public, it caused a sensation. It's become a staple image for conspiracy theorists claiming extraterrestrial life and has been featured on magazine covers like the National Enquirer on a seemingly annual basis.
After all, it’s a face. Something like that had to be constructed, right? However, as NASA stated, it's just a trick of the shadows. If you don't believe it, here's a photo of the exact same location from 2001 taken with a better, higher-definition camera. No face. Just a mesa on the surface of Mars. But what does this have to do with seeing faces (that aren’t actually faces) in random places? |
Jeff Newman:
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