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. Believe it or not, hiring a magician or a mentalist to entertain people at a corporate event is incredibly common.
In fact, some of the best mentalists and magicians in the world are ones that are rarely (if ever) seen on a public stage. They make their living by strictly being hired to do private events, company parties, conferences, fundraisers, and more. But a lot of people don’t realize that magic is not only a popular form of event entertainment but it’s also one of the best ways to make your next event the talk of the town. But why? Magic has been continually earning its place in the event industry due to its versatility, entertainment, engagement, and positive impact on guests. People often (incorrectly) think of magic as just somebody doing a few tricks. But magic is not just about identifying a card or pulling a rabbit out of a hat; it's about creating an engaging and unforgettable atmosphere that your guests will likely have never experienced before. Still don’t believe me? Well then, here are five reasons why a magic or mentalism show is the best entertainment for your corporate event, fundraiser, or gala. I’ve been a professional mentalist and magician for over a decade.
And with that experience, I have had the privilege to attend and perform at some really upscale and well-planned events: From black-tie galas to business conferences; chances are I’ve been on stage at whatever kind of event you can imagine. And over the years, I have learned that the one thing every successful, high-class event has in common with others is detailed planning and seamless execution. And whether it’s a small gathering or a huge gala, there are things you can do to really make your event shine. So, to help you out, I’m sharing the tips I’ve seen from people around the globe on how to plan an event that leaves a lasting impression! 1. Start With A Clear Vision Every successful event begins with a clear vision. You need to understand what you want to achieve through the event and the message you want to convey. Start planning early, so you can troubleshoot any technical limitations, budgetary constraints, and logistical challenges beforehand to avoid unnecessary surprises and create a plan that aligns with the goals and objectives you have in mind. It should also be mentioned the vision of your event should include other people. Whether that’s a planning committee, vendors, or others, those people are there to help. Keep clear communication and collaboration, too. That way, everyone is on the same page from beginning to end. We’ve all heard this at some point in our lives:
“The number one fear of the average person is public speaking. The second fear is death.” However, public speaking is a fundamental aspect of a lot of different jobs, especially those in the corporate world. Whether it is presenting a new proposal or speaking at a conference, every professional must step up and deliver a powerful message with confidence and authority. However, most people struggle with public speaking. Maybe they get nervous or fumble over their words and fail to make a real connection with their audience. Well, what if I told you that the secret to becoming a more engaging public speaker is to think like a magician? As a professional mentalist and magician, I have performed in front of thousands of people over the years and learned a thing or two about captivating an audience. And today, I’ll share some of my go-to tips for being a more engaging public speaker just for you! |
Jeff Newman:
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