Category Archives: General

How to Entertain the Millennials

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No other generation has had a bigger impact on our culture since the Baby Boomers than the technology savvy Millennials. So, for the group of consumers who tweet, like, and post their way through a digital world, what truly captivates them? Well, fear not. In the world of entertainment there is much that can energize and invigorate their imaginations. Here are just a few solutions in the quest to entertain the millennials.

Competition:  This is a generation that perfected the idea of collaboration, in an effort to win that is. So, why not include a competitive aspect to the live entertainment at your next event. One of the best ways to do this is with a Game Show hosted by an enthusiastic MC who involves your attendees. By creating teams and the drive to win, your millennial audience will be thoroughly engaged and entertained.

Niche Entertainment: Highlight those pieces of entertainment that speak specifically to this generation. They like taking a break…especially when it includes exciting entertainment designed to let them relax and enjoy before having to focus on the work at hand. How about including a 3-minute flash mob that gives them a chance to stand up, stretch, and simply enjoy.

Live Streaming: No other generation lives on-line more than the Millennials, so why don’t you make it even easier to share their experiences? Facilitate this by designating an event planner or member of the team to live stream parts of the event. This is an exciting way for your attendees to let the world know how much fun they’re having. You gain the added side benefit of the positive publicity and excitement generated with sharing.

Create a Wedding that Excites You and Your Guests

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Every bride wants to have the wedding of a lifetime. Whether elegant and traditional, or quirky and avant garde, the memories will last forever. But, why shouldn’t that be true for your guests as well. With just a little ingenuity, you can create a wedding the excites both you and your guests.

Cake-Projection-Mapping-Photo-Chateau-Luxe1. Technology – Use video mapping to transform any surface into a video display of special moments between the bride and groom, favorite family moments, or graphic displays that excite the imagination. All of these videos can also align with the theme of the wedding as a whole, whether that’s a geographic location or a special color or image. This is a beautiful way to utilize the brilliance of 21st Century technology.

 

2. Theme – Incorporating a theme as a central focus of a denise web photos 017wedding continues to gain popularity. Some brides transport their guests to eras in the past, while others use all of the unique features of scenic or special geographic locations. For example, special blessings from Native American traditions can add a cultural meaning for weddings in the natural beauty of the Southwest.

3. Timeless – Weddings, quite simply, are inherently beautiful and for those brides who choose a more Bella classical edittraditional presentation, the elegance of the event will transcend time. Including classic musical entertainment like a string quartet, harp and flute duo, or an elegant acoustic guitar can be the perfect addition. Music touches the heart and allows your guests to emotionally connect with the beauty of the moment.

Mardi Gras Parties Done Right

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You may still be recovering from the new year…but there is something big around the corner. February brings love, roses, and romance…and the opportunity to let the good times roll with a monster Mardi Gras party. Keep reading to find out how Mardi Gras parties are done right.

KMFire5 - 151. Variety is the spice: Just like a fine gumbo has a variety of tantalizing ingredients, so should your Mardi Gras party. This might include a sultry jazz trio, a vibrant theme show with colorful masks and costuming, or even a slight-of-hand magician or fire eater to bring out a true parade ambiance. You may not be in New Orleans, but your guests will still feel the heat.

2. Musical Tribute: Capture the true essence of New Orleans with a Mari Gras Theme Show highlighting sultry jazz, rhythm and blues, and up-beat excitement as the saints go marchin’ in. This fully-choreographed stage showchesworth05-31-08-035 includes a live band and the heart-pounding excitement of talented dancers, musicians, and vocalists. Add an interactive component to the experience and your entertainment gumbo is ready to serve.

3. Street Beat: Add to the true authenticity of your Mardi Gras experience by bringing traditional street performers into a grand finale paMG-stiltsrade. From a single saxophone playing in your French quarter, to cadence drum lines, stilt walkers and costumed greeters following a core of blues musicians, guests are certain to feel the energy and strut their stuff. Who knows? It can start “something”…and there just might be some colorful beads flying.

How to Heat Up Your 2015 Holiday Party

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The end of the year is always a time to celebrate. And that means parties with festive food, fun, and frivolity. But the best parties include entertainment that leaves a lasting impression and a desire to be on next year’s guest list. These extravagant entertainment options will show you how to heat up your 2015 holiday party.

Speed Painter Trio edit1. Street Performers. Bring the energy and style of engaging street performers to your party, whether your venue is a classic ballroom or other chic indoor setting. From a lone sax player to break dancers with pulsating beatbox rhythms, these engaging entertainers infuse your evening with a surprising flair. Adding an exciting speed painter takes this option to a whole new artistic experience.
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2. Classic Twist. The absolute, pure beauty of both of these classical forms of entertainment are invigorated with a mesmerizing twist. Classic strinP1000548gs are elevated when their acoustic elegance transcends musical boundaries with mind-blowing electric rock. The epitome of technique and grace becomes even more awe-inspiring and spellbinding when a classical ballerina pirouettes on to the stage.
3. Traditional Favorites. Sometimes a holiday party just isn’t the same without a few classic favorites. Maybe that includes Santa or even Santa with Ms. Claus and a heart-warming storytelling opportunity. Surely your guests will enjoy a glamorous entry to your party with an aerial bartender. Whatever the entertainment theme, these options are always a hit.

How to Use Unique Venues to Make Your Event Pop

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Location, location, location. This doesn’t only apply to real estate, but also to creating the best parties. Traditional, elegant venues like beautiful ballrooms and stunning resorts will never disappoint. But, if you are looking for something just a bit different, there are many ways to use unique venues to make your event pop.

Strength31. City Center. As the classic song says, “You can always go Downtown.” With so many cities spending dollars on revitalization efforts, what better way to celebrate than with a party. This venue is perfect for exploring the multi-use aspects of everyday spaces, in which the beauty of the architecture integrates with artists, musicians, and other entertainers.

2. Local Landmarks: Visitors and locals alike are always seeking favorite hot spots. This can apply to your venue choice as well. Create a stunning and unexpected event that allows a well-known spot to become something greater. Don’t overlook those special spots unique to your locale. Places like zoos, museums, libraries, gardens, and restored buildings can provide your guests with a feeling of connection, and resonate with all the senses.

IndianATGC43. National Treasures: No matter what area of the country you are in, there are opportunities to enjoy attractions as a venue for your event. Greeters can meet guests for guided tours, entertainment can take center stage, or food vendors and other culinary creations can be highlighted. Use the natural beauty of your surroundings to create something truly spectacular and specific to your area.

Live Entertainment that Comes Alive

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Today’s audiences are sophisticated. They demand more unique entertainment that stuns a crowd with the “Wow Factor.” To surpass any event planner’s expectations, it is essential that companies hire live entertainment that comes alive. Luckily, there are several options that can help create a party that no one will soon forget.

Mari edit1. Theme parties with glamorous costuming, vintage props, and stunning venues continue to be popular. However, the addition of truly interactive entertainers is becoming the norm. This might include greeters who pose as party guests, singers who croon to specific audience members, or dancers who teach their choreography to willing participants. With these additions, guests will experience the entertainment rather than simply viewing it.

1Wed-1572. Iconic movies and television shows continue to entice planners with their popularity. Whether it’s James Bond or a best-selling Disney feature like Frozen, event executives are harnessing the value of these well-loved characters. With the added benefit of familiarity, audience members of all ages and experiences resonate with these particular entertainment options. Further ornamentation of LED lighting, décor, and signage combine with powerful entertainers to culminate in a fantasy experience for guests.

DJ3. DJs that become VJs, because they use videos that create a visual display of the music, are a growing option. Not only does this exciting twist on traditional DJ services allow for exciting engagement from the guests, but it offers social media and interaction experiences for 21st century audiences. During the course of the event, these DJs can use videos to spark games and other teambuilding activities as they help invigorate the party.

 

 

 

Entertainment Ideas: The Possibilities are Endless

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Now that the first quarter of 2014 is almost complete, one thing is clear: when it comes to entertainment ideas, the possibilities are endless. Events that are full of vintage elegance or the latest technological capabilities are stunning audiences all around the country. Here are just a few options to whet your appetite:

Everything Old is New Again: This entertainment option celebrates the classic and timeless eras that captured our imagination. From the Golden Age of Hollywood to the sweet innocence of the 1950s, these events allow our cultural heritage to survive, and entice the millennials to experience the greatness. Elegant cabaret singers, classic jazz ensembles decked out in black tie formalwear, or love ballads crooned by Old Blue Eyes himself make this option alive.

International Flavor: Imagine the color, energy, and sizzle of Brazilian or Carnival entertainers for your next event. These heart-stopping dancers, acrobats, and stilt-walkers can bring any theme, concept, or product launch to life. The variety of this option could include Samba dancers, Latin bands, or even an exciting batucada!

 

The Quirky Factor: Just when you thought you’d seen everything, this year’s newest entertainment will surprise even the most experienced event goer. It’s the unexpected aspect of this talent combination that energizes the viewer. Grunge music of the 90s played by jazz trios, or a Western-themed cowboy show that is accompanied by the latest digital video or LED lighting. These experiences are perfect for the event planner or corporate CEO that is a talent connoisseur.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Avoid Event Planning Mistakes: Hire an Entertainment Company

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With the new year comes exciting opportunities to create unique and powerful events. Often this requires professional consultants whose experience can ensure that you have the right talent to match your vision. Here are a few tips that will allow you to avoid event planning mistakes.

1. Hire an agency of experts: An A-list event must have professionals who are experienced in event production. They need to know what is popular, trendy, and, simply the best. With years of valuable planning opportunities, the challenges and pitfalls that can occur are anticipated so that the outcome is a creative success.

 

2. Communicate…communicate…communicate clear expectations: Sometimes a client will say, “I want something jazzy,” as they describe the lively, energetic, and interactive event they desire. However, the entertainment company may immediately think  jazz trio, improvisational musicians, or even a group of choreographed dancers. Obviously, the two are not synonymous. It is vital that both the planner and entertainment company are on the same page so that the event will be customized in exactly the right way.

3. Know What You Can Afford: So often, clients want everything, yet their champagne wishes need to be fulfilled using a beer budget. That’s when a planner that knows talent can provide a fun, exciting, and memorable event on a more restricted budget. Be realistic with your expectations and the production may surprise you in its ultimate power and ingenuity.

 

Celebrate 2013: Part One –Throw a Party That Pops

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It is the most wonderful time of the year. So, why not throw a party that pops to celebrate the accomplishments of 2013 with friends, family, and business associates. Whether you choose a cocktail party, intimate gathering, or a larger venue, live entertainment is the best way to say, “Now, this is a party.” To help you best plan the brightest event, we’ve done your homework. Choose one of these options, and your party will stand out from the rest.

1. Get on Your Feet. It’s time to celebrate. After a well-designed dinner, your guests are ready for a shift in energy. Make them part of the action with an interactive DJ, choreographed dances and lessons, or even a spontaneous flash mob. These options are perfect for a crowd that has energy, personality, and just a little swag. Think about it, have you ever seen a room full of people dancing with anything but a smile on their faces? Fun is a powerful choice — it works. So let it work for your party.

2. Winter Wonderland. With the clear, chilly nights in the Valley, nothing is more romantic and elegant than a party with entertainment everywhere. Guests can view the night sky with professional astronomers, discuss those beautiful constellations with an astrologer and Tarot card reader, and couples can capture the essence in a photo booth dressed with a stunning background. All the while, the sounds of duo guitars seranade the guests. What a marvelous night for a moon dance…

3. Make me Laugh. Nothing is more contageous than the sound of laughter. So, treat your guests to a stand-up comedian, interactive, improvisational troupe, and a lively band. A good comedian can capture the audience, make them laugh, and get them ready to dance the night away. Or, if your group is particulary witty, perhaps they would enjoy joining in the fun with an improvisational comedy team. Either way your guests will be energized for the night ahead.

The Use of Digital Media or Interactive Entertainment

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As planners book entertainment for the coming season, they desire to be on the cutting edge; they want what is unique, new, and effectively promotes the company’s brand. For many, this includes the use of digital media, or interactive entertainment. While this can be exciting and innovative, it can also be costly and ineffective unless managed by experienced professionals. What alternatives are there to create the “Wow” factor that will captivate your guests and still maintain quality and budget?

1. Technology doesn’t have to take center stage. Use intelligent lighting, videos, and computer graphics as part of the entertainment package, rather than the driving force. Examples might include dancers performing the “Gangnam” routine while a video of Psy streams simultaenous song and movement. Another example could be a concert pianist performing Hollywood’s theme songs highlighting movie clips associated with the music. The idea is effective use of technology to enhance live entertainment.
2. Interactive entertainment doesn’t have to be digital. Pieces of entertainment expertly woven into an event can spice up the traditional passive role of the audience. Whether this happens during a dinner experience or an award presentation, or becomes a total theme event incorporating greeters, casino tables, and a Vegas theme show, the event comes to life. Showcasing company executives during this interaction is also an added benefit.

3. There’s no substitute for pure talent. Technology is an asset. A photo booth that links immediately to facebook and twitter can make many attendees quite happy. How cool to post instantly while they attend an amazing event. However, there is nothing like the thrill of live Taiko drumming as it beats with the pulse of your audience; or a mentalist that amazes by accurately reading the minds of your guests; or a hypnotist  that persuades audience members to get up and sing an aria.Let’s face it…the legend that is Elvis didn’t need to tweet that he’d “left the building.”