How to be a talent-buying expert...Six tips from Carmel

1) Getting Started

Before you hire entertainment, share your expectations with your talent agent. This includes providing as much information as possible about the demographics, event history, and the purpose for hiring live music. The more information you give the better service you will receive.

2) Be ready to answer these questions...

What are your musical expecations?

...background music for a networking situation?

...a dance party?

...a concert situation?

...an after-dinner stage show?

Can you identify the style of music or era of entertainment you want?
How varied do you want the repertoire to be?
Is the band expected to play music of a particular culture?
Should the band cater to your tastes, your client's tastes, or to the tastes of the audience?
 

3) Take into consideration

A main ingredient in successful events is the entertainment.
If the music is for a first-time event, enlist the help of experts and take advice from professionals.
Familiarize yourself with the event location specifics including size of room, venue regulations and load-in instructions.
For a repeat event, evaluate past successes as well as challenges and what role the music played.
 

4) Don't Forget

Make sure you communicate this information to your talent agent. (Sometimes venue restrictions will affect entertainment recommendations.)
Plan ahead. The best bands and orchestras are often booked well in advance for prime dates.
Ask for references.
 

5) About Budgeting

Although fees for musical entertainment vary, event specialists often commit between 10 and 20 percent of their budget to it. However, many factors affect pricing:

How much money are you willing to spend to get the band of your choice?
How many hours of music do you require?
Have you given consideration to any additional provisions i.e., staging, technical requirements, and back-stage amenities?
Are you willing to pay for prestige or uniqueness?
Are you willing to pay more for continuous, uninterrupted music?
Is your budget number realistic for the goals you have?
6) Last but not least finally, we have provided an industry glossary to help demystify talent buying. Check out "Glossary Of Industry Terms" and use it as a guide. If you expect a professional presentation and performance, hire professional entertainment from a professional talent representative.