Last week I did a great gig, in a very expensive venue, overlooking the Chicago Loop, for two companies hosting their VIP's after a trade show. I had no idea until I arrived who was even hosting the event.
There was a caterer hiring an entertainment agent, who hired me, and no one shared any more than the absolute basic information of date, time, and location, with each other.
When I arrived at the event about 45 minutes before start time, I found the caterer who had hired my agent and I ask him, "Who is this event for?" He gave me the companies' names. What I meant was WHO are the attendees?" He did say that this was sales folks and their clients.
OK, this is important information. This means, these salespeople have invited potential or loyal customers to this event to share with them food, drink, and MOST IMPORTANTLY, why they should do or continue to do business with their company.
I thanked him and I used Google to search for the company and found out they make ink and printing presses. They are in the print industry. OK, now we are getting somewhere.
The Solution
Not to toot my own horn (but hey, this is my blog after all) I have a background in theater improvisation and comedy writing. So, I was able to adapt four magic tricks in the remaining minutes I had left to be at least about printing. I had no time to research the companies unique selling proposition, their printing presses benefits, or what specific message or product they were trying to tell people about at this year's show.
I know what you are saying, "They're just magic tricks, Edd. They are just supposed to be fun." But they can be SO MUCH MORE! I can do so much more!
I can:
- customize my tricks to visually show something about your company or product
- write scripts for my presentation that emphasize your product or services features and benefits.
- research your competition and compare and contrast your offerings with humor and visual magic.
But I can't do any of it, if I have no information. So help me, help you, make your event GREAT!
For You
If you are thinking of hiring a presenter or entertainer for your trade show booth or hospitality suite, here is the form I give my clients: Google Form If your presenter or entertainer isn't asking these questions he is just going to do another show. Not YOUR show! Even though I'm the guy doing the tricks, it's not all about me. It's about you, your clients, and your message.
About the Author
Edd Fairman is a stand up comedy magician that performs specialized presentations of magic and comedy for corporations around the country.
For You
If you are thinking of hiring a presenter or entertainer for your trade show booth or hospitality suite, here is the form I give my clients: Google Form If your presenter or entertainer isn't asking these questions he is just going to do another show. Not YOUR show! Even though I'm the guy doing the tricks, it's not all about me. It's about you, your clients, and your message.
About the Author
Edd Fairman is a stand up comedy magician that performs specialized presentations of magic and comedy for corporations around the country.
