Kitty Hart & Dacia Coffey Dive Into Experiential Marketing on Corporate Caffeine

Heroic Productions’ own VP of Client Brand Experience, Kitty Hart, was recently a guest on Dacia Coffey’s podcast, Corporate Caffeine. Like a dose of caffeine, the conversation was all energy as they dug into the topic of experiential marketing. 

Photo of Corporate Caffeine- Experiential Marketing on Corporate Caffeine blog

The Real ROI of Experiential Marketing

Heroic knows experiential marketing is one of the most prominent forms of event marketing used today. As Kitty states, “There’s real science behind this. There’s a reason that when brands create experiences that bring in as many of the senses as possible those brands create better connections.” 

Kitty went on to describe the main purpose of experiential marketing, and events in general, stating, “Whether we are talking business to business or business to consumer, it’s all people to people, and people want to feel something.” The two discussed the importance of patrons leaving an event feeling something, so much so that they leave talking about what they experienced. And they want to continue talking about it and sharing their experience with the brand. That’s the real return on investment!

The biggest challenge in events today, as Kitty explains is, “It’s become kind of hard to surprise and delight people.” This is a challenge that Heroic knows all too well as many clients repeat the same events annually. The team at Heroic needs to generate ideas for new and exciting experiences for attendees. Kitty describes one area in which you can breathe new life into your event — speakers, and entertainment. Investing in a great speaker or lively entertainment can really leave a lasting impact on an audience. She describes an event in which every transition throughout the day was led by a DJ and another where the client, which happened to be a major beauty brand, turned their corporate event into a live fashion show! 

As fun as live entertainment and events that swap traditional stages for runways may be, Kitty went on to talk about the importance of aligning with brand guidelines and standards. It is important when working with vendors and event partners to make sure they know who you are as a brand, so the event makes sense. Otherwise, your event may leave your audience with more questions than anything else.

Win Buyers With Experiential Marketing

Dacia and Kitty switched gears a bit as they went on to talk about how “buying” has changed. People have so much information at their fingertips, buyers are more informed now than ever. “You really do need to bolster marketing,” Kitty says, as old sales tactics such as cold-calling are no longer as effective. Dacia piggybacked on the sentiment stating, “Marketing does so much of the preparatory work to get buyers choosing you or deciding that you are better than the other competitors or options that they have.” It seems that while there is always a need for sales, marketing is now playing a larger and more integrated role in teeing up customers and getting them ready for the sales process.

Kitty goes on to elaborate on how Heroic uses experiential marketing as a marketing AND sales tactic through our Please Welcome events! She explains how inviting clients and prospects to a Heroic-produced event gives them the opportunity to see Heroic’s STUDIO15 and, “see us doing what we do best.” It’s an immersive experience in which, “they get to know us as people, as professionals, and someone who they can look at and say, “Okay, yeah, I could see them being my production partner.” It gives event attendees the chance to “try before they buy.” 

Proper Planning Makes all the Difference

In event marketing, Kitty likes to remind people not to leave anything “undesigned.” She says, as a production partner, making sure every attendee in the crowd can see and hear is “table stakes,” yet we’ve all been to events where we’ve experienced distracting deficiencies in these areas. Heroic clients expect the best and that’s what they get from our team. But beyond the basics of AV, many moments within the production experience can make or break the final impressions of the audience. Kitty advises thorough planning through every component and every transition, thereby unlocking a truly flawless experience that your brand can be proud of. 

To discuss how Heroic Productions can help you with your next event, contact Kitty Hart.

To learn more, check out our guide to experiential marketing.

Heroic Productions: New Home of the Proto EPIC Hologram Machine

On June 22, 2023, Heroic Productions hosted its first ever Event Planner Happy Hour! This intimate event, intended specifically for event professionals, in STUDIO15 with help from our decor partner Festivities, was planned to showcase the latest and greatest in event technology. As attendees sipped on libations and snacked on crudité, the Heroic team went to work showcasing what was sure to blow their minds!

Introducing the Proto Hologram Machine!

While virtual events, LED, and wearable technology were, of course, all topics of discussion amongst ongoing and up-and-coming trends, Heroic had something new and exciting to unveil: Proto EPIC Hologram! One of the only Proto hologram machines in the area, Heroic is proud to offer a home base for this very cool technology. When it’s not out “on the road” in use for our clients, it lives at STUDIO15 and is available for demos and ideation. 

This 54”x87.5”x28.5” box is used for professional hologram “beaming” with high fidelity speakers, 4K video, and a touchscreen. Beam a 3D version of your logo, a product, or yourself from Proto to impress your event attendees. Whether your content is premade or live, using this technology makes it simple for you to capture whoever you choose to turn into a hologram for your next event!

Now, back to the June happy hour. Guests were jazzed to try the Proto hologram machine for themselves and jumped at the chance to see themselves as holograms! The room buzzed and ideas flowed freely as the discussion surrounded the endless possibilities of what this technology could provide in the events industry. From meet and greets with celebrities, to trade show activations, to keynotes delivered by renowned speakers – Proto invites a sensational and cost-effective way to interact with event guests with a WOW factor. 

photo using the Proto hologram machine
photo using the Proto hologram machine

Bring the Magic of the Proto to Your Next Event

To discuss ways in which you can incorporate this cutting-edge hologram machine into your next event, contact Kitty Hart.

To keep up with Proto, follow Transcend Media on LinkedIn and stay connected!

In-Person with Purpose: Heroic’s Guide to Experiential Marketing Events

Experiential marketing events are the perfect way to connect with potential customers, build brand loyalty, and increase engagement in the digital age. From sales kick-offs to Apple iPhone product launches, experiences make the sale. 

Interactive experiences have the power to create memorable connections between a brand and a customer. With our clients in mind, we put together this comprehensive guide to provide all the necessary tips to make your next experiential marketing event stand out. For the rest of your event planning questions, give us a call.

Experiential vs. traditional marketing: experiences make memories 

Traditional marketing reaches audiences through mediums like magazines and newspapers, while experiential marketing focuses on creating an emotional connection with customers through unique live experiences. Traditional marketing will always be an effective way to get a message to the public, but experiential marketing provides customers with an opportunity to engage with a product.

Although experiential marketing events are relatively new, brands have introduced their products to people in person as far back as the first World’s Fair in 1851. When William Wrigley, Jr. introduced Wrigley’s Juicy Fruit chewing gum in 1893, he knew people needed to experience it firsthand to appreciate and enjoy its benefits. Wrigley’s investment in the World’s Fair made Wrigley’s brand a huge success. 

Fast forward 100-plus years, and Super Bowl commercials aren’t getting the hype that they did just ten years ago. Consumers today are suffering ad overexposure from traditional marketing methods. Regular TV ads are disruptive advertising at a time when consumers can stream TV shows or fast-forward through commercials. It takes a lot to surprise and delight audiences, which has turned experiential marketing into a breath of fresh air. 

Experiential marketing builds lasting relationships

Live events have the power to turn an audience of uncertain shoppers into dedicated customers. This power has made experiential marketing events an increasingly popular tool for brands to engage with their customers in a meaningful way. By creating interactive experiences tailored to a target audience, companies can boost brand awareness and build customer loyalty. Engaging the five senses can create memories that translate into powerful, lasting brand affinity. Through memorable events, activities, and experiences, brands can showcase their services and give their customers a chance to get to know the brand better.

Organic consumer connections form through events that create memories and encourage word-of-mouth advertising. It attracts more people to a brand. The recent rise in social media and influencer marketing has made events a dominant and undeniable force in advertising. An ad may draw consumers in, but an experience gives them something to remember. And influencers can’t post about their experiences online without having them first.

People talking at Heroic's Please Welcome event

Launching an experiential marketing campaign? Start with strategy.

When planning an experiential marketing campaign, it is essential to have a well-defined strategy that outlines the goals, metrics, and objectives. You need to understand your audience, how you want to reach your audience, and any communicative challenges that may be in your way. With the audience in mind, you can develop an event plan informed by your marketing goals. Every event is unique, and successful events need a comprehensive approach. These are the basics of how the strategy should form. 

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Know your audience

The first step in creating an effective experiential marketing campaign is to look at your customer base and determine what kind of experiential campaigns they would enjoy. What do your attendees need from this event? Let those needs inform the event’s agenda, activities, and overall themes. Gathering data on who your customers are and what they want will help you identify the target audience and give you valuable insight into the most successful experience. This research could provide information about new markets to explore and what events will be most effective.

Set clear objectives

Once you have identified your target audience, you must solidify goals to ensure your experiential marketing event is successful. Ask yourself what you want to accomplish with this event and consider the ultimate target of the campaign. Is it to gain new customers? Promote a new product? Enter a new market? Once you know what you are working towards, you can begin to plan the event. Understand what you want this experience to communicate about your company’s values and culture. Build strategy from there.

Prepare a team you can trust

Successful experiential marketing events don’t happen in a vacuum. They require careful preparation and planning, and relationships make all the difference. Solid partners will bring a comprehensive set of tools and contacts to overcome any challenges. 

At a preparatory stage, you might consider partnering with an event production company that can create a memorable and engaging experience for your attendees. Look for an experienced event production company with strong referrals and a solid network of event resources. Consider what visuals, interactive activities, and exclusive experiences align with your event objectives. The most successful event teams are highly collaborative and strategic in their approach. Develop solutions with your audience in mind, and don’t forget the fun!

Engage the attendees

Engaging with your audience is key to ensuring the success of your event. Traditional marketing can help you accomplish this. Print or digital ads, social media, contests, giveaways, and other activities are ways you can encourage your audience to interact with your brand. Plan for engagement CTA’s before, during, and after your event. Think about event hashtags. Don’t make this an afterthought. Engagement should be baked into strategy from day one.

Make it immersive

Elevate your event by finding opportunities to directly involve your attendees. Consider what will make the experience most engaging. Immersive elements could include live chat, video rooms, networking, or live Q&A. Whatever you have in mind, collaborate with your event partners and make sure your vendors can facilitate these real-time interactions. Simple attention to an attendee’s needs can make all the difference.

Budget for creativity

A detailed budget will help to guide your location, vendors, and other event resources. Prioritize essentials here, but always leave room for creativity. The success of an experiential marketing event hinges on its unique engagement, and it pays to think outside of the box. Planning far ahead of your event can help your team take the time needed to perfect your budgeting approach.

Plan to track your success

After your event is over, it’ll be important to have a clear assessment of its success. Before your event, determine what metrics you’ll be tracking. Understanding what works and what doesn’t will help you strategize future campaigns. Event value links to an event’s strategic purpose.

Types of experiential marketing events

Experiential marketing events range from intimate press lunches to large public product launches. As you consider what type of event to produce, keep strategy top of mind. Think about what you want to accomplish.

Brand activation: make an impression

Brand activation events are a creative way to build brand awareness and loyalty. Events are an effective tool for generating interest and increasing sales, but more importantly – cultivating long-lasting relationships. To help your brand activation to stand out, you might consider partnering with entertainers and opinion leaders to create fun and interactive experiences that promote brand affinity. You might also use data visualization tools to highlight meaningful insights in a live setting. 

Pop-ups: generate buzz

Pop-up events are temporary, unexpected events in unique spaces that capitalize on the element of surprise. They offer a low-cost and low-commitment way for companies to take creative risks and introduce their products to new audiences. Consider what unique pop-up experiences might fit with your brand, whether a kiosk at a trade show or a brewery sampling. Pop-up shops create a sense of urgency and allow companies to sell their products in an environment designed and controlled by them.

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Product launch: show vs. tell 

Product launches provide an experience for people who may not be sure of how they would use a product or service. Silicon Valley giants like Google and Apple have used product launches to show the public how they can benefit from new technology. 

For example, Google recently created a unique product launch event by taking a cupcake truck to the streets of Austin, Texas, to help promote its new photo app. Consider finding creative ways for attendees to interact with your brand. Look for event features that can illustrate the benefits of using your product. The difference is in the details.

Sales meetings: motivate and activate

Sales events can be a major capstone in a company’s year. They offer an opportunity to educate, celebrate, and inspire your team, as well as set objectives for the next sales cycle. The best sales meetings offer team-building experiences and learning opportunities that energize your team and build up their skill set. Set big goals and celebrate your company’s all-stars. The result should be a motivated and activated team.

5 Elements of a successful experiential marketing event

There are many types of experiential marketing events, but they all have a few elements in common. As you plan your next event, keep the following in mind.

  1. Location: Don’t host your event just anywhere. Location can be an enticing incentive for an audience that needs to escape their norm. Let the “why” of your event inform the “where.”
  2. Venue: Look for unique venues that have experience with experiential marketing events. Consider what you’re marketing and why it would benefit from one environment or another. If you’re celebrating something, the environment should be a treat.
  1. Entertainment: Choosing entertainment can make or break an experiential marketing event. Consider timing, audience, and overall—emotion. Who will be in the room, and how will they feel? Look for entertainers who can be enthusiastic about your event and brand — and be prepared to set them up for success.
  2. Technology: Event logistics offer endless opportunities to surprise and delight attendees. From the lighting to the sound and your keynote speaker’s PowerPoint presentation — allow technology to elevate the message of your event. Consider tone. Consider themes. Execute with intention, and trust the experts in guiding your tech.  
  3. Strategic product placement: Your attendees should remember why they’re gathering and remember it often. Look for opportunities to brand your attendees’ experience and give them a memory they can take home. Make your swag bags pop. Place QR codes throughout the venue. If you’re sharing merch, make sure it’s the kind they’ll actually want to wear. Details matter. Make the small stuff count. 
Heroic's Super Bowl concert event image

Heroic is your trusted partner for corporate events

You’ll accomplish the best results when you collaborate with partners who understand your audience’s needs. At Heroic, we’re a one-stop shop for strategizing and producing corporate events. From launching a new product to celebrating your sales team, know all the right event questions to ask and all the right people to call. We leverage years of event management experience to produce experiences that engage your audiences and create measurable impact.

Supportive and experienced collaborators make the difference in event planning. Let’s plan your next experiential marketing event together. Contact us today.

The Art of Public Speaking: It’s Not What You Say, It’s How You Say It

A generation of adults remembers being told as a child, “It’s not what you say, it’s how you say it”. Truer words could not be spoken, especially when it comes to the art of public speaking. Let’s face it, we’ve all been subject to what was intended to be a great, inspirational speech but turned out to be nothing more than a lengthy lecture. Anyone working in event planning knows, well should know, the importance of selecting the right keynote speaker for the right event. A great speaker is crucial to not only kickstarting the event but setting the tone for the following sessions. 

Great public speaking takes acute skill to not only deliver a moving and memorable speech but to connect with the audience on a personal level that allows them to feel receptive to the message being delivered. Yes, it takes talent; however, one can learn to be a formidable speaker by following the tips below.

Image of Denise Soler Cox speaking at Please Welcome- The Art of Public Speaking blog featured image

Ways to Master the Art of Public Speaking

Be Authentic.

Audiences are different than they were ten… or even five years ago and technology has a lot to do with that. We are all used to smartphones and tablets with the ability to find on-demand content delivered by, what seem to be, content specialists. What speakers on stage need to bring is authenticity. An audience can sense if a speaker is acting in a second flat! People want REAL. They also want to be entertained – however, this can mean many different things. It can mean actual entertainment, as in comedy, but it can also mean seeing or hearing the unexpected, or surprisingly learning new/relevant information. The bottom line is that a speaker must be authentic, interesting and or surprising while delivering relevant content that has value.

Talk Less.

Great speakers know how to get in and get out. They do not dwell on a topic because they know that today’s audiences don’t want to listen to a 90-minute keynote speech. It’s just unnecessary! If your message can be delivered in twenty minutes, cut the fluff and give the audience the best twenty minutes of their life. This is exactly why TEDTalks became and remain so popular. The speakers don’t beat around the bush with tedious tropes and dead-end stories, they get straight to the point while making it humorous, touching, suspenseful, or just plain frank. 

Be Comfortable.

This may go without saying but it’s one of the most important things a public speaker can do…or be. Stage fright is real and often debilitating, which is why many people will never speak publicly. The worst thing for an audience is to be stuck in a room with someone on stage who is not so quietly dying inside. Great public speakers are at home on the stage or behind the podium. They live for the thrill of addressing the masses. The bigger the better! The same could be said for those who work on skyscrapers or bridges – the height doesn’t seem to bother them, while others have trouble taking an escalator up to the next floor. With that being said, would you feel more comfortable with a pilot who is afraid of heights? No! You want that calm, smooth 

voice on the other end of the intercom to be comfortable with what they are about to lead you into. The same goes for public speaking. When you’re comfortable, your audience will be comfortable and eagerly allow you to take them on a journey with your words. 

Be Knowledgable.

Along the same lines as being authentic and comfortable, audience members can tell when you are making stuff up. Being a content specialist is an asset when it comes to being a public speaker. Even having some experience in the field or area you are discussing is great but speaking to a room full of doctors about hemodynamic monitoring when the closest you have come to an operating room is when you got your tonsils removed may not be the best idea. Why? They’ll know. Know your topic, and your audience, and speak to both. Audiences actively engage with someone they can relate to. That room full of doctors probably won’t relate if your resume lacks any medical background. 

Be Empathetic, Yet Enthusiastic.

This is where the “art” of public speaking really comes in. Some of the best speeches are the ones that were the most emotional, think award show acceptance speeches. Tears, laughter, humanity – it all comes together to give the audience all the feels. Granted, most of them are not scripted but they all started from the same place, the heart. Focus on the “why” of your speech and what audiences should take away. Your emotion and passion about a topic will draw your audience in; however, a lack of enthusiasm will push them away. What is the reason you are speaking and does your audience care? Questions that should be answered before you step foot on the stage.

Be Tech-Savvy.

Remember that everyone learns differently. Some people live for text while others fly through Ikea instructions with ease, with many people somewhere in between. The audience will be filled with all of them, so plan accordingly. Using a slide deck with pictures or short phrases to help support your words is a great way to reach the greatest number of people. However, don’t rely solely on your PowerPoint to make your speech a homerun – there’s a reason this is last on the list. Technology can make or break your success as a public speaker, especially if it’s too clunky, oversaturated, or disconnected. Use technology as a tool, not the base of your speech, and most of all, think of number two on this list. Be comfortable, not only with public speaking but with technology. 

Heroic Knows a Thing or Two About the Art of Public Speaking

It takes a lot to master the art of public speaking, the aforementioned are just a springboard. There are so many moving parts in an unforgettable speech but the biggest thing to remember is what mothers, fathers, grandparents, and teachers used to say, “It’s not what you say, it’s how you say it”. 

For more on public speaking or selecting the right speaker for your event, contact Heroic for help in making your next event an unforgettable one.

Corporate Event Audience Engagement: How will your organization win its audience?

If a picture is worth a thousand words, then imagine the value of combining the sight, sound, and experience of an “I didn’t see that coming!” live performance at a corporate event!  

World class entertainment, positioned correctly, will generate a buzz and improve corporate event audience engagement. It gets people excited about what’s coming next, and it doesn’t have to blow the budget!

There are lots of things to consider, but here is a great place to start:

The Triple Wow. Do you have the budget for all three “WOW’s?” Does it even make sense for your event? Let me explain. 

What are WOWs and How do You Measure Them?

Triple Wow $$$

  • Your attendees realize who will be performing at your next event, and they say, “WOW, I can’t wait!” 
  • They experience the performance live and say, “WOW! That was amazing!”  
  • Once home, they tell others, “WOW! You’ll never guess who I got to see perform live!”

Double Wow $$

  • Your attendees realize who the performing artist will be. The artist is not well known to some. Your audience loves the performance, and you hear, “WOW, I had no idea! I am a new fan!”
  • Once home, they tell others, “WOW, eventhe entertainment was fantastic!”

Wow! $

  • Your attendees consider the event and unknown (but fabulous) entertainment a success, and say, “WOW! What a great event! It was fun, surprising, and memorable.”

It comes down to what you’re trying to create. Corporate event audience engagement should always be the goal, but budgets sometimes don’t allow for the “triple wow!” That’s okay, imaginative planning can still create those moments of surprise that inject energy and generate lasting memories.

  • Pro tip: If you are hiring a lesser known (but fabulous) artist for a final night celebration, find a way to tease the audience during a general session. This could be a short performance during the beginning of the show. For example, the right song to introduce the CEO as he takes the stage, or an unexpected interview with the artist about something relevant to the audience (their version of successful marketing, innovation, trends, etc.).

This will inject energy into the general session and will create anticipation for the performance. Many audience members are not big music/theater fans or have very specific taste, but that doesn’t mean they won’t enjoy a great performance! Give them a taste of what they are in for. You’ll be surprised how much excitement you will create.

Recommended Reading: Choosing Your Corporate Event Entertainment

Get More WOW!

Entertainment can be more powerful than we often give it credit for. In an age defined by immersive and interactive experiences, how will your company drive corporate event audience engagement?

Call Kris or contact us for a few more great ideas that will most definitely WOW!

IEBA Annual Conference Stands Alone!

The International Entertainment Buyers Association (IEBA) Annual Conference is an event for professionals in the entertainment business who buy, book, and sell talent. 

The Conference stands alone in the entertainment industry by providing unparalleled networking opportunities with the entertainment industry’s leading innovators and decision makers, professional development, and current entertainment options. 

Attendees include entertainment industry professionals who buy, book, and promote talent. So of course, Kris Campbell, Heroic’s VP Speakers & Entertainment, was there.

Switchfoot performance- IEBA blog featured image

IEBA Annual Conference Highlights

Having just returned from the Nashville annual event, Kris said, “The two highlights were the Corporate 360 Session and three days of an on-going showcase of great live entertainment.” 

The Corporate 360 Session is for entertainment buyers and producers who work in the corporate event market and agents who represent talent who also work (or want to) in that market. This year, the session highlighted a panel discussion with an agent, a band manager, a promoter, and a buyer. There were many aha! moments felt throughout the room, which was fascinating, given most attendees were seasoned professionals. Proves the point that there is always something to learn!

There was also time for round table discussions, where attendees discuss learnings from the past two years. The pandemic was obviously tough on the events industry and the music/touring world. In spite of the difficulties all experienced, it was clear many were forced to be more creative which produced innovative ideas. For instance, we all know the traditional meet and greet events were tough, or even impossible to execute, during the pandemic. One alternate solution was to do a VIP Q&A with a band. This experience starts with selecting a cool venue with a bar and then placing the band up front, socially distanced. Then, let the attendees ask questions! Everyone felt it was more meaningful and less awkward than the traditional meet and greet. 

Kris also commented, “There is no other place to experience so much exciting talent, meet with agents/managers, and learn about new trends – all in a couple days! This conference is essential for those who book talent for the events industry.”  

Still Curious about The IEBA Annual Conference?

Would you like to hear more about the content that was shared at IEBA and Kris’ HOT entertainment recommendations? You can contact her directly here!

Choosing Your Corporate Event Entertainment

As an event highlight, corporate event entertainment has the potential to engage and inspire your attendees. It creates shared memories that will last far beyond the event. It’s a chance for them to snap out of their everyday thinking and experience something new. Your attendees might as well be back in the office if they don’t think they’re using their time productively—or if they’re not having a good time.

Choosing the entertainment for your event can be the difference between a so-so event or a great one. You can avoid common mistakes when you book corporate event entertainment for your next event. Like every aspect of event production, entertainment choices are most effective when guided by strategy

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Strategize a balanced event

When designing and producing a corporate event, it’s crucial to understand what purpose the entertainment will serve at the event. Once you’ve uncovered the need for entertainment, you can make strategic entertainment choices. You can then determine how best to measure the success of those choices. 

For example, if your primary event goal is to share new information, you may want to formulate a plan to balance entertaining and educating your attendees. Seating your attendees in classroom-style rows to listen to speakers all day might not be the best way to keep your attendees engaged.

You might consider live music or a dance group to create energy as people walk into the General Session or an idea wall during a break outside the ballroom (or meeting room). It’s essential to capture the collective brain power in the room that will be lost by the time everyone gets back to the office. If your attendees have been watching PowerPoint presentations for a few hours, allow them to get up and move with a dance instructor or something that involves interaction. It may be exactly what your event needs to gain more powerful momentum. 

DISCOVER UNIQUE CORPORATE EVENT PLANNING IDEAS

Consider timing and location

Timing is essential for corporate event entertainment. Understandably, the entertainment for an awards show on the final night will differ from a general session. The entertainment should benefit the overall flow of an event. That can mean a musician between breakout sessions or an illusionist to reveal the CEO. Corporate event entertainment is an excellent opportunity for event managers to get creative within the strategy for the event.

The room layout will affect the entertainment experience. If you want your attendees to dance or sit during a musician’s performance, you’ll need to plan for that and create the room layout accordingly.  

Think about your audience

Who’s going to be in the room? Corporate event attendees are often a very diverse group of people, and it can be challenging to find entertainment that reaches every demographic of your audience. Consider what will be most exciting and engaging to everyone who’s there. 

For example, executive leadership may have different entertainment preferences than most younger employees. Is there an entertainer that the 30-somethings and the 60-somethings can all enjoy? It may be that Lionel Richie would create a better overall experience than Harry Styles (assuming both are in budget).

To create a successful experience, work with leadership and follow their lead to create the appropriate experience. If a team has experienced significant setbacks this year, they may not be looking to celebrate with a concert. But if sales are up and employees are ready for their first post-pandemic reunion, then it may be time to party (Karamu, Fiesta, forever…all night long).  

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Artists with corporate event entertainment experience 

Once you know what you’re looking for, you’ll want to prioritize finding artists who can be enthusiastic about your event, ideally with experience and a willingness to give the audience the attention they deserve. A corporate event requires special attention and great performers willing to provide it. 

You must be ready to set your entertainers up for success. For example, they’ll need information about the organization, the attendees, and the messaging of the event. Your performers should know who they are performing for and the event’s purpose. Performers should also understand any challenges with the company or venue regarding timing, content restrictions, or sound ordinances.

When given preparation time and information, we’ve seen rockstars bring down the house with unforgettable performances of original songs written specifically for a corporate event. On the flip side, we’ve seen what happens when comedians haven’t been correctly informed or guided, to the shock and dismay of leadership (particularly HR). For better and worse, the effectiveness of corporate event entertainment strategy lies in attention to detail.

Have some fun

Corporate event entertainment has the power to transform the mindset of your attendees. When it’s all said and done, you can measure an event’s success by your attendees’ engagement. Best case? Your event attendees will be talking about the performance long after it’s over, cherishing the lasting memory of an event that brought people together around a common goal.

If you’re looking for corporate event production that goes above and beyond, call Heroic.

Live Events Are Back: Celebrate With Entertainment

Live, in-person, events are back. People want to socialize, share ideas, and celebrate. It feels good to be together again!

Let’s talk about the celebratory part of the return to in-person events. Celebrations usually include entertainment, all kinds of entertainment. Of course, it’s exciting to see our favorite big-name artists, but many a fabulous event has been accomplished with lesser-known talent.

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How to Book More Business with Speakers Bureaus with Diane Goodman and Kris Young

Jane Atkinson of The Wealthy Speaker Podcast featured our very own VP of Speakers and Entertainment, Kris Young, and the founder of Goodman Speakers Bureau, Diane Goodman, on her podcast about navigating toward the “new normal.”

Continue reading “How to Book More Business with Speakers Bureaus with Diane Goodman and Kris Young”

Heroic Welcomes Kris Young As New VP Speakers & Entertainment

Kris Young_Heroic ProductionsWe are excited to announce our newest member to the team, Kris Young as VP, Speakers & Entertainment. In this role, Young will solely focus on helping clients secure talent to help deliver event key messages.

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