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To achieve such a goal, one needs to have a strategy in place. Is this the case for you?

If the answer is “no,” you might need some inspiration with the following 5-point guideline on fundraising in 2019.

1. Use Crowdfunding

Peer-to-peer fundraising has proven its worth time and time again. If you think you can get donations from practically any corner of the world, you uncover a whole new territory. 

Which leads us further to the entertainment part.

Say you managed to involve a significant number of new donors. Now how can you entertain those who’ve contributed but cannot attend an event?

You can solve the situation by investing in audio-video equipment and setting live streams of your events.

2. Build Online Presence

With fundraisers, much effort is put into event preparation – venue, food or invitations.

However, the last item on the list can be achieved significantly more easily if you worked on your online presence.

For a start, it is a good idea to grow your blog or website. Try to monitor trending topics and link them to fundraising principles or themes. Then publish your content based on a thorough content plan.

The idea is to build up a resource people can always access and get to know your acts. They will feel much more compelled to rally to your cause – which will further ignite your brand awareness.

3. Be Open to Partnerships

2019 will most likely not be the year to go alone on your path.

Teaming up with fellow organizers or with other organizations can show your audience you:

Value the importance of experience sharing.

Are willing to go to great lengths to get the best fundraising entertainment. After all, collaborations can get you more famous performers.

Get along with peers in the fundraising world and work towards the viewers’ best interest.

Are able to think globally and learn the best practices, even if you do not share the exact values as your partners.

In the fundraising world, it is about spreading good vibes and value. To succeed, it is useful if you start with the betterment of your principles.

4. Prioritize Mobile Friendliness

It seems everyone is channeling their efforts towards optimizing for mobile devices.

Is that something you should also be doing? The answer is a definite “yes,” especially if you rely on online donations. 

Users usually get frustrated by pages which don’t load and could easily tune out and lose interest.

Plus, Mobile is a great medium for showcasing appealing announcements or calls-to-action in a neat, creative design.

Channeling your efforts towards mobile responsiveness is one of the smartest decision for a fundraiser who wants to branch out.

5. Fundraising Entertainment Should Incorporate More Social Media

Do we need to say more? Social media is essential these days, within almost all industries.

Why should you increase your social networks presence? Just a few reasons:

You can gather a larger following with minimal resources.

You can ask for volunteers in online communities, in case you need a quick solution.

Engagement is crucial to a fundraiser and social media grants you that – if used well. At this point, it is worth doing research on the best-suited platforms for you. Pinterest, Instagram or LinkedIn are not the only options.

The post 5 Ways to Branch Out with Your Fundraising Entertainment Choices in 2019 appeared first on CelebrityAccess.

• Thank your guests, employees, suppliers and the community for their ongoing support
• Build up employee morale
• Remind staff and partners of goals and company core values
• Acknowledge your company’s landmark achievement in an enjoyable way
• Generate more buzz for your business.

As you can see, regardless if it is your organization’s first or 50^th anniversary, it is an occasion worth celebrating.

If you are planning to throw an epic party this year but are in need of some inspiration, this is the article for you.

These tips will help you ensure guests will have a great time and will look forward to joining each year.

Make Entertainment a Priority at Your Company Anniversary Party

No party is complete without entertainment. So, this should be one of the first aspects you take care of, not an after-thought.

The good news is you will not be short on options when looking for the best artists and entertainers to perform at your company anniversary party.

We wanted to give you some examples, so we have rounded up a few of the alternatives you should consider.

• Inspirational and thought-provoking. If you want your guests not only to be entertained but also learn something new, you should find a speaker to keep guests engaged and participating.
• Surprising and creative. There’s nothing which gets people excited faster than an act which is original and like nothing they have seen before. No event can be boring with aerial flyers, belly dancers and fire dancers on board, right?
• Hilarious and high energy. Everybody loves to laugh, so if you want to play it safe, go with a comedian! Even better, work with an improv comedy group who can provide squeaky clean, lively comedy.

Help Guests Feel Included

The best events are the ones who feel personal. If you want your company anniversary party to make attendees feel truly appreciated, you need to go that extra mile. In other words, show them this event is all about them.

How do you do that?

By keeping the formalities to a minimum. Just because it is a corporate event does not mean attendees should act all formal.

Encourage guests to express themselves and show off their personality. 

You can do that by offering buffet style meals, an informal dress code, and games which require everyone to contribute.

Also, if you have decided to book a speaker for the event, encourage them to opt for an open conversation or speech which allows guests to participate.

Follow these tips and your anniversary party is likely to be the best one yet! Happy Anniversary!

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If you’ve already started planning, there’s one thing that surely concerns you. How will you stand out? What will make the audience remember you?

We want to help you out. Here are four ways to make your event unforgettable.

1. Take Time for Proper Marketing

In day-to-day business, no matter what you plan, you need to stick to a strict timeline. That is also imperative when you organize your marketing strategy. Start promoting your event at least a month ahead of time.

There are countless ways to do it depending on your target audience. It’s needless to say that your social media page must be saturated with posts and updates.

Don’t forget to ask your current clients and partners to share these posts.

If you target a niche audience at your next business event, focus on custom messages.

Send out email invitations and newsletters stating the date and purpose of your event.

2. Prepare Your Speech Thoroughly

Many business owners don’t master the art of public speaking. The essence of any public speech is engaging the public. Here are some tips to help you with your presentation:

• Don’t give unnecessary details.Don’t bore the audience with too much information. That is your chance to promote your business, but long speeches are usually ineffective. Just stick to the subject!
• Say a joke if your public seems to lose interest.It will also help you overcome the public speaking nervousness.
• Avoid clichéUsing clichés in your speech is a thing of the past, especially when you’re talking business. Make your presentation simple, clear and easy to follow. No need to add anything else.

3. Give Participants a Tight Deadline

Nothing is more frustrating than a business event where no one shows up. Asking people to confirm their attendance is a must. Another tip that usually works out is creating a sense of urgency.

When you promote your event, give them a confirmation deadline. Make it tight. That will convince them to book sooner. If they’re required to buy a ticket, you can also offer a discount for early booking.

4. Make Everyone Feel Comfortable at Your Business Event

The golden rule of any memorable event is making your public feel at ease while attending. That’s why a little courtesy is always appreciated. Your attitude towards your public has to combine professionalism with friendship.

You should try to engage with every single participant. Mingle as much as you can during breaks. If you can’t reach them all, involve your staff. Make sure none of your guests is alone.

If you want to make things more interesting, spice up your event. Introduce a short, entertaining moment. Lighten the mood with an comedian.

We hope now you feel more confident and willing to apply these new tips. Get together with your staff and share what you’ve just learned.

The post 4 Secret Ingredients for Planning a Memorable Business Event appeared first on CelebrityAccess.

Organizing a charity event is both a stressful experience and a rewarding one thanks to a resounding success. It means reaching all your goals and receiving positive feedback from your guests makes everything bad go away.

If you are a non-profit organization, you may see entertainment as a beautiful dream which you could not possibly achieve. However, that is not true, especially if you do everything like a professional.

Here are five of the biggest mistakes you should avoid at any cost when looking to hire charity entertainment.

#1 “We Are a Non-Profit Organization.”

Many charity event organizers use the wrong argument to ask an entertainer to perform at their event: “it is a good deed, we are a non-profit organization!”.

Entertainers may receive up to ten requests for services every day. Imagine if half of those emails contain the “argument” mentioned above. It does not feel so special anymore, doesn’t it?

Even if you are looking for charity entertainment or donations, your arguments should be much more compelling. Making the entertainer feel like his work does make a positive impact which will get you better results, but only as long as you do not ask for a free performance.

#2 You do not Emphasize the Right Return on Investment

Nobody will give you his or her time for free. Even volunteers get something in return – actively doing something to fix an individual issue.

It is the same even with charity entertainment. There’s a higher chance your proposition will sound better if you let entertainers know what’s in it for them, besides the chance of doing something for the greater good.

Assuming everybody cares about your cause and is willing to help you for free is probably the biggest mistake you can do.

#3 You Play the “Hometown” Card Wrong

In the world we are living today, only a few artists stick to just one city, while the most talented ones reach out to each continent at a time.

Based on their success, some even decide to move to another state/country/continent.

If you are looking for charity entertainment and want to hire an entertainer born in that town, you should first do a thorough research.

Playing the “hometown” card may not do you any good if the entertainer no longer has any connections with that town.

#4 You Offer Reach instead of Credibility

If you are organizing a charity event for a quite large non-profit, you may feel good with, let’s say, reaching out to one million people. It is indeed impressive, and you should be proud of achieving it.

However, for a celebrity, one million people might be absolutely nothing. Especially if you think about YouTube and social media platforms where they reach millions on a daily basis. Their time is valuable and should be valued as such.

Instead, advertise credibility forget about reach and let the entertainer know you can pay for the performance.

#5 You do not Offer to Pay for Charity Entertainment

Being consistently focused on achieving your charity fund goals may make you oblivious of the fact artists should be paid as well. Especially if you are looking for a musician to sing at your event.

If you plan to sell tickets, you should also offer to pay for the performance. Having an artist perform on stage could bring in more donors at your event. It means you will get a good return on investment.

The post 5 Mistakes to Avoid when Looking for Charity Entertainment appeared first on CelebrityAccess.

It’s not always an easy call to make, which is why we’ve listed ten actionable tips which will help you score the best corporate entertainment out there.

If this is something you are interested in, then make sure to keep reading.

1. Start the Research Process Early on

Once you start actively looking for an entertainer, you’ll come to find corporate entertainment comes in all shapes and sizes.

From clean comedian and corporate magicians to aerial flyers and sand art, the pool of entertainment is extremely generous.

Starting the research process early will allow you to explore your options without rushing into anything. Also, it will help ensure your first pick of entertainment will be available.

Remember, the best entertainers always book up quickly.

2. Know How Much You Can Spend

How much the corporate entertainment will cost you will depend on things like:

• the performer’s current notoriety, reputation, and overall experience
• the date of the event
• the location
• the size of the show you want to book.

Before you start reaching out to performers, know what the allocated budget is. This will help you eliminate the options which are outside your budget and create a solid first list of entertainers you can book for your event.

3. Be Straightforward About Your Goals and Needs

It’s important to communicate openly, so you and the entertainer are on the same page from the get-go. Share details about the audience, your organization and any goals you hope to achieve by booking corporate entertainment for your event.

This doesn’t mean you should try to micromanage the performer’s set; it just means collaborating with them and having productive conversations to enhance your event.

4. State Any Special Requests

It’s important to state any concerns or special requests during early discussions with the entertainers you are considering for your event.

For instance, maybe you want a customized comedy show which pokes fun at something specific to the industry you’re in. This will make the entire set more relatable and thus funnier.

Also, if there are any topics or jokes which should be avoided during the show, specify that, as well.

Although experienced entertainers are pretty savvy when it comes to what’s appropriate and what’s not, know that performers are not mind-readers.

5. Look into the Performer’s Experience

See if the entertainers have experience performing at events similar to yours. Also, try to find legitimate reviews he’s received from past clients and see how they describe their experience working with the performer.

Finally, don’t be afraid to ask all the questions you have on your mind. Everything will come together to help you paint a more detailed picture of the corporate entertainment you are considering.

You’ll want someone who is professional, easy to work with and who makes the success of your event, as well as the audience’s satisfaction, a top priority.

6. See the Performer in Action

If you can, go and see the entertainer you are considering perform live. However, if that’s not an option, make sure you at least see some recent recordings from previous events they’ve attended.

Demo videos are also a great option, as that usually encompass highlights from different performances and TV appearances which showcase an entertainer’s top talents.

The best showreels also include shows performed in front of a live audience, capturing their reactions. So keep an eye out for those types of shots; they speak volumes about an entertainer’s ability to engage and connect with an audience.

7. Ask About Any Set-up Necessities

Different types of corporate entertainment require different kinds of set-ups. While a comedian, for instance, can perform in the corner of a room with just a microphone, other entertainers have more complex set-up needs and could require things like:

• special sound equipment
• special lighting equipment
• the venue having a certain height (if you book aerial performers, for example, this is a crucial detail)
• a large stage area.

Make sure to discuss these things beforehand.  This way, you can check with your venue and make sure they can accommodate the set-up needs for the entertainment you want.

8. Find out What’s Covered in the Fee

Travel expense, accommodation, transport to the venue; all these costs can add up to an entertainer’s initial booking fee. So make sure to ask what’s covered in the booking fee before you sign a contract. 

It may not be the most comfortable question to ask. However, it’s essential to know these things beforehand so there are no misunderstandings and you can make a decision having all the facts laid out on the table.

9. Don’t Limit Yourself to Just One Corporate Entertainment Type

Speakers are probably the most common choice for corporate events but don’t be afraid to venture outside of the conventional. Also consider other entertainment options, such as dancers, musicians, stuntmen or mentalists. 

And if your budget allows you, you can offer guests more ways to be entertained by booking two or more acts for your event.

Booking corporate entertainment gives you a chance to show off a new side of your organization and stand out from the rest, so why not get creative?

10. Consider Working with a Professional Agency

The benefits of working with a professional entertainment agency are considerable:

• First off, as a professional agency, we can pair you with the right corporate entertainment faster and in a more convenient way.
• They have access to thousands of magicians, speakers, and artists, so you’ll have plenty of options to choose from.

The post 10 Tips to Get the Best Corporate Entertainment out There appeared first on CelebrityAccess.

The one first winning step towards this aim is to set up a smart general session opener.

Why smart?

A session opener is the kick-off event which you can use as an opportunity to address attendees at once. Plus, this way you can let them know what the tone and vibe of the event will be.

Start on a strong note and get your guests all excited with our suggestions in this article.

The ‘Why’ of a General Session Opener

To understand the whole benefit of an opener, we suggest a mental exercise: try to put yourself in your guests’ shoes and think of the events you attended.

Isn’t it that the first impression mattered? Weren’t you looking forward to the entire event if the opening stages were organized engagingly?

If the answer is “yes,” you can fully assess the advantages of a perfect general session opener.

It conveys a strong message to your attendees: I strongly value your attendance, and I have put thought into offering you the best experience.

Right off the bat, they will feel valued and, thus, more invested in the upcoming events.

As an event planner, instant connection to as many participants as possible is all you could wish for. Setting an inspiring session opener saves you lots of trouble in this department, so make sure you follow a few basic tips and tricks.

The ‘How.’

To open your event on a strong note, here are a few points to include on your checklist:

• goal definition – the content of a session opener is structured differently according to the intent you have in mind.
• take time for the welcome speech – it should be laid-back, but also brief and comprehensive.
• the venue should sport a dynamic decorum – locations which are too busy in decorum tend to project a heavy vibe.
• entertainment should be a focal point – keep the content professional and to the point so that you can make space for entertainment bits.

Break the Ice in Great Fashion

When you leave home in the morning, you usually expect to feel you have started off on the right foot. While you cannot control this feeling with daily mood, you can do it when it comes to an event.

This is where the entertainment part comes into play.

Plan it accordingly, and you will reap the rewards when excited participants spread the word about your brand. Fail to do so, and you could well lose their interest in hearing more once the event has concluded.

Most event planners hire keynote speakers and somehow consider them as part of the entertainment factor for a general session opener. While keynote speakers are excellent for openers, they still deliver speeches which require focus – especially if the aim of your event is a product launch or update.

However, you are aiming for more, so the most efficient approach to go about this whole affair is to consider small breaks which are diverting and engaging. This will ensure that your guests will be able to take everything in effortlessly.

The post How to Make the Most Out of a General Session Opener appeared first on CelebrityAccess.

It would be best if you established what monetary threshold you are looking to achieve. There a few variables to consider when you’re deciding what amount of money you want to raise.

This depends on what is the objective of your initiative, what will the money be used for or what their intended purpose is. Once you have established that, you can proceed to come up with ways on how you will raise that amount of money.

There are numerous ways to approach this aspect. You can maybe have an entrance fee, or you will rely entirely on donations.

Consider Your Budget

It would be best if you did a listing of all the expenses required for the event. Knowing the budget is essential to give you a sense of the event’s possibilities and how it will pan out.

Your budget plan should include the expenses of the following:

• staff
• invitations
• rent for the venue
• catering for the event
• security
• the utilities
• entertainment
• props.

Remember always to have some extra money for situations which might lead to unforeseen costs.

It’s imperative, when you’re budgeting, taking your fundraising goal into account – you wouldn’t want to end up spending more than you are looking to raise.

Promote Your Fundraising Event

Think of your event as something similar to a new product. Once you’re ready to put it out, you need to market it to ensure its success heavily.

It would be best if you convinced your audience that this event is worth spending their time and money on.

There is no cookie-cutter way on how to successfully market your event, but that is the beauty of it since you can get creative with this process.

Some methods of spreading the word about your event are invitations, flyers, posters, contacting the media, publicity campaigns or word of mouth.

Offer An Amazing Experience

You want your event to be special and to offer your audience a meaningful experience. That is why you should consider entertainment as the main attraction. You will quickly see the benefits of entertainment in how people will perceive your event

The post The Complete Guide on How to Organize the Perfect Fundraising Event appeared first on CelebrityAccess.

We consider it is essential to start the research early to avoid booking the first speaker you can find because you are out of time.

The more time you dedicate yourself to this portion of the event planning, the higher chances you will find the right keynote speaker.

Here’s the checklist we recommend using before making the final decision.

1. Create the Initial List of Speakers

Having a potential list is the first step towards getting closer to finding the one for your event.

All of the speakers who make it to your list need to be in your price range, be available on the day on your event and be able to travel to your location or live in the area.

2. Read About Their Expertise

Will your event be focused on a particular topic? Then you want to make sure the speaker has the necessary expertise for it.

If you decide to research our site, then it is easy to find out the background for every speaker because each one has a description of their previous experience.

3. Watch Videos with the Speakers

Images may be worth a thousand words, but in the case of speakers, videos are the norm.

It is important to watch some of the speakers’ videos so you can get a feel for their energy and presence on stage.

From the videos, you will be able to tell if they can control the stage and if they can communicate and convey the message in a clear manner.

4. Read Reviews About the Speakers

It is important to read these because, even though you will see how the speakers act when they are in front of the audience, you cannot really tell what the audience is feeling and what they are thinking.

Reviews will reveal this aspect, and it can guide you towards choosing a particular person because they were able to make the audience feel in a certain way you want your guests to explore, as well.

Time to Book Your Keynote Speaker

All of these steps are necessary before booking the speaker for your event, and they are essential in the event planning process.

The post The Checklist You Need to Use Before Booking a Keynote Speaker appeared first on CelebrityAccess.

Of course, the range of charity entertainment ideas goes far beyond these three examples.

However, in this post, we are not going to focus on how to entertain an audience at an event. Instead, we will put more emphasis on why you should do it.

1. People Feel Closer to Each Other and Your Cause

Most fundraising events are open to anyone who’s ready to offer support. While this is an excellent idea regarding public diversity and profits, it also has its drawbacks.

One of the possible effects of a mixed audience is the feeling of awkwardness. This increases the tension, and it may even make some people feel like outsiders.

Your responsibility as an organizer is to prevent this from happening. So the best way to do so is by helping guests connect to one another.

Charity entertainment is the best way to lighten up the mood.

An entertaining speaker or an exciting act will break the ice. After the show, everyone will be happy to share opinions and thoughts.

2. Charity Entertainment Improves Donors’ Mood

Everyone will start to warm up during the act, especially if you book a great comedian that can craft the perfect show according to your needs, and ensure everybody will have a great time at your event.

Quality charity entertainment is a smart move for a successful fundraising event. With the right comedian or speaker, you will get people in the right mood to donate.

If you have been organizing charity events for a while, you have seen it yourself. When guests feel good, they are also more willing to give.

Therefore, entertainment is the key to getting to your donor’s hearts, as well as their contributions.

3. Good Entertainment Builds Loyalty

Creating awareness and building trust are two goals every nonprofit organization should strive to achieve.

Even if you are raising money for different causes, your prime goal is to gather a community of people around your organization. Those are the people who are always ready to support you and whom you can always count on.

Good entertainment reinforces your relationship with donors for two main reasons:

1. It makes your event memorable. If donors had fun, they would surely remember your event. This is what you need to keep them wanting to stay in touch.
2. It spreads the word about your cause. Your guests will be ready to share their impressive experience with others and convince them to join next time.

Charity entertainment plays an important part in your fundraising efforts. It makes your event stand out and helps you establish long-lasting relationships with donors.

The post 3 Reasons Charity Entertainment Is the Secret to Organizing Successful Events appeared first on CelebrityAccess.