Event Planner's Guide

1. Start Early: Advanced planning is the major ingredient to a successful event. Plan at least one year ahead. Ideally you should promote next year's featured performer at this year's event. To the patrons that says foresight and stability, and it makes available the very best talent.

2. Budget wisely: Be careful to assign the planning to a dependable, well organized leader who will follow through on the almost endless, yet necessary details. Can you spend $2500, $15,000, $25,000 or $100,000? Planning makes the selection process much easier. Remember travel is almost always in addition to travel. Fees and other costs are usually recovered in ticket prices. What is your profit goal? Is the event designed to make money, create goodwill,....or both? Happy Talk can help you make a wi$e and profitable deci$ion.

3. Don't expect something for nothing:Don't ask professionals to cut fees. Some pay costly overhead...writers, musicians, lighting, sound, management. Fees are established by the marketplace, and based on talent, experience and preparation. Occasionally performers will voluntarily discount non-profit groups if brought up discreetly, but don’t bank on it.

4. Tips for choosing a performer: The final decision should be made by the least number of people possible. One is ideal. A sure way to hamper the selection process is to appoint a committee, having multiple meetings, decision debates and costly delays. When you have found the right person, step back. Confidence in the selection process, results in fewer headaches and better planning. Happy Talk can help. Our expertise is matching talented and appropriate performers with your budget.

5. Sell the institution first, the performer second: This approach builds good will for the school, shows stability and foresight. It eliminates the necessity of hiring someone that everyone knows for each event. Happy Talk Int'l will suggest a solid professional performer who will uphold your standards and moral criteria. Present such performers year after year. Build a reputation for the institution. Those who buy tickets in support of your event are going to do so knowing that they will be entertained, informed and motivated even if they don't recognize the entertainer. They are your CORE support. The entertainment is a plus, on which you build good will. Waco Christian School did this for years, booking their speakers three or more years in advance. Our most successful clients follow this pattern.

     

	Email George Goldtrap, george@happytalk.org, or call, 800-594-7554.