Corporate entertainer Tracey Bell appeared on CTV Morning Live in Vancouver yesterday to promote her hosting of the 2014 Women in Film & Television Spotlight Awards on April 30th. Tracey was interviewed as herself by CTV host Keri Adams, but she also brought along Julie Andrews, Marilyn Monroe, Celine Dion, and Cher (with a surprise cameo) as part of this live entertainment segment.

You can watch the segment below.

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In the corporate realm, events are taken very seriously. Hiring a headline performer can be a stressful job or it can be fun and exciting. After 26 years of specializing in corporate special events, I thought I’d share important traits for entertainers and their clients to consider.

1. Professionalism

Professional entertainers send a detailed list of their requirements early, communicate clearly and put everything in writing. Then they follow up on their requirements closer to the event, making sure there are no misunderstandings. They ask the client for information; about their company, the itinerary, floor plan and audience. Professionals don’t bring an entourage. They dress appropriately, even at the sound check. They stay sober, are respectful of others and they clean up their mess in the green room. They don’t share their personal problems. Performance material needs to be corporate-appropriate. Only clean comedy is acceptable. Corporate entertainers need to respect people’s time. I have a colleague who wanted me to get her bookings. She would call often and talk my ear off. It was difficult to get her off the line. Even though she was talented, I could see why people weren’t hiring her. She wasted their time.

2. Reliability

Event planners are under pressure to pull off a perfect event. Whether they are an in-house employee making party arrangements or they are from a top-notch event production company, their reputation is at stake. Corporations need a high standard met. That one night is like a wedding, It only happens once and it costs a lot of money. Performers need to prove that they are reliable and build trust from the moment they are in contact with the client. They should return calls promptly, write up contracts immediately and show up early to meetings. Of course, they also need to be onsite hours before the show. There is no replacement for a one-of-a-kind act. I know a woman who broke her wrist in the middle of her show and continued performing. I have gone on stage injured, with pneumonia and grieving at times, but the client never knew. Having a lot of adrenaline on the day of the performance helps me overcome anything. There is no excuse. The show must go on.

3. A Good Attitude

An entertainer might be a diva but they better not have a diva attitude, not at corporate special events. They need to be low-maintenance, especially on show day. The planner has the whole event to think of; food, décor, attendance, their other employees and more. Talent must be accomodating from the time they are booked until the end of the event.

4. Flexibility

Customization and comprimise are often required at special events. Seasoned performers have the most experience with their optimal performing conditions and their best shows, but have to be flexible when necessary. Is your act prepared to adlib if there are logistical or technical difficulties? When a corporate performer is a trooper of trouble-shooting, they can save the day. I’ve had the power go off, computers break down and other big challenges on stage and have had rave reviews for stepping up and keeping the flow going. Entertainers have to be prepared for anything.

5. A Good Reputation

Corporate entertainers should have reference letters, preferably posted on their website. It’s good to have letters from event planners as well as direct clients. A potential client should be able to speak with recent clients who are usually happy to talk about a show they enjoyed. A planner should be able to ask around within the industry and get good feed-back. If an artist is represented by a reputable talent agency, they are sure to be good.

6. Being Fabulous and Talented

You have to be good to make it in the corporate special event market. Having a unique act that engages the audience and has wow-factor makes the event memorable.

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