Organizing a corporate event involves meticulous planning and attention to detail.
When it comes to adding a touch of humor to the night, hiring a comic who knows how to navigate office humor can really lift the mood leave the attendees and sponsors feeling like the event was a great success.
In this post we'll take a behind-the-scenes look at the intricate process involved in securing a comedian for your corporate event.
As someone who has booked and performed at over 500 corporate events...it requires a bit more to think about than first meets the eye.
Steps Involved In Choosing a Corporate Comedian
Just because you saw a comedian kill in a club doesn't mean he or she will do great in a company atmosphere.
In fact many won't, because the type of things we are comfortable laughing at while our boss is around is way different than at 10PM in a dark club full of strangers.
However if you follow these tips you'll be fine!
And if you just need help booking a corporate comedian anywhere in the USA please just contact us! We can choose your comedian and handle all the payment and logistics for you.
How to Book a Corporate Comedian for your Company Event
The Initial Planning Phase
The journey begins with a clear understanding of your event's objectives.
Consider the tone you want to set, the demographics of your audience, and the overall atmosphere you wish to create.
Do you want the comic to be at the start of a 6 hour event? Or do you want them to be at the end? Or maybe in the middle to lift things up?
This groundwork will guide your selection process.
How Long Do They Perform?
As a rule of thumb...the larger the audience...the less time you want your comedian to perform for.
You're paying all that money to have 500 of your colleagues in a ballroom...you probably want that time to highlight your company events or keynotes or presentations.
However a 500 person three hour session will do great if you had a comic come in for 15 minutes to change up the energy in a good way.
Who is the Audience?
A group of frat boy sales staff types of folks may be different than 200 Java programmers who will be different than an HR or Marketing conference.
While most corporate comedians should be able to cater to various audiences, keeping your audience in mind is a good way to choose between a few comics you may have short listed.
Research and Shortlisting
Once you've outlined your event's requirements, it's time to dive into the world of comedians.
Conduct thorough research on potential performers, keeping an eye on their past performances, reviews, and suitability for corporate settings.
Look for comedians with experience in corporate events, as they often understand the nuances of tailoring their material to a professional audience.
Checking their website is a great way to see the understand the nuances of corporate entertainment.
Never ask comedians to send you their jokes. But you can make sure their style from a few clips you can see online will fit with your audience.
Evaluating Clean and Appropriate Material
Corporate settings demand a certain level of professionalism and appropriateness. Many successful corporate comedians specialize in clean and clever humor that resonates with diverse crowds.
If the comic is only going to discuss things like the night of a honeymoon or racial and politically charged material....it probably wont fly well in a professional settings.
Even if the jokes are great the crowds just may be uncomfortable to let anyone know they find them funny.
You already know the risks of a complaint to HR if the comic is too vulgar (also called "too blue" in comedy speak), so we'll skip that part.
Negotiating Contracts and Logistics
With a shortlist in hand, begin the negotiation process.
Work closely with the comedian or their representative to finalize the terms of the performance, including fees, duration, and any specific requirements.
Ensure clear communication regarding logistics, technical needs, and any customizations necessary to make the performance tailored to your event.
Most corporate comedians have flat fees plus hotel and travel if required, which includes airport pickups and drops.
The Final Touch: Personalization
To elevate the experience for your audience, consider personalizing the comedian's material to your company.
Share anecdotes, industry-related jokes, or any inside humor that can create a sense of connection between the comedian and your team.
"Our CEO loves to DJ also or thinks she is good at Karaoke. Go ahead and make a joke or comment on that, if you can find a way to weave it into your act. If not no worries."
This personal touch can transform a good performance into an unforgettable one and inside jokes at a company usually hit hard, in a good way!
Conclusion
In conclusion, booking a corporate comedian involves a combination of careful planning, research, negotiation, and personalization.
By understanding the behind-the-scenes intricacies, you can ensure that the comedian you choose not only brings laughter to the event but also contributes to the overall success of your corporate gathering.
Remember, the right comedian can turn an ordinary event into an extraordinary one, leaving a lasting impression on your audience.
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