10. Professional entertainers are in business, and businesses need to make a profit.  This is how they put a roof over their head, food on the table and stay warm in the winter. Because they make it their career, they dedicate themselves to becoming the best they can be, and share the talents they have honed with their clients.

9. Professional entertainers have to buy professional equipment. They don't walk into Wal-Mart, pick up what's on the shelf and declare themselves a professional entertainer. They spend quite a bit of money on props, supplies, costumes, equipment and dues to necessary associations, the list goes on.  That is just for the performance.

8. Professional entertainers continue their education, and learn as much as they can about their form of entertainment. They attend seminars, learn from others in the business through books and videos, and stay up to date on new equipment, techniques, trends, and laws.  They concentrate on becoming the best they can be.

7. Professional entertainers don't just attend an event, they create an event. They understand the needs and expectations of their clients, and they understand the timing and flow of the event. . You're not just paying for a distraction, you are paying for the professional entertainer to create lasting memories for your guests.

6. Professional entertainers can spend hours producing one event. Time can include:
  • creating the marketing
  • answering emails and phone calls
  • meeting with the client to talk about the event
  • setting up for the event
  • drive time to and from the event
  • time for the actual event
  • searching for special equipment or costumes
  • loading and unloading equipment
  • upkeep of equipment
  • follow up work
You can see why one event may include hours worth of work. It's impossible to stay in business if you only make a few pennies per client.

Check back next week to see the final five reasons why entertainers charge what the do.



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comnay picnic, communion, party planning, festival, birthday party
In the Northeast we have 4 distinct seasons, each with their own characteristics - sports, recreation, chores, food - just about everything can be associated with a season.  Parties and events also have their own seasons.  If you are aware of the season - what else is happening - when you want to have your event, you can plan for that and ensure the success of your party.

We realize there are certain types of parties you can not change.  You can't change your child's birthday, and it would be ridiculous to hold the company Christmas party in October, but with a little creative planning, your party will be a success!
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party planning, company picnics, birthday parties, community days, festival
We are in the party business, that is what we do.  We party 24/7, 365 days a year.  After attending hundreds of parties, the biggest tip we can give is to plan ahead.

You maybe thinking that there must be more important aspects in planning a party, but the truth is, if you plan ahead, everything will fall easily into place.

How early should you plan ahead?  At least two months for a typical family gathering like a family reunion or birthday party.  Are you planning the company picnic, festival or community day?  Give yourself at least three to six months, depending on the size of your event.  If you want a specific venue, entertainer, caterer, or other service, you may want to think a year in advance.

We have one client who always goes above and beyond for her parties - they are themed and everything from food to decorations to music enhances the theme.  Our first contact about her next event happened almost two months from the date of her party.  Shawnee Mountain Ski Area schedules their entertainment for the summer and fall festivals in the dead of winter, and Rockaway Townsquare schedules their Kidgits Club Entertainment four to five months in advance.

Check back for our #2 tip - "Know Your Party Season"!
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