step 5: Programming
This includes whatever type of entertainment that you plan on having. You can do so much with this. If you are having a fundraiser you could use any of these options or many more.
You could hire entertainment of some kind. There are many sites that offer performers, magicians, acrobats, live bands, to come in and perform for your event. These can get rather pricey however, and you need to see what works in your budget. You could hold a stand up contest, or hire a couple comedians. A fun one that I have heard of and never gotten to try is a murder mystery dinner. These aren't very hard to plan and you could buy a kit online or just read the rules on a site and make the stuff up as you go. With a fundraiser another good option might be too have a slideshow with pictures for the cause you are raising money for or have speakers address the group about the project or cause. Silent auctions (or the not so silent kind) can also be fun dinner entertainment if you have items that people would be willing to buy. Many places will donate quality items for a good cause. Just ask nicely! If this banquet is more of a celebration dinner, slide shows are still a good idea but focused on the group and its members. You could have departing members give speeches or perform 'roast'. All of these things can be found online and you can get some how to do guides from there. I'm sure I'll hit all of them eventually, but for now I would just so google them. And keep in mind, these are only a couple of options, there is so much more you could do, just be creative!
This is one site that offers a lot of great options in the Rhode Island area, There are many others:
http://funent.com/
A third option for a banquet is to make it an award ceremony. In this case, you would need to create a timeline for the evening including how long any introductions are, if any important people need to give speeches, and how long you are giving them. You need to know how many awards are being presented and the likely time of each award. You need to order the awards (plaques; trophies; certificates; etc).
Step5 (part 2)
Once you decide what your doing, you need to organize it and fit it into your plan. Because there are so many options I'm not going to go into each one, but I can give you some basic tips. First, pick a form of entertainment. Remember to consider your budget, your audience, and your location when making this choice.
When planning you need to come up with a timeline. Figure out when you want the program to start, how long its going to go, and if there are things such as intermission. You have to decide if you want it do be happening during dinner or after. There are benifts to both. Time constraints might mean you do both at the same time, but if a speech is really important, you would likely want to plan it while people are not eating.
You need to stay on top of things. You need to keep in contact with whoever you are working with, outside companies and vendors etc. Remind them of times and dates, handle contracts, and confirm payment methods. Be clear about the time you expect them there to set up and if you have any requirements in regards to content (especially with comics and musicians!). Make sure they have any equipment they need and make them be clear about what they expect you to provide. This could range from microphones to lighting or just water for the performers. Ask!
Make sure you handle your basic needs; tech stuff, microphones, projector if you plan on a slide show. If you want publicity arrange for the press, or at least someone from your group to take pictures. And if its a fundraiser of course remember to market, early, hard and to the right people.
Without having a specific type of entertainment I can't give you too much more. If you would like tips on working with any of my suggestions or an idea you have, let me know! I'd be glad to give my suggestions!
Well time to go catch up on life; wish me luck! TTFN
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