Mississippi magician Bentley Burns performing at an event.
Planning an event is a lot like putting together a puzzle. You can have the perfect venue, great food, and beautiful decorations, but if the entertainment falls flat, that’s often what people remember. On the other hand, when the entertainment connects with the audience, guests leave talking about the experience long after the event is over.
Over the years, I’ve had the opportunity to perform for corporate events, colleges, theaters, private parties, fundraisers, and community events across Mississippi and beyond. One thing I’ve learned is that event planners aren’t just hiring a magician. They’re hiring someone they can trust to help make their event successful.
If you’re searching for entertainment for your next event, here are a few things I believe every event planner should look for.
Professionalism Starts Long Before the Show
The performance itself is only part of the experience.
From the first email or phone call, you should know you’re working with someone who is organized, responsive, and easy to communicate with. Event planners already have enough on their plate without wondering if their entertainer is going to show up on time or answer questions.
I believe professionalism means:
- Responding quickly to inquiries.
- Providing clear pricing and contracts.
- Arriving early.
- Being prepared.
- Working with your venue and schedule instead of creating extra work.
The goal is to make your job easier, not harder.
Experience Matters
Every audience is different.
A room full of company executives feels different than a college orientation event. A holiday party has a different energy than a fundraising gala. Family celebrations require a different approach than an awards banquet.
That’s why experience matters.
An experienced entertainer knows how to read a room, adjust the pace of the show, involve the audience naturally, and handle unexpected moments without anyone noticing.
No two audiences are exactly alike, and that’s part of what makes live entertainment exciting.
The Best Entertainment Includes the Audience
One of my favorite moments during every performance is hearing people laugh because someone from their own company just became part of the show.
People don’t remember watching someone perform.
They remember participating.
Interactive entertainment creates stories that people continue talking about during dinner, at work the next day, and sometimes even years later.
Audience participation is one of the biggest reasons live entertainment continues to stand out in a world filled with streaming services and endless digital distractions.
Entertainment Should Match Your Audience
Not every show fits every event.
An awards banquet has different goals than a college welcome week.
A client appreciation dinner feels different than a Christmas party.
A great entertainer adjusts to the audience instead of presenting the exact same performance every time.
Before every event, I like learning about the audience, the company’s culture, and the goals for the evening. Those small details allow me to customize the experience so the show feels like it belongs at your event.
Reviews Tell a Story
One of the first things many event planners do is read reviews.
I would encourage anyone hiring entertainment to do exactly that.
Reviews give you a picture of what it’s actually like working with a performer.
Look for comments about:
- Communication
- Professionalism
- Audience reactions
- Reliability
- Overall experience
The best reviews often focus less on the tricks and more on how the performer made people feel.
That’s ultimately what great entertainment is about.
Videos Are Just as Important
Photos can be impressive.
Videos tell the real story.
Watching a live audience react gives you a much better idea of what to expect than a promotional photo ever could.
When evaluating entertainers, spend a few minutes watching actual performances instead of only highlight reels.
Pay attention to:
- Audience laughter.
- Audience participation.
- Energy.
- Professional presentation.
- Overall connection with the crowd.
Those things are difficult to fake.
Reliability Is Worth More Than You Think
Event planners have enough to worry about.
The last thing anyone wants is wondering if the entertainment will arrive on time or be prepared.
Reliability often goes unnoticed because when everything goes smoothly, that’s exactly what’s supposed to happen.
Showing up early.
Being prepared.
Working with venue staff.
Respecting the schedule.
These things may not appear in a magic trick, but they play a huge role in making an event successful.
Entertainment Should Create Conversations
One question I often ask myself before every performance is:
“What will people be talking about on the drive home?”
That’s the goal.
The best entertainment becomes one of the highlights of the event.
People remember the impossible moments.
They remember laughing together.
They remember being amazed.
Those shared experiences create something much more valuable than simply filling time on an event schedule.
Why I Love Corporate Events
Corporate audiences are some of my favorites because every event has its own personality.
Some groups love comedy.
Others enjoy mystery.
Some want an elegant after-dinner show.
Others want guests laughing and interacting during a cocktail reception.
No matter the event, my goal stays the same.
Create an experience that brings people together.
As a nationally touring magician based in Tupelo, Mississippi, I’ve had the opportunity to entertain companies, colleges, organizations, and private groups throughout the Southeast. Every audience teaches me something new, and every event reminds me why live entertainment continues to matter.
Final Thoughts
Hiring entertainment is about much more than filling a spot on the schedule.
The right performer helps create memories, encourages conversation, and gives your guests something they’ll remember long after the event ends.
Whether you’re planning a holiday party, awards banquet, conference, appreciation dinner, fundraiser, or company celebration, choosing entertainment that fits your audience can make all the difference.
If you’re looking for a corporate magician in Mississippi or throughout the Southeast, I’d love the opportunity to help make your next event unforgettable.
Contact me today!
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