Basic Party Planning & Pacing course & guide

For close to a decade, I’ve been hired by Fortune 500′s and top corporations to add some excitement to holiday and company parties.

The addition of a mentalist can ease tensions at the cocktail hour as well as provide some focus for after dinner entertainment.

This article is about pacing however not self serving hype! How do you pace your party? Since Holiday parties are the companies thank you to their workers, don’t be cheap or at least do it in a tasteful way! Here’s some steps for the party planner and novice hr director who gets this grand task!

Finger Foods- Away from the Entry!

This may seem self serving, however a strolling magician can definitely break down those corporate walls during the cocktail hour. Remember everyone loves finger foods, and why would you want your customers drinking on empty stomachs! Have a GREAT appetizer or snack tray available. Placing this tray near the opposite side of the entry way will also get the guests to congregate into the room more! Yes it’s a Jedi party planning tip to get the room more evenly spaced out!

Open bar or not to open bar?
The age old debate. Most corporations this is not even an issue. If you are a smaller company you may wish to look into having a basic tap beer and wine package which may save you some massive cash.

Who’s your MC?

It doesn’t matter if it’s the v.p. or a pro comedian, the end result is that he has to have authority or be able to get the crowds attention. This can turn into a cattle call! Comedians can embarrass them into submission, but a v.p. can show his humanity and be their friend, while also trying out some new jokes.

On the way from cocktail hour should be a segment for speeches and a BRIEF thank you to you employees don’t get boring!

Dinner Time
I’m tasked with the duty of hearing our budget has been slashed by customers a lot. So why not be creative with dinner. While many traditional companies have a nice prime rib or chicken standard meal, many are going to a buffet style. The problem is timing. No one likes waiting in line so why not consider a juggler, comedian, or magician to work the line?

After Dinner Entertainment

I love my entertainment. It’s funny sophisticated and awe inspiring. Owever, some may wan a comedian. The decision is yours, please no mimes. A mentalist is always preferential over mimes, clowns, jugglers, sword swallowers, and strippers!

Awards and Gifts
Here’s the perfect place for gift giveaways. People want their gifts so keep their attention for the entertainer through creative pacing!

After After Dinner Entertainment
This is the thinning of the heard stage. At this point spouses will want to go home, so let them. Thank the crowd with closing remarks and then provide a band or dj for after party entertainment.

I hate karaoke however this will get people to stay longer and generate an openness for the event…

So there’s your tips. Not quite 100 but it got you here reading didn’t it?

Pricing: Mentalists are anywhere from $1,200-$10,000 I’m modestly priced and will offer you close up entertainment and a stage show for that price. Comedians are normally sub $1,000 for a local act. Karaoke DJ’s can be convinced to work cheaply for $250 plus open bar. Bands of local fame will run $1,500. A clown is $75 an hour, please no clowns or mimes…

For additional Holiday themed drink ideas as well as to get more ideas search this site for holiday or simply scroll through the recent blog posts!

To secure corporate mentalist & magician Scott Xavier for your event call 312.725.0190