I’m going to keep this super simple and offer my thoughts on what guest entertainers should be offered. With that in mind, each club has their own rules and regulations and those should always be followed.
This post is geared towards private clubs but it is also helpful for corporate event planners too!
Meal:
Every entertainer should be offered a meal before or after their performance. I strongly suggest offering them the same meal your members are having or the option to order off the regular menu. On occasion, clubs offer vendor meals, usually bland chicken – and while we thank you for the meal, it’s usually not the best. Please consider what was just stated – offer your entertainer a good meal. The better the meal the better the performance!
Drinks:
Obviously water and soft drinks should be provided. Beer, wine, and liqueur is where it gets tricky. My personal feelings are – after the show let your entertainer have a drink or two on the house. If the entertainer did a good job, chances are a member will want to buy them a drink. We’re not talking about “let’s get wasted at the bar” but rather, a drink after the show while chatting with members. For clubs that have a no alcohol policy, please consider a one drink exception. Your members will enjoy the opportunity to socialize with the entertainment.
Green Room:
Talk to your entertainer about what they need in terms of a room. A boardroom with a few bottles of water should be fine in most cases. The most important thing is that it is a safe room where your act can rest and change in privacy. Please make sure that the green room is not accessible to members during the show… this is actually really important. If the green room is a shortcut (cut through this room and it saves you a few seconds) your members will 100% use it while your performer is changing!
Lodging:
If your club has rooms please offer one to your entertainer. Your entertainer will be incredibly grateful for the accommodations. Please do this when you’re booking the act… not when they arrive.
Being taken advantage of:
Yes… at some point, a guest entertainer or band will get drunk, order the most expensive thing on the menu, or be unpleasant. Please do not let that one-person influence who you work with all future acts. A little accommodation on your end will give your entertainer a better experience and hopefully encourage them to go the extra mile in giving your members an unforgettable experience.
