My First Corporate Event

Sep 6, 2010
183
1
Hi!

So I was recently booked for my first corporate event. I have done walk-around before, but I need help with pricing. Also, I am very pleased with my routines, but I was wondering what some of your routines were that you might allow me to use because I don't have more then 5 set routines, and when performing for 200 people, I want to show something different to more people. Thanks!

-Ben
 
Nov 15, 2007
1,106
2
37
Raleigh, NC
Hi Ben,

200 people? Walk-around? Not a good idea if you're the only magician. To properly entertain over the course of an evening (in most environments) is 100 people per magician. This comes from David Stone, not me, as my gigs have all been smaller than 100 people to date.

Pricing, well...what are you worth? If you don't know before you're hired, then you're not prepared. For the future, figure out how much you will charge for different events and venues. That way you'll know immediately what to tell them. This is a good time to figure that out, go do it right after you finish reading the replies.

As far as new routines, 5 should be enough. Take a few effects that you will only do once or twice (super-hard hitting, memorable effects) do them to the higher ups and anyone who looks like they spread the word faster. Eventually people will adopt their stories as something they saw and everyone will have seen everything.

I haven't done any corporate work, so any more advice will have to come from more experienced magicians.

Good luck!
 
Sep 26, 2007
591
5
Tokyo, Japan
Agreed with above. You really need to know your rates before you agree. Hopefully you told them, "I will call to confirm my rate within the next two days" etc...

As it is a corporate event, they will most likely be willing to pay as much as you would like, provided your sales pitch of yourself warrants as much. If you ask for 300$ and hour, but are stumbling with your words, aren't clean shaven, use words like, "umm, I don't know, I guess like, uh... 300$ per hour maybe?" you will get shot down immediately. Go in there with a strong confident attitude and say, "My usual rate for corporate events of this size and venue, and under these conditions is a flat rate of 300$ per hour, and an addition fee for a short stage performance if desired. If you would like to further negotiate this figure, that is very possible, but perhaps if you could show me an itinerary or time schedule for the event so that I can see more accurately how much strolling performance time there will actually be." bla bla bla.

Another thing... like the above poster mentioned, keep your hard-hitting (reset required etc...) tricks for the VIPs/ Board members etc... and let the organizer know you you would like to get them together for a special show. Other than that, 5 routines is more than enough, as long as you don't need any downtime for resetting. For example, if you are doing Chicago Opener (red hot mama) to open one set, don't open with it in your next set.

Lastly, research a lot about the company before the event so that you can throw details of the company and its projects/ business dealings into your routine/ patter/ or small talk with the guests. If you can look educated in their territory of information, it can go a long way into being hired again.


edit: Some additional info on hard-hitting effects you can do. Get the names of the board members from your research, or if some of the board members bring their wives/ children, try and obtain their names from someone else. Write their names and a "thank you" note on a jumbo card. Do a force routine of that card for the person, and at the end say, "Hi, your name was XXXX right? I believe we are meeting for the first time. Anyway, I have a small present for you..." and present the jumbo card with their name on it.

Also, Fusilade (multiple selection routine) by Paul Cummings can absolutely floor a group of 5-15 people.
 
Sep 6, 2010
183
1
I had an idea for pricing, but I wanted to know what other people charged so I would know if my idea is reasonable. I have never done a corporate party but I have done plenty of casual parties.
 
Sep 6, 2010
183
1
Yes I told them that I would confirm within one week. The guys said that would be great. Thanks for the help! If anyone else wants to help be sure to comment, I would LOVE to hear your suggestions!
 

Luis Vega

Elite Member
Mar 19, 2008
1,856
300
40
Leon, Guanajuato Mexico
luisvega.com.mx
Dress very nice...also along your usual routine carry 1-3 more effects for that people that wants something extra...

Very important...if somebody in the gig ask your prices or wants to hire you..don´t discuss there...give him a business card and tell him that if he gives you a call next day, you are sure to talk over that, but that right now you are working...and that it would be rude to discuss that when you are supposed to be working and entertaining people...look proffesional and have fun!!
 
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