This week, session ace and recording artist RAVI (Hanson) says that some of the best money to be made as a gigging musician is performing at corporate events, and this week, only at Getsigned.com, he shows you how to get them!

Perhaps some of the best money to be made as a gigging musician is performing at corporate events. Whether it is the company Christmas party or “employee appreciation day,” big companies (and even not so big ones) shell out big money to make the event as memorable as possible.

Recently, I performed with my band at the Louisiana Superdome for one of the largest corporate functions to hit New Orleans – “Entergy Fest.” The Entergy energy company had their annual party for approximately fifteen thousand employees, and rented the floor (football field) of the Superdome.

A corporate gig is not common in my career, as I am not your traditional “party band.” I perform original music, but am happy to report that this genre does have its place in the corporate world. While cover bands get the bulk of this work, there is room for all of us, and the process to land the gig is the same.

The first step is to find out who books these events. In most cases they are corporate party planners, hotel event producers, or “Destination Management Consultants” (DMCs). Like everything else in the music business, getting gigs is often about establishing and maintaining relationships. There are specific organizations that cater to this industry. Hospitality associations, tourism offices, and other such entities often offer memberships to anyone related to the field, and yes, we musicians provide a valuable service and therefore generally qualify. While a membership fee can range from about $100 to $1000 per year (and sometimes there are additional fees per networking event), it is a small amount of money compared to the income you will likely make if you land a contract.

What can one make at a corporate event? This depends greatly on you, them, the location, the number of people attending the event, and ultimately your negotiation skills. However, you can count on making two to five times (sometimes even more) as much as a local club pays. I know of local bands who make anywhere from one to ten thousand for a two hour performance. Make your fee structure flexible, but do not sell yourself short. Once you quote a price, it will be hard to raise it for future bookings. Your first contract could set the precedent; proceed responsibly.

Confirm that all backline and sound equipment is provided for, either by you, the client, or the venue. If a third party sound company is bringing the gear, handle the arrangements directly. If the venue already has a sound system, get the specs and perhaps make a trip in advance to check the condition of the equipment. Your sound and ability to execute a flawless performance is ultimately your responsibility, and your relationship with the client will depend on it. Excuses never erase memories.

Execute a thorough contract, covering all event specifics including fees, hospitality, your obligations, their obligations, parking arrangements, load in/load out times and locations, and a time to sound check (make the effort to sound your best so your first impression is not also your last). It is also wise to request a 50% deposit to be paid upon signing contracts to secure your status. Include a clause regarding insurance. When corporations hire consultants, who hire bands and rent venues, liability can sometimes be difficult to determine. The contract should indemnify you from all liability, and your band’s legal business name should be added to the event’s policy as “additionally insured.” Finally, do not assume that it is appropriate for you to bring your boyfriend to the event. If it is necessary to bring a guest, ask ahead of time and provide for a guest list in the contract so that it does not come back to haunt you.

You should also have a clear understanding of who the audience members will be and the type of event you are playing. Determine how the band should be dressed. Is it black tie or a Hawaiian theme? Will you be featured entertainment or background music? How big is the stage? This information will help you construct an appropriate set list and overall execution for the gig.

The music is important, but professionalism will set you apart from the others. Arrive on time, start on time, smile, and be accommodating should the client (either the one who hired you or the one who hired the one who hired you) have a special request. Be friendly and easy to deal with. Keep your hospitality requirements reasonable (often meals and drinks are provided). Do not ask for more than what you need to do the best job you can. Be aware of your purpose at the event. Do not mingle with the guests/audience unless approved directly by the person who hired you. Resist soliciting additional gigs from party attendees, and should someone solicit you, keep the agent (if applicable) who hired you in the loop. Cutting them out of a potential commission will potentially cut you out of many gigs in the future.

Send the person who hired you a personal (handwritten is always nice) thank you note following the engagement, and if all went well, request a letter of recommendation. You can then include it in your press kit when soliciting other gigs. Periodically call the client and remind them that you are still interested and available for any functions for which they need music. Christmas cards are wonderful reminders, as are birthday cards if you can creatively find out the correct dates!

Working in corporate events will test your professionalism and require you to wear your best face. Live up to the expectations, and you will smile all the way to the bank.

See ya next time,

RAVI

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	RAVI, the former guitarist of three-time Grammy nominee Hanson, tours the country performing, lecturing, and consulting. He has released two CDs of his own and Simon & Schuster published his autobiography. RAVI welcomes letters from readers via his website at http://www.heyravi.com
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Austin corporate parties

I play in an Austin, Texas band and we play corporate parties from time to time. Some other things to remember are that often the corporation will have you playing for dinner and you need to have some mellow music and make sure that the drummer plays quietly during that time. Using electronic drums will help immensley with getting a good sound at low volumes. Ravi is right about being very accommodating. At these gigs you must be very accomodating and service oriented. Some Austin bands that play these parties act like divas and they don't play these events for long. Good luck everyone with securing these events.

Austin Bands , December 26, 2009 | url

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