BOOKING TIPS

We at Showtime Entertainment wish to stress the importance of the DJ decision making process!!! Remember: Not all DJs are created equal and your name is on the line if you are the one booking entertainment for your event!!! Some are experienced, some are not. Some dress formal, some don't. Some have great equipment and song selection, some don't. Some are 100% full-time, some are part-time weekend warriors. Some are flexible, polite, accommodating and professional, some don't have a clue! Keep in mind: Most DJs charge what they feel they are worth, which sometimes can be a direct reflection on confidence and ability!

Comparison: For any event, whether you are choosing food, decorations, flowers, photographers, etc..., you probably want the best! Please do yourself a favor and make sure you do not skimp when it comes to your DJ service, which will make or break your party! Don't use what is left over in your budget to pay for your entertainment, prioritize the entertainment as high and cut corners, if needed, on an area such as decorations.

The following tips were taken from the website of N.A.M.E. (National Association of Mobile Entertainers), in which Showtime Entertainment was a member of from 1999-2005.

Tips on Hiring an Entertainer!

Choosing a professional mobile entertainer for your event should be similar to hiring a new employee. Any potential employee must sell themselves and so should a quality professional entertainer. You should receive candid answers to your questions and feel comfortable with your decision.

Today's professional mobile entertainers bear very little resemblance to the "record spinners" of the past. The new millennium entertainer has advanced to a degree where it would not be uncommon for them to utilize in excess of $75,000 in equipment and music library for a single event!

ASKING THE RIGHT QUESTIONS . . .

1. Date Availability -: are they available for your selected date and time?
2. Experience -: how long have they been in business and are they willing to provide you with recent references? If you are hiring for a wedding reception, you might want to ask how much of their business is wedding related and are they knowledgeable about wedding etiquette. Are they flexible enough to accommodate your special requests?
3. Face to face meeting -: are they willing to meet with you and discuss your likes and dislikes, both musically and otherwise? Can they be easily reached for last minute additions, changes and suggestions?
4. Legal business with proper insurance protection -: are they legally registered or incorporated? Are they covered by insurance in the event of an accident?
5. Contract -: will they provide you with a written contract that spells out the details of your agreement?
6. Proper dress -: will they arrive in appropriate apparel, especially if your event requires formal attire? There should be no additional charge for this.
7. Equipment & Music Library -: is their equipment of professional quality (home stereo equipment is not suitable). Is there backup equipment in case of an emergency? Do they have a wide range of music to cover all your requests and those of your guests?
You will note that PRICE is not at the top of the list. Please keep in mind that the highest or lowest price does not always guarantee quality. If you feel that the answers to these few questions meet your requirements, you may very well have found what you are looking for.