Securing a headline music act, comedian, celebrity guest, or influencer is an intense process from conception to execution. Here are five pro tips from premier talent buyers Degy Entertainment to get you started:
1. Choose your path and your representative.
There are different paths to acquiring pricing, availability, riders, and other artist information: You can "Go Direct" or use a "Talent Buyer." Every major act has a representative—an agent, a manager, or both. These "Direct" representatives have the artist's best interest in mind. A "Talent Buyer" is your representative and advisor that works for you from the conception of the event to the execution of the show.
Pro tip: Be careful of scammers purporting themselves to be representatives of major performers. Sending fake contracts, requesting payment before confirmation of an artist, and slipping away is their M.O. Also, be wary of agents or talent buyers who present prices that are too good to be true.
2. Don't get tunnel vision—give yourself options.
Focusing on only one act can be dangerous. Build a list of viable options so you can quickly move on if your first-choice artist is unavailable or if your budget can't support their price.
Pro tip: The more options, the better the opportunity to find the right performer for your event. You can increase your odds by being flexible on your date to fit the artist's busy calendar.
3. Research artists to avoid buyer's remorse.
Do a deep dive to make sure your chosen acts align with your brand and standards. Investigate recent news on each act and check popular entertainment sites to avoid buyer's remorse.
Pro tip: Don't be afraid to ask your talent buyer for feedback, and network with colleagues about the artists.
4. Create a budget that includes rider expenses.
Artist riders are addendums included in the performance contract. Some private events are isolated "fly dates," so there may be costs such as airfare, ground transportation, hotel, backline, etc. Plan for these expenses in advance to stay within budget.
Pro tip: Once you are ready to make an offer, request the "hospitality" and "technical/production" riders, so you can budget and prepare. Address any major edits in the offer process.
5. Submitting the offer—details matter.
Once you are ready, you or your talent buyer will submit a formal offer. Include the essential details—date, venue, offer price, expectations, event summary, production details, and more. The more detailed, the better. The artist will choose to accept, negotiate, or pass on your offer, so put your best foot forward.
Pro tip: An offer is generally not a legally binding contract, but you want to make sure you are 100% ready to move forward before you submit an offer. It is never a good look to pull a submitted offer off the table before it expires.
You've landed that big name, now what's in store for your Day of Show? Take a deeper dive with 10 more pro tips from Degy Entertainment.
