When it comes to organizing a corporate event, one of the biggest decisions is selecting the right entertainment. Sure, the catering and venue are essential, but what really makes an event memorable is how much fun everyone has. Booking a stand-up comedian can be the perfect way to inject humor and energy into your gathering. But before you dive into the world of comedy, it's crucial to understand your event needs.

First, consider the type of event you're hosting. Is it a conference, a team-building activity, a gala, or perhaps a holiday party?

Each type of event has its unique vibe and objectives. For example, a conference might benefit from a comedian who can provide light-hearted commentary on industry trends, while a holiday party might be better suited for a more general, festive comedy routine.

Next, think about your audience. Who will be attending the event? Are they mostly young professionals, senior executives, or a mix of both? Understanding the demographics of your audience is key to selecting a comedian whose style will resonate with them. Younger crowds might appreciate edgier, more irreverent humor, while older audiences might prefer something cleaner and more sophisticated. It’s all about striking the right balance to ensure everyone has a good time.

Identifying the Right Comedian

Once you’ve nailed down your event needs, it’s time to move on to identifying the right comedian. This is where things can get tricky, as not all comedians are created equal. There are different types of comedians, each with their own unique style and strengths.

First, let’s talk about the types of comedians you might consider. Stand-up comedians are the most common choice for corporate events. They perform solo, delivering jokes and stories directly to the audience. Then there are improv comedians, who create scenes and jokes on the spot based on audience suggestions. Lastly, some comedic speakers blend humor with motivational or educational content. Each type offers something different, so think about which style aligns best with your event.

When it comes to comedic styles, there’s a wide spectrum to choose from. Some comedians specialize in clean comedy, which avoids controversial topics and offensive language—this is often a safe bet for corporate events. Others might focus on observational comedy, finding humor in everyday situations that everyone can relate to. Satirical comedians, on the other hand, might take a more pointed approach, using humor to critique social or political issues. Match the comedian’s style to the overall tone you want for your event to ensure a seamless fit.

Experience is another crucial factor. Performing at corporate events requires a different skill set than performing at a comedy club. A comedian with corporate experience will understand how to engage a diverse audience, adhere to time constraints, and navigate the unique dynamics of a professional setting. Don’t be afraid to ask potential comedians about their experience with corporate events and request references or video samples.

Finding Local Talent

Now that you know what you’re looking for, the next step is to find the talent. You might wonder whether to go for a local comedian or bring in a name act from out of town. Both options have their pros and cons.

Local comedians often have the advantage of being more affordable and readily available. They’re also likely to be more familiar with regional humor, which can make their performance feel more personal and relatable to your audience. Plus, booking local talent supports your community and can be a great way to discover rising stars.

To find local comedians, start with online directories and talent agencies specializing in comedy. Our platform, EVA, allows you to search for comedians by location and read testimonials from past clients. You can even view high-quality live stand-up content that the talent uploads to their EVA profile too. EVA makes the booking process effortless, from sourcing to processing payment all on the platform.

Once you’ve compiled a list of potential candidates, take the time to do your homework. Watch their performance videos, read reviews, and check out their social media presence. This will give you a better sense of their comedic style and whether they’d be a good fit for your event. Remember, the goal is to find a comedian who can connect with your audience and deliver a memorable performance.

How to Book a Comedian?

Now that you’ve got a list of potential comedians, it’s time to get down to the nitty-gritty of booking one. The process might seem daunting, but with a few straightforward steps, you’ll have the perfect comedian lined up for your event in no time.

Start by doing your research. This means more than just watching a few YouTube videos of their performances. Look into their background, read reviews from other events, and check their professional website for more detailed information. Are they known for their punctuality and professionalism? Have they performed at corporate events before? A little digging can save you a lot of trouble down the line. Luckily, EVA handles the entire vetting process for you.

Once you’ve narrowed down your list, it’s time to reach out. When contacting a comedian, be clear and concise about your event details. After creating your event on EVA, comedians can submit their quotes within your budget based on your event date, length, and additional details. You can message the entertainers on EVA after they submit their quotes and discuss talent riders, event themes, arrivals, and more.

During this initial contact, pay attention to their communication style. Are they prompt and professional in their responses? This can be a good indicator of how they’ll behave on the day of your event. Don’t hesitate to ask for references or video clips of their past performances. A seasoned comedian will have no problem providing these.

Next, discuss their availability and schedule. Make sure they’re available not only for the performance but also for a sound check or any other pre-event preparations. It’s a good idea to build some flexibility into your schedule to accommodate any last-minute changes or delays.

Budgeting for Comedy

Booking a stand-up comedian can be a fantastic investment in your event’s success, but it’s essential to understand the costs involved. The price of booking a comedian can vary widely based on several factors, including their experience, popularity, and the event location.

The length of the performance is another significant factor. Most comedians charge based on the duration of their set, so be clear about how long you want them to perform. A typical stand-up set at a corporate event lasts between 30 minutes to an hour. If you’re looking for a longer performance, be prepared to pay a bit more.

Location also plays a role in the cost. If you’re booking a comedian from out of town, you’ll need to factor in travel expenses, accommodation, and possibly even meals. On the other hand, local comedians might have lower overhead costs and thus charge less.

Negotiation is part of the process. Don’t be afraid to discuss your budget openly with the comedian or their agent. They might be willing to adjust their fee, especially if your event offers significant exposure or repeat business opportunities. However, while it’s important to get the best deal possible, avoid lowballing. Remember, you’re paying for a professional service, and quality comes at a price.

Contracts and Legalities

Once you’ve agreed on a comedian and a price, it’s time to formalize the arrangement with a contract. A well-drafted contract protects both you and the comedian, ensuring that everyone is on the same page about what to expect. When booking with EVA, contracts can be a breeze.

Start with the basics: the performance date, time, and location. Be specific about the duration of the performance and any additional time required for setup and sound checks. Clearly outline the payment terms, including the total fee, deposit amount, and when the final payment is due. Most comedians require a deposit to secure the booking, with the balance payable on the day of the event.

Riders are another common aspect of entertainment contracts. These are special requests or requirements that the comedian might have, such as specific technical needs, accommodation standards, or even dietary preferences. While some requests might seem unusual, they’re often essential for the comedian to deliver their best performance. Discuss these riders upfront and include them in the contract to avoid any surprises.

Insurance and liability are also crucial considerations. Check whether the comedian has their own liability insurance. This protects both parties in case of accidents or incidents during the performance. If the comedian doesn’t have insurance, you might need to look into event insurance to cover potential risks. EVA carries insurance for all of our entertainers!

Make sure both parties sign the contract. This might seem obvious, but it’s an important step in making the agreement legally binding. Keep a copy of the signed contract for your records and provide one to the comedian as well.

Preparing for the Performance

With the contract signed and the comedian booked, it’s time to prepare for the performance. This stage is all about ensuring everything runs smoothly on the day of the event.

First, handle the technical requirements. A stand-up comedy performance relies heavily on good sound and lighting. Ensure you have a reliable sound system, including a quality microphone and speakers. The comedian should be clearly audible to everyone in the room. Lighting is equally important; the comedian needs to be well-lit so the audience can see their expressions and body language. Coordinate with your venue's AV team to make sure everything is set up and tested before the event.

Next, finalize the event itinerary. Where will the comedian’s performance fit within your schedule? Comedy works best when the audience is relaxed and attentive, so avoid scheduling the performance too early or too late. A good slot is usually after dinner but before any final speeches or awards. Share the event timeline with the comedian so they know exactly when and where they need to be.

Don’t forget about the audience. Set the stage—literally and figuratively—for a receptive atmosphere. Make sure the seating arrangement allows everyone a good view of the stage. Brief your audience ahead of time about the comedy performance to build anticipation and excitement. A little hype goes a long way in creating a warm, welcoming environment for the comedian.

On the Day of the Event

The big day is here, and it’s all about ensuring everything goes off without a hitch. Start with final checks. Confirm that the technical setup is working perfectly. Test the sound system one last time, check the lighting, and ensure the stage is ready. Coordinate with your AV team and venue staff to handle any last-minute adjustments.

When the comedian arrives, greet them and go over the final details. Show them around the venue, point out where they’ll be performing, and introduce them to the technical team. Make sure they have everything they need and address any last-minute questions or concerns. This is also a good time to review the event schedule and confirm the timing of their performance.

A great introduction sets the tone for the performance. Whoever introduces the comedian should do so with energy and enthusiasm. A brief, upbeat intro can help build excitement and get the audience ready to laugh. Highlight a few of the comedian’s credentials or recent accomplishments to add credibility and anticipation.

During the performance, be prepared to handle any unexpected issues. This could be anything from technical glitches to audience disruptions. Having a point person who can quickly address these issues will help keep the show running smoothly. Remember, the goal is to create a seamless experience for both the comedian and the audience.

Post-Event Follow-Up

After the laughter has died down and the event is over, there are still a few important steps to take. Start by collecting feedback. Ask your audience for their thoughts on the comedian’s performance. Did they enjoy the show? Was the humor appropriate and engaging? This feedback is invaluable for planning future events.

Next, thank the comedian. A simple thank-you note or email goes a long way in maintaining a good relationship. If the comedian did an exceptional job, consider writing a positive review or testimonial they can use in their marketing. Building a good rapport with entertainers can pay off in the long run, especially if you plan to host similar events in the future.

Finally, take some time to review and reflect on the event. What went well? Were there any challenges or areas for improvement? Documenting these insights will help you plan even better events down the line.

Booking a stand-up comedian for your corporate event can transform an ordinary gathering into an unforgettable experience. By understanding your event needs, identifying the right comedian, and meticulously preparing for the performance, you set the stage for success.