Top Corporate Mentalist Christopher Grace

A Deep Dive into Corporate Performance & Entertainment Success The Power of Preparation, Performance, and Precision in Corporate Mentalism When it comes to corporate entertainment, success is not just about the performance itself. It’s about understanding your audience, crafting a tailor-made experience, and ensuring every interaction leaves a lasting impression. Corporate Mentalist Christopher Grace has spent over 25 years perfecting his craft, combining behavioral psychology, marketing strategies, and unparalleled showmanship to deliver transformative corporate performances. This case study delves into how Christopher Grace creates unforgettable events by exploring the work he puts in before, during, and after each show. Phase 1: Preparation — Understanding the Client’s Vision The foundation of any successful event starts with understanding the client’s goals. Christopher Grace approaches every corporate performance as a collaborative project, prioritizing clarity and alignment from the outset. He begins by engaging in an in-depth consultation with the event organizers, asking questions like: - What message or theme is central to your event? Is this essential to incorporate into the performance? - Who is the audience, and what motivates them? Will this be for employees and staff? Clients, family of staff, executives? How big is the audience going to be? Smaller audiences set up a little differently than larger ones. Getting as much info as possible allows for Christopher to make the best possible set up for your events success. - Are there specific moments or milestones you want highlighted? If so, be as detailed as possible so Chris can build those elements into his long-standing demonstrations seamlessly. Is Customization Necessary? Christopher Grace’s shows are designed to captivate and amaze any audience, drawing on over 25 years of experience and global acclaim for their impact and originality. His performances are meticulously crafted, tested, and proven to deliver unforgettable experiences without needing additional customization. However, customization offers a unique opportunity for clients to add a personal touch that aligns the show with their event’s goals, themes, or messaging. This optional enhancement isn’t about making the show better—it’s about making it uniquely theirs, seamlessly integrating their vision into an already extraordinary performance. For more details please click the button below: For Example: A recent performance for a multinational tech firm launching a new product. The company wanted to foster excitement, build team camaraderie, and subtly underscore their innovation-driven culture. Christopher didn’t just take these goals at face value—he analyzed the brand, spoke with executives, staff and their clients, and reviewed marketing materials to ensure his performance aligned with their identity. Example : During preparation, Christopher connected with the client’s HR and marketing teams to gain insights into the company’s culture. He incorporated subtle references to the product’s features, even designing a mind reading routine where the product name unexpectedly was revealed during the show, creating a jaw-dropping moment that tied entertainment to branding. Added Below is a Proposal of Several Custom Designed Routines for a Company Exploring Personalized entertainment at their upcoming trade show: All Concepts Listed Above are the intellectual property of Christopher Grace and Agent 86 Magic Productions, LLC. Phase 2: Pre-Show — Setting the Stage for Success Christopher Grace’s work doesn’t begin when the audience takes their seats. The pre-show phase is where he lays the groundwork for an unforgettable experience. This phase involves: The Map Shown in this Image Was Custom Made By Christopher to Display the Reach and Coverage of the Company's Services and Programs 1. Audience Profiling: Christopher uses some subtle behavioral psychology techniques to gauge the audience’s energy and engagement level. He often mingles with attendees during networking sessions or cocktail hours, picking up on subtle cues to tailor his performance in real-time. During this time, he will break the ice with guests by performing some smaller, quick demonstrations of up-close mind reading and mentlaism. Allowing attendees to be more relaxed, excited and more incline to volunteer in the show with the understanding that they won't be embarrassed in any way. Strolling Mind Reading Prior to a Full Corporate Performance 2. Customizing Content: Every show includes a mix of mentalism, storytelling, and interactive elements designed specifically for that audience. For instance, at a recent financial services event, Christopher incorporated some industry jargon and humorous anecdotes about market volatility, making the content relatable and engaging. Without pulling from the impossible demonstrations on stage. 3. Building Anticipation: Pre-show teasers are a hallmark of Christopher’s strategy. He works with the client to distribute hints about his performance, such as cryptic emails or playful videos. By the time the show begins, the audience is already buzzing with curiosity. A Teaser Promo For An Awards Banquet Scenario : Before a major corporate retreat, Christopher sent personalized puzzles to attendees with clues about the upcoming show. The puzzles created a shared sense of anticipation and became an icebreaker during the event, aligning perfectly with the retreat’s goal of fostering collaboration. A Puzzle Designed By Christopher Grace for an Trade Show Event Phase 3: The Show — Delivering the Impossible When Christopher Grace takes the stage, the magic truly begins. His performances are a masterclass in audience engagement, combining: 1. Behavioral Insights : Christopher leverages his understanding of human psychology to connect with every individual in the room. He uses micro expressions, body language, and verbal cues to create moments that feel deeply personal and impossible. 2. Interactive Storytelling: Every trick is woven into a narrative that resonates with the audience. For a healthcare company’s annual gala, he performed a mind-reading routine that highlighted the importance of empathy in patient care, leaving attendees inspired. 3. Seamless Execution: Years of experience have honed Christopher’s ability to adapt on the fly. Whether he’s working with a high-energy sales team or a reserved group of executives, he knows how to modulate his tone and approach to suit the audience. Example : During a performance for the Mott Corporation in Connecticut, Christopher invited the CEO, Boris Levin on stage to recall his all-time favorite book on business. To his surprise, Christopher removed a copy of " Good to Great" by Jim Collins , the exact book Boris was merely thinking of! The following routine with the book ended with a page chosen by Boris vanishing from the book and found in a sealed envelope that was handed to an audience member at the start of the show! Phase 4: Post-Show — Leaving a Lasting Impression The impact of a Christopher Grace performance doesn’t end when the applause dies down. His post-show strategy ensures the client and audience continue to benefit long after the event: 1. Follow-Up Engagement: Christopher often provides personalized follow-up messages, thanking attendees and offering exclusive insights into his methods. This reinforces the connection and keeps the experience top-of-mind. 2. Feedback Loops: He actively seeks feedback from clients, not just on the performance but on how it aligned with their broader goals. This information is invaluable for refining future shows. 3. Ongoing Impact: Many clients report that Christopher’s performances become a talking point within their organizations. For example, after a show for a consulting firm in Chicago, team members began incorporating elements of his psychology-based insights into their own work. Example : Following a performance for a sales team, Christopher hosted a short workshop on building rapport using body language and mirroring techniques. The client noted a measurable improvement in sales interactions in the months that followed, directly attributing the boost to Christopher’s teachings. Conclusion: The Client-Centric Approach to Corporate Entertainment Christopher Grace’s success as a mentalist lies in his unwavering focus on the client’s needs and their overall experience. By investing time and energy into every phase of the process—from preparation to post-show—he ensures that his performances are not just entertaining but also deeply impactful. For clients, the value of hiring Christopher goes beyond the wow factor; it’s about creating a shared experience that inspires, unites, and elevates their organization. This is how a mentalism performance by Christopher Grace operates and what you can expect if you add his services to your next corporate event. For More Information on how to book Christopher Grace: E-Mail: bookings@christophergracelive.com Visit: www.christophergracelive.com Call: 1-857-526-6246 Read this Article on LinkedIn

Full Disclosure:  I am listed and active on these performer websites. I have been for over a decade on one and about as long as others. The points in this article are my opinion as a long-time paid user. The Hidden Costs Sites Like The Bash and GigSalad: Why Performers and Clients Both Lose Over the last 10-15 years gig sites like The Bash (formerly GigMasters,) GigSalad, Bark and others have revolutionized how people book live entertainment. They provide an accessible marketplace where clients can browse and book entertainers for all types of events. At first glance, these platforms seem like a win-win: clients get to compare options and performers have a centralized place to find work. However, the reality for entertainers and performers is often less than ideal. These platforms encourage price shopping and favor the lowest bidder, creating challenges that hurt both seasoned professionals and the industry as a whole. In this article, we’ll explore why the structure of these gig sites can harm entertainers, how price shopping devalues live entertainment, and why clients who book the cheapest options often walk away disappointed. We’ll also break down typical pricing for performers (specifically magicians and mentalists,) explain why professionals ask for your budget, and discuss how undercutting prices hurts the industry and individual performers alike. Price Shopping: The Industry’s Silent Killer Gig sites inherently promote price shopping. With listings presented side by side, clients often focus on finding the “best deal.” While this may work for purchasing a commodity, entertainment is not a commodity—it’s an experience. The lowest-priced option might seem like a bargain at first, but live entertainment requires skill that often takes years or decades to master, preparation, and professionalism, all of which come with a price tag. You're not paying just for the event, but the experience and level of quality provided. When clients book the cheapest performer, they often end up disappointed. The performer may lack the experience, equipment, or polish necessary to deliver a top-tier experience. They may not be able to accommodate or quickly adjust the event if parameters change or if something pops up unexpectedly. They may not be able to quickly, calmly and professionally handle these situations and can sour clients on the idea of booking live entertainment altogether, creating a ripple effect that impacts the entire industry. For seasoned performers, competing on price alone becomes unsustainable. Professional entertainers invest years into honing their craft, purchasing high-quality props, and delivering consistent, high-value performances. When clients focus solely on cost, it undermines the hard work and dedication that professionals bring to the table. Membership Costs and Pay-to-Play Models Gig sites are structured to profit from performers rather than invest in their success. Performers pay often expensive membership fees, and the platforms often offer additional upgrades for “featured” or “priority” listings. These costs can add up quickly, especially for performers who are just starting out and are not getting that much work. Meanwhile, the resources provided by these platforms often fall short, leaving entertainers to fend for themselves in a highly competitive marketplace. We have the ability to add videos, images, bio and a simple pricing structure but direct contact to the performer is often complicated or very difficult. This model creates a race to the bottom. Performers who are desperate for gigs may lower their rates to remain competitive and get the work, even if it means earning less than what their skillset is worth. Over time, this devalues the industry as a whole and creates unrealistic client expectations about what live entertainment should cost. These are private companies and can do what they want regarding their prices and options. Nobody is forcing performers to be listed on these sites. However, putting a focus on both the client AND the performer will benefit everyone including the trust in the company in question. Understanding Performer Pricing One way to combat the devaluation of live entertainment is to educate clients about typical pricing structures. Here’s a general breakdown of what clients can expect to pay for magicians and mentalists, though similar ranges apply to other types of performers: - Children/ Family Events  (e.g., birthday parties): $350 - $1,000 depending on the location, add-ons, specific requests, and duration of the performance. - Adult Parties  (e.g., small company parties, adult birthdays, anniversaries, holiday events, etc.): $500 - $3,000+, depending on the complexity of the event. Strolling entertainment typically  starts at $500 per hour, while full shows or a combination of services can cost anywhere from $1,000 to $3,000 or higher. - Corporate Events:  Prices vary significantly based on the scope of the event, but high-quality performers generally charge $1,500 - $5,000+ for tailored performances. Some do charge significantly more. The best way to find what works best for you is to do your research on the individual via their personal websites, social media, and reviews and/or references from previous events. These numbers reflect the value that professionals bring to an event. Factors such as travel, customization, and equipment also influence pricing, and performers often tailor their services to meet a client’s specific needs. Why Performers Will Often Ask for Your Budget When a performer asks for your budget, it’s not about trying to squeeze the maximum amount of money out of you. Instead, it’s about tailoring a program that fits within your budget limits while ensuring a high-quality experience. Please Note:  ALL performers create and offer their own set prices and fees. Some performers like myself keep a range of fees in order to further customize an event for the client. For example: (specifically for magicians and mentalists) - A client with a $2,000 budget may focus on a high-impact, 60-minute show or strolling entertainment for 1 to 2 hours. Some performers may offer a combination of services. - A $500 budget could be great for an hour of strolling at a cocktail party or before a corporate dinner. For family events, a children's birthday party could get a really great magic show. Providing a clear budget upfront helps the performer structure their offerings in a way that aligns with your vision. This collaborative approach ensures that both parties walk away satisfied. The Harm of Undercutting Fees Beginner or amateur performers often charge lower rates to gain experience, which is entirely reasonable. However, when seasoned professionals feel pressured to lower their fees to compete with less experienced performers, it creates a race to the bottom that hurts everyone. Here’s why undercutting is harmful: 1. Devalues the Industry: When clients see low rates as the norm, they’re less willing to pay fair prices for experienced professional, which forces them to either decline the gig or undercut their own price to get the job. Either way, someone loses. 2. Unsustainable for Performers:  Low rates often don’t cover the costs of travel, props, and preparation, forcing performers to work longer hours for less money. The show doesn't start on the stage. The preparation and commitment to professional - polished events starts the second the event is booked. 3.  Damages Client Expectations:  Clients who book cheap performers and receive subpar experiences may lose trust in the value of live entertainment. Remember you get what you pay for. 4. Stunts Professional Growth:  Beginners who consistently undercut prices may struggle to raise their rates later, limiting their long-term earning potential. This will also eventually create a negative mindset around getting jobs as a whole. Performers who charge fair rates not only sustain their own businesses but also contribute to the overall health and reputation of the live entertainment industry. There are thousands of reputable performers all over the country whose fulltime job is performing. They make it a point of pride to provide the best possible Experience and offer a rate that matches their skill and works best for each client. Be wary of "pros" who constantly cut down their price just to get the job. When you get the cheapest option you often sacrifice quality! Why Clients Should Avoid the Cheapest Option When clients book the cheapest option, they often prioritize cost over quality. While it’s tempting to save a few dollars, this approach can backfire in several ways: -  Inconsistent Quality:  Lower-priced performers may lack the experience needed to adapt to unexpected challenges or engage diverse audiences. Would you rather get a quality product from Apple, or a no-name one from Temu? - Limited Resources:  Budget performers often can’t afford high-quality equipment, professional-grade props, which can impact the overall experience. You may see a repetition of material and not much originality in less-experience performers. - Missed Opportunities: A lackluster performance can leave guests unimpressed, undermining the value of the event and making clients hesitant to book live entertainment again. By investing in seasoned professionals, clients ensure a memorable and impactful experience that reflects well on their event. Zero Barrier to Entry and Its Impact One significant drawback of gig sites is their open-door policy, allowing virtually anyone to join with little to no screening or qualifications required. While this inclusivity can appear advantageous and great for beginners, it often hurts the industry by flooding the market with inexperienced performers who may not deliver professional-grade experiences. This influx of unvetted talent creates inconsistencies in quality and can lead to negative client experiences, which in turn damages the reputation of live entertainment as a whole. Seasoned professionals who have invested years honing their craft are forced to compete with newcomers who may offer lower prices simply to secure gigs. In securing these jobs they bring nothing new to the table. This undercuts the value of experienced performers and again fosters a race-to-the-bottom mentality, where price often trumps quality. Additionally, clients who book inexperienced entertainers may end up disappointed, leaving them reluctant to invest in live performances again regradless of the new performer's credentials, skill set, or seniority. Gig sites must implement better screening processes or tiered systems to differentiate seasoned professionals from amateurs, ensuring clients have a clearer understanding of the value they’re paying for. What Can Beginner Performers Do To Get More Gigs: Here are 10 ways beginners can gain experience and earn money without undercutting other performers: Community Performances:  Offer to perform at charity events, community gatherings, or non-profit organizations to gain stage time while supporting a good cause. Build up a client base from people who've seen you live. Give out business cards, offer deals on bookings for those you saw you at "x" event. Open Mic Nights:  Participate in open mic events to refine your skills and gain exposure in a supportive environment. Get Flight Time! The more time on stage, the more comfortable you'll be at providing a fair price for quality, developed work. Collaborate with Established Performers:  Work as an assistant to seasoned professionals, learning the trade while earning a fair rate. Street Performances:  Perform in public spaces with appropriate permits. It’s a great way to practice and earn tips while building confidence. Private Practice Shows:  Host free or low-cost performances for family and friends to get feedback and build word-of-mouth referrals. This is wildly easy to do today with the availability of ticketing sites like Eventbrite and Ticket Leap. Children’s Parties:  Start with smaller, local events where expectations may be more manageable, and charge a fair entry-level rate. Social Media Content:  Share performances on platforms like YouTube, Instagram, or TikTok to grow an audience and attract paid opportunities. Corporate Networking Events:  Attend networking events for small businesses and offer demonstrations to showcase your talent and make connections. Get involved in your local chamber of commerce and take part in their networking events. Barter Services:  Trade performances for exposure or other goods/services (e.g., photography, video production) that can enhance your promotional materials. Create Your Own Events:  Organize small community shows, selling tickets or accepting donations to cover costs and build your portfolio. As stated in point 5, this is wildly easy to do today with the availability of ticketing sites like Eventbrite and Ticket Leap. How Gig Sites Can Help Foster Positive Change Gig sites like GigSalad and The Bash are in a unique position to create a more equitable and rewarding experience for both clients and performers. Here are 10 ways they can make a difference: Implement Quality Filters:  Highlight performers based on verified reviews, experience levels, and seniority on the platform. Educate Clients:  Provide resources to educate clients about the true value of live entertainment and how to choose quality performers. Encourage Fair Pricing:  Set minimum pricing guidelines to discourage extreme undercutting and protect the industry’s standards. Offer Transparent Costs:  Reduce or eliminate hidden fees for performers, making the platform more equitable. Highlight Value:  Showcase performers’ unique offerings and credentials instead of just listing their rates. Support Emerging Talent:  Create mentorship programs or featured sections for new performers to gain exposure without undercutting professionals. Create Tiered Listings:  Allow clients to filter by experience level, so they can choose between seasoned professionals and emerging talent without confusion. Promote Customization:  Encourage clients to share more of their event details and budgets upfront to receive tailored proposals. Reward Excellence:  Offer incentives like discounts on memberships or priority placement for performers with consistent 4 or 5-star reviews. Provide Tools for Growth:  Develop resources such as marketing guides, performance tips, and networking opportunities to help performers succeed. Eliminate Cattle-Calls:  Gig sites can eliminate the cattle-call style gig availability. By throwing the event to everyone who matches the performance style, you encourage all of the negatives discussed in this article. Allowing a client to choose their entertainment specifically will encourage a more comfortable experience for the client and avoid being hounded with dozens of emails, and replies. Thus making the experience anxiety inducing and forcing the client to either leave the platform or just choose the cheapest option. By implementing these changes, gig sites can create a more sustainable marketplace where clients receive great entertainment at fair prices and performers can thrive professionally. Building a Better Industry Together The live entertainment industry thrives when clients and performers work together to create meaningful experiences. Here are some ways we can foster a healthier marketplace: 1.  Educate Clients:  Performers should take the time to explain their pricing and the value they bring to an event. Transparency builds trust and helps clients understand what they’re paying for. 2. Support Fair Pricing:  Clients should avoid defaulting to the cheapest option and instead focus on finding performers whose offerings align with their vision and budget. 3. Encourage Professional Growth:  Beginners should charge rates that reflect their current skill level while striving to improve and raise their fees over time. 4. Advocate for Performers:  Gig sites should prioritize supporting performers through better resources, fair pricing structures, and transparent fee systems.  Final Thoughts Gig sites like Bark, The Bash and GigSalad and many others provide valuable opportunities for clients to find live entertainment. However, their structure often promotes price shopping at the expense of quality and sustainability. By educating clients about the true value of professional entertainment and advocating for fair pricing, we can create a more supportive and thriving industry. Whether you’re a client looking to book entertainment or a performer navigating the gig economy, remember that quality and professionalism always pay off in the long run. Together, we can ensure that live entertainment continues to inspire, captivate, and create unforgettable memories for years to come. The Event Equation © www.eventequation.com   Note: This article is a personal opinion and does not speak to the feelings, experiences or thoughts on gig sites from other performers, or clients. This article does not represent the opinions of the respective representatives of the gig sites mentioned or not-mentioned here. These are private companies who choose to do run business as they see fit. This article is an opinion of a seasoned professional who has had great success on these and other similar platforms. Fair Use Act Disclaimer: This article and it's contents are for educational purposes only. Fair Use: Fair use under the 1976 Copyright Act permits limited use of copyrighted material without requiring permission from the rights holders, provided the use meets certain criteria. These include purposes such as criticism, commentary, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, or research (17 U.S.C. § 107). Factors considered include the purpose and character of the use, the nature of the copyrighted work, the amount used, and the effect on the market for the original.

Mentalism has long been a captivating art form, blending psychology, showmanship, and illusion to create a truly unique experience. For corporate events, hiring a mentalist like Christopher Grace isn’t just about entertainment; it’s about engaging audiences on a deeper, psychological level. Let’s explore why mentalism is so powerful and why it remains one of the most sought-after forms of corporate entertainment. 1. Mentalism Engages the Brain on Multiple Levels Mentalism stands apart from traditional magic or other performance arts because it directly engages the audience's intellect and emotions. A mentalist doesn’t just perform tricks; they involve the audience in thought-provoking experiences. Why It Works: Curiosity: Mentalism taps into the innate human desire to solve puzzles and uncover secrets. Engagement: By involving audience members directly, mentalism ensures active participation. Emotional Impact: The astonishment of seeing their own thoughts or choices revealed leaves a lasting impression. For corporate audiences, this dual-layer engagement can foster deeper connections and spark conversations long after the event. 2. The Role of Psychological Principles in Mentalism Mentalism relies heavily on principles of psychology, such as suggestion, perception, and memory. These techniques allow mentalists to appear as though they can read minds, predict actions, or influence decisions. Key Techniques Used: Cold Reading: Interpreting subtle cues like body language and speech patterns to create the illusion of mind-reading. Priming: Planting ideas subtly so they feel like original thoughts to the participant. Pattern Recognition: Using knowledge of human behavior to predict seemingly random choices. When a mentalist like Christopher Grace integrates these psychological techniques, the result is not only entertaining but also intellectually stimulating, making it perfect for professional audiences. Corporate Mentalist Christopher Grace 3. Why Corporate Audiences Love Mentalism Corporate audiences are often composed of professionals who value intelligence, innovation, and creativity. Mentalism appeals to these qualities while providing a break from the norm. Benefits for Corporate Events: Customizable Themes: A Mentalist like Christopher Grace can tailor his performances to align with your company’s values or event themes. Interactive Experience: Audience participation keeps everyone engaged and invested. Sophistication: The art form’s intellectual appeal resonates with high-caliber professionals. Corporate Mentalists like Christopher Grace understand the unique dynamics of corporate events, making their performances both impactful and memorable. 4. The Science of Amazement: How Mentalism Impacts Memory Studies show that experiences associated with awe and amazement are more likely to be remembered. This is why mentalism has such a profound impact on event attendees. How It Works: Emotionally Charged Moments: Mentalism creates peak moments that are encoded more vividly in the brain. Storytelling: Christopher weaves narratives into his acts, making the experience more relatable and memorable. Shared Experiences: When entire groups are amazed together, the collective memory strengthens. For corporate events, this means attendees will remember not just the performance but also the event and its hosts. 5. Mentalism as a Networking Catalyst Corporate events often aim to foster connections, and mentalism can be a powerful tool in this regard. A skilled mentalist can break the ice and get people talking. How Mentalism Encourages Networking: Shared Reactions: Audience members bond over their shared amazement and discussions about how tricks were performed. Interactive Elements: Involving multiple attendees creates opportunities for introductions and collaborations. Conversation Starters: The unique nature of mentalism provides plenty of post-performance discussion points. When you book a performer like Christopher Grace, you’re not just hiring entertainment you’re facilitating meaningful connections among your guests. 6. Aligning Mentalism with Corporate Goals Mentalists often work closely with event planners to ensure their act aligns with the company’s objectives. Whether the goal is to impress clients, motivate employees, or create buzz, mentalism can be adapted to fit. Corporate-Friendly Customizations: Branded Content: Incorporating company values, logos, or products into the performance. Team-Building: Designing acts that emphasize collaboration and group problem-solving. Client Focus: Highlighting specific clients or projects in personalized routines. Christopher Grace, for example, often customizes his performances to resonate with corporate audiences, ensuring that the entertainment feels both personal and purposeful. 7. The Emotional Power of Mentalism Beyond intellect, mentalism taps into a wide range of emotions, from joy and surprise to wonder and curiosity. These emotional highs create a more profound connection between the performer and the audience. Emotional Benefits for Attendees: Stress Relief: Experiencing amazement can reduce stress and elevate mood. Inspiration: Mentalism often leaves people with a sense of wonder about human potential. Community: Shared emotional reactions bring groups closer together. For companies, these emotional benefits translate into happier, more engaged attendees. 8. Why Christopher Grace Stands Out When it comes to corporate mentalism, Christopher Grace is a standout performer. With years of experience in the field, he combines psychological insight with masterful showmanship to deliver unforgettable performances. What Sets Him Apart: Personalized Experiences: Christopher tailors each act to the specific audience, ensuring relevance and impact. Proven Expertise: With a track record of successful corporate events, he understands the nuances of professional audiences. Interactive Style: His engaging approach makes attendees feel like active participants rather than passive observers. Booking Christopher Grace means investing in an entertainer who knows how to captivate, inspire, and impress. Conclusion: The Enduring Appeal of Mentalism Mentalism captivates audiences because it speaks to both the mind and the heart. For corporate events, this art form offers an unparalleled combination of engagement, sophistication, and emotional resonance. By hiring a skilled mentalist like Christopher Grace, you’re not just providing entertainment—you’re creating an experience that attendees will talk about for years to come. Ready to elevate your next corporate event? Consider the psychological magic of mentalism and discover why it remains a timeless choice for professionals worldwide. The Event Equation © www.eventequation.com Read this full article on our LinkedIn Newsletter:

Here is how to transform your next corporate event when you hire a mentalist for your entertainment! Are you tired of the same underwhelming cocktail receptions, predictable keynote speakers, and cheesy or ignored DJs at your company's parties? Have you ever looked around a company party and seen attendees dutifully checking their phones every few minutes, desperate for something genuinely exciting to happen? If so, you’re not alone. Event planners and business leaders everywhere are searching for unique corporate entertainment that not only engages their guests but makes a lasting impression. Believe it or not, the biggest game-changer sweeping the corporate world right now isn’t a cutting-edge virtual reality booth or an Instagram photo station—it’s an interactive corporate mentalist . A modern, cutting-edge performer who reads minds, astounds audiences, and injects an air of wonder into even the most buttoned-up business environment. We’ll dive deep into the art of mentalism, reveal why mentalists beat run-of-the-mill magicians or stand-up comedians hands down, and discuss how you can book these captivating performers for your next event. If you want to know why everyone in the event planning sphere is buzzing about booking a Mind Reader for Corporate Event success, stick around. You’ll be amazed at how this rapidly growing trend can supercharge your company’s gatherings. 1. The Corporate Event Crisis: Why Your Parties Need Saving Boredom Is The Silent Killer: A corporate event is only as good as its events, and entertainment. A stale agenda filled with forgettable speakers, tepid conversation, and cookie-cutter awards ceremonies spells trouble for even the most important gatherings. Attendees might show up for the free food or mandatory presence, but their hearts aren’t really there. Meanwhile, morale suffers, team bonding never takes flight, and the event goes down in the records as just another boring day at the office. What’s at Stake? Brand Reputation : If your company events aren’t memorable, you may miss out on opportunities to impress clients and stakeholders. Employee Engagement : Surveys consistently show that employees want to feel valued and inspired. Bland gatherings do the opposite. Return on Investment : Events cost time, money, and effort. If participants come away unenlightened or uninspired, that ROI plummets. 2. What Exactly Is a Corporate Mentalist? Defining Mentalism: Mentalism is an art form that focuses on the mind rather than sleight-of-hand illusions. Unlike a typical Corporate Magician who might do card tricks or saw a volunteer in half, a mentalist appears to delve into the realm of thought itself—decoding emotions, revealing hidden knowledge, and creating interactive, mind-bending moments that leave audiences stunned. How It Differs from Magic Psychology Over Props : While a Magician for Company Party might rely on flashy illusions or gimmicks, mentalists use suggestion, observation, and psychological techniques. Audience-Centered : Shows are highly immersive, requiring volunteers and active engagement. Mind Over Matter : It’s more about revealing secrets of human behavior than visual spectacle. Dive Deeper: For a more in depth look at what a corporate mentalist really is and does please follow this link! https://www.christophergracelive.com/post/what-is-a-corporate-mentalist Why Companies Can’t Get Enough: A mentalist’s performance often resonates on a deeper level, making it an instant conversation starter. Suddenly, employees are no longer standing around nibbling on stale appetizers, juggling drinks and plates. They’re locked in lively debates about how the mentalist could possibly have known a volunteer’s childhood pet’s name. 3. The Rise of the Corporate Mentalist: Why Now? Shifting Audience Expectations: Corporate culture has evolved. Today’s workforce expects more than a monotone PowerPoint. You’ve probably Googled “Corporate Entertainment Ideas” to spruce up your next conference. In that search, you might have noticed a surge of articles recommending mentalists as a solution. Here’s why: Novelty : Mentalism is still unique enough that most attendees haven’t seen a live performance before. Social Media Gold : Mind-blowing moments tend to go viral, amplifying your event’s reach. Interactive Fun : People love participating in experiences rather than just watching from the sidelines. Aligning with Modern Values: Companies now place a premium on engagement, innovation, and personal development. A mind reading show for business events can weave those values directly into its performance—demonstrating the power of focus, observation, and empathy. 4. How a Mentalist Like Christopher Grace Steals the Show Who Is Christopher Grace: Christopher Grace is a mentalist and mind reader and is considered the epitome of “in-demand” corporate entertainers. With nearly 30 years of professional experience and a flair for riveting storytelling, he’s mastered the subtle art of reading minds and amazing audiences! What truly sets him apart, though, is his ability to seamlessly integrate a company’s message into his act. Key Points: Almost 30 Years of Experience : Thousands of performances all over the world! Professional Yet Entertaining : Balances refined showmanship with friendly humor. Customizable Approach : Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering or launching a product, Christopher can tailor his performance to your objectives. Why Audiences Rave High Engagement : Christopher invites participants on stage for personal demonstrations, ensuring the crowd is actively involved. The show is 100% interactive, fun and friendly. Unbelievable Mind Reading : Whether it’s revealing a thought-of playing name or disclosing a guest’s dream vacation, Christopher’s skills astonish even the most cynical observer. Memorable Impact : People talk about it for weeks, months, or even years—“How did he know it?” becomes the question on everyone’s lips. 5. Why a Mentalist for Hire Is the Perfect Solution to Corporate Event Woes 1. Instant Engagement: A mind reader for corporate events never have to worry about losing the audience’s attention. From the moment a mentalist steps on stage, the tension skyrockets. Everyone wants to know who will be called up next or how he’ll manage to read minds in real time. 2. Adaptable Settings: Whether you’re hosting a grand gala, a team-building retreat, or a cocktail networking mixer, a corporate mentalist can scale any event accordingly. That makes it a versatile option for: Boardroom Presentations Holiday Parties Client Appreciation Nights Conferences and Trade Shows Hospitality Suites Cocktail Events Private Home Functions 3. Icebreaker Mentalism: Let’s say you have employees from various branches, or you’ve invited VIP clients who barely know each other. A mentalism act serves as the perfect icebreaker, giving people a common ground to chat about. It’s an easy conversation-starter, especially when guests witness or participate in the act themselves. 4. Boost Morale and Motivation: A mentalist can (if you want) weave motivational messages into their routine. These subtle morale boosters align with the entertainment, turning an average event into a moment of genuine personal insight and corporate pride. They can also just provide some killer entertainment that blows minds! 6. Beyond the Stage: Additional Benefits of Booking a Mentalist Workshops and Seminars: Did you know that some mentalists also offer interactive workshops or breakout sessions? They can teach employees the basics of body language, observational techniques, and more. When you’re looking to hire a mentalist, consider the additional value of a mentalist’s psychological insights for team-building exercises. Trade Show Magnet: If your company attends trade shows, picture a mentalist drawing crowds to your booth. Instead of wrestling for attention, your stand becomes the place where visitors are lining up to be amazed. This not only amplifies brand awareness but also secures new leads—everyone wants to talk to the “mind-reading booth.” And you want have anyone trying to avoid "the guy doing card tricks." High-Level Networking: Having a mentalist at an exclusive networking session can distinguish your company from competitors. Clients or partners who experience a mentalist’s performance tend to remember the hosting brand more vividly. That memorability can convert into long-term professional relationships. 7. The Booking Process: Securing a Mentalist or Magician for Company Party Ready to jump on the mentalism bandwagon? Here’s a step-by-step guide to ensure you find the perfect mentalist for hire like Christopher Grace. Define Your Event Goals Are you trying to improve team cohesion? Impress prospective clients? Just celebrate a successful quarter? Knowing your objectives helps mentalists tailor their performances effectively. Determine Your Budget Costs for a corporate mentalist can range widely based on experience, travel requirements, and customization. Remember, you get what you pay for. Prioritize quality for unforgettable results. Shortlist Potential Performers Search online, ask for recommendations, or consult event planners. Look for demo videos to gauge performance style and audience engagement. Check References and Reviews Legitimate corporate mentalists will have ample client testimonials. Don’t hesitate to request references—reputable performers are proud to share. Discuss Customization If you'd like to add some custom elements: Ask how the mentalist can incorporate your company’s message or theme. Provide them with necessary background info about your guests, industry, and goals. Finalize Logistics Confirm audio-visual setup, stage area, and show duration. Make sure everyone knows their roles (e.g., who’s introducing the act, who’s helping with the audience if needed). Plan a Follow-Up A top-tier performer usually does a quick meet-and-greet, giving attendees time for photos, small tricks and light conversation. This personal touch enhances the overall brand experience. Dig Deeper : For even more information on how to book a corporate mentalist, read our full article here: https://www.christophergracelive.com/post/how-to-hire-a-corporate-mentalist-for-your-next-event 8. Frequently Asked Questions: Everything You Need to Know Q1: Is a Mentalist the Same as a Magician for Company Party? Not exactly. While a magician focuses on visual illusions, a mentalist specializes in reading minds, predicting decisions, and leveraging psychological techniques. Some mentalists also perform light magic, but the core of their show is about mind-blowing revelations rather than big box illusions or card tricks. Q2: Do I Need a Large Venue? Nope! A mentalist’s act can adapt to various settings—from small boardrooms to large theaters and even living rooms in homes. The key requirement is that the audience can clearly see and hear the performer, as mentalism relies heavily on subtle interactions. Q3: What If My Colleagues Are Skeptical? Skeptics are often the best participants! Mentalists thrive on skeptical audiences, proving their feats even more astonishing. In fact, skeptics frequently become the biggest fans. Q4: How Long Should the Performance Last? Typical interactive entertainment for corporate events can last anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour or even longer depending on the event. For more flexible schedules, mentalists can also do multiple shorter segments throughout an event. Q5: Will It Be Family-Friendly? Many mentalists offer clean, professional shows suitable for a broad demographic. If your event is family-friendly, just let the performer know in advance so they can adjust the tone and content accordingly. 9. Making Your Event a Mind-Reading Marvel Still debating if a mind reading show for your business is the right choice? Here’s how to ensure a seamless experience that leaves your attendees raving: Give Guests a Teaser Build anticipation by hinting at a mysterious act during pre-event promotions. Encourage employees to bring an open mind and maybe even a “secret” for the mentalist to uncover. Optimize the Stage Setup Position chairs so everyone has a clear line of sight. Consider lighting that highlights the performer’s face—facial expressions matter in mentalism. Coordinate with Other Activities Schedule the mentalist’s performance at a time when people aren’t rushing to check emails or hungry for dinner. Never have a mentalist or any visual act for that matter go on during dinner or any kind of food service. Avoid overshadowing the mentalist with high-noise distractions, like loud music or food service. Make sure if there is ambient music that it is turned off! (not just turned down) Debrief & Engage Afterward If available: Provide a space—like a lounge area—where attendees can discuss the show or chat with the mentalist. Collect feedback. Many people love to share how they felt or guesses about the performer’s techniques. 10. The Future of Corporate Events: Why Mentalism Isn’t Just a Fad Some might question if a corporate mentalist is just another passing trend in the world of corporate entertainment ideas. But here’s why mentalism has a bright future: Ever-Evolving Techniques : Mentalists constantly adapt, experimenting with new illusions, psychological tricks, and technology. Universal Appeal : Curiosity is a human constant—everyone, from interns to CEOs, can be spellbound by mind reading. Memorable Impact : In an age saturated with digital content, a live, genuine experience stands out more than ever. Final Word : Companies that incorporate interactive performances into their events foster deeper employee engagement, stronger brand identity, and a more vibrant corporate culture. Mentalism, in particular, channels the universal wonder of human potential—something that resonates in every industry. In Conclusion Now, you have the inside scoop: it’s the corporate mentalist. By stepping away from the predictable and embracing a mind-blowing experience, you can transform any lackluster event into a thrilling success. Whether you’re looking to hire a magician or mentalist, host an engaging mind reading show for your business, or simply spark fresh interactive entertainment for corporate events, mentalism delivers on all fronts. Looking for a seasoned professional with the expertise to captivate any crowd? Christopher Grace is your guy—renowned for his uncanny ability to merge corporate messages with jaw-dropping illusions. Next time you’re planning a function—be it a mind reader for a corporate event, a big holiday bash, a mentalist for company party, or a major trade show—remember that a mentalist’s performance can bring the perfect blend of spectacle, intellect, and heartfelt interaction. Why settle for the ordinary? With the right mentalist on stage, your guests won’t just be attending an event; they’ll be part of an immersive, unforgettable journey into the bounds of human potenital. The Event Equation © Agent 86 Magic Productions, LLC. www.christophergracelive.com Want to read this article on our LinkedIn newsletter? Click the LinkedIn icon below:

Below you will find a detailed list on how you as an organizer can build, coordinate and properly execute your next corporate party, function or special event. These tips will help facilitate your process to make your job easier and your event successful. New York City Corporate Events! STEP 1: HAVE A CLEAR PLAN Starting with planning an event can be a daunting task. How much is my budget? Should I hire entertainment? How much food will we need? It can be very overwhelming. It's best to clearly plan out exactly what tasks you need to accomplish. In order of priority if possible. For example: 1. Confirm venue details with your catering contact (confirm your date first, time that you need, then go over the day's schedule) (Most hotels use a catering manager to host all of their events. This person will be your go-to contact 99% of the time.) 2. Bullet point your schedule. Be meticulous. Leave nothing unaccounted for. For example: - Guests arrive 5:30PM - Cocktail reception - 5:45 - 6:15PM - Dinner - 6:30 - 8PM - Desert & Coffee - 8:05PM - Speeches - 8:30 - 8:45PM - CEO introduces end of evening entertainment - 9PM - 10PM - Raffles/ Door Prizes - 10:15PM - Final Thank You - 10:30PM - Gift Bags - 10:35PM 3. Make sure your dinner has the proper options. (vegetarian, meat, fish, etc.) - Confirm if anyone has major food allergies and alert the catering manager - Finalize the menu with the catering manager - Pay deposit to the venue & for your food and beverage 4. Secure any staging, podiums, entertainer requirements, mics, backdrops, etc. - Confirm with venue what they can supply and at what additional cost(s) - Determine if an outside AV or staging company will be necessary 5. Confirm any live entertainment and pay necessary deposits. Do this at least a month in advance or sooner. - Entertainers need time to organize their calendar, coordinate staffing if necessary and block the time off for your event. - Double check the performer's technical rider. They may require lavaliere mics over handheld ones. They may need chairs, or small tables or access to power outlets. - Confirm with the performer the length of the performance, and any other details that may make the show longer. (this happens more often than not) The point is do not let yourself stress out. The more organized you are, the easier the day of will be. Additionally, you'll be praised for your commitment to the events excellence and your organization skills. Don't let yourself get overwhelmed, it's a slippery slope! STEP 2: UNDERSTAND YOUR AUDIENCE Is this event for executives? Maybe it's just for truck drivers? Maybe it's a family welcomed Christmas party? Having a clear understanding of Who is coming to your event will greatly reduce the amount of stress you face in the planning. If there are children invited, then your menu will be affected. Is your buffet suitable for kids to reach by themselves? Probably not. Take these details into consideration. It may not sound important. but the attention to detail is ultimately what makes events successful. Maybe this event is for guests from all over the world. Now you're talking possible language barriers, dietary restrictions, even religious restrictions that could drastically impact your event. Is your entertainer visual so they can work well with all cultures? Take these details into account. Tip: Most live entertainment can work well with all language barriers and cultural differences. For example Mentalist Christopher Grace is primarily a mind reader. But his performances can play to ALL languages. Even though Christopher only speaks English.. and bad Spanish. STEP 3: THE ROOM! A step that a lot of people do not consider is how the room you're using is set up. Are you using round tables? Are they seating 8, 10, 12 people? Is the buffet in the room or outside? Will your cocktail reception take place in the same place you have dinner? Is there a huge dance floor in the middle of the room? Will the entertainment be in the same room as dinner? See how it can get overwhelming fast? Let's start from the first question. Round tables are the most common for 99% of corporate events. Depending on how many people you're expecting, it will determine what size banquet round you'll need. If it's a small group, then maybe you only need 2 or 3 eight or ten foot long rectangular tables. Determine what you need based on the size of your group. Sounds simple right? It is! How is dinner being served? If you are doing a buffer it will most likely be in the same room as where you actually eat. If this is the case, make sure the band, the mentalist, etc. is nowhere near the food. (or the bar for that matte) Keep these elements in their own sections. It will prevent unnecessary clutter, confusion and potential accidents. If you're doing a plated dinner, it's much easier as everything is coming out of the kitchen. Double check that the wait staff and catering management understand what you have planned and to be cautious of cables, extension cords, or unexpected items like cases, boxes or bags. Dance Floors! In the entertainer world, dance floors are usually accompanied by table surrounding them. This will create a great place to dance. The DJ or band is at one end and everyone else is on the floor. Sounds great right? Well now imagine you bring in a speaker, or a performer. Now this person is trapped at one end of a huge dance floor with this ocean of emptiness between them and the audience. Performers collectively refer to this as the DOD or Dance Floor of Death. Meaning, it's capable to killing a performance. So you think, well why don't they move down closer to the edge of the floor? That would be a good idea if Everyone in the room was behind that line. If you have guests on three sides of you, now the performer is playing to only 1/3 of the audience. The point here is if you're having a stationary performer, or speaker. e.g someone that does not move around the room. Considering having the venue set up theater style seating on the dance floor. It's not a huge deal for catering teams and you'll be amazed at how fast some of these crews can clear hundreds of chair. Literally minutes. Please, please, please take this point into consideration if you're having entertainment. (which you absolutely should by the way.) STEP 4: THE ENTERTAINMENT! Hiring entertainment can be a daunting task all by itself. Who should I hire? Are they good? Do they have good reviews? How are their videos? Are they professional? Do they respond and communicate in a timely manner. That last point is very important as your schedule is most likely time sensitive. Unless you're planning a year in advance. (yay for you being ahead of 90% of all other corporate events.) Let's start in reverse order this time. Does your entertainment communicate in a timely manner? If you're booking an individual person - they should communicate quickly. Usually within a day or sooner. Most performers will get back to you quickly. Do not take this as a sign of desperation. Their time is as valuable as yours and their schedules are often unpredictable and chaotic. In most cases, if you found a good performer - you'll probably get calls, texts and emails from them while they're AT another event. Again - do not take this as a negative. Or a sign of disrespect to the client with whom they're currently working with. Bands, speakers, even mentalists or magicians all take necessary breaks during their performances. When Christopher Grace is performing strolling mentalism at corporate events. He will usually take a 5 minute break every 45 minutes or so to regroup and reset for his next round with the guests. If he's performing a full length show, which is usually an hour or longer from start to finish. He will not return a call in the middle. That's just crazy and would be Very disrespectful. Is your performer professional? This can be tricky (no-pun intended) as professionalism is subjective. Here are a few good things to look out for when considering someone's professionalism. - Do they have a clean, clearly designed and easily navigable website? - Do they dress appropriately for your specific event? (not a hard and fast rule to follow as most performers dress in a variety of levels depending on event requirements. But keep it in mind for general first impressions on their website. What they choose to display in images on their websites is going to be 99% of what they wear on stage. - Are they groomed well? Seriously. Nobody wants a smelly magician wandering around their cocktail party for executives. You can tell how much they take care of themself by looking at their pictures. Especially on social media. Look at fan pages and see if you can spot any live performance photos they've posted. Are they cleanly shaved? If they have a beard, is it trimmed and well kept? Are their clothes neat and unwrinkled? If they wear a tuxedo t-shirt run for the hills! The point here is use your own judgement but don't let your personal biases get in the way. The Videos! You absolutely, 100% want to see or hear what this person can do and will most likely be doing at your corporate event. Now please bear in mind the following: - Most performers do not travel with AV or recording crews. - 99% of performers use house mics, sound systems and staging. - Almost all performers have little to no control on how the room is set up Take those points into account when you're viewing performance videos. Watch the show, not the room. And most importantly, to see if a video of a performer is good. Watch the reactions of the guests! To understand this point better watch Christopher Grace's videos here . You will get a clear understanding of how a video will and should look and how to watch them. Make your judgments on how the audience responds, not how you do! The Reviews! Reviews and testimonials are huge in making decisions. However, the best way to find out if this performer is going to be a good fit for your next event is to actually speak to former clients. Ask the performer for a written list of his or hers 10 most recent clients. Do not let the date at which these events took place sway you. Some performers intentionally only work 10-20 times a year. Some work 200! The date is not important. The comments are! You wouldn't hire a person at your company without checking references right? Same thing here. Call, inquire and get a recommendation from the past clients. The performer should provide a name, phone number, email address, company or applicable website and some event details. (when, where, for how many, etc.) Are they any Good? Well, again this is going to depend on a couple of things. Do they have a good rapport with the audience? Are they engaged, smiling and applauding? Are You impressed by some of the things they are doing? For example, mentalism can often times look like someone is just speaking without doing much in the form of moving around, using props, etc. Key point here is to watch and listen! You'll be amazed at some of the things possible using only speech! Who should you hire? Ah, this question. It's an important one don't get us wrong. But it's never an easy one. You'll wonder if they'll fit in with your group. If they're funny, not funny or not funny enough. Are they clean or are you looking for a more R-rated or PG-13 act? Are they accomplished enough to even be in the same room as fortune 500 executives? All of these questions you'll ask yourself on a conscious and subconscious level. Some of which you'll think about and decide on instantly from the viewing of one image, or video. The best way to find out if they're any good is to talk to them! Call them directly, speak and let them speak. Say "tell me about how you'll make our company party a success." and then simply be quiet and let them talk. Ask a question from time to time. Don't try and trip them up but ask things that are not common. For example ask: - What do you do if your show runs long? - How much interaction do you anticipate for the show? - Do you meet the audience before or after the show? - Do you travel with your own sound equipment or do you need us to provide that? What kind of mic do you use? - Can you perform during dinner? (this is a sneaky question. NEVER EVER have a performer go on During a dinner. It's at the top of the worst things you can do list. You're audience will not care who is on stage when food is on the table. Trust us.) The reason you ask this question is because you want the performer to say: "No! I will perform during the cocktail hour, strolling the room. Or immediately after desert." Make sure they say desert as it's usually part of the meal. Use your own judgement of course, but these tips will help you make the right decisions on hiring live entertainment. Oh and if you're going with a live band, they can and most likely will have no problem performing during dinner. STEP 5: BRINGING IT ALL TOGETHER! Putting your corporate event, retreat or special on is a challenge. A couple of things to keep in mind. - Things will not turn out how you envisioned them! - You have to be flexible when working with other people! - Have backups and plan B's for Everything! - Only work with people you trust! (your team that is.. don't do everything yourself.) - DON'T DO EVERYTHING YOURSELF! Delegate, bring in trusted associates who you can put smaller tasks on so you don't get overwhelmed. If you're a seasoned corporate event planner, then you probably won't be reading any of this anyways. Most importantly, remember this event is for you as well. Don't let yourself become the person running around the room all night making everything perfect. Nothing will ever be perfect. Do not strive for perfection down into the minutia or you will be disappointed. Have a great team and communicate regularly. Before you get into your event, create a simple battle plan for the evening. Enjoy yourself and everyone else will as well. Happy Planning! Christopher Grace www.christophergracelive.com

Below you will find a detailed list on how you as an organizer can build, coordinate and properly execute your Chicago Corporate Events, function or special event. These tips will help facilitate your process to make your job easier and your event successful. STEP 1: HAVE A CLEAR PLAN Starting with planning an event can be a daunting task. How much is my budget? Should I hire entertainment? How much food will we need? It can be very overwhelming. It's best to clearly plan out exactly what tasks you need to accomplish. In order of priority if possible. For example: 1. Confirm venue details with your catering contact (confirm your date first, time that you need, then go over the day's schedule) (Most hotels use a catering manager to host all of their events. This person will be your go-to contact 99% of the time.) 2. Bullet point your schedule. Be meticulous. Leave nothing unaccounted for. For example: - Guests arrive 5:30PM - Cocktail reception - 5:45 - 6:15PM - Dinner - 6:30 - 8PM - Desert & Coffee - 8:05PM - Speeches - 8:30 - 8:45PM - CEO introduces end of evening entertainment - 9PM - 10PM - Raffles/ Door Prizes - 10:15PM - Final Thank You - 10:30PM - Gift Bags - 10:35PM 3. Make sure your dinner has the proper options. (vegetarian, meat, fish, etc.) - Confirm if anyone has major food allergies and alert the catering manager - Finalize the menu with the catering manager - Pay deposit to the venue & for your food and beverage 4. Secure any staging, podiums, entertainer requirements, mics, backdrops, etc. - Confirm with venue what they can supply and at what additional cost(s) - Determine if an outside AV or staging company will be necessary 5. Confirm any live entertainment and pay necessary deposits. Do this at least a month in advance or sooner. - Entertainers need time to organize their calendar, coordinate staffing if necessary and block the time off for your event. - Double check the performer's technical rider. They may require lavaliere mics over handheld ones. They may need chairs, or small tables or access to power outlets. - Confirm with the performer the length of the performance, and any other details that may make the show longer. (this happens more often than not) The point is do not let yourself stress out. The more organized you are, the easier the day of will be. Additionally, you'll be praised for your commitment to the events excellence and your organization skills. Don't let yourself get overwhelmed, it's a slippery slope! STEP 2: UNDERSTAND YOUR AUDIENCE Is this event for executives? Maybe it's just for truck drivers? Maybe it's a family welcomed Christmas party? Having a clear understanding of Who is coming to your event will greatly reduce the amount of stress you face in the planning. If there are children invited, then your menu will be affected. Is your buffet suitable for kids to reach by themselves? Probably not. Take these details into consideration. It may not sound important. but the attention to detail is ultimately what makes events successful. Maybe this event is for guests from all over the world. Now you're talking possible language barriers, dietary restrictions, even religious restrictions that could drastically impact your event. Is your entertainer visual so they can work well with all cultures? Take these details into account. Tip: Most live entertainment can work well with all language barriers and cultural differences. For example Mentalist Christopher Grace is primarily a mind reader. But his performances can play to ALL languages. Even though Christopher only speaks English.. and bad Spanish. STEP 3: THE ROOM! A step that a lot of people do not consider is how the room you're using is set up. Are you using round tables? Are they seating 8, 10, 12 people? Is the buffet in the room or outside? Will your cocktail reception take place in the same place you have dinner? Is there a huge dance floor in the middle of the room? Will the entertainment be in the same room as dinner? See how it can get overwhelming fast? Let's start from the first question. Round tables are the most common for 99% of corporate events. Depending on how many people you're expecting, it will determine what size banquet round you'll need. If it's a small group, then maybe you only need 2 or 3 eight or ten foot long rectangular tables. Determine what you need based on the size of your group. Sounds simple right? It is! How is dinner being served? If you are doing a buffer it will most likely be in the same room as where you actually eat. If this is the case, make sure the band, the mentalist, etc. is nowhere near the food. (or the bar for that matte) Keep these elements in their own sections. It will prevent unnecessary clutter, confusion and potential accidents. If you're doing a plated dinner, it's much easier as everything is coming out of the kitchen. Double check that the wait staff and catering management understand what you have planned and to be cautious of cables, extension cords, or unexpected items like cases, boxes or bags. Dance Floors! In the entertainer world, dance floors are usually accompanied by table surrounding them. This will create a great place to dance. The DJ or band is at one end and everyone else is on the floor. Sounds great right? Well now imagine you bring in a speaker, or a performer. Now this person is trapped at one end of a huge dance floor with this ocean of emptiness between them and the audience. Performers collectively refer to this as the DOD or Dance Floor of Death. Meaning, it's capable to killing a performance. So you think, well why don't they move down closer to the edge of the floor? That would be a good idea if Everyone in the room was behind that line. If you have guests on three sides of you, now the performer is playing to only 1/3 of the audience. The point here is if you're having a stationary performer, or speaker. e.g someone that does not move around the room. Considering having the venue set up theater style seating on the dance floor. It's not a huge deal for catering teams and you'll be amazed at how fast some of these crews can clear hundreds of chair. Literally minutes. Please, please, please take this point into consideration if you're having entertainment. (which you absolutely should by the way.) STEP 4: THE ENTERTAINMENT! Hiring entertainment can be a daunting task all by itself. Who should I hire? Are they good? Do they have good reviews? How are their videos? Are they professional? Do they respond and communicate in a timely manner. That last point is very important as your schedule is most likely time sensitive. Unless you're planning a year in advance. (yay for you being ahead of 90% of all other corporate events.) Let's start in reverse order this time. Does your entertainment communicate in a timely manner? If you're booking an individual person - they should communicate quickly. Usually within a day or sooner. Most performers will get back to you quickly. Do not take this as a sign of desperation. Their time is as valuable as yours and their schedules are often unpredictable and chaotic. In most cases, if you found a good performer - you'll probably get calls, texts and emails from them while they're AT another event. Again - do not take this as a negative. Or a sign of disrespect to the client with whom they're currently working with. Bands, speakers, even mentalists or magicians all take necessary breaks during their performances. When Christopher Grace is performing strolling mentalism at corporate events. He will usually take a 5 minute break every 45 minutes or so to regroup and reset for his next round with the guests. If he's performing a full length show, which is usually an hour or longer from start to finish. He will not return a call in the middle. That's just crazy and would be Very disrespectful. Is your performer professional? This can be tricky (no-pun intended) as professionalism is subjective. Here are a few good things to look out for when considering someone's professionalism. - Do they have a clean, clearly designed and easily navigable website? - Do they dress appropriately for your specific event? (not a hard and fast rule to follow as most performers dress in a variety of levels depending on event requirements. But keep it in mind for general first impressions on their website. What they choose to display in images on their websites is going to be 99% of what they wear on stage. - Are they groomed well? Seriously. Nobody wants a smelly magician wandering around their cocktail party for executives. You can tell how much they take care of themself by looking at their pictures. Especially on social media. Look at fan pages and see if you can spot any live performance photos they've posted. Are they cleanly shaved? If they have a beard, is it trimmed and well kept? Are their clothes neat and unwrinkled? If they wear a tuxedo t-shirt run for the hills! The point here is use your own judgement but don't let your personal biases get in the way. The Videos! You absolutely, 100% want to see or hear what this person can do and will most likely be doing at your corporate event. Now please bear in mind the following: - Most performers do not travel with AV or recording crews. - 99% of performers use house mics, sound systems and staging. - Almost all performers have little to no control on how the room is set up Take those points into account when you're viewing performance videos. Watch the show, not the room. And most importantly, to see if a video of a performer is good. Watch the reactions of the guests! To understand this point better watch Christopher Grace's videos here . You will get a clear understanding of how a video will and should look and how to watch them. Make your judgments on how the audience responds, not how you do! The Reviews! Reviews and testimonials are huge in making decisions. However, the best way to find out if this performer is going to be a good fit for your next event is to actually speak to former clients. Ask the performer for a written list of his or hers 10 most recent clients. Do not let the date at which these events took place sway you. Some performers intentionally only work 10-20 times a year. Some work 200! The date is not important. The comments are! You wouldn't hire a person at your company without checking references right? Same thing here. Call, inquire and get a recommendation from the past clients. The performer should provide a name, phone number, email address, company or applicable website and some event details. (when, where, for how many, etc.) Are they any Good? Well, again this is going to depend on a couple of things. Do they have a good rapport with the audience? Are they engaged, smiling and applauding? Are You impressed by some of the things they are doing? For example, mentalism can often times look like someone is just speaking without doing much in the form of moving around, using props, etc. Key point here is to watch and listen! You'll be amazed at some of the things possible using only speech! Who should you hire? Ah, this question. It's an important one don't get us wrong. But it's never an easy one. You'll wonder if they'll fit in with your group. If they're funny, not funny or not funny enough. Are they clean or are you looking for a more R-rated or PG-13 act? Are they accomplished enough to even be in the same room as fortune 500 executives? All of these questions you'll ask yourself on a conscious and subconscious level. Some of which you'll think about and decide on instantly from the viewing of one image, or video. The best way to find out if they're any good is to talk to them! Call them directly, speak and let them speak. Say "tell me about how you'll make our company party a success." and then simply be quiet and let them talk. Ask a question from time to time. Don't try and trip them up but ask things that are not common. For example ask: - What do you do if your show runs long? - How much interaction do you anticipate for the show? - Do you meet the audience before or after the show? - Do you travel with your own sound equipment or do you need us to provide that? What kind of mic do you use? - Can you perform during dinner? (this is a sneaky question. NEVER EVER have a performer go on During a dinner. It's at the top of the worst things you can do list. You're audience will not care who is on stage when food is on the table. Trust us.) The reason you ask this question is because you want the performer to say: "No! I will perform during the cocktail hour, strolling the room. Or immediately after desert." Make sure they say desert as it's usually part of the meal. Use your own judgement of course, but these tips will help you make the right decisions on hiring live entertainment. Oh and if you're going with a live band, they can and most likely will have no problem performing during dinner. STEP 5: BRINGING IT ALL TOGETHER! Putting your corporate event, retreat or special on is a challenge. A couple of things to keep in mind. - Things will not turn out how you envisioned them! - You have to be flexible when working with other people! - Have backups and plan B's for Everything! - Only work with people you trust! (your team that is.. don't do everything yourself.) - DON'T DO EVERYTHING YOURSELF! Delegate, bring in trusted associates who you can put smaller tasks on so you don't get overwhelmed. If you're a seasoned corporate event planner, then you probably won't be reading any of this anyways. Most importantly, remember this event is for you as well. Don't let yourself become the person running around the room all night making everything perfect. Nothing will ever be perfect. Do not strive for perfection down into the minutia or you will be disappointed. Have a great team and communicate regularly. Before you get into your event, create a simple battle plan for the evening. Enjoy yourself and everyone else will as well. Happy Planning! Christopher Grace www.christophergracelive.com

Below you will find a detailed list on how you as an organizer can build, coordinate and properly execute your next corporate party, function or special event. These tips will help facilitate your process to make your job easier and your Hartford Corporate events successful. STEP 1: HAVE A CLEAR PLAN Starting with planning an event can be a daunting task. How much is my budget? Should I hire entertainment? How much food will we need? It can be very overwhelming. It's best to clearly plan out exactly what tasks you need to accomplish. In order of priority if possible. For example: 1. Confirm venue details with your catering contact (confirm your date first, time that you need, then go over the day's schedule) (Most hotels use a catering manager to host all of their events. This person will be your go-to contact 99% of the time.) 2. Bullet point your schedule. Be meticulous. Leave nothing unaccounted for. For example: - Guests arrive 5:30PM - Cocktail reception - 5:45 - 6:15PM - Dinner - 6:30 - 8PM - Desert & Coffee - 8:05PM - Speeches - 8:30 - 8:45PM - CEO introduces end of evening entertainment - 9PM - 10PM - Raffles/ Door Prizes - 10:15PM - Final Thank You - 10:30PM - Gift Bags - 10:35PM 3. Make sure your dinner has the proper options. (vegetarian, meat, fish, etc.) - Confirm if anyone has major food allergies and alert the catering manager - Finalize the menu with the catering manager - Pay deposit to the venue & for your food and beverage 4. Secure any staging, podiums, entertainer requirements, mics, backdrops, etc. - Confirm with venue what they can supply and at what additional cost(s) - Determine if an outside AV or staging company will be necessary 5. Confirm any live entertainment and pay necessary deposits. Do this at least a month in advance or sooner. - Entertainers need time to organize their calendar, coordinate staffing if necessary and block the time off for your event. - Double check the performer's technical rider. They may require lavaliere mics over handheld ones. They may need chairs, or small tables or access to power outlets. - Confirm with the performer the length of the performance, and any other details that may make the show longer. (this happens more often than not) The point is do not let yourself stress out. The more organized you are, the easier the day of will be. Additionally, you'll be praised for your commitment to the events excellence and your organization skills. Don't let yourself get overwhelmed, it's a slippery slope! STEP 2: UNDERSTAND YOUR AUDIENCE Is this event for executives? Maybe it's just for truck drivers? Maybe it's a family welcomed Christmas party? Having a clear understanding of Who is coming to your event will greatly reduce the amount of stress you face in the planning. If there are children invited, then your menu will be affected. Is your buffet suitable for kids to reach by themselves? Probably not. Take these details into consideration. It may not sound important. but the attention to detail is ultimately what makes events successful. Maybe this event is for guests from all over the world. Now you're talking possible language barriers, dietary restrictions, even religious restrictions that could drastically impact your event. Is your entertainer visual so they can work well with all cultures? Take these details into account. Tip: Most live entertainment can work well with all language barriers and cultural differences. For example Mentalist Christopher Grace is primarily a mind reader. But his performances can play to ALL languages. Even though Christopher only speaks English.. and bad Spanish. STEP 3: THE ROOM! A step that a lot of people do not consider is how the room you're using is set up. Are you using round tables? Are they seating 8, 10, 12 people? Is the buffet in the room or outside? Will your cocktail reception take place in the same place you have dinner? Is there a huge dance floor in the middle of the room? Will the entertainment be in the same room as dinner? See how it can get overwhelming fast? Let's start from the first question. Round tables are the most common for 99% of corporate events. Depending on how many people you're expecting, it will determine what size banquet round you'll need. If it's a small group, then maybe you only need 2 or 3 eight or ten foot long rectangular tables. Determine what you need based on the size of your group. Sounds simple right? It is! How is dinner being served? If you are doing a buffer it will most likely be in the same room as where you actually eat. If this is the case, make sure the band, the mentalist, etc. is nowhere near the food. (or the bar for that matte) Keep these elements in their own sections. It will prevent unnecessary clutter, confusion and potential accidents. If you're doing a plated dinner, it's much easier as everything is coming out of the kitchen. Double check that the wait staff and catering management understand what you have planned and to be cautious of cables, extension cords, or unexpected items like cases, boxes or bags. Dance Floors! In the entertainer world, dance floors are usually accompanied by table surrounding them. This will create a great place to dance. The DJ or band is at one end and everyone else is on the floor. Sounds great right? Well now imagine you bring in a speaker, or a performer. Now this person is trapped at one end of a huge dance floor with this ocean of emptiness between them and the audience. Performers collectively refer to this as the DOD or Dance Floor of Death. Meaning, it's capable to killing a performance. So you think, well why don't they move down closer to the edge of the floor? That would be a good idea if Everyone in the room was behind that line. If you have guests on three sides of you, now the performer is playing to only 1/3 of the audience. The point here is if you're having a stationary performer, or speaker. e.g someone that does not move around the room. Considering having the venue set up theater style seating on the dance floor. It's not a huge deal for catering teams and you'll be amazed at how fast some of these crews can clear hundreds of chair. Literally minutes. Please, please, please take this point into consideration if you're having entertainment. (which you absolutely should by the way.) STEP 4: THE ENTERTAINMENT! Hiring entertainment can be a daunting task all by itself. Who should I hire? Are they good? Do they have good reviews? How are their videos? Are they professional? Do they respond and communicate in a timely manner. That last point is very important as your schedule is most likely time sensitive. Unless you're planning a year in advance. (yay for you being ahead of 90% of all other corporate events.) Let's start in reverse order this time. Does your entertainment communicate in a timely manner? If you're booking an individual person - they should communicate quickly. Usually within a day or sooner. Most performers will get back to you quickly. Do not take this as a sign of desperation. Their time is as valuable as yours and their schedules are often unpredictable and chaotic. In most cases, if you found a good performer - you'll probably get calls, texts and emails from them while they're AT another event. Again - do not take this as a negative. Or a sign of disrespect to the client with whom they're currently working with. Bands, speakers, even mentalists or magicians all take necessary breaks during their performances. When Christopher Grace is performing strolling mentalism at corporate events. He will usually take a 5 minute break every 45 minutes or so to regroup and reset for his next round with the guests. If he's performing a full length show, which is usually an hour or longer from start to finish. He will not return a call in the middle. That's just crazy and would be Very disrespectful. Is your performer professional? This can be tricky (no-pun intended) as professionalism is subjective. Here are a few good things to look out for when considering someone's professionalism. - Do they have a clean, clearly designed and easily navigable website? - Do they dress appropriately for your specific event? (not a hard and fast rule to follow as most performers dress in a variety of levels depending on event requirements. But keep it in mind for general first impressions on their website. What they choose to display in images on their websites is going to be 99% of what they wear on stage. - Are they groomed well? Seriously. Nobody wants a smelly magician wandering around their cocktail party for executives. You can tell how much they take care of themself by looking at their pictures. Especially on social media. Look at fan pages and see if you can spot any live performance photos they've posted. Are they cleanly shaved? If they have a beard, is it trimmed and well kept? Are their clothes neat and unwrinkled? If they wear a tuxedo t-shirt run for the hills! The point here is use your own judgement but don't let your personal biases get in the way. The Videos! You absolutely, 100% want to see or hear what this person can do and will most likely be doing at your corporate event. Now please bear in mind the following: - Most performers do not travel with AV or recording crews. - 99% of performers use house mics, sound systems and staging. - Almost all performers have little to no control on how the room is set up Take those points into account when you're viewing performance videos. Watch the show, not the room. And most importantly, to see if a video of a performer is good. Watch the reactions of the guests! To understand this point better watch Christopher Grace's videos here . You will get a clear understanding of how a video will and should look and how to watch them. Make your judgments on how the audience responds, not how you do! The Reviews! Reviews and testimonials are huge in making decisions. However, the best way to find out if this performer is going to be a good fit for your next event is to actually speak to former clients. Ask the performer for a written list of his or hers 10 most recent clients. Do not let the date at which these events took place sway you. Some performers intentionally only work 10-20 times a year. Some work 200! The date is not important. The comments are! You wouldn't hire a person at your company without checking references right? Same thing here. Call, inquire and get a recommendation from the past clients. The performer should provide a name, phone number, email address, company or applicable website and some event details. (when, where, for how many, etc.) Are they any Good? Well, again this is going to depend on a couple of things. Do they have a good rapport with the audience? Are they engaged, smiling and applauding? Are You impressed by some of the things they are doing? For example, mentalism can often times look like someone is just speaking without doing much in the form of moving around, using props, etc. Key point here is to watch and listen! You'll be amazed at some of the things possible using only speech! Who should you hire? Ah, this question. It's an important one don't get us wrong. But it's never an easy one. You'll wonder if they'll fit in with your group. If they're funny, not funny or not funny enough. Are they clean or are you looking for a more R-rated or PG-13 act? Are they accomplished enough to even be in the same room as fortune 500 executives? All of these questions you'll ask yourself on a conscious and subconscious level. Some of which you'll think about and decide on instantly from the viewing of one image, or video. The best way to find out if they're any good is to talk to them! Call them directly, speak and let them speak. Say "tell me about how you'll make our company party a success." and then simply be quiet and let them talk. Ask a question from time to time. Don't try and trip them up but ask things that are not common. For example ask: - What do you do if your show runs long? - How much interaction do you anticipate for the show? - Do you meet the audience before or after the show? - Do you travel with your own sound equipment or do you need us to provide that? What kind of mic do you use? - Can you perform during dinner? (this is a sneaky question. NEVER EVER have a performer go on During a dinner. It's at the top of the worst things you can do list. You're audience will not care who is on stage when food is on the table. Trust us.) The reason you ask this question is because you want the performer to say: "No! I will perform during the cocktail hour, strolling the room. Or immediately after desert." Make sure they say desert as it's usually part of the meal. Use your own judgement of course, but these tips will help you make the right decisions on hiring live entertainment. Oh and if you're going with a live band, they can and most likely will have no problem performing during dinner. STEP 5: BRINGING IT ALL TOGETHER! Putting your corporate event, retreat or special on is a challenge. A couple of things to keep in mind. - Things will not turn out how you envisioned them! - You have to be flexible when working with other people! - Have backups and plan B's for Everything! - Only work with people you trust! (your team that is.. don't do everything yourself.) - DON'T DO EVERYTHING YOURSELF! Delegate, bring in trusted associates who you can put smaller tasks on so you don't get overwhelmed. If you're a seasoned corporate event planner, then you probably won't be reading any of this anyways. Most importantly, remember this event is for you as well. Don't let yourself become the person running around the room all night making everything perfect. Nothing will ever be perfect. Do not strive for perfection down into the minutia or you will be disappointed. Have a great team and communicate regularly. Before you get into your event, create a simple battle plan for the evening. Enjoy yourself and everyone else will as well. Happy Planning! Christopher Grace www.christophergracelive.com

Below you will find a detailed list on how you as an organizer can build, coordinate and properly execute your next corporate party, function or special event. These tips will help facilitate your process to make your job easier and your event successful. STEP 1: HAVE A CLEAR PLAN Starting with planning an event can be a daunting task. How much is my budget? Should I hire entertainment? How much food will we need? It can be very overwhelming. It's best to clearly plan out exactly what tasks you need to accomplish. In order of priority if possible. For example: 1. Confirm venue details with your catering contact (confirm your date first, time that you need, then go over the day's schedule) (Most hotels use a catering manager to host all of their events. This person will be your go-to contact 99% of the time.) 2. Bullet point your schedule. Be meticulous. Leave nothing unaccounted for. For example: - Guests arrive 5:30PM - Cocktail reception - 5:45 - 6:15PM - Dinner - 6:30 - 8PM - Desert & Coffee - 8:05PM - Speeches - 8:30 - 8:45PM - CEO introduces end of evening entertainment - 9PM - 10PM - Raffles/ Door Prizes - 10:15PM - Final Thank You - 10:30PM - Gift Bags - 10:35PM 3. Make sure your dinner has the proper options. (vegetarian, meat, fish, etc.) - Confirm if anyone has major food allergies and alert the catering manager - Finalize the menu with the catering manager - Pay deposit to the venue & for your food and beverage 4. Secure any staging, podiums, entertainer requirements, mics, backdrops, etc. - Confirm with venue what they can supply and at what additional cost(s) - Determine if an outside AV or staging company will be necessary 5. Confirm any live entertainment and pay necessary deposits. Do this at least a month in advance or sooner. - Entertainers need time to organize their calendar, coordinate staffing if necessary and block the time off for your event. - Double check the performer's technical rider. They may require lavaliere mics over handheld ones. They may need chairs, or small tables or access to power outlets. - Confirm with the performer the length of the performance, and any other details that may make the show longer. (this happens more often than not) The point is do not let yourself stress out. The more organized you are, the easier the day of will be. Additionally, you'll be praised for your commitment to the events excellence and your organization skills. Don't let yourself get overwhelmed, it's a slippery slope! STEP 2: UNDERSTAND YOUR AUDIENCE Is this event for executives? Maybe it's just for truck drivers? Maybe it's a family welcomed Christmas party? Having a clear understanding of Who is coming to your event will greatly reduce the amount of stress you face in the planning. If there are children invited, then your menu will be affected. Is your buffet suitable for kids to reach by themselves? Probably not. Take these details into consideration. It may not sound important. but the attention to detail is ultimately what makes events successful. Maybe this event is for guests from all over the world. Now you're talking possible language barriers, dietary restrictions, even religious restrictions that could drastically impact your event. Is your entertainer visual so they can work well with all cultures? Take these details into account. Tip: Most live entertainment can work well with all language barriers and cultural differences. For example Boston Corporate Events Mentalist Christopher Grace is primarily a mind reader. But his performances can play to ALL languages. Even though Christopher only speaks English.. and bad Spanish. STEP 3: THE ROOM! A step that a lot of people do not consider is how the room you're using is set up. Are you using round tables? Are they seating 8, 10, 12 people? Is the buffet in the room or outside? Will your cocktail reception take place in the same place you have dinner? Is there a huge dance floor in the middle of the room? Will the entertainment be in the same room as dinner? See how it can get overwhelming fast? Let's start from the first question. Round tables are the most common for 99% of corporate events. Depending on how many people you're expecting, it will determine what size banquet round you'll need. If it's a small group, then maybe you only need 2 or 3 eight or ten foot long rectangular tables. Determine what you need based on the size of your group. Sounds simple right? It is! How is dinner being served? If you are doing a buffer it will most likely be in the same room as where you actually eat. If this is the case, make sure the band, the mentalist, etc. is nowhere near the food. (or the bar for that matte) Keep these elements in their own sections. It will prevent unnecessary clutter, confusion and potential accidents. If you're doing a plated dinner, it's much easier as everything is coming out of the kitchen. Double check that the wait staff and catering management understand what you have planned and to be cautious of cables, extension cords, or unexpected items like cases, boxes or bags. Dance Floors! In the entertainer world, dance floors are usually accompanied by table surrounding them. This will create a great place to dance. The DJ or band is at one end and everyone else is on the floor. Sounds great right? Well now imagine you bring in a speaker, or a performer. Now this person is trapped at one end of a huge dance floor with this ocean of emptiness between them and the audience. Performers collectively refer to this as the DOD or Dance Floor of Death. Meaning, it's capable to killing a performance. So you think, well why don't they move down closer to the edge of the floor? That would be a good idea if Everyone in the room was behind that line. If you have guests on three sides of you, now the performer is playing to only 1/3 of the audience. The point here is if you're having a stationary performer, or speaker. e.g someone that does not move around the room. Considering having the venue set up theater style seating on the dance floor. It's not a huge deal for catering teams and you'll be amazed at how fast some of these crews can clear hundreds of chair. Literally minutes. Please, please, please take this point into consideration if you're having entertainment. (which you absolutely should by the way.) STEP 4: THE ENTERTAINMENT! Hiring entertainment can be a daunting task all by itself. Who should I hire? Are they good? Do they have good reviews? How are their videos? Are they professional? Do they respond and communicate in a timely manner. That last point is very important as your schedule is most likely time sensitive. Unless you're planning a year in advance. (yay for you being ahead of 90% of all other corporate events.) Let's start in reverse order this time. Does your entertainment communicate in a timely manner? If you're booking an individual person - they should communicate quickly. Usually within a day or sooner. Most performers will get back to you quickly. Do not take this as a sign of desperation. Their time is as valuable as yours and their schedules are often unpredictable and chaotic. In most cases, if you found a good performer - you'll probably get calls, texts and emails from them while they're AT another event. Again - do not take this as a negative. Or a sign of disrespect to the client with whom they're currently working with. Bands, speakers, even mentalists or magicians all take necessary breaks during their performances. When Christopher Grace is performing strolling mentalism at corporate events. He will usually take a 5 minute break every 45 minutes or so to regroup and reset for his next round with the guests. If he's performing a full length show, which is usually an hour or longer from start to finish. He will not return a call in the middle. That's just crazy and would be Very disrespectful. Is your performer professional? This can be tricky (no-pun intended) as professionalism is subjective. Here are a few good things to look out for when considering someone's professionalism. - Do they have a clean, clearly designed and easily navigable website? - Do they dress appropriately for your specific event? (not a hard and fast rule to follow as most performers dress in a variety of levels depending on event requirements. But keep it in mind for general first impressions on their website. What they choose to display in images on their websites is going to be 99% of what they wear on stage. - Are they groomed well? Seriously. Nobody wants a smelly magician wandering around their cocktail party for executives. You can tell how much they take care of themself by looking at their pictures. Especially on social media. Look at fan pages and see if you can spot any live performance photos they've posted. Are they cleanly shaved? If they have a beard, is it trimmed and well kept? Are their clothes neat and unwrinkled? If they wear a tuxedo t-shirt run for the hills! The point here is use your own judgement but don't let your personal biases get in the way. The Videos! You absolutely, 100% want to see or hear what this person can do and will most likely be doing at your corporate event. Now please bear in mind the following: - Most performers do not travel with AV or recording crews. - 99% of performers use house mics, sound systems and staging. - Almost all performers have little to no control on how the room is set up Take those points into account when you're viewing performance videos. Watch the show, not the room. And most importantly, to see if a video of a performer is good. Watch the reactions of the guests! To understand this point better watch Christopher Grace's videos here . You will get a clear understanding of how a video will and should look and how to watch them. Make your judgments on how the audience responds, not how you do! The Reviews! Reviews and testimonials are huge in making decisions. However, the best way to find out if this performer is going to be a good fit for your next event is to actually speak to former clients. Ask the performer for a written list of his or hers 10 most recent clients. Do not let the date at which these events took place sway you. Some performers intentionally only work 10-20 times a year. Some work 200! The date is not important. The comments are! You wouldn't hire a person at your company without checking references right? Same thing here. Call, inquire and get a recommendation from the past clients. The performer should provide a name, phone number, email address, company or applicable website and some event details. (when, where, for how many, etc.) Are they any Good? Well, again this is going to depend on a couple of things. Do they have a good rapport with the audience? Are they engaged, smiling and applauding? Are You impressed by some of the things they are doing? For example, mentalism can often times look like someone is just speaking without doing much in the form of moving around, using props, etc. Key point here is to watch and listen! You'll be amazed at some of the things possible using only speech! Who should you hire? Ah, this question. It's an important one don't get us wrong. But it's never an easy one. You'll wonder if they'll fit in with your group. If they're funny, not funny or not funny enough. Are they clean or are you looking for a more R-rated or PG-13 act? Are they accomplished enough to even be in the same room as fortune 500 executives? All of these questions you'll ask yourself on a conscious and subconscious level. Some of which you'll think about and decide on instantly from the viewing of one image, or video. The best way to find out if they're any good is to talk to them! Call them directly, speak and let them speak. Say "tell me about how you'll make our company party a success." and then simply be quiet and let them talk. Ask a question from time to time. Don't try and trip them up but ask things that are not common. For example ask: - What do you do if your show runs long? - How much interaction do you anticipate for the show? - Do you meet the audience before or after the show? - Do you travel with your own sound equipment or do you need us to provide that? What kind of mic do you use? - Can you perform during dinner? (this is a sneaky question. NEVER EVER have a performer go on During a dinner. It's at the top of the worst things you can do list. You're audience will not care who is on stage when food is on the table. Trust us.) The reason you ask this question is because you want the performer to say: "No! I will perform during the cocktail hour, strolling the room. Or immediately after desert." Make sure they say desert as it's usually part of the meal. Use your own judgement of course, but these tips will help you make the right decisions on hiring live entertainment. Oh and if you're going with a live band, they can and most likely will have no problem performing during dinner. STEP 5: BRINGING IT ALL TOGETHER! Putting your corporate event, retreat or special on is a challenge. A couple of things to keep in mind. - Things will not turn out how you envisioned them! - You have to be flexible when working with other people! - Have backups and plan B's for Everything! - Only work with people you trust! (your team that is.. don't do everything yourself.) - DON'T DO EVERYTHING YOURSELF! Delegate, bring in trusted associates who you can put smaller tasks on so you don't get overwhelmed. If you're a seasoned corporate event planner, then you probably won't be reading any of this anyways. Most importantly, remember this event is for you as well. Don't let yourself become the person running around the room all night making everything perfect. Nothing will ever be perfect. Do not strive for perfection down into the minutia or you will be disappointed. Have a great team and communicate regularly. Before you get into your event, create a simple battle plan for the evening. Enjoy yourself and everyone else will as well. Happy Planning! Christopher Grace www.christophergracelive.com

Adding live entertainment to your next corporate party can greatly increase its retention on your guests. Many organizers have commented that they've received questions and inquiries if they'll have entertainment again, and more often than not. The same entertainment as before. Here are 10 benefits you'll get when you add a Mentalist to your next company party in New York City! 1. IT'S DIFFERENT! - How many events have you been to where it's just cocktails, dinner, desert, speeches and you leave? It's boring, repetitive and expected. When you add in a live performance by a professional corporate entertainer it elevates your event, change the pace and causes the group to remember the event much longer. Especially when the entertainment is good! 2. BRING PEOPLE TOGETHER ! - Live entertainment has the wonderful ability to bring a group (especially a group where everyone does not know everyone in the room) together. For example, a mentalist reads the minds of the audience in a fun and entertaining way. Often there are demonstrations where the entire audience (no matter the size) participates together. This allows for a sense camaraderie to form amongst the group. Mentalist Christopher Grace specializes in providing experiences that specifically bring people together in ways that are fun, interesting different then what you've seen in every team building seminar you've ever been to. 3. IT HELPS WITH THE SCHEDULE! - Remember how many things you have to do when you plan an event? Wouldn't it be nice to have an hour or 90 minutes off where you can get awards ready, coordinate end of night speeches, or maybe eat.. since you've been running around all night? Adding some entertainment allows you to plan things out and not get overwhelmed. For more information on making your corporate event a success check out our article here . 4. THE MENTALIST! - No, not the tv show. A mentalist is a magician of the mind. Specializing in audience connections through a conjurors form of mind reading and psychic entertainment. The mentalist, such as Christopher Grace will perform directly with the audience from start to finish. Which means the show is 100% interactive! Everyone gets involved in a fun, friendly and completely corporate clean way. A mentalist does not embarrass people, hypnotize anyone to dance or be ridiculous in front of their friends and co-workers. Something beneficial when you consider how long people work with each other and how long it would take live down the fact that Janice from marketing sang Cher songs while leap frogging Bill from accounting. A mentalist focuses on audience connection and camaraderie. You won't see a bare stage with a guy pulling doves from silks. Instead, you'll see a mind reader literally telling people what they're thinking, describing what kind of car they drive, where they went to school, their kids names and how much cash they have on them at that very moment. All without ever having met them before! A mentalist is enticing because it's not about him or her, it's about the audience! They're the stars while the mentalist is the conduit that makes them so. Consider this when looking for live entertainment at your next corporate event. 5. A MENTALIST IS EASY! - If you've ever seen a mentalist before you've probably realized how little equipment they carry. When you read minds for a living all you really need is a notepad, some pens and paper and at least two minds. By eliminating huge cases, dangerous wires and electrical equipment you create a safer environment and ultimately save time. A quick set up and breakdown takes minutes not hours. A mentalist has the ability to set up within 5 minutes and break down even faster. Usually requiring a couple chairs and maybe a table (even though professionals often bring their own fold away table) the professional corporate mentalist can set a briefcase down, open and be ready to go. 6. IT MAKES YOU LOOK GOOD! - A mentalist like Christopher receives a lot of great comments after his shows. But the real person to get the glory is the one who brought him in in the first place! You'll be thanked for having a unique and different event constantly. And more often than not, you'll hear "I didn't know what to expect but that was amazing!" or "I had no idea what a mentalist was so I was scared he was going to hypnotize me! But it was awesome!" When you bring in the entertainment, they bring the audience together, you get all the credit! 7. EVERYONE WANTS TO HEAR ABOUT THEMSELVES! - Let's face it, we're all human and we love being told things about ourselves. (as long as it's not embarrassing or uncomfortable of course) A mentalist has the ability to connect directly with an audience and engage with them on a personal level. Imagine a man on stage, who posses control over the human mind to look into yours (see only what you let him see by the way) and tell you about yourself. Your loves, passions, connections and details that only a close few should know. Like what dorm you were in while in college, where you're thinking of going on vacation, whether you will get the promotion you deserve or not and so much more you wouldn't believe without seeing it done live! According to Psychology Today: "Well, according to one study, talking about oneself activates the same areas of the brain that light up when eating good food, taking drugs and even having sex. Simply put, self-disclosure is gratifying. It gives us a neurological buzz." 8. REQUIREMENTS AT A MINIMUM - Most mentalists provide everything they need. And even though this was lightly covered earlier, it warrants it's own spot on this list. A mentalist is low-prop and equipment. Usually coming with a small suitcase or road case. The mentalist will provide all materials he needs to make his show a success. Unless otherwise agreed upon by him or herself and client. When it comes to music, and sound. A mentalist almost always (if they use music) comes equipped with at least 2 or 3 ways to play their music. Either buy bringing their own sound system (rare for professionals) or an iPad, USB drive or even an old school CD (we know.) For vocal sound, a mic should be discussed ahead of time by the mentalist and the client. Usually (not always) but usually a mentalist will bring his own backup mic when the house or provided system doesn't work, has problems or to be honest is just old and outdated. Quality sound greatly impacts the performance as most of the show is verbal and needs to be heard clearly by everyone in attendance. Other than these few things, a mentalist is by far the most compact and easy performer that is not a sole public speaker. 9. IT'S CLASSY! - A mentalist is different. Seriously, a mentalist immediately conveys a sense of upper level entertainment. Now most mentalists come from being a magician, so we have nothing against magicians as mentalists . But a mentalist has the ability to connect with people on a deeper level than a magician. The main reason is because the show is rarely if ever about the mentalist him or herself. When a person connects with another it creates a sense of trust and compassion. This elevates how the audience views the performance and makes them think about it on another level. 10. THEY WILL MAKE YOUR LIFE EASY! - A mentalist is very low maintenance. They (usually) do not need fancy dressing rooms, long set-up times or a bowl of green M&M's. Once you've hired a mentalist you receive a contract, and technical rider. This will include the absolute basic things needed by a mentalist. Most often they'll need a chair or two (depends on the performer), a small table sometimes and whatever sound and AV requirements are necessary. By not being a huge pain asking for things and connecting constantly when you are busy, a professional mentalist will be ready to go once the first phone call or email ends. We're pros for a reason, we know how to make your event a success and how to manage crisis if they do come up. Always, always, always hire a professional. Don't know a professional from an amateur? Read this article to determine how to tell the difference. These 10 benefits for hiring a mentalist will greatly help you when you're planning your next corporate event in New York City! For more corporate event planning articles please visit our full blog here!

Adding live entertainment to your next corporate party can greatly increase its retention on your guests. Many organizers have commented that they've received questions and inquiries if they'll have entertainment again, and more often than not. The same entertainment as before. Here are 10 benefits you'll get when you add a Mentalist to your next company party in Chicago or Illinois. 1. IT'S DIFFERENT! - How many events have you been to where it's just cocktails, dinner, desert, speeches and you leave? It's boring, repetitive and expected. When you add in a live performance by a professional corporate entertainer it elevates your event, change the pace and causes the group to remember the event much longer. Especially when the entertainment is good! 2. BRING PEOPLE TOGETHER ! - Live entertainment has the wonderful ability to bring a group (especially a group where everyone does not know everyone in the room) together. For example, a mentalist reads the minds of the audience in a fun and entertaining way. Often there are demonstrations where the entire audience (no matter the size) participates together. This allows for a sense camaraderie to form amongst the group. Mentalist Christopher Grace specializes in providing experiences that specifically bring people together in ways that are fun, interesting different then what you've seen in every team building seminar you've ever been to. 3. IT HELPS WITH THE SCHEDULE! - Remember how many things you have to do when you plan an event? Wouldn't it be nice to have an hour or 90 minutes off where you can get awards ready, coordinate end of night speeches, or maybe eat.. since you've been running around all night? Adding some entertainment allows you to plan things out and not get overwhelmed. For more information on making your corporate event a success check out our article here . 4. THE MENTALIST! - No, not the tv show. A mentalist is a magician of the mind. Specializing in audience connections through a conjurors form of mind reading and psychic entertainment. The mentalist, such as Christopher Grace will perform directly with the audience from start to finish. Which means the show is 100% interactive! Everyone gets involved in a fun, friendly and completely corporate clean way. A mentalist does not embarrass people, hypnotize anyone to dance or be ridiculous in front of their friends and co-workers. Something beneficial when you consider how long people work with each other and how long it would take live down the fact that Janice from marketing sang Cher songs while leap frogging Bill from accounting. A mentalist focuses on audience connection and camaraderie. You won't see a bare stage with a guy pulling doves from silks. Instead, you'll see a mind reader literally telling people what they're thinking, describing what kind of car they drive, where they went to school, their kids names and how much cash they have on them at that very moment. All without ever having met them before! A mentalist is enticing because it's not about him or her, it's about the audience! They're the stars while the mentalist is the conduit that makes them so. Consider this when looking for live entertainment at your next corporate event. 5. A MENTALIST IS EASY! - If you've ever seen a mentalist before you've probably realized how little equipment they carry. When you read minds for a living all you really need is a notepad, some pens and paper and at least two minds. By eliminating huge cases, dangerous wires and electrical equipment you create a safer environment and ultimately save time. A quick set up and breakdown takes minutes not hours. A mentalist has the ability to set up within 5 minutes and break down even faster. Usually requiring a couple chairs and maybe a table (even though professionals often bring their own fold away table) the professional corporate mentalist can set a briefcase down, open and be ready to go. 6. IT MAKES YOU LOOK GOOD! - A mentalist like Christopher receives a lot of great comments after his shows. But the real person to get the glory is the one who brought him in in the first place! You'll be thanked for having a unique and different event constantly. And more often than not, you'll hear "I didn't know what to expect but that was amazing!" or "I had no idea what a mentalist was so I was scared he was going to hypnotize me! But it was awesome!" When you bring in the entertainment, they bring the audience together, you get all the credit! 7. EVERYONE WANTS TO HEAR ABOUT THEMSELVES! - Let's face it, we're all human and we love being told things about ourselves. (as long as it's not embarrassing or uncomfortable of course) A mentalist has the ability to connect directly with an audience and engage with them on a personal level. Imagine a man on stage, who posses control over the human mind to look into yours (see only what you let him see by the way) and tell you about yourself. Your loves, passions, connections and details that only a close few should know. Like what dorm you were in while in college, where you're thinking of going on vacation, whether you will get the promotion you deserve or not and so much more you wouldn't believe without seeing it done live! According to Psychology Today: "Well, according to one study, talking about oneself activates the same areas of the brain that light up when eating good food, taking drugs and even having sex. Simply put, self-disclosure is gratifying. It gives us a neurological buzz." 8. REQUIREMENTS AT A MINIMUM - Most mentalists provide everything they need. And even though this was lightly covered earlier, it warrants it's own spot on this list. A mentalist is low-prop and equipment. Usually coming with a small suitcase or road case. The mentalist will provide all materials he needs to make his show a success. Unless otherwise agreed upon by him or herself and client. When it comes to music, and sound. A mentalist almost always (if they use music) comes equipped with at least 2 or 3 ways to play their music. Either buy bringing their own sound system (rare for professionals) or an iPad, USB drive or even an old school CD (we know.) For vocal sound, a mic should be discussed ahead of time by the mentalist and the client. Usually (not always) but usually a mentalist will bring his own backup mic when the house or provided system doesn't work, has problems or to be honest is just old and outdated. Quality sound greatly impacts the performance as most of the show is verbal and needs to be heard clearly by everyone in attendance. Other than these few things, a mentalist is by far the most compact and easy performer that is not a sole public speaker. 9. IT'S CLASSY! - A mentalist is different. Seriously, a mentalist immediately conveys a sense of upper level entertainment. Now most mentalists come from being a magician, so we have nothing against magicians as mentalists . But a mentalist has the ability to connect with people on a deeper level than a magician. The main reason is because the show is rarely if ever about the mentalist him or herself. When a person connects with another it creates a sense of trust and compassion. This elevates how the audience views the performance and makes them think about it on another level. 10. THEY WILL MAKE YOUR LIFE EASY! - A mentalist is very low maintenance. They (usually) do not need fancy dressing rooms, long set-up times or a bowl of green M&M's. Once you've hired a mentalist you receive a contract, and technical rider. This will include the absolute basic things needed by a mentalist. Most often they'll need a chair or two (depends on the performer), a small table sometimes and whatever sound and AV requirements are necessary. By not being a huge pain asking for things and connecting constantly when you are busy, a professional mentalist will be ready to go once the first phone call or email ends. We're pros for a reason, we know how to make your event a success and how to manage crisis if they do come up. Always, always, always hire a professional. Don't know a professional from an amateur? Read this article to determine how to tell the difference. These 10 benefits for hiring a mentalist will greatly help you when you're planning your next corporate event in Chicago! For more corporate event planning articles please visit our full blog here!

Adding live entertainment to your next corporate party can greatly increase its retention on your guests. Many organizers have commented that they've received questions and inquiries if they'll have entertainment again, and more often than not. The same entertainment as before. Here are 10 benefits you'll get when you add a Mentalist to your next company party. 1. IT'S DIFFERENT! - How many events have you been to where it's just cocktails, dinner, desert, speeches and you leave? It's boring, repetitive and expected. When you add in a live performance by a professional corporate entertainer it elevates your event, change the pace and causes the group to remember the event much longer. Especially when the entertainment is good! 2. BRING PEOPLE TOGETHER ! - Live entertainment has the wonderful ability to bring a group (especially a group where everyone does not know everyone in the room) together. For example, a mentalist reads the minds of the audience in a fun and entertaining way. Often there are demonstrations where the entire audience (no matter the size) participates together. This allows for a sense camaraderie to form amongst the group. Mentalist Christopher Grace specializes in providing experiences that specifically bring people together in ways that are fun, interesting different then what you've seen in every team building seminar you've ever been to. 3. IT HELPS WITH THE SCHEDULE! - Remember how many things you have to do when you plan an event? Wouldn't it be nice to have an hour or 90 minutes off where you can get awards ready, coordinate end of night speeches, or maybe eat.. since you've been running around all night? Adding some entertainment allows you to plan things out and not get overwhelmed. For more information on making your corporate event a success check out our article here . 4. THE MENTALIST! - No, not the tv show. A mentalist is a magician of the mind. Specializing in audience connections through a conjurors form of mind reading and psychic entertainment. The mentalist, such as Christopher Grace will perform directly with the audience from start to finish. Which means the show is 100% interactive! Everyone gets involved in a fun, friendly and completely corporate clean way. A mentalist does not embarrass people, hypnotize anyone to dance or be ridiculous in front of their friends and co-workers. Something beneficial when you consider how long people work with each other and how long it would take live down the fact that Janice from marketing sang Cher songs while leap frogging Bill from accounting. A mentalist focuses on audience connection and camaraderie. You won't see a bare stage with a guy pulling doves from silks. Instead, you'll see a mind reader literally telling people what they're thinking, describing what kind of car they drive, where they went to school, their kids names and how much cash they have on them at that very moment. All without ever having met them before! A mentalist is enticing because it's not about him or her, it's about the audience! They're the stars while the mentalist is the conduit that makes them so. Consider this when looking for live entertainment at your next corporate event. 5. A MENTALIST IS EASY! - If you've ever seen a mentalist before you've probably realized how little equipment they carry. When you read minds for a living all you really need is a notepad, some pens and paper and at least two minds. By eliminating huge cases, dangerous wires and electrical equipment you create a safer environment and ultimately save time. A quick set up and breakdown takes minutes not hours. A mentalist has the ability to set up within 5 minutes and break down even faster. Usually requiring a couple chairs and maybe a table (even though professionals often bring their own fold away table) the professional corporate mentalist can set a briefcase down, open and be ready to go. 6. IT MAKES YOU LOOK GOOD! - A mentalist like Christopher receives a lot of great comments after his shows. But the real person to get the glory is the one who brought him in in the first place! You'll be thanked for having a unique and different event constantly. And more often than not, you'll hear "I didn't know what to expect but that was amazing!" or "I had no idea what a mentalist was so I was scared he was going to hypnotize me! But it was awesome!" When you bring in the entertainment, they bring the audience together, you get all the credit! 7. EVERYONE WANTS TO HEAR ABOUT THEMSELVES! - Let's face it, we're all human and we love being told things about ourselves. (as long as it's not embarrassing or uncomfortable of course) A mentalist has the ability to connect directly with an audience and engage with them on a personal level. Imagine a man on stage, who posses control over the human mind to look into yours (see only what you let him see by the way) and tell you about yourself. Your loves, passions, connections and details that only a close few should know. Like what dorm you were in while in college, where you're thinking of going on vacation, whether you will get the promotion you deserve or not and so much more you wouldn't believe without seeing it done live! According to Psychology Today: "Well, according to one study, talking about oneself activates the same areas of the brain that light up when eating good food, taking drugs and even having sex. Simply put, self-disclosure is gratifying. It gives us a neurological buzz." 8. REQUIREMENTS AT A MINIMUM - Most mentalists provide everything they need. And even though this was lightly covered earlier, it warrants it's own spot on this list. A mentalist is low-prop and equipment. Usually coming with a small suitcase or road case. The mentalist will provide all materials he needs to make his show a success. Unless otherwise agreed upon by him or herself and client. When it comes to music, and sound. A mentalist almost always (if they use music) comes equipped with at least 2 or 3 ways to play their music. Either buy bringing their own sound system (rare for professionals) or an iPad, USB drive or even an old school CD (we know.) For vocal sound, a mic should be discussed ahead of time by the mentalist and the client. Usually (not always) but usually a mentalist will bring his own backup mic when the house or provided system doesn't work, has problems or to be honest is just old and outdated. Quality sound greatly impacts the performance as most of the show is verbal and needs to be heard clearly by everyone in attendance. Other than these few things, a mentalist is by far the most compact and easy performer that is not a sole public speaker. 9. IT'S CLASSY! - A mentalist is different. Seriously, a mentalist immediately conveys a sense of upper level entertainment. Now most mentalists come from being a magician, so we have nothing against magicians as mentalists . But a mentalist has the ability to connect with people on a deeper level than a magician. The main reason is because the show is rarely if ever about the mentalist him or herself. When a person connects with another it creates a sense of trust and compassion. This elevates how the audience views the performance and makes them think about it on another level. 10. THEY WILL MAKE YOUR LIFE EASY! - A mentalist is very low maintenance. They (usually) do not need fancy dressing rooms, long set-up times or a bowl of green M&M's. Once you've hired a mentalist you receive a contract, and technical rider. This will include the absolute basic things needed by a mentalist. Most often they'll need a chair or two (depends on the performer), a small table sometimes and whatever sound and AV requirements are necessary. By not being a huge pain asking for things and connecting constantly when you are busy, a professional mentalist will be ready to go once the first phone call or email ends. We're pros for a reason, we know how to make your event a success and how to manage crisis if they do come up. Always, always, always hire a professional. Don't know a professional from an amateur? Read this article to determine how to tell the difference. These 10 benefits for hiring a mentalist will greatly help you when you're planning your next corporate event in Boston! For more corporate event planning articles please visit our full blog here!

Adding live entertainment to your next corporate party can greatly increase its retention on your guests. Many organizers have commented that they've received questions and inquiries if they'll have entertainment again, and more often than not. The same entertainment as before. Here are 10 benefits you'll get when you add a Mentalist to your next company party. 1. IT'S DIFFERENT! - How many events have you been to where it's just cocktails, dinner, desert, speeches and you leave? It's boring, repetitive and expected. When you add in a live performance by a professional corporate entertainer it elevates your event, change the pace and causes the group to remember the event much longer. Especially when the entertainment is good! 2. BRING PEOPLE TOGETHER ! - Live entertainment has the wonderful ability to bring a group (especially a group where everyone does not know everyone in the room) together. For example, a mentalist reads the minds of the audience in a fun and entertaining way. Often there are demonstrations where the entire audience (no matter the size) participates together. This allows for a sense camaraderie to form amongst the group. Mentalist Christopher Grace specializes in providing experiences that specifically bring people together in ways that are fun, interesting different then what you've seen in every team building seminar you've ever been to. 3. IT HELPS WITH THE SCHEDULE! - Remember how many things you have to do when you plan an event? Wouldn't it be nice to have an hour or 90 minutes off where you can get awards ready, coordinate end of night speeches, or maybe eat.. since you've been running around all night? Adding some entertainment allows you to plan things out and not get overwhelmed. For more information on making your corporate event a success check out our article here . 4. THE MENTALIST! - No, not the tv show. A mentalist is a magician of the mind. Specializing in audience connections through a conjurors form of mind reading and psychic entertainment. The mentalist, such as Christopher Grace will perform directly with the audience from start to finish. Which means the show is 100% interactive! Everyone gets involved in a fun, friendly and completely corporate clean way. A mentalist does not embarrass people, hypnotize anyone to dance or be ridiculous in front of their friends and co-workers. Something beneficial when you consider how long people work with each other and how long it would take live down the fact that Janice from marketing sang Cher songs while leap frogging Bill from accounting. A mentalist focuses on audience connection and camaraderie. You won't see a bare stage with a guy pulling doves from silks. Instead, you'll see a mind reader literally telling people what they're thinking, describing what kind of car they drive, where they went to school, their kids names and how much cash they have on them at that very moment. All without ever having met them before! A mentalist is enticing because it's not about him or her, it's about the audience! They're the stars while the mentalist is the conduit that makes them so. Consider this when looking for live entertainment at your next corporate event. 5. A MENTALIST IS EASY! - If you've ever seen a mentalist before you've probably realized how little equipment they carry. When you read minds for a living all you really need is a notepad, some pens and paper and at least two minds. By eliminating huge cases, dangerous wires and electrical equipment you create a safer environment and ultimately save time. A quick set up and breakdown takes minutes not hours. A mentalist has the ability to set up within 5 minutes and break down even faster. Usually requiring a couple chairs and maybe a table (even though professionals often bring their own fold away table) the professional corporate mentalist can set a briefcase down, open and be ready to go. 6. IT MAKES YOU LOOK GOOD! - A mentalist like Christopher receives a lot of great comments after his shows. But the real person to get the glory is the one who brought him in in the first place! You'll be thanked for having a unique and different event constantly. And more often than not, you'll hear "I didn't know what to expect but that was amazing!" or "I had no idea what a mentalist was so I was scared he was going to hypnotize me! But it was awesome!" When you bring in the entertainment, they bring the audience together, you get all the credit! 7. EVERYONE WANTS TO HEAR ABOUT THEMSELVES! - Let's face it, we're all human and we love being told things about ourselves. (as long as it's not embarrassing or uncomfortable of course) A mentalist has the ability to connect directly with an audience and engage with them on a personal level. Imagine a man on stage, who posses control over the human mind to look into yours (see only what you let him see by the way) and tell you about yourself. Your loves, passions, connections and details that only a close few should know. Like what dorm you were in while in college, where you're thinking of going on vacation, whether you will get the promotion you deserve or not and so much more you wouldn't believe without seeing it done live! According to Psychology Today: "Well, according to one study, talking about oneself activates the same areas of the brain that light up when eating good food, taking drugs and even having sex. Simply put, self-disclosure is gratifying. It gives us a neurological buzz." 8. REQUIREMENTS AT A MINIMUM - Most mentalists provide everything they need. And even though this was lightly covered earlier, it warrants it's own spot on this list. A mentalist is low-prop and equipment. Usually coming with a small suitcase or road case. The mentalist will provide all materials he needs to make his show a success. Unless otherwise agreed upon by him or herself and client. When it comes to music, and sound. A mentalist almost always (if they use music) comes equipped with at least 2 or 3 ways to play their music. Either buy bringing their own sound system (rare for professionals) or an iPad, USB drive or even an old school CD (we know.) For vocal sound, a mic should be discussed ahead of time by the mentalist and the client. Usually (not always) but usually a mentalist will bring his own backup mic when the house or provided system doesn't work, has problems or to be honest is just old and outdated. Quality sound greatly impacts the performance as most of the show is verbal and needs to be heard clearly by everyone in attendance. Other than these few things, a mentalist is by far the most compact and easy performer that is not a sole public speaker. 9. IT'S CLASSY! - A mentalist is different. Seriously, a mentalist immediately conveys a sense of upper level entertainment. Now most mentalists come from being a magician, so we have nothing against magicians as mentalists . But a mentalist has the ability to connect with people on a deeper level than a magician. The main reason is because the show is rarely if ever about the mentalist him or herself. When a person connects with another it creates a sense of trust and compassion. This elevates how the audience views the performance and makes them think about it on another level. 10. THEY WILL MAKE YOUR LIFE EASY! - A mentalist is very low maintenance. They (usually) do not need fancy dressing rooms, long set-up times or a bowl of green M&M's. Once you've hired a mentalist you receive a contract, and technical rider. This will include the absolute basic things needed by a mentalist. Most often they'll need a chair or two (depends on the performer), a small table sometimes and whatever sound and AV requirements are necessary. By not being a huge pain asking for things and connecting constantly when you are busy, a professional mentalist will be ready to go once the first phone call or email ends. We're pros for a reason, we know how to make your event a success and how to manage crisis if they do come up. Always, always, always hire a professional. Don't know a professional from an amateur? Read this article to determine how to tell the difference. These 10 benefits for hiring a mentalist will greatly help you when you're planning your next corporate event! For more corporate event planning articles please visit our full blog here!