My new friend, Mary, shared how she was thrilled to be on her first business trip way from her family since pandemic lockdowns. She missed socializing and was really enjoying the cocktail party. What surprised her was how exhausted she felt from participating in chit chat with her peers.
“Oh! It feels so good to sit down!” sighed the petite blond woman as she melted into the chair across from me. I smiled. It’s my job to entertain guests with fortune-telling at events and I am used to striking up conversations with complete strangers.
“I just need a few minutes to rest my brain.” She concluded.
Forced fun in a work environment
Even though this was a company party it created a networking situation for the participants of an all-day training sessions. Everyone was expected to have a few drinks, eat some yummy food, and get to know each other.
Guests were treated to a beautiful venue with an open bar and a great guitarist. The room was buzzing with excitement and laughter. Everyone was interacting and engaged. And I had a consistent stream of people sitting down for tarot card readings as the party progressed.
The excitement in the room wasn’t an accident. The event planner and I had strategically decided to move me from a quieter adjacent room to the main party room with the musician and bar. I had assured my host that the new location would insure more guest participation and interaction not just with me, but with each other.
From my adorable gypsy booth, I was able to see all the action in the room and the guests in turn, could see me and if I was available. Fortune-telling tarot readings was the only “activity” besides eating and listening to music that the guests could do. We made sure that I was easily accessible.
Savy party and event planners always include interactive entertainment. Here’s why…
For example, my fortune-telling station is attractive and has colorful table decorations and props. I also wear an elegant costume to distinguish me from the guests. I am an extra visual decoration party decoration that also adds to the ambiance.
An experience like a tarot card reading can also give guests a neutral experience to discuss with another guest or an icebreaker to start up a conversation and often party theme as well.
The tarot card table gives guests a neutral activity where they don’t have to be charming, create witty banter or laugh at awkward jokes. For a few minutes, they can sit down, rest, drink their cocktail and be entertained. I am there to lavish all my attention on only them.
Entertainment is more than a fun experience to offer, it can create a much-appreciated buffer for guests who might be a little more introverted or those out of practice with social situations. And five minutes can be all it takes for them to refresh and their brain to reset.
Professional entertainers are event ambassadors and have years of experience interacting with many types of people in diverse situations. People remember how they feel about a situation. A fun and meaningful entertainment experience will stay with a guest for a long time.
We are out of practice. Dressing up takes effort and we are still getting used to wearing “real” shoes.
People are so excited to be back in social situations. They have also forgotten how much energy it takes to do it. It’s like returning to a favorite exercise class you’ve been absent from for a while. It’s fun, but you are a little out of shape. The same goes with socializing.
It’s always a wise investment to include interactive entertainers in your party budget particularly if you have a wide array of people who don’t know each other, introverted guests, or those situations where people are obliged to be present at the event because of family or a special occasion. Seasoned, professional entertainers know how to give guests a memorable and fun experience so you don’t have to worry about it.
And that’s why you want professional entertainment. We are your secret sauce!
Predicting a party in your future? I would be happy to talk with you about your special event and how we might work together. Not ready for in person partying? I do virtual entertainment too!