Corporate Entertainment Mistakes to Avoid: A Planner's Guide

Mistake 1 — Booking Without a Written Brief

The brief is the single most important document in any entertainment booking. Without it, there is no agreed standard against which to measure the performance — which means the client can dispute anything after the event and the performer has no protection. Every booking, regardless of size, needs a written brief signed off by both parties before the event date.

Mistake 2 — Choosing Entertainment for Yourself, Not Your Audience

The event planner's job is to serve the audience — not to book acts they personally enjoy. A comedian who the planner finds hilarious may be completely wrong for a room of senior executives. A DJ who plays sets the planner loves may be wrong for a mixed-age corporate crowd. Always brief against the audience profile, not personal taste.

Mistake 3 — Ignoring the Technical Rider

Every professional act has technical requirements — PA, lighting, stage dimensions, power supply, load-in time. Ignoring the rider and assuming the venue will sort it is how corporate events end up with a live band performing through a laptop speaker. Confirm the technical rider against the venue spec before the booking is confirmed.

Mistake 4 — Booking Through an Agency Without Knowing the Markup

Traditional entertainment agencies in the UK charge 15–40% commission on top of the performer's fee — and this is rarely disclosed to the hirer. On a £3,000 entertainment budget, that is £450–£1,200 going to the agency rather than the performers. AnyGig charges a flat 5% service fee to the hirer, disclosed upfront. Performers receive 100% of their quoted fee.

Mistake 5 — No Contract, No Deposit

A verbal booking is not a booking. Without a signed contract and a financial commitment from the client — either a deposit or full payment — the booking can be cancelled at any time with no recourse for the performer or the event planner who sourced them. Always use a contract. Always secure payment before the event.