8 Tips on how to hire the right DJ or DJ Service for your company:

* Compile a list of DJs by asking friends for referrals and ask your vendors to recommend their “preferred DJ’s: since they work with DJ’s more often, they are likely to know what’s out there.

* Don’t make the price the deciding factor. Pricing is one thing-quality is another. Price can range from $500-$1500. DJ’s are not created equal and equipment, experience and level of service all come into play. $800-$1200 is the average for a Christmas party. The difference between a bad experience and a great experience can be $200.

* A DJ service is generally priced higher than just hiring an independent DJ. The benefits of hiring a DJ service? Most are full time and offer liability insurance. Also, if the DJ gets sick, they’ll have a suitable replacement.

* How quickly do they return your call or email? We once booked a client within 60 seconds of answering their call just because we answered our phone! They were tired of not hearing back from all the others. You still need to do your homework to ensure they’re the right fit for you.

* Does it look like they invest in their business? How’s their website? Can you view their music selection on line? Do they offer lighting? Are they a member of the BBB? Do they have an online inquiry form?

* Get it in writing: you should always have a Service Agreement that requires your signature and outlines the terms and conditions, form of payment and cancellation policy.

* The music: A great DJ will stand up all night and read the crowd. A Lazy DJ will just press play and take a seat. If your company strives to be the best in its field, then don’t settle for just a DJ. Will they have the type of music your group is into? Will it be radio edited or full of ‘f’ bombs? Will they take direction from the organizer? Are they living for the moment? Or do they want to get an A on their report card so that they may see you next year?

* Biggest myth? No DJ or DJ Company needs to have backup equipment in their car, unless of course they use shoddy equipment!

A professional DJ company will work with you to create that signature event your colleagues and invited guests will rave about for weeks, months, even years later. It’s all about the relationship and creating great memories that help strengthen office morale and increase productivity.

The post After Your Next Office Christmas Party, People Will Talk.What Do You Want Them to Say About the Music? appeared first on Hot Wax Mobile Entertainment.

Fortunately yesterday, I had the pleasure celebrating a friend’s birthday. It wasn’t about me at all. And this friend is a ‘guy’, so even better. It was all about the fun, the people, and the wine.

It was a collection of Steve’s family and friends, newborns and grandmas and dear old dads in their 80’s. Real life.

Steve’s sisters prepared the food and pretty well did all the work. He is 50 you know…and it was kind of a big deal. He was all smiles from ear to ear. You could feel the joy he was feeling as he greeted each guest at the door. His 2 teenage kids were manning the ‘registration table’ and giving each of us our ‘name tags’. The whole atmosphere felt very ‘small town and homey’ in a very good way. It was like being curled up in a blanket watching your favorite movie-again. We only knew the guest of honor and his sisters so the name tags helped say ‘hello’.

What did bring everyone together was the photobooth that we brought (as his gift). For 3 solid hours I played voyeur. I witnessed the laughter, the smiles, the joy of the moment, the sillyness, the “I don’t care what I look like just pose!” the babies on the laps, the grandparents wearing boas and fedoras as they snuggle with their grandchildren, the new families, the young couples…it was all there. Each took a keepsake of their experience and left a piece for Steve in his scrapbook to reflect upon later in private. Each participant expressed how much fun they had, and wanted to find another person to pose with. It was becoming an addiction, or perhaps endorphins were being released?

50th birthday parties are rare and surrounding yourself with those that you love and represent who you are, and how you got to this point, are a treasure. Giving them the opportunity to experience 15 seconds of joy and imprinting it on a piece of paper…well…it’s priceless!

The post Birthdays Are A Joy, Photoshop Me Later! appeared first on Hot Wax Mobile Entertainment.

What made this unique and exciting for the show’s attendees at The Living Lab booth, is the unexpected opportunity to not only see the Calgary made “Garrison” Chair with its solid wood frames, soy based foam seating, and complete with a lifetime warranty , but to actually sit in it and document their experience for the camera.

Hot Wax Open Air Photo booth spent 3 days at the show snapping hundreds of custom The Living Lab branded photos. Guests at the booth posed with feather boas, wild oversized sun glasses, furry hats, and glamorous sequined fedoras. The versatility of the chair was showcased by the ability to allow each guests to instantly change the chair cover to reflect their personal taste and style which coincidentally acted as a backdrop in each photo.

Some would say it’s just a photo booth, but at Hot Wax Entertainment we believe that this can be used as an effective marketing tool that creates both an educational and memorable experience for your targeted audience.

Hot Wax Open Air Photo Booth is one of Vancouver’s best provider for professional photo booth rentals. Our past happy clients include events for: wedding receptions, corporate events, bar/bat mitzvahs, class reunions, graduation receptions, after grads and birthday parties.

Our experienced staff will work with you to create a memorable event that is sure to be a hit! Choose from a variety of 4 x 6 photo options from single pics to strips. You may also include a custom scrapbook that your guests can sign.

Hype up your next Tradeshow experience with a Hot Wax Open Air Photo Booth!

The post Here’s How a Photo Booth Rental Can Work for Your Business appeared first on Hot Wax Mobile Entertainment.

Fortunately the other day, I had the pleasure of being a guest, celebrating a friend’s birthday. It wasn’t about me at all. And this friend is a ‘guy’, so even better. It was all about the fun, the people, and the wine.

It was a collection of Steve’s family and friends, newborns and grandmas and dear old dads in their 80’s. Real life.

Steve’s sisters prepared the food and pretty well did all the work. He is 50 you know…and it was kind of a big deal. He was all smiles from ear to ear. You could feel the joy he was feeling as he greeted each guest at the door. His 2 teenage kids were manning the ‘registration table’ and giving each of us our ‘name tags’. The whole atmosphere felt very ‘small town and homey’ in a very good way. It was like being curled up in a blanket watching your favourite movie-again. We only knew the guest of honour and his sisters so the name tags helped say ‘hello’.

What did bring everyone together was the photo booth that we brought (as his gift). For 3 solid hours I played voyeur. I witnessed the laughter, the smiles, the joy of the moment, the silliness, the “I don’t care what I look like just pose!” the babies on the laps, the grandparents wearing boas and fedoras as they snuggle with their grandchildren, the new families, the young couples…it was all there. Each took a keepsake of their experience and left a piece for Steve in his scrapbook to reflect upon later in private. Each participant expressed how much fun they had, and wanted to find another person to pose with. It was becoming an addiction, or perhaps endorphins were being released?

50th birthday parties are rare and surrounding yourself with those that you love and represent who you are, and how you got to this point, are a treasure. Giving them the opportunity to experience 15 seconds of joy and imprinting it on a piece of paper…well…it’s priceless!

The post Capturing Special Moments appeared first on Hot Wax Mobile Entertainment.

We love to entertain at family events on the dancefloor as well as off.

The post Oye Vey, Just Say Cheese! appeared first on Hot Wax Mobile Entertainment.

1). Hand Held Fans-planning an outdoor summer wedding? these will be useful and your guests will be grateful!

2). Lip Balms- you can’t have too many. Some are tinted, some flavoured, and always useful for the end of the night

3). Candy Table: who doesn’t love candy? bring out the ‘kid’ in your guests as they indulge in a variety of colors, flavours and textures.

4). Comfy Slippers-seriously…even the guys will love this one. We love using them in hotel rooms…why not put a smile on your guests faces as they think of you everytime they slip them on.

5). Mint tins-who doesn’t get a craving for a mint? great to store in the car or purse.

6). Photobooth- Everyone can get in on the fun. One photo for them to take home, one for you to keep in your guest registration book with their special comments. Memories to last a lifetime!

The post Top 6 Party Favour Ideas appeared first on Hot Wax Mobile Entertainment.

When your party is over, people will talk. What do you want them to say?

One week after the event, 91% would say the entertainment was the most memorable part. Here are a few tips to keep the entertainment fresh and exciting at your next corporate event:

• Sophistication: Bring an air of distinction to your next corporate party with a live Jazz pianist for even just the first portion of your event.

• Tunes: Having a professional DJ service has many benefits such as the ability to play during the cocktail reception and then kick it up a notch when it’s time to dance. The right DJ will offer a variety of music and your guests will rave to you months later. Do you want to trust your event’s music to a ‘dude’ with an ipod?

• Fun: Audience participation can bring groups of all sizes together. Consider bringing in Dance Heads, which is taking Vancouver by storm. Imagine small groups lip syncing their favourite dance tunes while their heads and expressions are shows on a screen for all to see. A great way to energize and engage your guests!

• Spice: Consider a Latin Band and salsa dancers. Remember that all bands take breaks so, if your budget permits, hire a DJ to play in during these awkward lulls.

• No-limits: Corporate event entertainment is by no means limited to music. For added fun and diversity, think trendy…select a caricaturist, a temporary tattoo artist, a hypnotist, magician or comedian.

Whatever idea tickles your fancy for your next corporate event, Rule #1 is to hire a professional. You need to make sure your entertainment provider has the highest quality of service, and will meet all of your expectations.

Ozzie Kipnes – Co-owner
Hot Wax Mobile Music
604-649-6919

The post 5 Tips & Trends in Corporate Event Entertainment appeared first on Hot Wax Mobile Entertainment.

Visit http://www.quantumbusinessgolf.com for more details.

2. Promotional Items- EmbroidMe
“When the tournament is done and everyone is at the 19th hole reliving the fun day and getting their KP and Longest Drive prizes, make sure the quality of the event shows in the quality of your event schwag. Printed tees to Pro V1s, EmbroidMe is the choice of top level event planners. You worked hard for a fun and successful day, and EmbroidMe works hard to help you Get Noticed!”

Visit http://www.howtogetnoticed.ca for more details

3.Hire an Event Planner
We know your golf tournament is not only about the game, but also the impression left on your guests. Vancouver event planner and recognized expert, Deborah Wallace of The Finer Details Event Planning, will bring her experienced team to the links. Her extensive background in corporate events makes dollars and sense, particularly during these less certain times. This professional team is committed to organizing all your logistics, assisting with sponsorship as well as being on site to produce a polished experience that will be remembered for years to come! Deborah and her team are committed to keeping you on track and within budget.

Visit http://www.thefinerdetails.ca for more details.

The post Fore! 3 Unique Ways to Bring Your Next Golf Tournament or Golf Game to New Heights appeared first on Hot Wax Mobile Entertainment.

The process of narrowing it down:
DO NOT make price the deciding factor. Compile a list of DJs you have seen in the past, ask friends for referrals, and ask for “preferred DJs” and opinions from your other event vendors. Then narrow your selection down to 3 professional DJ services. Look for a DJ Service that stands out from the rest. A DJ service can be a full time professional DJ company that has a number of DJ’s in their roster. This way, should one get sick, or be unavailable, you will always have a DJ at your event.

Make contact:
Book your DJ at least 6 months in advance. Although email inquiries are increasing in popularity, nothing beats talking with your DJ service over the phone. How they conduct themselves over the phone is a great indication of how professional they are and how they perform in public. Things to listen for… Are they confident? Can they offer you a professional and easy to read website to refer to? Did they answer their phone when you contacted them? Was there a quick turn around time when responding to your inquires? Or do you have to wait days for a reply back? All of these are indications of whether you are considering a full time professional DJ service. Do not be fooled into thinking that all-inclusive packages are the only options for your entertainment. A professional DJ service will spend the time getting to know you first and talk about pricing last.

The consultation:
Whenever possible, ask to meet with the DJ or DJ Service at their office/residence. A professional DJ service will be proud of their environment, and will welcome the opportunity to display their equipment. This consultation is a great opportunity for you to meet with them in person, and start to build a relationship. This consultation will give you an idea of how they will treat your wedding and making your day a memorable one.

The full package:
For your special day you need the full package. This includes a professional DJ, high quality equipment and lighting, and the right songs for your party. Some DJ companies emphasize the need to have a music library in the tens of thousands. Ironically, only 60-70 songs will be played, but if they are not the right songs then your celebration will not be memorable. An experienced DJ can help with this. Determine a general play list in advance and provide your DJ with a “do and don’t” play list. Get their input on your evening. Will they be interactive? Can they help with the cake cutting ceremony and the first dance? What are their suggestions?
Get it in writing:
A professional DJ service will send you a contract. Make sure you discuss payment options and cancellation policies prior to signing. This is the time to determine additional items like: whether dinner for the DJ needs to be provided, music request list policies, exterior arrival times, lighting packages, and determining your assigned DJ. And let’s not forget pricing and extra charges.

Don’t just take their word for it:
Ask to see the DJ service’s references and then qualify them by calling. Make sure to contact a previous client that has used the DJ that is assigned to your wedding function. A professional DJ service will be honoured and proud to provide you with at least 3 recent contacts.
Pricing:
Price is one thing – quality is another. All DJ’s are not created equally. A DJ’s rates can vary from a low $500 to a high $1500 in most Canadian cities. Anyone below $500 should be scrutinized to ensure quality of service, equipment, and “track record.” Chances are, they are not a professional DJ, and they may lack experience, and most likely don’t have a license or carry liability insurance. Most experienced DJ’s should be priced around the $800-1200 range, depending on level of experience. Book the DJ you can afford and NEVER EVER book the cheapest (unless you are receiving a discount or there is a valid reason that they are the lowest price). Trust your gut feeling for the DJ service you like and go with them. Remember, with hiring a professional, comes peace of mind.

Key questions to ask:
What type of sound system do they use? A professional disc jockey will use a professional sound system, not just a home stereo system. You are not only paying for the DJ to keep your guests entertained, but you need the professional equipment for good sound quality. Interested in lighting? Ask your DJ to explain the various options. Make sure that you ask about your DJ’s equipment backup policy because equipment failure, though rare, can occur.

• Do they have a business license? Ask to see it; don’t just take their word for it. Would you feel comfortable giving someone $500-$1200 cash 6-12 months in advance if they do not operate as a full time business?

• Do they carry liability insurance? This is crucial! If someone gets injured at your wedding by accidentally tripping on the equipment, or if the DJ causes damage to the venue, then you as the signing client would be protected by the DJ’s insurance coverage. If they are not insured, simply put, you are liable.

• Do they use AVLA licensed music? (Audio Video Licensing Act) Some DJs download MP3 files which are condensed, and can compromise sound quality, and are illegal unless they have a licensed hard drive. Licensed music are the only form of music your DJ should be using. If they are using an alternative, you should keep looking.

• Are they members of the Better Business Bureau (BBB)? Consumers can rest assured that when they find a BBB member they are dealing with a company that is proud to make a public statement about high ethical standards.

The post The Secrets to Hiring the Right DJ Service appeared first on Hot Wax Mobile Entertainment.

Just because the economy is shaky doesn’t mean you should scrap the whole idea and cancel the Christmas Party. Holiday events are to thank staff for a great year, let clients know you appreciate their business, and send a message to your stakeholders your business has many reasons to celebrate. But instead of being wildly extravagant, plan carefully to make your celebration a delight–with the emphasis on light!

DO be economical and budget conscious about…

• Gift Giving – A few substantial door prizes being raffled off during the event can replace expensive individual gifts, and keep the energy level high.

• Theme – Pick one splashy element, such as funky ice luge for the bar with your company logo, instead of endless balloons and themed swizzle sticks that will get tossed at the end of the night.

DON’T look cheap by cutting the wrong cost…

• Don’t cancel the band and hire your accountant’s brother’s nephew to play at the party (unless he’s really, really good).

• Don’t rent a cheap room in a cheap hotel. You still want your party to stand out in people’s mind, and a boring room is not the way to do that.

• Don’t assume that cocktail receptions are cheaper than a full meal, unless you just serve veggies and dip. Choose a menu that fits the budget and create an occasion.

Finally, remember that an event planner, such as The Finer Details can help to bring your event in on target and budget. A professional event manager’s fees are worked into the event budget, while staff wages and time are often an additional and omitted expense. So, rather than burdening your office staff with party decisions when they should be attending to customers, allow a professional to focus on the party.

For more tips on how to be frugal this holiday season, check out our website http://www.thefinerdetails.ca

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