Set Phasers to … Engage

There’s a lot of talk in the industry these days about corporate “junkets” (*shudder*). Lots of complaining about expensive trips, with big-name, high-maintenance, high-buck entertainers. And yeah, I suppose those trips happen.

But I am here to tell you, it’s not always that way. Yesterday, at Minneapolis’ uber-cool Dakota Jazz Club, we saw first-hand what can happen when you put the RIGHT kind of entertainers in front of an audience. Entertainers who ENGAGE the audience … deliver a message … unite the crowd … and lift them up with a feeling that they’ve just been given a spectacular gift. And it doesn’t have to cost a fortune.

Yesterday’s event was MB’s 7th intermittently-held Speaker Series event, where we offer our clients and friends … FREE … the chance to hear spectacular presenters and performers in unique venues around the Twin Cities. This most recent event celebrated affordable, engaging entertainment….and it was all that.

First off we had local legends Jearlyn Steele and Patty Peterson, who brought down the house with the story of their “unlikely friendship” (their words) and some high-energy, high-powered songs. Moral of the story? Be open. Expect to connect. Talk to the person next to you on the plane. It can lead to a lifelong friendship!

Next, Jazz Impact played some hip tunes and brought us all to the realization that … really, organizations are like jazz players. We all improvise, all day. We rely on others to play their parts, take the lead when necessary, and step back to let others shine once in a while.

Then it was a solo set by Keb Mo, Grammy-winning blues guitarist/singer … and all-around amazing entertainer. He had us from hello.

And when he brought up Jearlyn for an impromptu duet of “Summertime,” the whole audience was riveted, feeling the joy those two had in that performance and their love of sharing their gifts with as many people as they could. Magic moment. First time they’ve ever performed together … but I’m guessing it’s not their last.

So, see? No bowls of green M&Ms backstage, no enormous technical riders, no “junkets.” Just the right people, at the right time, with the right message. And an engaged audience who will never forget what they saw.

Magic.

(Keb Mo is represented by Monterey International)

What Happens in Vegas Should Not Stay in Vegas

Just got back from an event at the Bellagio, and what a success it was! Big thanks to the amazing Bellagio staff — especially Shakeh Terzyan and Patrick Sterrett. Shakeh and Patrick made themselves available to answer all of our questions, work within our budgetary and time constraints, and were very open to sharing their history and knowledge of the client’s event. Shakeh, Patrick and their staff exemplified the superior customer service one should expect from a fabulous property like the Bellagio.

For the client, Team MB produced a 2-day employee recognition program. And since budget constraints necessitated a compressed schedule, those were two busy days. On Thursday, we kicked things off with a 6:00 a.m. crew call to load-in and set up for a noon rehearsal with executives. At 3:45 p.m., we were standing by for doors and a 4:00 p.m. start for the three-hour awards show.

Host/emcee extraordinaire and good friend of MB Jim Cunningham was charged with the challenge of announcing just under 500 international names. Thanks to an intensive “Pronunciation Boot Camp,” Jim flawlessly announced all 500 award-winners’ names – live — and wowed the clients, who thought it just could not be done!

On Friday, our day began with a breathtaking rehearsal (no, that’s not an oxymoron) by the Peking Acrobats. Bending, contorting, balancing, human pyramids on a bicycle, beautiful costumes, lion dogs … what more is there to say? Even though space on stage was limited, not one teleprompter paddle was shattered! Fantastic!

That evening, the award winners enjoyed a gourmet dinner, the fabulous Peking Acrobats, and their moment in the sun as they were recognized for all their achievements of the past year. Once again the Bellagio staff came through, moving quickly and effortlessly as they delivered the multiple-course meal to the deserving attendees. (We know it was good since MB staffers constantly overheard rave reviews about the tomato soup and the artistically-sculpted desserts!) The show would not have been a success without the expertise and can-do spirit of the Bellagio staff. Together, we made a great team, and put on a great show … sending the audience home refreshed, renewed, reinvigorated …and ready for another great year!