Event Planning Web

Hiring Professional DJs

Before your DJ plays the first song at your event, do you know what he (or she) has done to prepare themselves for it? The common misconception is that a DJ shows up, plays for 4-5 hours, and then goes home.

What most people don't realize is that the experience the DJ has from previous events, as well as the time he/she will dedicate to planning your event before even playing the first song.

What you don't know about a professional DJs preparation techniques may surprise you. A professional DJ usually has experience with your type of event because he/she has performed at several of these events in the past.

You are gaining his/her experience (and mistakes) that will allow your event to be better than the previous one. In most cases, these subtle differences impact the overall success of your event that is why I had to include this section in this guide.

When preparing for your event a DJ may feel the need to be included in planning meetings.

These meetings will inevitably allow your entertainer to better understand the vision you have for the outcome of your event. During these meetings your entertainer should ask many questions about you and your guests.

The more your entertainer knows about you and your guests, the better chances he/she has for creating a successful party as you have pictured it.

Organizing your music may sound like a simple task. You probably figure most DJs use the same music at each event.

However, each client has specific desires for the atmosphere they want to establish with the music that they select. Your DJ may need to reorganize his library, add additional selections, or even find music you have requested which is not in his library.

The success of your party involves providing the right mix of music that you and your guests will enjoy.

You most likely will never see the work involved in setting up the DJs sound system. Maintenance of a professional sound system is often minimal. It is the quality of professional equipment which will deliver sound quality you can enjoy at your event.

A professional DJ will most likely show up 1-3 hours prior to the start of your event. He or she will do this because he/she will be setting up, testing the equipment, and performing sound checks which will make for the start of a great party.

When you walk in to your venue, you will notice the decor is all in place and your DJ entertainer is setup, and already dressed for your event.

Your DJ provides much more than just the music you want at your event. Because he met with you, he understands your vision. He has designed the formalities as you requested.

He will perform as Master of Ceremonies, making announcements, working with your other vendors, and keeping the sequence of events flowing properly for you.

While all this appears polished, it is due to the time invested prior to playing the first song. A major portion of the success of your event rests in the hands of your chosen DJ entertainer.

To most professional DJs, your event is similar to the Oscars. You are the stars of the evening and they will help you plan, coordinate, organize, entertain, and program music.

Because of your DJs experience at similar, previous events, meetings, music research, and other training, your event will most likely occur as you have already imagined it to be.

When you are researching your entertainment choice, you have to evaluate the importance of your DJ.

Your investment in your entertainment will contribute more to the overall success of your event than you realize (until afterwards). A professional DJ will care about the success of your event and will invest a great deal of time into creating the atmosphere you have imagined.

While you may think your DJ "just plays music", it is his experience, talent, and expertise that will deliver the reception of which you have always dreamed.

Here are some tips to help you choose the right DJ if your seminar might benefit from the use of one.
1. Ask your DJ for verifiable references in regards to similar seminars as yours.
2. Get your DJs experience level and how many years they have been working professionally.
3. Ask for a present listing of the types of music that the DJ specializes in.
4. Be certain that the DJ is available for the day of your seminar or event.
5. If you can, ask the DJ to audition for you so that you can her the DJs talents first hand
6. Lastly, make sure that any and all agreement that you and the DJ get any and all things that are expected and offered in writing so that there are no problems later.