Dealing with Banquet Managers - Caterers

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Dealing with a Banquet Manager (BM) or Caterer can be one of the most important duties you face as a Disc Jockey. Since these people do numerous parties each weekend it is a great idea to MAKE them LOVE YOU! This can sometimes be a very difficult task because not every person you meet is NICE! But, having a BM on your side can increase your referrals as well as have an excellent reference for your future clients. The following list will help keep you on the BM’s good side:

 

  • Be there 1 hour or more early - Being late, will show them that you are not a professional.
  • Meet with BM as soon as you arrive - items to go over:
  • Where do you load in from?
  • Where do you set up & where are your tables?
  • Where is the closest power outlet?
  • Is your attire appropriate for load in?

Treat their Hall with respect - When loading and unloading equipment :

  • Keep doors closed in summer and winter to save electricity.
  • Do not Scuff the floors or walls with your equipment or hand truck.
  • DO NOT ASK TO EAT! - Ask what kind of dinner is being served, sit down or Buffet, and is cake bagged or for dessert? (They might then offer you a meal)
  • Don’t blast music during your soundcheck - be as quick as you can.
  • When lining up bridal party invite BM with you and introduce them.
  • Always let Banquet Manager know your every move - intros, cake, garter, bouquet, Etc.
  • Ask if now is the right time to do it.
  • Always go along with their way of doing things.
  • If the Banquet manager is clueless or non existent then you should take control if no one else does or can.

At the end of the party remember to say goodbye: This is a good time to ask if they liked your performance, if they recommend DJ’s, if they have a house DJ, or do they want you to be their house DJ! In any case always be polite and make sure you exchange business cards. If they don’t have one you should always write down the BM’s name, name of the hall, and the address or city you are in. This information can help you get future referrals at this venue.

Author

  • Greg has been a mobile disc jockey for over 30 years. He began Djing at 18, and at 22 joined the nations largest wedding services company where he entered management after one year. Later in his career he was made an executive and by the time the company had peaked he was managing over 350 Disc Jockeys, videographers, photographers, and photo booth operators in 24 different branches across the United States and Canada.
    After 25 years of success with the company, Greg went independent and opened his own entertainment services company, in addition to a DJ Entertainment School he had bought years earlier. The School focuses on teaching adults and Kids how to DJ and entertain. As a solid member of his community he also donates time to several organizations teaching inner city kids and special needs kids how to DJ.
    Greg is a member of The Senate Djs and The House of Reps DJ community that is for improving yourself professionally in the entertainment industry. He also hosts a Sunday night radio show at 9pm on Wild1Radio.com.
    As a force of nature within the entertainment industry he also represents as a Brand ambassador and sponsored artist with Peavey Electronics, NAME Entertainers, Floyd Rose audio, BPM Supreme, and Spinfluenceit. You can catch him teaching and doing seminars at The DJ Expo and for NYC DJ con. He also hosts the "In The Cue" podcast every Monday night at 8pm EST! Go to www.inthecuepodcast.com or search in the cue podcast on youtube for more!
    He will be presenting at DJ Expo in 2021! Be sure to check him out!
    www.curranentertainment.com & www.djentertainmentschool.com
    (267) 625-3227
    [email protected]

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