Whether you're organizing a small corporate meeting, a major citywide convention or a blockbuster private event, you're going to need to something other than education and exhibits to engage your attendees. While the options are endless, the following choices are the most popular, according to event entertainment booking service GigMasters, which recently revealed its list of the top three "most surprising" party trends of 2011:
1. Psychics: According to GigMasters, psychics are increasingly popular, although they're being used more often for weddings than for corporate events.
2. Mariachi Bands: Mariachi bands are the most popular form of entertainment for adult birthday parties, according to GigMasters, which said the most popular alternative to a live band is an Elvis impersonator.
3. Musicians: Last year, Gig Masters said, many corporate event planners booked variety acts like magicians and hypnotists; this year, however, they're booking more musicians, such as guitarists and pianists.
"We get an early peek at emerging party trends because many of our clients book entertainment months before the actual event," said GigMasters Vice President of Marketing Marissa Latshaw. "By looking at data and talking to our clients and performers, we stay close to what's hot in party and [event] entertainment."
Founded in 1997, GigMasters boasts more than 9,000 performers in its database, including live bands, DJs, celebrity impersonators, balloon artists, stand-up comedians, jazz trios, bagpipers, string quartets, soloists and more. For more information, visit www.gigmasters.com.