The Celebrity Hook

If a tree falls in the forest and no one is around to hear it, does it make a sound?

If your event has the most beautiful decorations, the most delicious food, the most outstanding light show and entertainment, but nobody attends, is your event a success?

As meeting and event planners it is our duty as we craft an event concept or design to consider event promotion.

One of the simplest ways to create buzz for an event is through celebrity hooks.  No one can deny we now live in around the clock celebrity mania.  Seriously even “Jon and Kate Plus Eight” a formerly  normal family for the most part have become celebrities.

Celebrities are a big deal in todays world and can be an asset for your event.

Of course you can take the traditional approach to using celebrities for your event.  Here are some examples:

• Master of Ceremonies
• Keynote Speaker
• Autograph Session
• Panel Discussion
• Event Chair
• Golf Outing Foursomes
• Silent Auctioneer

These are all great examples and will surely benefit your event but I challenge you to be more creative with your celebrity appearances.

First and foremost people want to connect with “their stars.”  If you can incorporate interaction between the celebrity and your attendees you will create more buzz.  If you can create a collectors item related to event and celebrity even better.

There are all levels of celebrity, do not forget to tap your internal celebrities, often times the organization’s charismatic leader can also serve the role of celebrity.

An example of how you might use the internal celebrity might involve the tried and trued “Dunk Tank” at a company picnic or church festival.  You will be amazed how this will bring people out of the woodwork.  Another version of this might include bidding for the honors to  “administer” a pie to the CEO’s face.

A recent example which inspired me to write this article is the The Freestore Foodbank’s Rubber Duck Regatta, this rubber duck race on the Ohio River, added a new twist with a Celebrity Duck Auction. The auction included ducks decorated and autographed by local and national celebrities from Anthony Munoz to President Obama.  The event with over 300 attendees  raised over $10,000 to add to the already hugely successful regatta event.

Some other quick examples to maximize your celebrity appearances might include:

• Dancing with the Stars themes
• Celebrity themed cupcakes or desserts
• Photograph opportunities
• Private Dinner with Celebrity Auction Item

Celebrities have busy schedules and when they are available for your event you should maximize their appeal, remember to always get permission from your celebrity to make sure they are comfortable with your idea and promotions for the event.

Good luck and remember the “Celebrity Hook” the next time you plan an event.