What Makes a Bad Event by Ben Train

A lot of people on Linkedin talk about great events. 

But what makes a BAD event?

Or rather, from the perspective of a magician, what event planning mistakes lead to a BAD show?

Before I get into my answers… let me clarify something. 

As a professional entertainer my job is to put on the BEST possible show I can - even when conditions aren’t ideal. I will always do my best to engage with the audience, make people laugh, and blow their minds. 

It’s part of the reason why I’ve gotten more than two hundred 5-star reviews in the last year alone! 

That being said, there are LOTS of things organizers can do to help make the show a highlight of any event… and also lots of things they can do that make the show less impactful than they (or I) want. 

Let’s get into it. 

Mistake Number One: Too many distractions during the show. 

Here’s a simple rule of thumb - the more engaged an audience is with whatever is being presented on stage, the better received that presentation will be. Obviously that’s true with a magic show. 

ANYTHING that distracts the audience from what’s happening while I’m on stage means that my job is harder and the impact of what I’m sharing is affected. 

Is the bar open and people are getting up to get drinks? That impacts the show. 

A photo booth operating at the same time? That impacts the show.

Is there food being served, or plates being cleared, during the show? That impacts things too. 

And so on. 

The goal of my show is to connect the audience and give them an unforgettably fun experience. But that can only happen if they’re ACTUALLY WATCHING THE SHOW!

Luckily the solution is simple. Less is more. 

Tell the staff at the event that service stops during the show. Close the bar. Turn off the TVs (or if there’s a camera person at the event, make sure the TVs are broadcasting the show). Etc.

Let people focus on the show.

And also... let ME know what you thought about this. ESPECIALLY if you're an event planner or another performer! I would love to hear about the challenges you face, and how you deal with them!