Telling Your Tale – Texas Association of Fairs and Events 2018 Convention in the great city of San Antonio was one to remember. As one of the top Texas fairs entertainment booking agencies, it is imperative for companies such as ourselves to attend such events. It is a time to not only celebrate the year before, but to look forward to the year to come. People from all over the state gather to make new and old connections; from the Fort Bend County Fair to the Rio Grande Valley Livestock Show & Rodeo to the Cuero Turkeyfest, The 2018 TAFE Convention was the place to be.
As I arrived to the Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort and Spa, I was pumped full of excitement to see what lay in store for TSE Entertainment. Booking entertainment for Texas fairs is not as easy as it may sound, and it starts with networking. The Trade Show, for example, is an opportunity for everyone to mingle around the many exhibitors/booths that included the following:
- Music artists such as Cale Moon, Chris Bullard, Steve Griggs Band, and Kaylee Rutland
- Comedians, jugglers, magicians, hypnotists, impersonators like John Wayne, thrill shows, specialty acts such as The Granpa Cratchet Puppet Show, and animal acts like Houston Trick Dog & Disc Dog Entertainment
- Other Texas fairs entertainment booking agencies
- Insurance agencies for events, such as rainouts
- Technology companies for things like ticketing, hotspot & wifi, laser shows, communications equipment, digital surveillance, etc.
- Concession & food vendors such as Social Wine Frozen Ice Pops and Dippin’ Dots
- Carnival providers like Talley Amusements
- And much much more!
Engage: This is the time to shake hands with as many people as you can and exchange contact information so follow ups can be made. The more connections you make in the Texas fairs entertainment booking industry, the more successful you will be. And that is what I did, I shook A LOT of hands. This business and type of event fits someone of my character well because I don’t mind carrying a genuine smile and being friendly and honest. These are super important traits to have because music is all about relationships.
Along with various educational sessions including “Communicating What You Mean to Say” and “Transforming Your Event into an Experience,” the social events were important to attend as well, if not more important. These events included the Welcome Reception Cocktail Party, a breakfast, a luncheon, two dinners, a dance, and two Entertainment Talent Showcases that featured artists such as Zach Stone, Diva’s Gone Country and The Mariachi Extravaganza with Sebastien De La Cruz. The food and drinks were great. The acts were phenomenal. But it was the people that I loved most about it! Not only did I meet lots of new faces, TSE Entertainment picked up some new venues and booked entertainment for even more Texas fairs.
So stretch yourself and your event by getting out there and attending these types of annual conventions. You might just find yourself booking entertainment for your Texas fair or event with TSE Entertainment.
TSE Entertainment will have a big presence at the next conference coming up in July 12th – 15th in McAllen, TX – TFEA Texas Festivals & Events Association. We hope to see you there!
Glenda Black
