When looking for a professional for any event where do you start?
Obviously your best bet is to ask a trusted source or friend that has had a similar vendor and can give you credible feedback and advice. But what if that isn't an option, maybe you prefer to do your own research?
Without drawing this out or getting off topic the short answer is the internet. Most likely a google search, right?  What next? Do you pick the first one? The Top Rated? Most reviewed? The choice is yours, but think about a few of these questions when considering.


Is the company with biggest advertising budget the best?
Do they provide the latest and greatest services using new technologies?
Are they new to the industry?
Recently serving your area?
Offering new services?
Special Promotions?

There are plenty of reasons why businesses pay to be the top listed on search engines, it's up to you to ask the right questions to find the best fit for your needs. So happy hunting and good luck planning your next event!

After Party How To
There are a lot of reasons to have an after party, just make sure its well communicated and planned.
WHY have an after party? Well such events that end at certain times when the party goers would rather keep it going! Take for example dinner parties, sporting event, social or corporate events all end pretty early. 
After party is all pre planning and sometimes takes more effort than the main event! Have a go to guy for this, many hands make light work.
NEEDS -  beverages either provided or B.Y.O.B. is fine.
Chips n' snacks never hurt either. Music is a must. Not every after party needs a DJ...did I just say that?! But it is true. A decent home stereo or new ipod boom box may do for smaller crowds and in your living room. anything bigger than twenty people will require more boom! Activities or  themes will help get all of your guest on the same page and interacting with one another. Most importantly have fun and be safe! 

There's lots of different ways to throw a party and even more activities, entertainers and performers to choose from. On this blog today I will, from my experience, tell you what's hot and what's not.

Lets start with the obvious not so hot. Clowns and magicians, unless you're 6 years old, Belly dancers, Drum circles, and one man bands don't make my hot list this year. Quarters, poker, charades and pool round out the not so hot activities. While these can be fun for very small groups but they don't really  accommodate the masses. 

On to the fire!
 If you have any of these activities or performers at your event your are sure to have a good time.
Photo booths are becoming the latest fad, you get a copy of all the pictures taken, and the guest get a keep sake all while having lots of fun dressing up and posing for the camera. Some other great ideas for performers are D.J.s of course.... along with bands and fire breathers! As far as activities go there are some classics that will always go hand in hand with drinking and gatherings. Beer Pong and corn-hole are sure to have a line of participants. There are more "Hots" and "Nots" out there, but let me hear from you and your experiences.

I'd also like to note an exception - These group dance games on video console are 50/50 with me I've seen them be a hit and a one hit wonder. If you are in a living room with the dining  light  on and a 40" flat screen and T.V. speakers i'd have to say this is a bust. Now picture the same game outside or in a venue with an 80 " screen and sound so loud you will think you're in the video. Add professional lights, lasers, fog and 10, 20 or even hundreds of your friends dancing in sync! That would be "Hot" right? Well that's how Party Pro DJ's would play those games!

If you plan any kind of event with any kind of vendors, there is a chance something or someone could cause a cancellation, It happens (Not at Party Pro DJ's). How you handle it makes the difference.



If you choose to cancel the event:  Please give as much notice as possible, our time is valuable so please help us save as much as possible.

If you are cancelled on: I get calls almost every week about DJ's, Bands and entertainment being cancelled because they were double booked or got a better offer, that is just bad business management/ communication. Hopefully you can find someone to cover the event at a reasonable price.

Why this happens:  Most often this happens when the price is too good to be true. The entertainer feels it is all about them and their gain. When compensated appropriately most entertainers treats the job more professionally.  So in advance ask about cancellations and how they are handled by either party if not stated in a contract. Which brings me to my next point...

Contracts: They are more for your protection than ours. Contracts put all of the information and standards expected for the event on paper and are legally binding.

Hope this helps raise awareness and potentially saves the dance.
-Justin-

Now, I will try and be as fair as I can here (LoL).
This Question is what got me started in the business.
As a teen I worked at a party store helping customers with party supplies and  I've heard all  of the pros and cons from both sides and saw an opportunity for a new and exciting business!  Here is my take on the matter....
PRO Brand - Very entertaining, visually impressive, loud music, artists can usually put their own spin of the songs they perform which is refreshing, everybody loves drums! In most cases the band you hire is skilled in the genre of music you are looking for and their passion for live music adds excitement to the party.
PRO DJ - Can cater to a wide range of audiences and with today's technology, can play any song you can think of!  Fast setup by just one person.  Cheaper than a band.  We don't take breaks!  Tired of hearing that same song on the radio, we'll remix it up for you! We can take any request! Can setup anywhere...and the list goes on and on.
Which ever you decide just ask good questions, hear their tape or see them perform live, and for good measure ask for references!

Timimng is every thing!
You need to choose a date for your event that works for everyone. This will result in a bigger and better turn out for your party.  Also, check other local events such as concerts, festivals, sporting events, holidays, and oh yeah, the weather too!  You don't want to compete with a more popular event or mother nature!

Time of day is another important issue.  If it is near meal time, plan on providing snacks or treats.  After dinner, cocktails are a must!  Check with your photographer for the best lighting for your pictures. 
Having a time schedule for your event will keep things rolling, you don't want your guests getting bored waiting to long between activities.

Take time to plan a great event and it will pay off big time!  A little planning will go a long way and show that you know how to party!