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IPod Weddings     see video
 
 
 Ipod Weddings by Ed Mullen
 http://www.mobilebeat.com/ipod-weddings-by-ed-mullen/
 
 Yet another article about the scourge of the iPod? Well, yes, but this is one to share with grooms who are being tempted by DIY…
 
 Getting married, mister? Congratulations. Are you handling the details with your fiancée? Great. Your job is to arrange the music? Brilliant. You are doing it yourself? How so? Your iPod! You’re kidding, right? How much are you spending on your wedding? Oh, it’s a control issue? You want your favourites played? Have you really thought this through? Didn’t think so.
 
 Although an iPod is a very efficient personal music system, there are several problems that arise when depending on your iPod to handle your wedding reception. Your risk vs. reward is not as clear cut as you might think. So, here comes the “tough love.” I’ve been a mobile disc jockey since 1979. I have some frank advice for you, since you get only one chance to handle this wedding music issue…
 
 To put it as simply as possible: Get a pro. A experienced professional disc jockey solves many reception issues in the planning. Your preferences and song list should be completely explored months before the ceremony and delivered by someone who has been there before. The well-prepared DJ also has professional grade sound equipment and back-up gear that is dependable.


 
Technical Difficulties
 
 
Got some home speakers? What are you using for your amplifier? Briefly, my professional DJ speakers are better than your home speakers. I use powered JBL EON-15 G2 speakers, some of the best portable speakers available. A mobile disc jockey depends on durable, high-performance equipment gig after gig after gig.
 
 Thinking of renting PA gear? Rental equipment costs money. Rental equipment also costs time. Pick-up and drop-off does not include your shopping time spent finding the right sound rental company. Got time? In the week prior to your wedding, time is your most precious commodity. Does the money-back guarantee give you any comfort if it fails at your wedding reception?
 
 Risky business. You will not get a chance to test rental equipment. You can’t even do a venue sound check. Are all the connecting wires included? Are your XLR cables matched with 1/4″ speaker inputs? Too technical? This is just chapter one. Do you plan on any toasts or blessings to be delivered? Did you forget about the microphone? Would you say that all microphones the same?
 
 When you are listening to your iPod, you involuntarily adjust the volume to your comfort. You’ll soon find out that all songs are not recorded at the same volume. Since you are pumping raw iPod sound, you have no volume control or equalizer (bass vs. treble) control. Your iPod is smaller than your keys. Have you ever misplaced your keys? Doesn’t it turn your stomach if your drop your digital camera on the floor or your cell phone on the parking lot? How durable is your iPod? Any back-up plan? What could possibly go wrong?


Musical Magic-or Mayhem?
 
 
What about your song selections? With an iPod wedding, you’ll get your songs and your random mix, but, you won’t get pacing, such as breaking up a lengthy, fast-paced set with one or two ballads. This is especially vital for a reception including a variety of ages. Are guests of all age groups attending?
 
 “Got my favourite song?” Who will be asked this question? You will. It seems you forgot about audience requests or what tendencies are occurring on the dance floor. Observation is one of the most important skills of disc jockeying.
 
 A pro disc jockey takes the bride’s and groom’s song preferences and presents them in such a way as to provide the guests with the couple’s very own musical signature. “Reading the crowd” is the disc jockey’s primary skill. Do you really think that “the crowd will dance to anything” anyway? Are you willing to bet your special day on that idea?


 Time Keeps on Slippin’…
 
 
Should your wedding day responsibilities include troubleshooting power needs like batteries or chargers? Your attention will be directed to many different people during the ceremony and reception. Every person in attendance would like some of your time. Not to mention, your new partner. Your priorities need to be re-examined if your iPod gets as much attention as your new wedding ring. This statement will also be posed to you, by your new spouse. Guaranteed. Remember the difficulty that you two had selecting the names on your guest list? Your time spent with selected family and selected friends is such a memorable part of the wedding reception, so hold it as a gift with great value. Is your attention going to be diverted by sound equipment during the most important day of your life?
 
 Maybe you hade the breakthrough idea to ask a wedding party attendant to watch your iPod. So it seems that this friend is no longer a guest, but is now working for you. Maybe you’ll trust a non-guest who will baby sit the iPod. And maybe you’ll want a first-time chef baking your wedding cake too. Speaking of other vendors, are you aware that experienced vendors like the disc jockey, caterer, photographer, venue manager, video-grapher and wedding coordinator together work out the final details and fine-tune the timing…during the event!


Money Well Spent
 
 
Is it cheaper? Sure, hiring a professional costs more than a do-it-yourself project. But, is your wedding really a do-it-yourself project? This may not be the best time to show how frugal you are. You are planning the biggest party in your life and you have the opportunity to select experienced, professional vendors-so do the right thing. Although your input and your needs are essential in the planning stage, you must transition to the “guest of honour” stage to fully enjoy your wedding day. Don’t you want to experience it together with your new bride as the happy couple?
 
 You will get a fair representation of what the modern disc jockey does during your personal meeting, months before your event. That’s why I like meeting the wedding couple to get both bride and groom perspectives on what to do and what not to do. The clients supply me with a song list and wedding preference timeline, just like they will tell their needs to the caterer, florist and so on. Your mix of traditional and modern choices makes your wedding unique. The DJ is the one who will weave your choices into a musical tapestry worthy of your most special occasion.


Get Real
 
 
You should know, by now, that the modern disc jockey is not so anxious to play line dances. This optional choice is covered in part of the couple’s song-list and is called the “do not play list”. We understand and appreciate that kind of instruction. You should know that the modern disc jockey uses judgment concerning objectionable lyrics. Your iPod does not have that kind of filter. The glut of sunny wedding music advice on the web does not give you the real life pros and cons about the modern disc jockey. There are some major practical limitations when you pre-program the music event, days before your guests see you walk down the aisle.
 
 Every vendor wants a well-planned wedding, just like every client. So, let the chefs cook. Let the florist bring the flowers. Let the photographers shoot. Let the limousine driver drive. Let the professional disc jockey provide the soundtrack for your once-in-a-lifetime reception.
 
 Did you ever hear the old line about “making or breaking the reception”? What do you think they were talking about? A smart bride once said, “Good entertainment isn’t cheap and cheap entertainment isn’t good”.
 
 So, you want to have an iPod wedding? Are you kidding?
  Your Event Right!
 
 April 2008, North Vancouver BC
 
 By: Allison Cousins, Rex Image
 
 These days, there are a lot of events competing for guests attention. You can’t even assume that employees will attend their corporate functions these days. Your guest has to be engaged and motivated.
 
 So how do you get people to come to your event? The first key is to plan a great event. The second is event branding and promotion. Here are 5 tips for creating effective promotional materials for your event.
 
 Who is your guest? Brainstorm a profile of your ideal guest. It is key to understand who you want to attend your event and, more importantly, what appeals to them.
 
 1. What’s in it for them? Now that you understand your guest, brainstorm on 10 reasons why they would want to attend your event. Be specific! Promising “great food and a fun night” is too generic. Prizes, activities, a particular network or a guest speaker are examples of features that may appeal to them.
 
 2. The headline! When reading a newspaper, how do you decide which article to read? The headline! Make the headline meaningful to your guest. Your headline can even include an enticing reason to attend the event: “Attend my seminar and learn how to reduce your tax payable by $5000.”
 
 3. Less is more. Too much text or cheesy graphics are overwhelming. Any description of the event should be concise and include your best “What’s in it for them?” statements. Be sure to group the logistical information in one area so that people can find this critical info at a glance.
 
 4. Call to action! Once you’ve got people all revved up, tell them exactly what to do next… and be specific. For example, don’t just put a website address. Say “Visit our website to reserve your seat before July 1st.”
Party Like Santa! Save Like Scrooge!
 
 November 2008, Vancouver B.C.
 By: Deborah Wallace, The Finer Details Event Planning
 
 Just because the economy is shaky doesn’t mean you should scrap the whole idea and cancel the Christmas Party. Holiday events are to thank staff for a great year, let clients know you appreciate their business, and send a message to your stakeholders your business has many reasons to celebrate. But instead of being wildly extravagant, plan carefully to make your celebration a delight–with the emphasis on light!
 
 DO be economical and budget conscious about…
 
 • Gift Giving – A few substantial door prizes being raffled off during the event can replace expensive individual gifts, and keep the energy level high.
 
 
 • Theme – Pick one splashy element, such as funky ice luge for the bar with your company logo, instead of endless balloons and themed swizzle sticks that will get tossed at the end of the night.
 
 DON’T look cheap by cutting the wrong cost…
 
 • Don’t cancel the band and hire your accountant’s brother’s nephew to play at the party (unless he’s really, really good).
 
 
 • Don’t rent a cheap room in a cheap hotel. You still want your party to stand out in people’s mind, and a boring room is not the way to do that.
 
 
 • Don’t assume that cocktail receptions are cheaper than a full meal, unless you just serve veggies and dip. Choose a menu that fits the budget and create an occasion.
 
 Finally, remember that an event planner, such as The Finer Details can help to bring your event in on target and budget. A professional event manager’s fees are worked into the event budget, while staff wages and time are often an additional and omitted expense. So, rather than burdening your office staff with party decisions when they should be attending to customers, allow a professional to focus on the party.
 
 For more tips on how to be frugal this holiday season, check out our website
http://www.thefinerdetails.ca
 Fore! 3 unique ways to bring your next golf tournament or golf game to new heights
 
 
 1. Quantum Business Golf
 
 
Business golf is undoubtedly the best activity for relationship building. However, done poorly it can have disastrous effects on relationships and potential business. Students of Quantum Business Golf will learn everything that they need to know in order to build more profitable relationships on the golf course and get way more enjoyment from the game at the same time.
 
 Visit
http://www.quantumbusinessgolf.com for more details.
 
 2. Promotional Items- EmbroidMe
 
 
"When the tournament is done and everyone is at the 19th hole reliving the fun day and getting their KP and Longest Drive prizes, make sure the quality of the event shows in the quality of your event schwag. Printed tees to Pro V1s, EmbroidMe is the choice of top level event planners. You worked hard for a fun and successful day, and EmbroidMe works hard to help you Get Noticed!"
 
 Visit
http://www.howtogetnoticed.ca for more details
 
 3.Hire an Event Planner
 
 
We know your golf tournament is not only about the game, but also the impression left on your guests. Vancouver event planner and recognized expert, Deborah Wallace of The Finer Details Event Planning, will bring her experienced team to the links. Her extensive background in corporate events makes dollars and sense, particularly during these less certain times. This professional team is committed to organizing all your logistics, assisting with sponsorship as well as being on site to produce a polished experience that will be remembered for years to come! Deborah and her team are committed to keeping you on track and within budget.
 
 Visit http://www.thefinerdetails.ca for more details.
  5 Tips & Trends in Corporate Event Entertainment
 
 September 2010, Vancouver BC
 
 By: Ozzie Kipnes
 
 When your party is over, people will talk. What do you want them to say?
 
 One week after the event, 91% would say the entertainment was the most memorable part. Here are a few tips to keep the entertainment fresh and exciting at your next corporate event:
 
 • Sophistication:
Bring an air of distinction to your next corporate party with a live Jazz pianist for even just the first portion of your event.
 
 • Tunes: Having a professional DJ service has many benefits such as the ability to play during the cocktail reception and then kick it up a notch when it's time to dance. The right DJ will offer a variety of music and your guests will rave to you months later. Do you want to trust your event’s music to a ‘dude’ with an ipod?
 
 • Fun: Audience participation can bring groups of all sizes together. Consider bringing in Dance Heads, which is taking Vancouver by storm. Imagine small groups lip syncing their favourite dance tunes while their heads and expressions are shows on a screen for all to see. A great way to energize and engage your guests!
 
 • Spice: Consider a Latin Band and salsa dancers. Remember that all bands take breaks so, if your budget permits, hire a DJ to play in during these awkward lulls.

 
 
No-limits: Corporate event entertainment is by no means limited to music. For added fun and diversity, think trendy…select a caricaturist, a temporary tattoo artist, a hypnotist, magician or comedian.
 
 
 Whatever idea tickles your fancy for your next corporate event, Rule #1 is to hire a professional. You need to make sure your entertainment provider has the highest quality of service, and will meet all of your expectations.
 
 Ozzie Kipnes – Co-owner
 Hot Wax Mobile Music
 604-649-6919
The Secrets to Hiring the Right DJ Service

January 2010

By Ozzie Kipnes, Vancouver

It is true what they say about the entertainment at a wedding, it is the most important component. It is no secret that the market is saturated with DJs, so how do you hire the right DJ for your budget? What is the difference between a DJ and a DJ service?



The process of narrowing it down:

DO NOT make price the deciding factor. Compile a list of DJs you have seen in the past, ask friends for referrals, and ask for “preferred DJs” and opinions from your other event vendors. Then narrow your selection down to 3 professional DJ services. Look for a DJ Service that stands out from the rest. A DJ service can be a full time professional DJ company that has a number of DJ's in their roster. This way, should one get sick, or be unavailable, you will always have a DJ at your event.


Make contact:

Book your DJ at least 6 months in advance. Although email inquiries are increasing in popularity, nothing beats talking with your DJ service over the phone. How they conduct themselves over the phone is a great indication of how professional they are and how they perform in public. Things to listen for… Are they confident? Can they offer you a professional and easy to read website to refer to? Did they answer their phone when you contacted them? Was there a quick turn around time when responding to your inquires? Or do you have to wait days for a reply back? All of these are indications of whether you are considering a full time professional DJ service. Do not be fooled into thinking that all-inclusive packages are the only options for your entertainment. A professional DJ service will spend the time getting to know you first and talk about pricing last.


The consultation:

Whenever possible, ask to meet with the DJ or DJ Service at their office/residence. A professional DJ service will be proud of their environment, and will welcome the opportunity to display their equipment. This consultation is a great opportunity for you to meet with them in person, and start to build a relationship. This consultation will give you an idea of how they will treat your wedding and making your day a memorable one.


The full package:


For your special day you need the full package. This includes a professional DJ, high quality equipment and lighting, and the right songs for your party. Some DJ companies emphasize the need to have a music library in the tens of thousands. Ironically, only 60-70 songs will be played, but if they are not the right songs then your celebration will not be memorable. An experienced DJ can help with this. Determine a general play list in advance and provide your DJ with a “do and don’t” play list. Get their input on your evening. Will they be interactive? Can they help with the cake cutting ceremony and the first dance? What are their suggestions?

Get it in writing:

A professional DJ service will send you a contract. Make sure you discuss payment options and cancellation policies prior to signing. This is the time to determine additional items like: whether dinner for the DJ needs to be provided, music request list policies, exterior arrival times, lighting packages, and determining your assigned DJ. And let’s not forget pricing and extra charges.


Don’t just take their word for it:

Ask to see the DJ service’s references and then qualify them by calling. Make sure to contact a previous client that has used the DJ that is assigned to your wedding function. A professional DJ service will be honoured and proud to provide you with at least 3 recent contacts.


Pricing:

Price is one thing - quality is another. All DJ's are not created equally. A DJ’s rates can vary from a low $500 to a high $1500 in most Canadian cities. Anyone below $500 should be scrutinized to ensure quality of service, equipment, and "track record.” Chances are, they are not a professional DJ, and they may lack experience, and most likely don’t have a license or carry liability insurance. Most experienced DJ's should be priced around the $800-1200 range, depending on level of experience. Book the DJ you can afford and NEVER EVER book the cheapest (unless you are receiving a discount or there is a valid reason that they are the lowest price). Trust your gut feeling for the DJ service you like and go with them. Remember, with hiring a professional, comes peace of mind.


Key questions to ask:


What type of sound system do they use? A professional disc jockey will use a professional sound system, not just a home stereo system. You are not only paying for the DJ to keep your guests entertained, but you need the professional equipment for good sound quality. Interested in lighting? Ask your DJ to explain the various options. Make sure that you ask about your DJ’s equipment backup policy because equipment failure, though rare, can occur.

• Do they have a business license? Ask to see it; don’t just take their word for it. Would you feel comfortable giving someone $500-$1200 cash 6-12 months in advance if they do not operate as a full time business?

• Do they carry liability insurance? This is crucial! If someone gets injured at your wedding by accidentally tripping on the equipment, or if the DJ causes damage to the venue, then you as the signing client would be protected by the DJ’s insurance coverage. If they are not insured, simply put, you are liable.

• Do they use AVLA licensed music? (Audio Video Licensing Act) Some DJs download MP3 files which are condensed, and can compromise sound quality, and are illegal unless they have a licensed hard drive. Licensed music are the only form of music your DJ should be using. If they are using an alternative, you should keep looking.

• Are they members of the Better Business Bureau (BBB)? Consumers can rest assured that when they find a BBB member they are dealing with a company that is proud to make a public statement about high ethical standards.

Top 6 Party Favour Ideas
 
 March 2011 by Ozzie Kipnes, Vancouver
 
 Seriously, at our wedding we gave away matches. Everybody did? These days, besides the covered almonds in tiny white tulle bags, the options vary from budget, lifestyle, theme and anything else you can think of. The following is a list of popular favourites that can be both useful, un ordinary, unique, while personalized.
 
 1). Hand Held Fans-planning an outdoor summer wedding? these will be useful and your guests will be grateful!
 
 2). Lip Balms- you can't have too many. Some are tinted, some flavoured, and always useful for the end of the night
 
 3). Candy Table: who doesn't love candy? bring out the 'kid' in your guests as they indulge in a variety of colors, flavours and textures.
 
 4). Comfy Slippers-seriously...even the guys will love this one. We love using them in hotel rooms...why not put a smile on your guests faces as they think of you everytime they slip them on.
 
 5). Mint tins-who doesn't get a craving for a mint? great to store in the car or purse.
 
 6). Photobooth- Everyone can get in on the fun. One photo for them to take home, one for you to keep in your guest registration book with their special comments. Memories to last a lifetime!
  Capturing Special Moments
 
June 2011 by Ozzie Kipnes
Turning another year older can be a life altering experience.
 
Fortunately the other day, I had the pleasure of being a guest, celebrating a friend's birthday. It wasn't about me at all. And this friend is a 'guy', so even better. It was all about the fun, the people, and the wine.
 
It was a collection of Steve's family and friends, newborns and grandmas and dear old dads in their 80's. Real life.
 
 Steve's sisters prepared the food and pretty well did all the work. He is 50 you know...and it was kind of a big deal. He was all smiles from ear to ear. You could feel the joy he was feeling as he greeted each guest at the door. His 2 teenage kids were manning the 'registration table' and giving each of us our 'name tags'. The whole atmosphere felt very 'small town and homey' in a very good way. It was like being curled up in a blanket watching your favourite movie-again. We only knew the guest of honour and his sisters so the name tags helped say 'hello'.
 
 What did bring everyone together was the photo booth that we brought (as his gift). For 3 solid hours I played voyeur. I witnessed the laughter, the smiles, the joy of the moment, the silliness, the "I don't care what I look like just pose!" the babies on the laps, the grandparents wearing boas and fedoras as they snuggle with their grandchildren, the new families, the young couples...it was all there. Each took a keepsake of their experience and left a piece for Steve in his scrapbook to reflect upon later in private. Each participant expressed how much fun they had, and wanted to find another person to pose with. It was becoming an addiction, or perhaps endorphins were being released?
 
 50th birthday parties are rare and surrounding yourself with those that you love and represent who you are, and how you got to this point, are a treasure. Giving them the opportunity to experience 15 seconds of joy and imprinting it on a piece of paper...well...it's priceless!

The Secrets of Hiring the Right DJ Service

It is true what they say about the entertainment at any event, it is one of the key components to a great time. It is no secret that the market is saturated with DJs, so how do you hire the right DJ for your budget?


The process of narrowing it down:

Do NOT make price the deciding factor. Compile a list of DJs by asking friends for referrals, and ask for "preferred DJs: and opinions from your other event vendors. Then narrow your selection down to 3 professional DJ services. Look for a DJ Service that stands out from the rest.

 

Make contact:
Book you DJ at least 6 months in advance. How's their website? was there a quick turn around time when responding to your inquiries?

The Consultation:
The Majority of bookings are done over the phone. Should you wish to meet in person, this option should be available to you.

The Full Package:
The full package includes a professional DJ, high quality equipment and lighting, and the right songs for your party. Did you know that only 60-70 songs are actually played? but if they are not the right songs for your group, then your celebration will not be memorable for the right reasons.

Get it in writing:
A professional DJ service will send you a service agreement. Make sure you discuss payment options and cancellation policies prior to signing.

Don't just take their word for it:
Ask to see the DJ service's references and then qualify them by calling.

Pricing:
Price is one thing-quality is another. All DJs are not created equally. Most good DJ services should be priced in the $700-$1200 range. Book the DJ service you can afford and NEVER EVER book the cheapest. Remember, with hiring a professional comes peace of mind.


5 key questions to ask:

* What type of sound system do they use? a professional service will invest in their equipment and not use a home sterio system, and backup equipment will not be required to sit in their car.

* Do they have a business license? would you feel comfortable giving someone $500-$1200 cash, 6-12 months in advance ?

* Do they carry liability insurance? makes sense

* Do they use VLA licensed music? MP3 files are condensed and compromise sound quality

* Are they members of the Better Business Bureau? consumers can rest assured that when they find a BBB member they are dealing with a company that is proud to make a public statement about high ethical standards.

That was Then, this is Now




When parties had a DJ, Old Time Rock n Roll and Brown Eyed Girl were the token hits and the DJ called the buffet tables by their number.
That was then...

This is now...
Playlists are customized to the crowd , the organizer can preview the song list on-line, hear songs and watch videos right on our website.

Who eats first from the buffet? Well, that can be determined based on a variety of related customized Trivia questions and top hits are incorporated into song mash-ups.

Now I can't say that this is true with every DJ company today, but we believe in changing with the times. Updating equipment and following trends is crucial to our success and ultimately, the guest experience. When you are paying a premium rate, you deserve more.

Hot Wax Entertainment..."Invite us to your next party!"

 Oye Vey, just say cheese!


 

 


Bar & Bat Mitzvahs are a perfect opportunity to bring family and great friends together. Add a photobooth in the mix, some fun props and you've got the perfect formula to create memories to last a lifetime.


We love to entertain at family events on the dancefloor as well as off. 

Birthdays are a joy, Photoshop me later!


Turning another year older can be a life altering experience.

Fortunately yesterday, I had the pleasure celebrating a friend's birthday. It wasn't about me at all. And this friend is a 'guy', so even better. It was all about the fun, the people, and the wine.

It was a collection of Steve's family and friends, newborns and grandmas and dear old dads in their 80's. Real life.

Steve's sisters prepared the food and pretty well did all the work. He is 50 you know...and it was kind of a big deal. He was all smiles from ear to ear. You could feel the joy he was feeling as he greeted each guest at the door. His 2 teenage kids were manning the 'registration table' and giving each of us our 'name tags'. The whole atmosphere felt very 'small town and homey' in a very good way. It was like being curled up in a blanket watching your favorite movie-again. We only knew the guest of honor and his sisters so the name tags helped say 'hello'.

What did bring everyone together was the photobooth that we brought (as his gift). For 3 solid hours I played voyeur. I witnessed the laughter, the smiles, the joy of the moment, the sillyness, the "I don't care what I look like just pose!" the babies on the laps, the grandparents wearing boas and fedoras as they snuggle with their grandchildren, the new families, the young couples...it was all there. Each took a keepsake of their experience and left a piece for Steve in his scrapbook to reflect upon later in private. Each participant expressed how much fun they had, and wanted to find another person to pose with. It was becoming an addiction, or perhaps endorphins were being released?

50th birthday parties are rare and surrounding yourself with those that you love and represent who you are, and how you got to this point, are a treasure. Giving them the opportunity to experience 15 seconds of joy and imprinting it on a piece of paper...well...it's priceless!
After your next office Christmas party, people will talk.
 
What do you want them to say about the music?
 
 
 
These days, everyone’s a DJ. And everyone knows someone who knows someone that’s a DJ. And just like friends shouldn’t let friends move them, colleagues shouldn’t let their spouses DJ their office Christmas party.
 
 
8 Tips on how to hire the right DJ or DJ Service for your company:
 
 
 
* Compile a list of DJs by asking friends for referrals and ask your vendors to recommend their “preferred DJ’s: since they work with DJ’s more often, they are likely to know what’s out there.
 
 
* Don’t make the price the deciding factor. Pricing is one thing-quality is another. Price can range from $500-$1500. DJ’s are not created equal and equipment, experience and level of service all come into play. $800-$1200 is the average for a Christmas party. The difference between a bad experience and a great experience can be $200.
 
 
* A DJ service is generally priced higher than just hiring an independent DJ. The benefits of hiring a DJ service? Most are full time and offer liability insurance. Also, if the DJ gets sick, they’ll have a suitable replacement.
 
 
* How quickly do they return your call or email? We once booked a client within 60 seconds of answering their call just because we answered our phone! They were tired of not hearing back from all the others. You still need to do your homework to ensure they’re the right fit for you.
 
 
* Does it look like they invest in their business? How’s their website? Can you view their music selection on line? Do they offer lighting? Are they a member of the BBB? Do they have an online inquiry form?
 
 
* Get it in writing: you should always have a Service Agreement that requires your signature and outlines the terms and conditions, form of payment and cancellation policy.
 
 
* The music: A great DJ will stand up all night and read the crowd. A Lazy DJ will just press play and take a seat. If your company strives to be the best in its field, then don’t settle for just a DJ. Will they have the type of music your group is into? Will it be radio edited or full of ‘f’ bombs? Will they take direction from the organizer? Are they living for the moment? Or do they want to get an A on their report card so that they may see you next year?
 
 * Biggest myth? No DJ or DJ Company needs to have backup equipment in their car, unless of course they use shoddy equipment!
 
 
A professional DJ company will work with you to create that signature event your colleagues and invited guests will rave about for weeks, months, even years later. It’s all about the relationship and creating great memories that help strengthen office morale and increase productivity.

Here’s how a Photo Booth Rental can work for your business


Hot Wax Open Air Photo Booth recently partnered up with The Living Lab to provide Photo Booth entertainment at the Interior Design Show West 2011 ( IDS West 2011). Featuring 200 exhibitors showcasing quality products and services to an audience of industry professionals, architects, designers, consumers and media. It was a busy weekend.

What made this unique and exciting for the show’s attendees at The Living Lab booth, is the unexpected opportunity to not only see the Calgary made “Garrison” Chair with its solid wood frames, soy based foam seating, and complete with a lifetime warranty , but to actually sit in it and document their experience for the camera.

Hot Wax Open Air Photo booth spent 3 days at the show snapping hundreds of custom The Living Lab branded photos. Guests at the booth posed with feather boas, wild oversized sun glasses, furry hats, and glamorous sequined fedoras. The versatility of the chair was showcased by the ability to allow each guests to instantly change the chair cover to reflect their personal taste and style which coincidentally acted as a backdrop in each photo.

Some would say it’s just a photo booth, but at Hot Wax Entertainment we believe that this can be used as an effective marketing tool that creates both an educational and memorable experience for your targeted audience.

Hot Wax Open Air Photo Booth is one of Vancouver’s best provider for professional photo booth rentals. Our past happy clients include events for: wedding receptions, corporate events, bar/bat mitzvahs, class reunions, graduation receptions, after grads and birthday parties.

Our experienced staff will work with you to create a memorable event that is sure to be a hit! Choose from a variety of 4 x 6 photo options from single pics to strips. You may also include a custom scrapbook that your guests can sign.

Hype up your next Tradeshow experience with a Hot Wax Open Air Photo Booth!
danceHow Big Should it be? Make Sure There's Enough Space On The Dance Floor
 
 A few years back we were entertaining at a wedding at Grouse Mountain. The venue was perfect for the couple. They did, however underestimate their guests’ desire to dance. With every hit that was played, a chair , then two, then eventually as many tables that could be removed from the room, were, in order to accommodate ALL the guests so that they could join in. The dance floor simply expanded before their eyes.
 
 Small dance floors are too cramped and big ones make people too self-conscious. A good rule of thumb: There should be at least three square feet of dance floor space for every two guests. So, if you have 150 guests, you would need a 15' x 15' dance floor; 200 guests would be about an 18' x 18' area; 400 guests calls for about 25' x 25' of space. Ask your reception site about adding on extra flooring if the standard seems too small (you party animal, you).
 
 Tips for those that want their guests to have a ‘great’ time:
 
 
Align Your Seating Chart
 

 Seat friends and family who love to dance closest to the dance floor. They'll be more likely to get up and start grooving early if there's easy access. And once they're out there, others will be sure to follow. As for your more elderly guests, do them a favour and keep them away from the speakers. They'll appreciate it!
 
 Skip The iPod Idea
 
 You may have the most genius play list in mind, but there's a reason why DJs and bands are so common at weddings—they are there to read, interact and adjust to your crowd's mood throughout the evening and to make sure everyone is dancing and having a good time (so you don't have to). Besides, do you really want a friend or family member getting up to grab the microphone all night to announce your cake cutting and bouquet toss? Didn't think so.
 
 Don't Limit The Genre
 
 Even if you both truly love indie rock, there's a good percentage of your guests who probably haven't heard of Modest Mouse and won't appreciate it like you will. A play list made up entirely of '80s dance music, rap or country is the same story. Don't get us wrong: Including your favourite genre at your wedding is fine (in fact, you should!) but do so in moderation.
 
 Make Music Interactive
 
 Let guests in on the fun by allowing them to request songs via the RSVP card. Or set up a poll on your wedding website and ask everyone to vote on your first dance song or the last song of the evening. You'll have everyone looking forward to the voters' choice song reveal.
 
 Create A (Short) Do-Not-Play List
 
 There's no bigger dance floor turnoff than hearing your least favourite song. (Did someone say "Chicken Dance?") Put together a short list of please-don't-play songs for your DJ or band.
 
 Keep The First Dance Brief
 
 You may have fallen in love listening to "Free Bird," but imagine how long nine minutes and eight seconds will feel alone on the dance floor. (And if it's dragging for you, imagine how your guests will feel!) Pay careful attention to your favourite song's length before committing to it for your first dance. Same goes for those mother-son and father-daughter dances.
 
 Musical Note: Time your song and practice dancing to it beforehand. Even four minutes can kill you if you're just rocking back and forth. If your heart is set on a certain (long) ballad, try to have it cut down to a reasonable length. Work with your DJ or band to come up with the perfect shortened version.
 
 Keep Things Exciting
 
 Give guests a treat they won't expect by introducing a never-seen-that-before act. Think hip-hop dancers, break dancers or flamenco dancers. Time it right so that they make their entrance just as the toasts are wrapping up to get all your guests back up and moving on the dance floor and out of their food coma.
 
 Get Out There And Dance!
 
 Set an example for everyone by getting your newly married butts out there as soon as the dance floor opens up for the evening. Your guests will notice and be more likely to join you when they see how much fun you're having.
 
 Musical Note: Your reception will be a long busy evening, so let your bridal party know beforehand how important it is to you that your guests dance, and ask them to lead the movement to the dance floor. That way, if you do get caught up talking with the grandparents, they'll have your back.
 
 Read more: Wedding Song Tips: 10 Ways To Keep 'Em Dancing All Night Long - TheKnot.com
http://wedding.theknot.com/wedding-planning/wedding-music-ideas/articles/wedding-dance-floor-tips.aspx?page=5#ixzz1bSXfwRDF
A Ghoulish Time at Circus of Disaster
One of the highlights for the Hot Wax Vancouver DJ Service team this October was providing the entertainment at the Opening of the Stanley Park Hallowe’en Ghost Train. This year’s theme was Circus of Disaster by the creative team at Mortal Coil. It had the right mix of fear and fun designed for all ages.

 http://vancouver.ca/parks/events/ghosttrain/index.htm



Our own DJ Ashley got right into it and hung up his Hot Wax duds for a couple of nights to don his Dracula attire right down to the makeup and fangs. Kids squealed in delight and adults snapped their fingers and tilted their heads to Michael Jackson’s thriller and other ghoulish themed songs as they waited to board the train.
 
Top 5 songs of the night:
 

 Thriller
by Michael Jackson
 
 The Monster Mash
by Bobby Boris Pickett
 
 Ghost Busters
by Ray Parker Jr.
 
 Nightmare on My Street by DJ Jazzy Jeff and the Fresh Prince
 
 Spooky by the Atlanta Rhythm Section

 

 If you missed it this year, put this great event into your calendar as a ‘must-see’ event for next year! Also, check out their dinner package before or after you ride at The Spaghetti Factory. HUGE shout out to the team at The Finer Details for doing a great job managing the event and taking great care of the Hot Wax team.
 
 Hot Wax Entertainment, a Vancouver DJ Service provides entertainment and photo booths for weddings, corporate events, high schools and any other occasion that requires atmosphere and fun. www.hot-wax.com

Copyright 2012 Hot Wax Entertainment
4380 Steveston Highway Richmond BC
Phone: (604) 649-6919