Keeping guests entertained

In-room TV, both transmitted and video

SATELLITE TV programmes from Europe and further afield can be arranged for in-bedroom screening by Global Entertainment Management (UK), which has been supplying hotels and hospitals with TV hardware and software since 1973.

The company also has copyright arrangements with film companies to provide a package of videos, typically within 4-6 months of their cinema release. The films are normally provided at a rate of four films per months or seven films over two months. If required, printed cards can be supplied for placement in bedrooms. Hardware available includes TV sets from 14 inch upwards, DVD, hi-fi and a complete re-wiring package.

Global Entertainment Management (UK)

Party package

A "one stop shop" service to help party organisers and venues stage successful events - from corporate hospitality and product launches to summer balls - is provided by the Pure Group, whose facilities extend from sound, lighting, staging and dry hire to theming and projection.

The company says it can help plan events relative to any chosen theme, if necessary arranging complementary food and drink service through appropriate caterers.

The one-contact service covers both indoor and outdoor events and also, if required, includes licensing consultancy, both liquor and entertainment-related.

A recent development for large outdoor events is the Superstructure, providing rental of a 65m long and 14m wide structure supported by 14 steel frame arches and sufficient to seat 850 for dinner or 1800 for dance events.

Pure

Music or games

MURDER mystery, mock-casino and horse-racing evenings can all set up in hotels and other venues by Talent Entertainment. The company can, if required, provide a package of props, equipment, videos, fun money and instructions to enable hotels or organisers to set up evenings themselves without needing outside staff.

A casino evening package, delivered by courier and picked up on the next working day, costs £150 while a racing evening - horses, greyhounds or pigs, on video - costs £99.

Talent Entertainment is a main entertainment and promotions booking agency for Bass, Courage, Forte Hotels, Holiday Inns and others. Tribute shows are a big crowd-puller at the moment according to director Dave Richard. "People can't afford to book Celine Dion so they get a look-alike at a fraction the price", he comments.

Talent Entertainment

Don't shoot the pianist

PIANIST Simon Rogers says that he can match a wide range of venue requirements - from restaurants and piano bars to special functions - with his live piano repertoire. The typical format is a seamless medley of easy listening, from jazz to show tunes and light classics, with the visual impact of a tuxedo-clad pianist adding to the overall ambience.

Cost of his services to the venue or to organisers depends on the location and timing but an 8.pm-midnight stint typically works out at £110 plus travel expenses. It usually works best, he says, if the venue has its own piano.

Simon Rogers