Canadian Association of
Mobile Entertainers & Operators

How To Hire a DJ / KJ Service

Choosing a professional mobile entertainer for your event should be similar to hiring a new employee.  Any potential employee must sell themselves and so should a quality professional entertainer.  You should receive candid answers to your questions and feel comfortable with your decision.

Today's professional mobile entertainers bear very little resemblance to the "record spinners" of the past.  The new era of entertainers has advanced to an level where it would not be uncommon for them to utilize equipment and a music library in excess of $20,000 - $30,000 (or more) for a single event!

Members of CAMEO have the tools available to them to help ensure the success of your event.  Through regular meetings, newsletter, networking, trade shows, training and education sessions, all members of CAMEO should have the professional skills to ensure a successful party.

ASKING THE RIGHT QUESTIONS . . .

Date Availability
Are they available for your selected date and time?

Experience
How long have they been in business and are they willing to provide you with recent references?   How experienced is the DJ or KJ that will perform at your event?  If you are hiring for a wedding reception, you might want to ask how much of their business is wedding related and are they knowledgeable about wedding etiquette.  Can they accommodate any ethnic traditions or music that you may require?  Are they flexible enough to accommodate your special requests?

Face to face meeting
Are they willing to meet with you and discuss your likes and dislikes, both musically and otherwise?  Can they be easily reached for last minute additions, changes and suggestions?

Legal business with proper insurance protection
Are they legally registered or incorporated business?  Are they covered by insurance in the event of an accident?  CAMEO makes insurance programs available to all our members.

Do they belong to a professional association or trade groups? 
A business that is 'involved' by networking with associations generally shows that they have an invested interest in their business and especial YOU: the customer.  Many DJs / KJs will attend training seminars and trade shows to continually improve their skills reflecting in their performance at your event.

Licence? 
Do they have an A.V.L.A. licence?  Are they charging you for SOCAN fees?  NOTE:  only the hall/venue can charge a SOCAN fee: they are NOT collected by the DJ KJ service company.

Contract?
Will they provide you with a written contract that spells out the details of your agreement?  Make sure to specify any special equipment needs as described below.  Do they have a cancellation policy?  Can I request the DJ / KJ of my choice and is there an additional fee?  Do I have to provide a meal for them if they are working during your dinner time?

Planner?
Does the service provide a party planner to help ensure the success of your event.  You need to make sure that the DJ / KJ service knows exactly how you envision your event should be handled.  Get or keep a copy of the planner and note any changes in writing.

Do you have special needs? 
Some events require amplification of sound for Power Point presentations or for a vocalist or instrument.  Can the service provide this service?  Can they provide the cables necessary for plugging into a laptop or VCR?  Do you need a cordless microphone?  These are just some of the details you need to cover with your service provider with a party planner sheet.

Set-up Times? 
Most DJ or KJ services will start their set-up approximately 1/2 to one hour before the start of their performance time.  If special effect lighting systems are involved, that time may increase.  Once the set-up is complete, most operators may need to stay with their systems for insurance coverage purposes.  Ideally in the case of a wedding reception, set up should occur before the guests arrive.  Some services my charge extra for the early set up.

Proper dress
Will they perform in appropriate apparel, especially if your event requires formal attire?  Some services believe that a suit (rather that a tuxedo) is appropriate for wedding receptions, as they feel that they do not want to stand out and look like they are part of the bridal party.  They want to keep a low key appearance until it is time for them to do the dance portion of the night, leaving the focus of attention on the bridal party.

Equipment & Music Library
Is their equipment of professional quality (home stereo equipment is just not suitable or reliable).  Is there backup equipment and/or personnel in case of an emergency?  Do they have a wide range of music to cover all your requests and those of your guests?  Do they take requests?  Typically, CAMEO members services back up each other in the event of a major problem.  This is why our netwoking between all DJ KJ services works so well.

You will note that PRICE is not at the top of the list.  Please keep in mind that the highest or lowest price does not always guarantee quality but a poor price usually results in a service that may not meet your expectations.  If you feel that the answers to these few questions meet your requirements, you may very well have found a good DJ KJ service. CAMEO members must qualify by attaining certain requirements and code of ethics before becoming members - you should feel confident in choosing a member of the CAMEO association for any of your events.

© Copyright 2006
The Canadian Association of Mobile Entertainers and Operators
762 Upper James St.  Suite 169    Hamilton, Ontario  L9C 3A2
Phone:  905-389-7218  Fax:  905-389-3096
Email:  info@cameodj.com

Executive Director:  Jim Griffin
National President:  Doug Gordon