Well, folks....time to jump into Sunburst!  

We want to send out a congratulations to Janna and Alana Joos for a very successful convention in Las Vegas.  They produce a convention in Las Vegas call "The Original Celebrity Impersonators Convention".  It's not ours....it's theirs.  I say that for a reason...read on.

From what I understand, just the change of venue alone brought the quality and fun of the convention up tremendously.  I personally know of more than a few bookings that have already resulted from this convention. Plus...those in attendance are having a really good time, on top of the benefits they are getting.

It seems the camaraderie is stronger than ever and everyone is having a great time. Tonight are The Reel Awards.  Remember, that is separate from The CIC, but since Janna Joos took over the CIC three years ago, she combined the two events into one week.

But that's them and the Sunburst Convention is us!  We just need to stress that the two events are completely separate from one another with different ways of doing things, different producers, different agents and talent buyers (for the major part), different staff and a different schedule.  TWO DIFFERENT CONVENTIONS!  We've been trying to drive that home for several years now, but it seems we still get lumped into one, no matter what we do.  Janna and Alana have tried as well, but we'll keep saying it til it sinks in for good!  LOL!

So anyway, I've updated The Sunburst Convention site.  I've added a couple of pages....just what we needed, right?  And we've added a couple of events.  Jamie McKenna came up with the idea of doing a "Passport".  This will be given to all attendees to insure they get the MOST out of the convention that we have to offer!

The second thing is The Sunburst Bazaar!  Bring your items that pertain to the entertainment industry and sell them.  No charge for a table to sell your wares.  Read more about it on the Sunburst Web Site.

Remember, the PURPOSE of Sunburst is to PROMOTE YOUR ACT!!!  You are your own business and YOU are the leaders of this industry.  That's right, you!  You are your own business and it's up to you to do whatever you can to bring in the most business and improve your act to the best of your ability.  You can learn all of this at Sunburst...plus have a GREAT time.  

Sunburst is a LOT more than just a showcase.  Remember, your showcase is 4 minutes...the convention is 4 days long!  Mix, mingle, learn, socialize and network.  That's what it's here for!  Once again, we'll be broadcasting the showcase and "Awards Banquet" on the internet.

The Sunburst Convention is a tool for you to use if you like.  It's a way to instantly network and make lasting impressions on those around you.  Make sure you take advantage of meeting EVERY single person there.  They are ALL potential bookings.  Other entertainers especially!  But don't forget the agents.  We expect over 75 during our showcase days.

If it's not your cup of tea, that's okay.  We are having our 8th convention nonetheless and it's going to be bigger and better than before...like each year before.

Those who attend Sunburst will have exposure to those bookings that are available. Those who do not attend will have to be satisfied that 'attending entertainers' are going to be getting those gigs.  It's like the lottery.  You can't win, if you don't play.  But it's all up to the individual to know what is right for them.  If you can't make it, you can still have your "commercial" played DURING our showcase each day.  Check out the changes!

So remember, YOU are the leaders of your own industry.  Sunburst is a tool at your disposal.  It's great for veterans and for beginners and everything in between.  It's like a party with great benefits.

Come show off your talents.  And let our staff take care of you while you are here.

Call us with ANY concerns.

All the best,

Greg M Thompson

        

Hi Sunburst Folks,

Just went to see AVITAR......if you haven't, go now.  Run, don't walk!  GREAT!

So, we have a couple of surprises this year at Sunburst coming up in September, but we can't tell you yet.  However, we are updating the web site so go and look when you have a chance.  I've added another page just for 1st timers at Sunburst.  It was suggested to me that we pay more attention to leading 1st timers down the Sunburst path.  We have always suggested if anyone has a question, to ask us, or anybody else who has ever been.  But, some may be shy.  So I"m putting up a 1st timers page on the site.

I am really trying to get more look alikes to attend.  We have so many who perform and I think that those who don't do an act think this is not for them.  Oh, just the opposite!

Also, we are focusing 100% of the seminars on GETTING MORE WORK!  We'll be talking about marketing, working with agents, working without agents, press releases, barter, negotiating rates, what to charge, etc.

BTW....during the month of April and May, I will be offering $25 off any registration if you recommend a NEW attendee to Sunburst.  Oh, they have to actually register.  LOL!  That's for each one.  Recommend 2 and you get $50 off.

AND.....that new thing that we are talking about could easily cover the cost of attending.  We really can't stress enough how much we appreciate everyone's participation and we strive to make it worth every dime you spend to come.

More to come! Stay tuned!  Oh!  And if you will, please recommend this blog and our web site to everyone you see!

Finally, if you have suggestions on Sunburst, you can reply to this post or send me an email at greg@sunburstconvention.com.  Please be specific if you can.
Thanks.

Greg M Thompson/ Producer

        

Hi Sunburst Convention Blog Watchers!

I'm adding some information here about what I see going on in the biz.  
I want to address some things that are basic.  First of all, marketing.

Please remember that you MUST have certain things in order to get booked.  This is whether you are going through an agent or booking directly.  This is a reminder for veterans also.  We could ALL use a reminder as we go along.

-Make sure you have a "One Sheet".  If you don't know what that is, write to me at greg@sunburstconvention.com and I'll send you a sample.  It is basically one page that includes a photo of you or your act and a brief description of what you do.  Don't include appearances.  Just tell them what you do.

-Make sure you have a PROFESSIONAL photo.  If your photo is taken in your apartment or ESPECIALLY in front of a door....GET NEW PICTURES!  Professional photos is the mark of a professional.

-Get a video.  If you are Meet/Greet look alike, get video of you inter-acting with guests.  It's a SELLER!

-Do a rider if you don't have one.  It just simply says what you need in order to perform.  Dressing room?  Water? Snacks? Meal? Mirror? Table? Chair? 

-List what your local rate is.  Put "Travel charges will apply" so they know they will have extra expenses if they are booking you out of your area.  I usually charge a $500 flat fee if I have to leave town, plus a 50% increase in my local rate for out of town gigs.  Example:  If you would do a local appearance for $500....add $500 plus $250 (50%).  That's a total of $1250 for an out of town gig.  THEN...you can negotiate if that's too much.  That is ONLY an example. You do what you want.

-Unless you are booking directly with a client, remove all contact information from your materials you send to agents or any talent buyer.

This is just a reminder.  BTW...I LOVE Facebook.  Agents might not like it as it opens up easy access to artists.  But then again...agents work hard at what they to do secure the best talent for the appropriate event.  Folks, don't underestimate how hard an agent works.  AND...remember.  There is a difference between an agent and a manager....you can check my previous blogs for that.  But I'm sure I'll hit on it again.

The "Original" Celebrity Impersonators Convention is coming up in Las Vegas starting March 1-4, 2010.  It is produced by Janna and Alana Joos.  This is independent and seperate of The Sunburst Convention.  She runs her, I run mine.  But we support one another.  If you can make it, go.  It's being held at The Statosphere this year, which I believe is a great improvement from The Imperial Palace.  The room rates are great and Janna has worked hard to plan a great event for you.  It is highlighted by THE REEL AWARDS on that Thursday night...so check it out.  www.thereelawards.com and www.CelebrityImperesonatorConventionS.com .

Keep up the great work.  If you are not getting the bookings you did in 2008, worry not.  Things are looking up according to everyone I speak to.  I've seen it myself.

Thanks!  Take care.  Please post a response to this blog.

All the best,

Greg M Thompson/ Producer
THE SUNBURST CONVENTION OF CELEBRITY TRIBUTE ARTIST
SEPTEMBER 22-26, 2010
THE ROSEN PLAZA RESORT/ ORLANDO, FL
WWW.SUNBURSTCONVENTION.COM
407-226-9088
GREG@SUNBURSTCONVENTION.COM

        

Hi Everyone!

Well, well, well......it's gone past us again.  WHAT MEMORIES!  I had a great time.  And from the reports I've been getting since Saturday....so did everyone else!

The talent level went waaaaay up and we found lots of talent we did not know was there.

We had more talent buyers there than ever!  We had 105 to register.....about 72 of them showed up and we had another 15 register at the event.  (About 18 of them were spouces).

We didn't even know about the huge storms that came by while we were there.   We were oblivious.   I'm sooo pooped and still trying to wrap things up.

I have great news and a bit of a revelation.  We are sending the artist's contact information, along with a PDF version of the program to even more agents than attended.  However, they have to request it and make their contact information available to the artists.  Some registered, but could not attend....but why keep the artists information to ourselves?  We'll send it out as it's all about getting work for the attendees.

We are also offering the entire showcase video available to agents who did and did not attend.  Those who attended will recieve a HUGE discount on purchasing that video.  While those who did not attend will still be able to purchase it at full price....whatever that is.

Things have changed.  We want to make it MORE worthwhile to attend the convention than ever before.  We will have to limit the showcases, so probably not all attendees will be able to do that...but it opens up the event to more showcases.

I wil be sending updates as we go along.  I want EVERY ATTENDEE to get more than enough work to pay for their trips to Sunburst.....then all the fun will be the FREE ADDED BONUS!!!!!!

More info to come.  We are open to suggestions.....but give us a week or so to digest all that has occured this week!  We've already got upgraded changes being made to be more advantageous to the attendees.

Keep up the good work and THANKS for a fantastic weekend!!!!!!!!

Call us if you need us!

Greg M Thompson/ Orlando

        

Hello Sunburst Attendees and Potential Guests!

 

Here’s an update on the 2009 Sunburst Convention of Celebrity Tribute Artists.

August 12-16, 2009

The Rosen Plaza Resort

 

First of all, if you have not made your reservations at the hotel, you must do so now.  The official cut off day was July 12, but they extended it until today.  Rooms are still available but will not last.  They will honor our rate as long as the rooms are available and they are selling out fast.  Call 407-996-9700 or 1-(800) 627-8258 to make your reservations.  They will ask for a credit card, but will NOT charge you until you check out.  You have until August 9 to cancel your reservations if you need to.

 

Next, we are VERY excited to announce that we have a change of plans!  We are no longer going to the ICEBAR for our Off Property event on Friday, August14.  We are NOW going to BB KING’S BLUES CLUB….which is literally right across the street from the Rosen Plaza.  They are very, very excited to have us there.  They seat up to 1000 guests and they have a LIVE BAND!  We have arranged for us to have half price drinks and we took care of your admission into the club.  The food is fantastic so most of us will go there to dine.  That will be all dutch.  The public is invited and you’ll take loads of photos and have guests buy you drinks if you are in costume.  Will you sing with the band?  I asked….but it’s up to the band.  However, I have a good idea as to what will happen as soon as they see you.

 

SWAG BAGS:  We have three “sponsor” spots left on the bags.  If you want your information on the Swag Bags, it’s $100.  We will give them to EVERY attendee, artists and agents.  It will have your name, character, phone number, email address and web site.

 

It will look like this:

 

LARRY JOHNSON as NEIL DIAMOND/ 407-226-9088

Larry@NeilDiamondMan.com / www.NeilDiamondMan.com

 

SWAG:  If you have SWAG (Pens, pencils, candy bars, erasers, key chains, fingernail files, etc. with your name on it) and you would like to send it to us to put in the bags, there is NO CHARGE.  Send it in and that’s free advertisement for you whether you are attending or not.  If you only want to send 100 items for the agents or 250 to include everyone, that is fine.

 

We have just a few showcase spots left.  Register now to get those spots.  If you are not ready to showcase, get a “No Showcase” ticket and you’ll still enjoy the networking, seminars, parties, press, etc.

 

THURSDAY- JULY 23 at 7:30PM (EST), JOIN ME LIVE on www.SunburstConvention.com to ask any questions about the convention.  I’ll be broadcasting through Stickam.  Just go to the main page of www.SunburstConvention.com and scroll to the bottom.  You’ll see my video player.  There is a button that says “Click Here To Enter Chat”.  Do that and create a CHAT NAME.  You can ask questions and chat with the other participants. 

 

Also, if you are attending Sunburst, please go now to www.MyShowNetwork.com and register.  Those attending Sunburst who want to vote on the Sunny Awards AND be eligible for the awards MUST register with www.MyShowNetwork.com .  It’s FREE!

 

PLUS…it’s just another great marketing tool offered to you by Marc Dobson (Neil Diamond TA and GREAT Musician and Singer).  We will be voting on the Sunny Awards through the computer with your www.MyShowNetwork.com account. ONLY those attending Sunburst will have access to the voting page.  Yes, we’ll have a number of computers at the convention so everyone can vote.

 

Press is registering now….we hope you do too.  Remember to make your hotel room reservations now.

 

Oh, if you are duo…yes, you get 8 minutes in your showcase.

Comedians/ 5 Minutes

Musical Acts/ 4 Minutes

Meet/Greet Look Alikes will be presented on stage both days of the showcase.

 

So far, we have over 60 individual qualified agents and talent buyers registered.

 

Email or call if you have questions.

Thanks for your time!

 

Greg M Thompson (also known as Gregory

407-226-9088

        

        

Hi All,


Here is another update.....lots going on.  Jackie and I have been working hard on the convention this week!

Here are the highlights:

Showcase spots are selling out!  Only 75 this year and 55 of them are sold!

Ads are selling out!  Only "half page" ads and below are available!

Considering the economy, we are quite pleasantly surprised at the great number of attendees already this year.  Most wait till the last minute, but we would not recommend it this year.

Check out the site and call us if you have questions!  Press is calling now asking what they need to do to cover the event.

Agents and Artists receive a free SWAG BAG this year.  If you want your SWAG in the bag, send it to:

The Sunburst Convention
8853 Danforth Drive
Windermere, FL 34786

There will be 250 bags.
There is no charge to put your swag in there.  No promotional flyers, or business cards or the like.  However, please put your contact info on your swag like pens, erasers, mugs, candy, bottle openers, magnets, ect.

More new agents and buyers are attending this year.

But if you want to come and make sure you showcase, register now!
Tell your agents and friends to come as well.

If you want to "subscribe" to this blog and have not done so....go to the bottom of this page and look to the left.  Instructions are there.  Thanks.

More to come.....

Greg M and Jackie Thompson/ Producers
www.sunburstconvention.com
407-226-9088

        

        

As entertainers, we love what we do for a living.  We get paid to perform.  My daddy always said "If you enjoy what you do for a living, you will never work a day in your life.".  He was right!  I really enjoy what I do for a living...so I never feel like I really work... and I get paid for it!

But there is always a downfall in our business.  We as entertainers can perform for 1000 people.  999 of them could come up to us and tell us how much they truly enjoyed our performance.  However, one butthead can come up to us and tell us that they didn't like us at all. 

Now...what do we do?  Well, instead of enjoying the compliments of 999 guests....we OBSESS over the one rude comment.  I guess they never heard what their moms told them..."If you have nothing nice to say, then don't say anything at all.'

But we will think about the one rude person's comment and let it depress us.  It will ruin our night.  We, as entertainers, get our egos bruised very easily.  It's a flaw.  We have a need to be accepted by everyone.   We have a need to please.  That is not a realistic goal, however that same need drives us to continue to strive to be the best at what we do.

Well, I am guilty of that as well.  I have tons and tons of friends who love what I do.  They love what Jackie and I do with the convention.  They love our staff and what we stand for.  I dare say we have hundreds of friends and supporters that we know of and just as many more that we've never met.  I find it incredible when I meet other entertainers and I say "Hi, I'm Greg Thompson from Orlando." and they say "I've heard a lot of really good things about you from other entertainers."  You see, I book talent as well.  They tell me they've heard great things about Sunburst and how much fun and beneficial it is, too.

I am guilty of forgetting about these wonderful things if I have one person to say something negative.  And it's happened....and it will happen again.  It will happen to you and me both.  That's the business we are in.

Just ask yourself. "Do I get a lot of bookings?"  'Do I make people happy?"  "Am I happy with my performances?".  Then, forget about the butthead who said something negative to you.

And keep in mind...."Butthead"  may not be happy with what they are doing and may be envious of your achievements.  Maybe "Butthead" is having a bad day. Maybe "Butthead" is an entertainer who doesn't want anyone else to succeed.   Maybe "Butthead" is just a jerk!  Maybe "Butthead" suffured brain damage resulting in sociopathic tendencies  Maybe "Buttheads" underwear is too tight that day.  Who knows?

But there are two sayings we must always keep in mind.  "Don't let the bastards get you down."  And, "Don't sweat the small stuff...and remember, it's all small stuff."

Finally, I have found this saying useful, "It's none of my business what you think about me."

Here's another:  "You can please some of the people all of the time.  You can please all of the people some of the time, but you can't please all of the people all of the time."  My friend Hollie Vest reminds me of this.

Keep up the good work and remeber, don't let the bastards get you down!  Just some thoughts to keep in mind!
All the best,

Greg M Thompson/ Orlando

        

Hello!
Did you know there was a big difference between Talent Agents, Entertainment Brokers, Personal Managers and Producers?

Here's a quick breakdown:

Talent Agents:  Even though many Brokers have talent agency licenses, they are by law entertainment brokers.  True Talent Agents deal with actors and models.  They get calls from casting directors who are looking for a specific type.  The TA sends them to an audition or they must qualify according to their "reels" or comp cards.  The rate is already set up (usually) and the TA TAKES a portion of the actor/model's pay.  Sometimes they add "Plus ten" whichch means 10%.  Unethical TA's will add "plus ten" and ALSO take a percentage of the talent's pay.  This is known as "double dipping" and is against the law.  If the state the TA is registered in is a Union State or the job is a Union Job....the TA is not allowed to take more than 10% according to SAG/AFTRA.  This rule does not apply to brokers...see below.  Many states do not require a talent agency license to operate.

Entertainment Brokers: As stated above, many Entertainment Brokers call themselves Talent Agents.  This is okay.  They can call themeselves whatever they want.  It depends on how they do business that qualifies them under the law as a broker.  This type of "agent" has a stable of talent who is already established and do not go out on auditions for jobs.  The talent sets their own rate.  The 'agent' then adds on a percentage.  By law, they can add anything they want to the rate.  However, ethically, it's generally somewhere between 20% and 30%.  Many times it's lower.  This broker will represent the talent in handling the contract and paying the talent.  He also makes sure that the "riders" are followed and keeps the interest of the artist in mind.  EB's are not managers and do not "scout" for jobs for their stable of talent.  They list the talent and offer it to their established or new clients as requested.  For celebrity tribute artists, this is the type of agent you are dealing with almost 100% of the time.  But I said "almost' to cover my behind!

Managers:  Often called "Personal Managers", these types of "agents" represent either one or just a few acts.   Their job is to "hunt" for jobs for the talent.  Then, the manager will usually take a percentage of what the talent makes.  No license is usually needed for a personal manager.  Check with your state.  They also assist the artist in preparing photographs, web sites, answering email, sending out promo packages and handling the artists business dealings.  He/she is not a talent agent.  They usually deal with the agent on behalf of the artist.

Producers:  Producers do just what their title implies.  They produce.  They set up the pay scale for artists, the produce the show from top to bottom and can deal with agents, managers or directly with the talent.  They have a show in mind and will hire the performers as needed.  No license is generally needed to produce.  Check with your state.  I do know that Las Vegas requires it.

Meeting Planners:  Meeting planners fall under the category of Entertainment Brokers.  The same thing goes for hotels, resorts, cruise ships, casinos and caterers.

Destination Management Companies:  See meeting planners.

This is a brief overview of this subject.  It is to be understood that this is an abridged version of the extent of the explanation...but it covers all of the bases.

Call if you have questions.  Thanks,
Greg M Thompson-Producer/ Orlando

        

Hi Everyone,

Here's my latest blog about Sunburst 2009.  So far, we have received great reviews of our changes for 2009.
The date is August 12-16, 2009 so mark your calendars.

We have already gotten a good number of registrations in from both talent and agents.
Get yours in early, even if you have to wait until later to pay.

We've got some exciting plans.  We are doing the Comedy Showcase again in Backstage Lounge.  That was a big hit last year.

Also, we are going back to our Welcome/Reception party like the early years, with games, press, entertainment, prizes and door prizes.

We are going "off property" like the first three years as well.  We'll make sure it's fun and worthwhile for everyone!

Agents are invited to the whole thing with benefits for those getting a "Full Access Ticket".
Check out the site...www.SunburstConvention.com for more information.
As of 5/08/09, we have "defined" more of what is going on this year.  I'm 99% sure it's final, but we may be adding some things. 

Registrations are looking very good.  I have another "blog" coming soon to send out more of a definition descibing :Agents, Brokers, Producers, and Managers.
There's a difference in all of them and I would like to share this information that came from my lawyer....it's all good!

Talk to you soon....register early.
Call us if you have questions.

Thanks,
Greg M Thompson/ Producer

        

Hi Sunburst Folk!

We are making some plans for next year and want to get your opinion.  We are considering doing a drastic change to our policy.  Because a great number of "day" attendees attempted to abuse our offerings...i.e. only coming on the day they paid for, we are having to implement a "One price covers all" strategy.

In other words, most of the ones who only paid to attend one day, attempted to "crash" on days they had not paid for.  It's tough as the producer to confront these individuals and say "You are not supposed to be here today and it's not fair to those who actually paid to be here."  It's very embarrassing on both sides.  AND...it' suggests that these entertainers who attempt to "crash" are not professional in their actions.

It won't affect those who come to the entire convention anyway.  Only those who come to one day only.
Honestly, if someone can only make one day, they are not getting the full benefit of attending Sunburst.  We understand that some entertainers can only come to one day because of their schedules.  But we are willing to take that chance that some "day attendees" will not come if they have to pay the full price of the convention.

So, next year, it will be one price no matter what.  It's kind of like going to Disney.  Someone cannot say "I'm only going to ride the Dumbo ride and then leave."  It's the same price for everyone no matter what.

Also, most all other conventions are a one price deal.
We welcome any thoughts on this.

We realize it may ruffle some feathers, but we have figured out that we actually LOSE money on those who attend for one day only.

We are working toward shortening the showcases for both days.  This will make it more attractive for buyers who want to come to both days.  The more agents, the better!  Also, we have some more surprises that we will tell you about along the way.  We have to work out the details.

Also, this will help curb the temptation for those who are not quite ready to showcase to actually want to perform in front of buyers looking for "ready to book" acts.  Really, a conveniton showcase should be only for those ready to book anyway.

So, the cat's out of the bag on this one.
Hope to hear from you soon.

Thanks.

Greg Thompson/ Producer

        

Hi Sunburst Attendees!

This is a new BLOG that I've added to the site!  Please respond with whatever comments you have on our convention.
We'd love to hear from you!

It's great that so many of you have already contacted us and let us know that you've already been booked from Sunburst.   For everyone else, give it some time.  Most bookings come in after the convention.  Make sure you contact those from the contact list I sent you!  They are viable contacts!  Keep up with them!

Keep in touch!  We've already made some plans for next year.  I'm sure you all will be happy with the results!

Make a comment!  This is cool!

All the best,

Greg M Thompson/ Orlando