Since its Sean Spicer spoof, Saturday Night Live has been on a roll. There’s a lot to learn from the show’s over-the-top brand of satire about what captures audience attention and keeps them coming back again and again.
Add a Touch of Theater
There’s nothing like the big stage to wow attendees. Whether that means adding a stage show to your entertainment, selecting a theater venue for an awards ceremony or using big-name Broadway “stars” to meet and greet attendees, a touch of theater goes a long way. Definitely one of SNL’s most hilarious skits of the past season was the satiric play on Chicago’s “Roxie.” “Conway” had Kate McKinnon poking fun at Kellyanne with her name flashing across the stage in bright lights. “And when the world goes up in flames,” said Kellyanne, “at least for now they knew my name.”
Integrate Comedy
Unquestionably the skit that revived SNL’s top spot in the ratings was Melissa McCarthy’s portrayal of White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer. Of course, her acting was second to none, but what really took it over the top was the writers poking fun at the smallest details: Spicer’s gum-chewing habit, the moving podium and of course his new nickname, Spicey. Adding humor to your event, whether that means sprinkling in some fun during speeches, hiring a hilarious emcee to lighten things up or bringing in a well-known comedian will make it unforgettable.
Bring in a Big Name
Want attendees to be talking about your meeting long after it ends? Bring in a big-name performer or politician, one they will go home and brag about seeing. Chris Pine, Jimmy Fallon, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson: This past season, SNL’s most successful in years, featured these major stars and more. Piggybacking off another meeting or show that is in town or hiring a star who lives locally at your meeting destination are two ways you can cut the cost, too.
