How Much Fun Can You Have in a Month?...
Compaq Computer Corporation
January 5-10
Convention Center
Las Vegas, NV
Deloitte & Touche Mgmt Cnslts
January 12
Gordon Restaurant
Chicago, IL
Davis + Geck
January 14-16
Boca Raton Resort & Club
Boca Raton, FL
Delphax
January 18-19
Stoweflake Resort
Stowe, VT
Lotus Development Corp
January 22-25
Dolphin & Swan Hotels
Lake Buena Vista, FL
LaughingStock Comedy Company enjoyed an amazing variety of comedy challenges (and weather) in January as they performed in three corners of the country for five clients over seventeen booked days.
The month started with a video shoot at Lotus Development Corporation's headquarters in Cambridge, MA. Working with Envision Meeting Producers, the comedy trio shot footage to be used later in the month at "Lotusphere", the annual Lotus products user conference. More about "Lotusphere" later.
Las Vegas, NV is the sight of the second largest trade show in the country, the Consumer Electronics Show. LaughingStock has been performing for Compaq Computer at all their major trade shows since June, 1993. (To 1997) This was LSCC's second appearance at CES and first with the theme: "Journey Ahead With Compaq".
The fifteen minute program was done live every hour for the four days of CES. LaughingStock wrote and performed an original street theater type production, based on H.G. Wells, "The Time Machine" and Compaq Computers. Audience volunteers were brought on stage as characters and sound effects were spontaneously created by the audience. Compaq product information was communicated to the audience with humor and fun.
LSCC spent a luxurious day at home and promptly left for Chicago to court Deloitte & Touche Management Consultant's potential new hires. These bright candidates were treated to hors d'oeuvres, a five course meal at five star Gordon Restaurant and a forty five minute LaughingStock Comedy Company improvisational comedy concert. Hilarious scenes revolved around the recruitment process as seen from both sides.
Another day at home to do some laundry and repack and off to tony Boca Raton, Florida. Davis + Geck manufactures wound closure devices. The company had just been sold, the sales force hadn't had a national sales meeting in three years and Davis + Geck wanted to produce a special meeting.
In comes Zinc/Visual Design Group of Norwalk, CT and LaughingStock. LSCC's intense research and interviews before the event allowed them to zero in on the hot issues and break the tension at several crucial points in the general sessions. Comedy scenes interspersed throughout the two days helped create a healthy new attitude toward the major changes going on in the company.
And now for something completely different: from sunny Florida to snow bare Stowe, Vermont. Larry Miller Productions of Boston brought LaughingStock to Vermont to spice up a one day general session for Delphax. These are the people who make the giant speed printers that create your utility bills and bank statements. The day was capped off with a standing ovation for the thirty minute comedy concert after the banquet.
Remember that video footage shot in early January? It was used by Envision to introduce speakers at the largest conference ever held on Disney property. "Lotusphere" hosted almost 6000 customers and product experts for five days so LaughingStock zips back to sunny FLA. LSCC and Envision went on to shoot and edit a laugh-filled ten minute video closer for the last day's general session.
Our three comedians reported for "SNN: Sphere News Network"; interviewing attendees and capturing fun moments from registration all the way through the final party. (Lotus threw a private party for 6000 at Disney's MGM Studio theme park.)
All in all, a record breaking month for LaughingStock in terms of creativity, dates, travel, dollars, variety and weather.
"...your participation in our National Sales Meeting was integral to our success...!" Larry Cronin Davis + Geck
Road Kills
