An experienced professional producer/ promoter can make all the difference on your concert or music festival. One phone session with Hal Abramson and you’ll quickly learn that 3 decades of promoting experience offers you an edge. Those benefits are especially realized on music festivals where due diligence, detailed planning and cost/ revenue analysis is so important to profitability, event safety and patron enjoyment. There’s a lot on the line when you produce a music festival. It’s for now and the future. The first call or email is free.

Hal R. Abramson

A music festival is an annuity for the community.
The entire region is affected by your event. The financial impact is significant. You are providing seasonal employment, forging business relationships and opportunities that can last decades. Plan correctly now to avoid arguments and problems down the road. Get the community involved. Promote a non-profit org or charity on your home page. Help others as you help yourself. Most festivals with a conscience do.

Rent a promoter brings your event various services from an experienced promoter (otherwise known as an Event Producer), without the cost of employing a concert consultant or music festival consultant, long term. This service allows you to rent a promoter for 1 hour or to manage your entire event so you can enjoy your role as owner or Director. Maybe your expertise is elsewhere and you know when you need the assistance of someone who can step into a particular task and handle it prfessionally. Please do not try a music festival without experience, you will be seriously awakened to an unpleasant reality.

Hal can assist you with just one component or run the entire show!
Though Hal is a marketing specialist, marketing is not everything anymore, it’s thinking about all aspects of the event, all the time. It’s administration, ticketing, stage production, site production, venue plan, security, hygiene, power, hospitality, catering, transportation, insurance, legal, accounting, sponsorships, beverage and vendor considerations, venue relations, talent selection, your event staff, there are over 65 cost centers on a major music festival! It’s a lot of stuff to do well.

Most importantly, there is a correct sequence of events when promoting the stages of a concert or festival. Sponsorships also require a proper order of action and plenty of advance time.
You only need 2-5 people to plan and set up a music festival. Everybody else is hired as needed or is a volunteer or single job contractor. Fewer staff is better, but they need to be effective, educated, experienced and fast.

Get serious professionals to help, who know how to get things done and at the right price. It takes years to learn the winning formula. In these times, you need to combine what works with trends and industry secrets, to ensure a winning music festival. Learn to maximize revenue streams!

FESTIVAL PROMOTION
When it does come to marketing, Hal Abramson’s marketing plans and execution of a sound, sustained marketing mix, including conventional and online marketing, is hard hitting and effective.

Your ticket price, event timing, venue and product must all be aligned with the stars to maximize your event’s profit and festival experience. Hal helps weigh all of the factors influencing marketing.

After composing a compact marketing/ business plan with you, he seeks co-promotions, sponsors and far reaching public relations. Almost any new music festival needs an aggressive marketing medley of advertising, promotions and public relations.

As a former Ringling promoter and independent event producer, promoting in many cities including in Canada and Australia, Hal can work in any market, city or rural.
Hal’s corporate background in resort and travel marketing enables him to tie in the back end integrating ecommerce and merchandise and sponsors easily. His experience in reservations, call center operations and ticketing allows  him to introduce a larger scope to your revenue streams.

Every recommendation made is in pursuit of selling more tickets, while enhancing the ticket buyer’s experience at non-rip-off prices. Good management provides confidence to your entire operation.   

The festival starts with an accurate cost and revenue sheet. Hal has made hundreds of accurate cost/ revenue sheets for both concerts and music festivals since 1975. With certain facts from you, he can evaluate your event’s profitability in one call. Music festivals are complicated and hard enough to carry out without major problems. Critical components need to be addressed simultaneously.

It’s knowing what not to do as well as learning what to do, and how to do it properly. Only experience can make a promoter. Having some guidance is a blessing.

Example: Don’t attempt a major music festival without a min. of 8 months advance time. The typical music festival takes about one year to produce from scratch. To avoid paying more for rushing, making last minute mistakes, raising stress levels and diminishing talent selection, start early or move back the date. How about starting now for the following year?

Hundreds of facts, methods, promoter’s timeline and bits of advice can be found in Hal’s best selling promoter’s Manual. 345 pages of promoting secrets incl. forms, layouts, contracts, sample rider, Offer Sheet, contacts, step-by-step instructions and recommendations.  Awesome Book!

PROMOTERS NEED PROMOTERS TOO
Producers and promoters need feedback from time to time, someone with some sense you can bounce things off of. Someone you know is also a promoter who is looking out for your best interest, and that won’t compete against you. The advice is just as valuable as your lawyer’s, probably more.

If you have an established event but need help, call 7 days a week to discuss exactly what you need and when. If your event’s general facts are secret, don’t call. You need to share basic information to get answers.

Hal Abramson works on events both remotely and live, depending on the need. You may need help in just one or on a few topics.  Most need help on the web site design, working with your webmaster.  or perhaps you’d like to have a promoter on call, for instant phone or email consultation anytime 7 days a week! That’s valuable, and after you speak to Hal once, you’ll see that his words relate directly to a better, more profitable festival. Hal’s consulting price is based on the amount of Hal’s time that’s used. He’s very reasonable. See web only package deals below.

Hal has helped hundreds of concert and festival promoters in many countries.
Tel: (731) 438-1597 ET, US. If you choose to email, please include your contact information, incl. phone and physical address, if you want a response.  hal2002@starpower.net

HAL ABRAMSON  CAREER HIGHLIGHTS

• President - Cactus Productions, Inc., Las Vegas, ‘75
  
• Stagehand - Local Union 720, Las Vegas
• Promotions Manager - 4 Downtown Las Vegas Casinos
• Promoter of many concerts, MD, late 70’s
• Promoter - Stompin 76 , VA
• Director of Marketing Marvin’s Sport City, MD, ‘80-84
• National Sports Warehouse
• Promoter - Stompin 79 & 99, WV
• Show Manager- Super Pet Expo, ‘MD, 06-‘07
• Regional Marketing Director –
• Ringling Bros. & Barnum and Bailey Circus  D.C.
• Ice Follies & Holiday On Ice Combined Shows,  70’s
• Marketing Director - Vacation Break USA, FL ‘88-92
• Marketing Director – Safari Internet, FL ‘97-98
• Designer of JamSouth  ‘07
• Unite Concerts & UniteFest, ‘08
• Event Producer - Live At The Zoo Music Festival, S. Australia, ‘09
• Consultant - Rio Grande Scenic Railroad Concerts CO, ‘09
• Marketing/ Event Production Consultant to promoters worldwide.

There's more to music festivals than you think.

FESTIVAL ITEMS TO CONSIDER

• Due Diligence- County/ permits
• Fest site search
• Cost & Revenue Sheet
• Festival Proposal
• Marketing -  Advertising, Promotions, PR
• Marketing Plan
• Web design and ecommerce
• Festival Business Plan
• Executive Summary or One-sheet
• Sponsorship proposals
• Co-promotions
• Site operations Camping/ Parking
• Stage Production
• Security, EMS, Fence
• Transportation, hospitality
• Vendors and merch
• Beverage distribution
• Talent considerations
• Staff and Volunteers

HAL’S PAST IS VAST

At age 21, Hal promoted the biggest bluegrass music festival in American history, Stompin 76 in Galax, VA. This was after promoting many legendary concerts in Maryland in the mid 70’s. As a former Ringling Bros. Circus & Ice Follies Promoter, Vegas stagehand and Casino Promotions Director, promoter and designer of many festivals/  concerts, you can take advantage of his remarkable and intense marketing and operations capabilities in one person, not available anywhere even with an entire staff. Learn from his incredible experience. You don’t want to pay dearly later for a lack of foresight now.

Hal Abramson is a legendary music festival producer consulting and providing specialized marketing, administration or production for an array of events from trade shows to major music festivals.

Benefit from more than 3 decades of festival and concert experience!

There are very few promoters with such diverse and extensive event marketing experience.
One trial visit to your location can tell you the feasibility and entire cost of your proposed event. That right festival in the right place and the right time of year, will provide you or your organization with an expanding annuity for the rest of your life. You will provide jobs, taxes, positive economic impact and increase tourism in your area. Involve the community and increase support from local orgs.

Hal’s relative low cost enables you to afford the advice of a festival hardened professional at a fraction of what a large company would charge, if there was one.

The formulation and management of a music festival is extremely detailed and demands all of your time. Hal can streamline the effort by suggesting cost effective, proven systems and methods.

Hal can be on site and run your entire operation or handle segments you need help with. Many retain Hal for on-demand phone call and email advice.

Festival Consulting to accommodate your unique needs.
Every event is unique. Every Promoter has a different skill set.

      
The above packages are for consulting only. If you need an Event producer to plan and manage your event or significant parts of it, prices start at $5,000. depending on the event’s size and time involved.

DETAILED TASK MENU

MARKETING: Research, write and implement cost effective marketing plans; small or large. The price depends on the number of pages your size project requires.

ADVERTISING: Media buying and budgeting, ad layout, spot production: Radio, TV, Billboards, Print, Online ads, flyer/ poster design and buying.

PROMOTIONS: This is a great way to extend your ad budget by offering promotions to increase excitement about your event, integrated with your media buys. Coordination throughout your marketing campaign. Hiring, training and tracking of remote street teams. Co-promotional agreements.

PUBLIC RELATIONS: Writing and distributing press releases, e-releases. Coordinating press schedules and press events, media. Database management and direct mail design and contracting.

ONLINE: The most important part of a modern event marketing plan is the web site and driving traffic to it. The quality, presentation and logic behind your site will directly influence your ticket buyer. Compelling web design or re-design for greater marketing effectiveness, online marketing, web site merchandising, web site optimization (improves search engine ranking) and streamlining navigation are all important to making your web site the most important online festival destination in your region. E-mail blasts, banner ad purchasing, viral marketing, online communities, ereleases,.. it’s all part of a winning online presence Hals’ sites are designed to make people buy now.

MERCHANDISING/ CONCESSIONS: Concessions vendor village layout and design, formulating solicitation packets, Agreements, signage, vendor village management, group sales and how to get the most of your vendors while making it fair for them is part of Hal’s toolbox.

ADMINISTRATION: Administration of small and large staffs, hiring and firing, interviewing and training. Contract negotiation and writing simple agreements, accounting (billing and budgeting). Training manual formulation, trainer. Logistics and coordination of special internal projects.

FESTIVAL SITE PRODUCTION: Site and stage area production and positioning.
To include: security criteria and budgeting, gate and fence construction or contracting, training, local government coordination, parking, waste control and recycling, camping, bus programs, road ingress and egress operations and road construction, box office, stage, sound & lights contracting, internal people-moving transportation systems.

SPONSORSHIPS: Research and develop sponsorship programs, proposals and letters designed to maximize your demographic appeal to particular corporations interested in getting to your audience. Hal has lists of sponsor contacts. Today it’s important to expand your marketing budget by including a robust sponsor program in your event’s marketing plan.  Plan 1 year ahead.

REFERENCES FROM APPRECIATIVE PROMOTERS

Dear Mr. Abramson,

Thank you for getting the Manual to me so promptly.
Thank you especially for taking so much time with me on the telephone during our sessions. It was like having a series of private seminars with a real professional Promoter. It really helped open my eyes to a lot of details and reality on costs I had overlooked.
Riviera, Texas Promoter

To All Promoters,

I have planned political events but was tasked at organizing a benefit concert and thought Hal's book would be the perfect. I knew nothing about music events or starting a business. The same day Hal gave me a referral he couldn't take. The client hired me to produce a CD Release Party! Thanks to Hal's book, a little handholding from Hal and him composing a detailed agreement for me, in 1 day I was able to start a business. I am so grateful for this book and Hal’s generosity.
Jen, Washington, D.C, Promoter

Comment for posting: Hal Abramson consulting,

I've received hours of consultation with Hal and the results have been phenomenal. You come out of consultations with Hal exuding confidence because Hal teaches you how to approach a venue and buy media. He teaches you how to speak their language and he teaches an attitude that you must have when you approach them.
His experience and knowledge is absolute, when I told him what my vision was for my comedy series, he instantly began creating one idea after another and literally took the whole concept to another level, it was incredible.
The more questions Hal would ask the more ideas were created. After about two weeks, I had a complete business Plan that I could take to the market place without hesitation. It's become apparent to me that my future as a promoter in terms of attitude and creating viable comedy concerts is inside of Hal’s head. This is the # 1 reason I will be calling on Hal regularly, and will continue studying with him. He sees my vision.
He is the best at his game. Hal is my coach in this game, and he has gone well beyond merely providing consultation advice. He's been there to answer all of my questions whether late in the evening or on the weekend. I guarantee he could easily charge two to three thousand dollars for his consultations, others are doing so, but they won't teach you what he does.

Do yourself a favor and study this business and craft with the help of Hal’s consultation.
Steve, Los Angeles Promoter

Hal-

Deepest of gratitude to you-
Thank u for your care and interest in my fest vision. You are a godsend.
Can't wait talk more and use your experience. Tremendous Help!
Respectfully Yours,
New York Promoter

Hal,
You are a one-of-a-kind resource to promoters. I know of nowhere else I can call or email for the inside info. on methods, plans and procedures to promote. The depth and scope of your experience and talent is most valuable to promoters everywhere!
Chicago Event Promoter

Comment for posting: Hal Abramson consulting

Hal is a quality human being. Always puts his heart into everything he does, When it comes to promotion advice, Hal’s a straight-shooter. Be honest- treat others with utmost respect- take full personal responsibility and don't leave anything undone which must be done. Hal lays out each step that must be taken in order to make your event a profitable success!

His practical value FAR outweighs his consulting or book cost. Any aspiring promoter would be foolish to pass over the opportunity to tap into the 30+ years of experience from a seasoned pro like Hal.
David, New Jersey Promoter

There are countless more promoters taking the time to thank Hal for sharing his experience and assisting them with their events.  It’s hard to find caring help these days.

Hal helps promoters daily. Energy in = Energy Out		PLEASE GIVE TO YOUR LOCAL FOOD BANK OR HOMELESS SHELTER. IT DOESN'T TAKE MUCH TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE.
WARNING: Ethics in the festival business is presently at code red. One concertpromotions book with a similar URL claims: “… if you want to make an average of $500 to $5,000 PER DEAL as a concert promoter, this is the book for you. Let us show you how to start making money from day one!” and other misleading statements. These are reckless claims quantifying profits. Stay away from people or companies who make these types of misleading blanket guarantees of profit. It’s deceptive and the book is not good we’ve heard. The guy turning it out isn’t even a promoter. Some of his text is from us. Be clear about the fact that it is a real challenge to show profits continually on concerts. The smaller the show, the worse the chances.  Do not confuse the misleading site from our  www.concert-promotions.com  the Hal Abramson book site.
HOW NOT TO PROMOTE CONCERTS AND MUSIC FESTIVALS©, all rights reserved, 1999-2010. Published by Hal R. Abramson, Rockville, MD, USA 20855 The names stompin76, UniteFest, ChristianMegaFest, concert-promotions.com, festivaland.com, festivalanimal.com and unitefest.com. All are property of Hal R. Abramson, all rights reserved 2010,.as is the content and layout of this web site.
www.concert-promotions.com       www.concert-promotions.net  www.rentapromoter.com
18127 Bowie Mill Rd.  Rockville, MD 20855, USA  (731) 438-1597   hal2002@starpower.net

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