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Why You Need an ICAS Announcer
An airshow is a very unusual event. It combines the large crowds
of a rock festival with the thrills and dangers of motorsports.
It has the diversions of an Air and Space museum mixed in with
the amenities of a country fair. Its guests expect to be continuously
entertained and awed. And its organizers, sponsors, and concessionaires
expect to make a profit.
From the moment you open your gates to the press until the final
guest leaves -- often days later -- your airshow host announcer/narrator
becomes the focal point for the entire event, and your best guarantee
for safety and success. For a professional International Council of Airshows (ICAS) announcer
acts simultaneously in the following capacities:
- Safety Officer - Your first point of crowd control
is the microphone, and you require an experienced hand (and voice)
in the event of any problems -- from a medical emergency, lost
children, barbeque fire -- to an aircraft incident or accident.
The insights, assurances, and professional demeanor of the voice
of your airshow is your best insurance for continuity and calm.
- Promoter - Your host announcer has the ears of thousands
for an entire day. He is unusually positioned to promote your
sponsors, your concessionaires, your organization, and your upcoming
events (including next year's airshow.)
- Press Liaison - Your press activities and PR are incomplete
without including your host announcer. Often, he has more insight
and anecdotes to offer reporters and editors than most others
on the field.
- Performer Liaison - If your airshow features flying
demonstrations, then throughout the event your host announcer
is is in constant touch with the Air Boss, and often directly
with the performers. A constant orchestration goes on "off
microphone" to assure that the show flows smoothly, and the
host announcer provides the true continuity for the audience.
Especially when there are glitches behind the scenes.
- Co-Producer - Professional host announcers often have
a wealth of experience to offer you before your airshow
begins, as to what works, what doesen't, and how to maximize your
success. In addition, certain announcers have close links to nationally-known
airshow performers and can often guarantee their participation.
You and your committee should involve this critical resource well
in advance.
- Narrator/Entertainer - In the final analysis, your
audience has come to be entertained, to hear about airplanes in
the air and on the ground, and to have fun. The best professional
airshow announcers are "on" from the moment the gates
open until the sun goes down, and can keep the audience laughing,
smiling, in awe, or informed throughout the day. This role is
especially critical if there are problems, delays, or weather.
- Your Host to the Audience - Even if your show features
guest announcers who travel with individual airshow acts, you
need a host. Your Host Announcer is your representative to your
guests.
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