SAN DIEGO, California -- Sam Trego Imagination Entertainment.
Sam Trego's Imagination Entertainment (IE) has not only survived the challenging times faced by most event professionals in late 2001/early 2002...the company has experienced tremendous growth in this "down" economy. The positive results can be credited to IE's signature style of entertainment which makes a strong statement to it’s audiences.
Sam Trego, President/Executive Producer, has created several signature shows that can be customized to fit an array of budgets, venues and special event requirements. In the musical theatre genre, "On Broadway", "Superstar", "Songs of the Century" and "Rhythm Dance" have been delighting audiences around the globe. In early 2002, he introduced "Song of America", a patriotically-inspired revue that pays tribute to our country’s rich musical heritage. Each IE theatrical production features the top talent from Broadway, Los Angeles and Las Vegas, and a tightly-choreographed flow that is rarely seen in a special event environment.
Q: How has technology helped your business?
ST: The first thing that comes to mind is that it has enabled people to find us more quickly. People who did not know of our service can easily find us on the web. Using the internet, we have been able to keep our marketing costs down. Visitors to our site can see videos and make requests for our service. Backing up our print advertising with our web site has had a great impact on bringing in new clients.
Q: How has using the Internet to deliver multi-media reduced your overhead?
ST: It is so easy to post video and audio on our web site with Get It Planet, saving us hundreds of dollars in mailing costs. Also, our clients can access us 24/7.
Q: What are some of the challenges in drawing people to your web site?
ST: The goal is to maximize the number of people visiting your site, creating a database to whom we can e-mail about new services we offer. Through traditional methods, obtaining this list can take time, and time is money. What I like about Get It Planet is that they help the buyer find us when they are ready to buy.
Q: How do you deal with referring a customer that is looking for a service that you do not provide?
ST: Referrals are so important to our company. For example, I currently have a very loyal client that wants me to produce a Latin theme show. I do not have the resources to produce this type of show. I found someone to help, viewed their production videos and felt they might be great for my client. Before I could finalize my options, I wanted references from others in the industry who I respect before referring my client. Get It Planet helps me do that and gives me the confidence to make that referral.
Q: Sam, your company has been very helpful in developing our on-line verification system. Why do you feel that this is the key to our success?
ST: From the first time I met with you over 2 years ago, I knew that Get It Planet was on to something. When a client comes to your web site and knows that the information provided by my company has been verified, it takes doing business on the Internet to the next level. No longer can a Vendor “pay” to be listed first. It levels the playing field.
Q: Now that you have seen version 2.0 for the first time. What are your feelings?
ST: It has a much more inviting interface and I feel that both Planners and Vendors will find it easy and fun to use.
Q: How do you feel about the Request for Quote (RFQ) and Request for Proposal (RFP) process?
ST: Most of what we do is customized for our client; however, you have made it so easy for us to add our percentage and quickly turn the proposal over to make money. This one feature will save my company hours of time. Sourcing information and getting back to my client quickly means more business for my company. Get It Planet has addressed this wonderfully.
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