1. Talent / Lecture /Novelty Feature
A feature is considered the “draw” to your special event. They can be amusement rides, entertainers, lectures, DJs, bounce houses, etc. This section will concentrate on working with attractions regarding their status as independent contractors of the sponsoring organization & their contracts / riders

2. “Doing Business As” Names
A company or person is said to be "doing business as" or “D.B.A.” when the name under which they operate their business differs from its legal, registered name
Example: John Smith is doing business as D.J. Johnny John
Example: Johnny, Mike & Dave have a band. When they get paid the check is made out to their band’s name, which is, their D.B.A. name which is “The Cool Bros. Band”.
Some states require DBA or fictitious business name filings to be made for the protection of consumers conducting business with the entity.
Student Centers Administration asks for DBA names to help better track who is actually doing business with the University

3. Talent / Topic
Talent – In the case of the Operations Plan, talent refers to the work performed by the feature, that is performing or is being displayed during the special event. It may also refer to a description of what a device does that makes it a feature of your event
Ex. Bobby the Jugglers talent is “juggling”
Ex. Mike’s Magic Moment will bring in a “photo booth” to Suzie’s wedding
Ex. The Magic Band, will “play avant-garde rock music” during their concert
Topic – In the case of the Operations Plan, topic refers to what will be either taught, a view point elaborated on as the focal point of a lecture or forum
Ex: Stephen Hawking will “lecture on astrophysics”
Ex: The College Democrats & Republicans will host a “debate on the University’s alcohol policy”

4. Amusement Rides & Devices
Amusement - means any circus or carnival presented in the open, including a place where one or more rides or devices capable of accommodating one or more passengers and normally requiring the supervision or services of an operator are presented for amusement or entertainment purposes, and any circus, carnival or other portable show or exhibition presented under any single tent, air-supported plastic or fabric or other portable shelter, and involving the assembly of one hundred or more persons.
“Amusement” does not include an inflatable device leased for private residential use
Except as otherwise provided, it shall be unlawful for any person to exhibit, open, maintain or operate performances or shows commonly known as carnivals anywhere in the city of Hartford; provided, however, that this section shall not apply to any amateur show, bazaar, festival or other similar amusement conducted for the benefit of a church or religious society, whether or not it is carried on in a hall used occasionally for such affairs and located in a church edifice or maintained in connection with or as a part of the religious work of a church, religious society, public or parochial school, or upon the grounds of a church, school or religious society.

5. Talent Agency / Speaker’s Bureau
Talent Agent - someone who represents professional actors, writers, performers, musicians, artists and athletes. Agents work on behalf of their clients to promote and represent their interests. Agents may work for a talent agency
Speakers Bureau - is a collection of speakers who talk about a particular subject, which operates to facilitate speakers for clients requiring motivational speakers, celebrity appearances, conference facilitators, or keynote speakers
Middle Agent – is a person who will work with you in order to secure the services of the talent or speaker, instead of you negotiating directly with the talent or the talent’s agent. A middle agent will act as your exclusive representative in all matters as contracted
Agencies and bureaus initiates the introduction between speaker and client and supports both parties from the primary stages of making contact throughout the booking and logistics process such as fees, transport, accommodation and timing, or communication between speaker and client through contractual agreements and accompanying riders

6. Novelties
For the purposes of the Operations Plan, please consider the owners, operators and agencies representing novelties under this category
Under Talent / Topic, you may put the activity of the novelty:
Ex: The Mohegan Sun Experience’s talent is a “Casino Night”
Please ensure that the information of the owner or agent representing the novelty is filled out
Novelties include examples of, but not limited to:
Bounce Houses
Casino Nights
Psychic Fairs
Message Fairs / Stress Fess
Paint Nights
Wax Hands

7. Contracts
DO NOT SIGN ANYTHING! Students and most faculty/staff are not authorize to bind University resources and funds to a contractual agreement
Any contracts need to be approved two (2) weeks in advance by:
Your advisor (student organizations)
Your Department Authority before signature
The Department of Procurement
Student Activities and the Office of Procurement has University of Hartford standard contracts. This contract will supersede the contract offered by an artists or agent and should be used or included as an addendum to any other agreement.

8. Riders
Hospitality Rider – is a document that outlines what someone needs usually in terms of food, lodging and other comfort needs to perform a contracted service
Technical Rider – is a document that gives audio-visual and venue specific needs in order to have your talent, entertainment or lecture performed their contracted duties in a space. It is strongly suggested that these documents are reviewed by Student Centers Administration, before you enter into any agreement using a contract. A technical rider may include, but is not limited to the following:
How many people are involved in the production & what they will do and need to perform
A summary of what the talent will need to perform and if they need it supplied for them or they will bring it with them.
There should also be a list of reasonable expectations of the expectations of what are adequate conditions for the needs to perform in
Stage plot (How to set up the performance area)
Contact information of a person in charge of the entertainer’s or lecture’s production needs

9. Insurance & Independent Contractors Statements
Features (entertainers, lectures and novelty provider companies) must provide a certificate of insurance, in case of unfortunate and unforeseen mishap covering their activities for the event that shows:
$1 million of coverage per occurrence, combined single limit and $3 million general aggregate
On a case by case basis, a $1 million coverage is acceptable
Features (entertainers, lectures and novelty programs) that are not a corporate entities or are self-represented may purchase one-time insurance to fulfill this requirement
Please consult Student Centers Administration for further information
Needs to name the “University of Hartford and each of their affiliates, agents, trustees, officers and employees” as additional insureds
Features need to also sign / provide the University documentation that they are “independent contractors” who are performing one-time work for the University of Hartford and have their own insurance. This can be done through:
The feature’s standing agreement
An addendum from the University of Hartford to the feature’s agreement
The University’s own internal contract for these entertainers

10. Contact Us With Questions
Student Centers Leadership Team
Charles Amerson Director of Student Centers Gengras Student Union, Room 205 Phone:
Fallon Roberson-Roby Business and Scheduling Services Administrator Gengras Student Union, Room 205 Phone:
Matthew Matarese Coordinator Gengras Student Union, Room 205 Phone:
Marissa Theriault Coordinator Gengras Student Union, Room 205 Phone: