3 Steps to Choosing the Perfect School Assembly Program

I’m Joe Romano. I’ve been a school assembly presenter operating out of Virginia for the last 30 years. After performing assemblies in VA, PA, NJ, NY, CT, MD, and even Washington DC, I know what schools are looking for. I encourage you to bookmark this article to refer to when booking new assembly presenters for your school.

“Help! I Don’t know What to Do!”

Some folks are thrust into the role of booking an assembly without having any support, guidance, or idea of what to do. Many first-time PTA./PTO members are presented with this seemingly easy task only to find themselves completely overwhelmed.

Go online to find something – anything – can often produce far too many choices if you don’t know how to narrow the field. These tips will help you zero in on the best options for you.

School Assembly Booking Tip #1: Choose Your Topic

I’ve heard stories from other presenters who say a school representative will call them on the phone and say, “Which assembly should I book?” Like many presenters, I offer many topics, all designed to satisfy what the school is focusing on when I visit.

If you’re new to booking assemblies and the presenter you’re considering has multiple topics, every show might seem like a winner. But there’s a simple way to make your decision easier. Look at what your kids are currently studying in school. Choose an assembly that supports that topic. It’s that easy.

Still not sure?

The Beginning of the School Year

I’ve got a few more ideas for you. For many assembly presenters, bookings come in ‘seasons.’ The beginning of the school year through the end of October finds many schools choosing Character Education, Social-Emotional Learning, or Anti-Bullying as their assembly topics.

It’s easy to see why. It’s the beginning of the school year, so the above topics serve as a conversation starter about appropriate behavior in school. A good program can help set the tone for the rest of the year.

Right After the Holiday/Winter Break

For many schools, after the holiday break is the time to focus assemblies on science and reading, Science because many districts hold their science fairs after the break. Reading because March is Read Across America.

After March, many schools often focus on Character Education, Math, or Recycling. Really, after March, every school district is different and may choose something completely different from a neighboring district.

School Assembly Booking Tip #2: Make Sure Your Presenter is an Expert

This is a biggie in the world of assembly presenters. Those of us who do this kind of work full-time have heard dozens of stories over the years of sub-par presenters who only tack on a weak or unsubstantial message at the very end of the show.

To safeguard yourself against this, comb through your prospective presenter’s web copy carefully. Do they just talk about how fun their show is or do they offer specific details about the lessons and messages in their shows?

And don’t be afraid to pick up the phone and call your presenter. They should be happy and willing to answer any questions about the content of their programs.

School Assembly Booking Tip #3: Book a Presenter with a Guarantee

There is an unfortunate part of researching your options online. And it’s one many people don’t want to think about. Anyone can go online, set up a website, and say whatever they want. Sure, there are laws, but small businesses often fly under the radar.

School assembly presenters are no different. Some are great, and some aren’t. Fortunately, there is one way to safeguard yourself. Look for a presenter who offers an unconditional money-back guarantee.

If your perspective presenter is as good as they claim, they shouldn’t hesitate to guarantee your work. It’s that easy. By the way, presenters who do not offer a guarantee may try to justify it. They may claim they are worried about being taken advantage of.

That’s silly. In 30 years of performing, I’ve never once had a school client take me up on my guarantee. But by offering it, I’m communicating my experience, confidence, and value to my clients.

Ready for the Assembly Experience of Your School Year?

I’d love to bring one of my Ultimate School Shows to YOUR students! With programs based on science, reading, math, character education, and more, you have a wide selection of great programs.

Each school assembly I present is filled with eye-opening magic, interactive fun, onstage volunteers, and much more. Contact me today to get FREE assembly information delivered right to your inbox!