What is Hospitality at Live Events?

Hospitality at live events is how artists, crew and guests are looked after on show day, covering catering, dressing rooms, rider items, accommodation and transport. The term also covers corporate hospitality: premium packages sold to sponsors and businesses.

How artist hospitality works

Artist hospitality is planned and delivered in stages:

  1. Requests: each act's hospitality rider sets out what they need.
  2. Agreement: the promoter and act agree what will be provided, or offer a cash buyout instead, during the advance.
  3. Preparation: the venue or festival stocks dressing rooms and the green room, books hotels and arranges transport.
  4. Show day: the artist liaison and catering team deliver meals, rider items and any last-minute requests.

Festivals coordinating hotels and transport for dozens of acts often manage artist travel and accommodation in Crescat.

Hospitality vs hospitality rider

The hospitality rider is the document listing an act's requests. Hospitality is the whole service of looking after them, including items that aren't on the rider, such as crew catering, parking and welcome information. Good hospitality is often what artists remember most about a venue or festival.

Example hospitality plan for one act

  • Dressing room stocked with water, soft drinks, fruit and towels
  • Hot meal for eight at 17:30, including two vegetarian options
  • Four meal tickets for local crew
  • Two hotel rooms, check-in 14:00
  • Car from the airport at 12:00 and back after the show

Frequently asked questions

What is a hospitality buyout?

A buyout is cash paid to the act instead of providing a meal or rider items, often a set amount per person. It is common when catering isn't available or when the act prefers to choose their own food.

Who pays for artist hospitality?

The promoter usually pays, as part of the show costs agreed in the contract. At venue shows, the venue may provide some hospitality as part of the hire. Agreed hospitality costs are usually listed as show expenses at settlement.

What is corporate hospitality at events?

Corporate hospitality is a premium package sold to businesses and sponsors, such as a private area, food, drinks and the best views. It is a major source of income at festivals, sports events and arenas.

Related terms