Hans Kazan: Welcome to the enchanting world of hotel entertainment

Hotels play a crucial role as venues where people come together and enjoy an unforgettable stay. We had the honour of talking to none other than Hans Kazan, a living legend in the field of entertainment. With his wealth of knowledge and experience, he shares his insights on the world of hotel entertainment in the Netherlands, the impact of hotel performances on the customer experience and his focus on lectures 'with a Magic Touch'.

"The Dutch entertainment market is what you call a 'loose market'," Kazan says. "Artists depend on television performances to become popular. If you do well on TV, you get booked a lot in the country. In contrast, abroad - America, France, Asian and Arab countries, for example - there are still variety circuits with magicians, illusionists, jugglers, singers and comedians performing specifically in hotels. It is a pity that that kind of variety has become rare in the Netherlands. The Hilton chain, for example, used to have entertainers who circulated all over the world. Many magicians, by the way, like Paul Potassy. They would stay for a month and entertain people. Such professionals are still there but the market is getting smaller and smaller."

Serious and light-hearted

Kazan gives a behind-the-scenes look at the use of live entertainment. "Every hotel of reasonable size nowadays has an event manager who arranges the entertainment. A magician is often a good option because they are fun for different audiences and can easily communicate with guests who speak a different language. In addition, the demand for lectures is growing. These respond to the need of business guests in particular to learn something from such an evening and at the same time end with a laugh. That is the ideal combination, a mix of content and relaxation."

Overall programme

Organising something great from time to time is definitely good for the hotel's name and prestige, Kazan said. "Bringing in a well-known live act is one thing. Besides variety shows, artists and lectures, people also find workshops attractive these days, by the way. But it's about more than just bringing in a big name. If live entertainment really wants to offer added value, you have to focus on the total programme you offer around it. It is important how it is dressed up and how good the surrounding PR activities are. Think not only about how you involve the guests but also the surrounding area.

Can you make the live entertainment provide an extra surprise in another place in the hotel, in the lobby or in the corridors? Try to work with as many parties as possible to come up with an attractive and well-executed plan that really suits the act. You could almost say that there could be room for permanent entertainment teams in hotels. However, the considerable cost is the very reason why professional animation teams are being used less and less. In the Netherlands, this only pays off if you are an entertainment-focused hotel. But if everything comes together perfectly, you create a magical experience no one will forget anyway."

Lectures

With his wealth of entertainment experience as a magician and presenter, Kazan has decided to focus on lecturing - and these are not just any lectures. He tells his authentic stories and involves the audience in his experiences. "My stories are not only about successes but also, on the contrary, about setbacks - which of course did not leave me cold either - and how I dealt with them, mixed with a touch of humour. I believe that sharing these experiences inspires people and helps them deal with setbacks, both business and personal."

"Besides variety shows, performers and lectures, people find workshops very appealing these days."

Four elements distinguish kazan's mesmerising entertainment:

• Searching together for what makes you happy

• Sharing insights to overcome setbacks

• Bringing light-heartedness, humour and personal connection

• Interactive experience and lasting impact on the customer experience - always concluded with a surprising magic trick

Reviews and comments show that his stories touch and captivate people. "They appreciate the authenticity. It inspires that I share my experiences openly with a large audience. In addition, the interactive question round at the end is highly appreciated, because it gives guests the opportunity to engage in personal conversation - and always comes the question: Hansie, will you do a magic trick? Then, of course, I don't say no. Hans Kazan never leaves the room without doing at least one trick."