We are honored to host Santa Family Reunion. Our esteemed presenters kindly volunteer their time and knowledge at this gathering. The Workshops they are presenting are industry focused and created just for our event. These are leaders, business owners and performers within the Christmas community!!
They are why Santa Family Reunion has become one of the most cherished Gatherings!!!
Please choose only 8 workshops you would want to attend. You are not bound to these workshops - this will help the organizers schedule the workshops in the proper rooms and time blocks to accommodate everyone. CHOOSE ONLY 8 WORKSHOPS.
There will be 37 total workshops:
Saturday: Block 1 has 5 Workshops
Sunday: Block 2 has 4 Workshops - Block 3 has 5 Workshops
Monday: Block 4 has 5 Workshops - Block 5 has 4 Workshops - Block 6 has 5 Workshops
Tuesday: Block 7 has 5 Workshops - Block 8 has 4 Workshops
Branding your Holiday Business for Success - Susan Mesco
Understanding that true branding involves 8 important elements- far beyond a cute logo. How to put these elements together to create a powerful impact on your target audience, to stand out from other average holiday performers in your area, and increase your income by attracting higher-end clients.
Creating Magical Environments using Technology - Michael Howe & Michael Beurer
Let's explore utilizing diverse technologies to create lasting memories that transcend our usual settings. We'll exchange tips on optimizing Virtual Visits (both Corporate and Personal) and Providential Visits, covering practical setups like hardware, applications, and environmental choices. Moreover, we'll discuss the advantages of embracing these technological innovations for magical Christmas memories.
Even Santa needs Insurance - Larry Talbert
To help people understand what coverages are provided by each program available so that they can make an informed decision on the plan that fits their needs the best.
Everything a New Santa Must Know - Mitch Allen
The objective of this course is to equip a new Santa with the essential knowledge and skills needed to excel in their role. Participants will learn how to navigate various types of events, effectively market themselves, and handle common questions. The course will also cover best practices for posing for pictures, engaging with children, and securing more work opportunities.
Fake it ‘til You Make it - the Power of Improv - Lee Andrews
As Christmas Performers one of our jobs is to create a land of fantasy and make believe. We get asked questions of all types or placed in sometimes questionable scenarios. What sets us apart from others is how we handle those situations and answer those questions. In this class we will dive deep in how to be quick witted, how to create a rolodex of answers, how to engage with a performer you have never worked with before, and how to handle the toughest of situations.
Great Home Visits - Broken Down - Mitch Allen
This workshop is designed for Santa at various stages of their career, from those who are new to home visits to an experienced Santa looking to refine their skills. It is particularly beneficial for:- A newer Santa: Those who are just starting out and need guidance on how to conduct successful and memorable home visits.- An Experienced Santa: Santa who has been performing for a few years and are looking to enhance their techniques and add new elements to their home visit repertoire.- Santa Trainers: Individuals responsible for training and mentoring a new Santa, providing them with advanced tips and best practices.
How to Become a Claus everyone loves - Ed Taylor
Help Clauses know what to do & say and how to do it and say it so we provide EVERYone with the Claus experience they deserve.
How to Get the Perfect Shot - Stephenie Boys
How to work with your photographer to engage with children, work with parents, how to choose the perfect set, safe props, pose ideas and lists, and what to do in specific situations when children may not cooperate.
How to Stay Cool - the Effects of Heat - Julie Kracke
Bursting with heat facts for Santa and Mrs. Claus that'll knock your stockings off! You'll leave loaded with tips to keep cool and the scoop on 5 different types of cooling vests—so you'll know which ones will have you ho-ho-hoing all the way and which ones are on the naughty list!
Lessons for Awakening Your Creativity from Santa's Creative Team - Jenny Watt
We will use the lessons from Santa's creative elves to create an imaginative answer to a question.
Lights, Camera, Makeup - Lee Andrews
In this class we will discuss make-up types, make-up products, make-up application, and make-up removal to help your Santa look the best he possibly can. We will discuss beard whitening make-up and the options you have to apply it. We will discuss face make-up and why it is important for you to wear some sort of make-up in your portrayal. We will discuss and show you how to make your Santa beard appear fuller and healthier using make-up techniques.
Magic with the Clauses - Mike & Nina Britt
How you and a partner can incorporate simple magic into your performance. Working with a partner can bring new elements to your corporate and/or home events.
Make your event more Magical with Magic - Larry Talbert
NOT to be a Magician, just learn to have magical things occur around Santa, Mrs. Claus and The Elves.
Mrs. Claus & Santa - Character, Solo & Seasoned Success - Shawn White
Developing character/backstory and how to get the job working solo or with Santa including tips on marketing and social media.
Musing of a Mall Santa - Myth & Magic - Terry Bell
Musings of a Mall Santa provides an inside look at the life of Santa in large venues. In this class, we'll compare and contrast working as a contracted Christmas character vs. operating as an independent, identifying the myths often told and providing the truth. You'll learn how to quickly connect with children and families and provide a magical experience every time. If you are a Mall Santa or are considering becoming a Mall Santa, this workshop is for you!
Parade Training - Showing Your Santa Heart - Kenneth Debelius
Performing in a parade is a unique experience unlike any other Santa portrayal. Showcasing Santa's Heart, Energy, Love and Spirit of Christmas will be discussed. Santa's look, voice, words, body movements, safety and interaction with all involved in the parade all contribute to the success of a great Santa.
Past, Present & Future Santa Suits - Bill Dendy
An overview of the history and trends of the Santa suit in the USA. What fabrics to consider in having a suit made and things to do to improve the look of your existing suit(s).
Protecting that Investment - Rex Ray
Care, cleaning and storage of our costuming.
Quality Santa/Mrs. Claus visit with autistic children - Susan Mesco
Overview of Autism. Recognizing what each Autistic child needs BEFORE they approach. Techniques for Santa / Mrs. Claus to best serve each type of Autism. Revealing the one secret needed to have a successful lap encounter with any child with Autism. What the parents of the Autistic Child need from Santa / Mrs. Claus.
Santa & Pure Imagination - Joe Barney
How to use your imagination and small props to create a magical visit with children of all ages.
Santa’s Guide to AI - Your Storytelling Assistant- Santa Carlucci & Jenny Lynn
An easy to use way of using the latest AI LLMs as an assistant tool to create stories for the students' performance based visits. All students will be shown how to create interesting stories, getting suggestions of how children can interact with the story, and even be provided ways to create scripts to enhance storytelling. Students will be given AI input data to create their own stories plus a followup email with a list of AI prompts to further their depth of using this tool.
Santa’s Hair - A work in Progress - Missy Boggs
Teaching Santa the best practices for having beautiful healthy hair and beard while preventing breakage and damage. If you have hair or a beard you can benefit a lot from this class.
Sign for Santa - Paul Burke
Intro to sign language for Santa with discussion of: deaf culture, finger spelling, basic signs, forms. styles of communication used by the deaf community. Paul has an Associates degree in Interpreter Training from Chattanooga State Technical Community College and is a volunteer interpreting in a church setting, workshops and substitute interpreting from elementary to college age.
Sleigh Your Competition: Tools for managing and growing your business - Roger Minton
In the dynamic world of entertainment, staying ahead means having the right tools at your fingertips. This workshop will dive into the essential technologies that can transform how you manage your business, including Customer Relationship Management (CRM) systems, efficient calendar management, and the power of AI. Discover how these tools can streamline your operations, enhance client relationships, and propel your business to new heights. Whether you're a seasoned performer or just starting, learn how to sleigh the competition and ensure your business thrives.
Sneak-a-Peak - Steve & Debra Gillham
This workshop explores the concept of Santa being able to “sneak” in, leave gifts, have a bite of cookie and a swig of milk and the kids getting a “peak”......all without a word being said. Learn the details behind this magical visit from Santa. Create a memory that will last a lifetime!
The Christmas Classic that gave America Santa Claus - Robert Karrick
Workshop attendees will gain a greater appreciation for the influence Moore's poem has had on the world's conception of Santa Claus and the way America celebrates Christmas.
The Business of Santa - Ann Donley & George Grasic
We will discuss various business topics including, but not limited to, record keeping, Federal income tax implications, types of entities, billing issues, etc.
The Clauses and the Inevitable - Rex Ray
A frank discussion of preparing for the end of your career as a Christmas performer, both planned and unplanned, temporary or permanent.
The Performing Santa - Ray Jamstone
Sharpen your performance skills.... be more than just a prop!
The Three Clay Pots - Steve & Debra Gillham
This workshop is about telling my new virtue story, "The Three Clay Pots!" The story teaches children about three different kinds of people: Ordinary, Takers, and Gift Givers. It explains that everyone, elves included, falls into one of the three categories. In class, I tell the props needed and where to buy them (the price for the pots is from $8 to $100 each.) I will show a video of the story being told to children, as well as discuss key moments during the telling. When the group departs from the class, they will know everything they need to perform this story next season.
Underneath it All - Erica Minton
Step back into the world of claus and explore the fascinating world of fashion in this immersive class on historical undergarments. Designed to help you get the silhouette you've always dreamed of and the support you need to portray all day. Designed for Mrs. Clauses but all are welcome.
Understanding Santa’s Wardrobe and how to Enhance it - Doug Eberhart
This class is to teach all Santas and Mrs. Claus' the different types of Santa Suits, and all the unique ways you can enhance your look on any budget. Classic Traditional Santa Suits, Cola Suits, Continental Coats, Robes, Vests, Waistcoats, shirts, Belts, buckles, boots and Fur. There are so many ways to change your look but adding components to your basic garment foundation.
Using Agents & Gig Booking Sites - Dan Greenleaf
This session will explore how to work with booking agents to get jobs. How they operate and whom they hire will be explored. Strategies will be shared on how to give yourself the best chance to get booked. Use of GigSalad, The Bash and similar booking sites will be covered.
What Are the Clauses Worth? - Dan Greenleaf
How much to charge for Santa & Mrs. Claus visits is the focus of this workshop. Strategies for getting top rates will be emphasized. This session will take a detailed approach of how to set your rates and options for allowing flexibility. Using sales and negotiating techniques to land clients will be covered. We will explore alternative compensation options and steps to insure you get paid.
Women & an American Christmas - Pamela McColl
As a cultural historian Pamela McColl delivers a fascinating talk on the development of Christmas traditions in America and shares dozens of remarkable women who contributed to Christmas traditions and customs over the years. The talk also covers the literary development of the character of Mrs. Claus from the mid 1800s to today.
Working with children with Disabilities - Bill Quasa & Kevin Boydston
Carrying on the work of Santa John Schuech and Santa America, we will discuss working with folks with chronic diseases, those dealing with death, grief and bereavement, children on the spectrum, and foster children.
The Magic of the Holidays - Joe Barney
You don't have to be Houdini to add a little magic in your performance as Santa & Mrs. Claus. These two are world icons and the most magical people on earth. Santa isn't a magician but he spreads magic where ever he goes. Learn how to spread that magic in your portrayal of Santa and Mrs. Claus.
Santa Family Reunion is trying to negotiate our future rental costs with the Convention Center in Gatlinburg - so we would like to know where you are staying while at the event to show proof of economic impact on the Downtown area.
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