Everyone from billion-dollar corporations to tiny non­profit org­anizations wants a cele­brity to attend their special event. These meet-and-greet oppor­tunities grab priceless atten­tion for the star, the org­an­ization throw­ing the event and the super-lucky attendees.

 “Everybody likes to see and be seen with celebrities,” says Rita Tateel, founder and president of Celebrity Source (www.celebritysource.com). Her Hollywood-based company has provided specialized public rela­tions, endorsement and spokes­person services to clients such as John Travolta and Halle Berry for almost 20 years. “They attract atten­tion because the public looks to them as influencers,” she says.

However, Tateel cautions, a cele­brity showing up at a special event does not guarantee instant success. Tateel says only Hollywood’s top talent can help push those sit­ting on the fence to buy tickets to a gala benefit or a golf weekend get­away.

Attendance, it seems, is not as important as drawing media atten­tion. “Having more people familiar with the cause or the event increases the donor base,” explains Tateel. “Therefore, media attention alone can help fund-raising efforts.”

So, how do you get a celebrity to say “yes” to your event? “It is an art and a sci­ence,” says Tateel. “You need to know
which doors to enter for what types of requests.”

Tateel says the best way to approach a celebrity is by under­standing their mind­set. “For one, cele­brities are some of the most mistrustful persons on the planet,” she says. “They cannot trust whe­ther a com­­munication is sincere or whether there’s a hidden agenda.”

Professional commu­nications, there­fore, are essen­tial. For paid endorsements or appearances, Tateel says it’s best to contact one of the star’s many agents. Benefit event appear­ances, however, are usually handled by the celebrity’s publicist.

Also, she says, most celebrities have extreme time constraints and prioritize family before business. She recommends approaching the agent or publicist with a one- or two-hour commitment and a clever way to include the celebrity’s family in the outing.

 “There has to be a better reason for them to do it than for the cause alone,” Tateel says. In many cases, she says, this means money and timing media exposure to coincide with a new promotion. A star’s personal interest in the cause must be part of the overall negotiating mix.

Tateel says the real work begins once a celebrity has agreed to your event. “It’s important to think about every step they are going to take and to cover all the details,” says Tateel. She says celebrities become demand­ing when your organization does not pay attention to every written speci­fication and any unwritten possibilities, as well. “Think about every step they will take at your event and be prepared for anything,” she says.

Stars can also burst an event budget, says Tateel. Besides having their favorite beverage on hand, celebrities expect first-class air travel for two, door-to-door limousine trans­portation, meals covered (around $100-$150 per day) and suites at high-end hotels.

Even with the most meticulous plan­ning and the biggest budget, things can go sour. “Life happens,” says Tateel, “so don’t put all of your eggs in the celebrity bas­ket.” Stars get sick and have family emergencies, too, so she recommends organizations always have a backup plan ready for that no-show diva.

Sheryll Alexander is a lifestyles writer based in Costa Mesa.