3 Keys to Awesome Network Marketing Events: Behind the Scenes With Industry Pro Erik Johnson of the Solomon Group

Erik Johnson is part engineer, part designer, part air traffic controller.  As the Senior Producer of Network Marketing Events at the prestigious Solomon Group, Johnson is helping companies like Jeunesse, Monat Global, SeneGence, Organo, and multiple others in the Direct Selling/Network Marketing space create new and dynamic shows for their field. 

Solomon Group, the award-winning entertainment design and production firm based in New Orleans, Louisiana, has been creating spectacular live events, brand activations, trade show exhibits, and broadcast environment projects for the past 8 years. Including such high profile events as Lollapalooza, the Essence Festival, and the AT&T Playoff Playlist Live & Playoff Fan Central at the annual College Football Playoffs, just to name a few.

We sat down with Johnson and asked him for his opinion on the three biggest trends in event planning and execution and why Solomon Group is making such tremendous gains in the Direct Selling marketplace.

Home Based Buzz: Erik, first of all, tell me why you decided to partner with the Solomon Group? What was about their team and expertise that attracted you?

Erik Johnson: What I love about the team at Solomon is that they don’t JUST do Network Marketing, they do giant world-famous events like Essence Fest and others where we get to work with world-class talent, designers, and quite frankly … expectations. We then take all that knowledge, all those ideas that cost millions of dollars to develop and execute and bring those same strategies and tactics to our friends in the Direct Sales space, which is really my passion. I’ve been working with the Network Marketing industry for over 10 years, and this marriage with Solomon is just the best.

we want to produce a “rock concert level” experience, a real show that represents the direct sales company’s brand in an unforgettable way.

Home Based Buzz: We asked for the three keys in the event world specifically in the Direct Sales and Network Marketing industry. What are you seeing that is working?

Erik Johnson: Well I think the number one thing is technology. Things change in this industry on an almost monthly basis. You really have to stay on top of the trends and continually upgrade your equipment and skills. You have to look at this way…according to industry statistics, a full 80% of your audience at a Direct Sales event is part-time. That means they are taking vacation or personal days to come to your event. We believe that is a great responsibility, so we want to produce a “rock concert level” experience, a real show that represents the direct sales companies brand in an unforgettable way.

The days of just having a PowerPoint being good enough are long gone. That’s why we offer turnkey production services and work with some of the top producers in the industry to create that WOW factor that audiences expect.

Home Based Buzz: Interesting, are you seeing a shift in the content at these events to reflect the desire to “entertain” the attendees?

Erik Johnson: Actually, that is my second key. Content. I see clients spending tons of money on LED screens and then having virtually no content. The days of just having a PowerPoint being good enough are long gone. That’s why we offer turnkey production services and work with some of the top producers in the industry to create that WOW factor that audiences expect.

Today’s events need to be Hollywood quality to keep them excited and engaged.

Home Based Buzz: And your third tip?

Erik Johnson: #3 is really what sets us apart. When we partner with a client they get the full resources and experience of Solomon Group. Remember, we do MASSIVE events and know exactly how to help you negotiate the absolute best rates on everything from labor to venue concessions and master account credits. We do this every day, we know the insider language of these venues and how to get all the “extras” that you might not even know to ask for. By doing that we save our clients tons of money and deliver a better distributor experience. And we don’t charge a penny to do that.

One thing is for sure. If you are in Direct Sales, your audience is looking for the latest and greatest. Today’s events need to be Hollywood quality to keep them excited and engaged. It’s why so many companies in the space are looking to Solomon Group. Maybe you should too.

To reach Erik Johnson, and find out what Solomon Group can do for you, contact him at  [email protected].