Meetings and Events Houston | J & D Entertainment

J & D Entertainment

Dramatic performances, flashy costumes and undeniable pizzazz are just part of what makes J & D Entertainment a vibrant addition to meetings and events. Owners, Jon Halbur and Dan O’Brien, offer custom entertainment options that take meetings and events from ordinary to extraordinary.

J & D Entertainment was formed three years ago in Las Vegas after Halbur and O’Brien produced a show together. Their shared enthusiasm for creating entertainment led them to begin their own company that catered to corporate clients and private parties. Working with the slogan, “What happened in Vegas, now is in Houston,” the pair relocated and began offering their services to Houston area businesses and organizations.

J & D Entertainment has created productions for Meeting Professionals International, BP, Enervest, Deloitte, Keller-Williams, The Salvation Army, The Excalibur Hotel, FTD Florist and the Car Care Expo.

Below Halbur and O’Brien share their thoughts on J & D Entertainment, meeting trends and the business climate in Houston.

What is your background in the entertainment industry?
Dan: I’ve been in the entertainment and special events industry in several different capacities since 1991. I traveled Europe starring in The European Tour of HAIR under the direction of the show’s creator, James Rado. I moved to Los Angeles and worked for 5 years as an actor and contributor toSpecial Events Magazine in Malibu. Most recently I starred as the Emcee and Lead Singer in a show on the Vegas strip called “Folies Bergere” at The Tropicana Hotel.
Jon: I have been in the entertainment business since I was 11-years-old. (I’m a 150 now!) I have worked in nearly every facet of show business, including theatre, dance, costuming, set design, major production shows, Disney, TV and film. Our combined experience has enabled us to truly say that we know show business through and through.

How does J & D Entertainment work with clients to create unique experiences?
Dan: How don’t we is the question! Event planners have seen and heard everything and so have we! We always aim to re-invent the wheel. One of the latest products we’re offering for events is a thing we call “Undercover Entertainers”. It’s very unique and secretive. Shhh! We are also infusing aspects of current television and pop culture into our events. We generally start off big and then let the client add or subtract what works for them.
Why Houston? What makes Houston a great place for your company?
Jon: I have always liked Houston because of the unique, friendly people and outstanding business environment. We wanted to make a change and Houston seemed like an ideal location. After some research we discovered there are only a few entertainment companies here and we wanted to bring our expertise of high-end style to this great city & fill a niche. It was really a simple decision; this is where we wanted to start a new adventure!

How does J &D Entertainment customize its’ services for different types of clients?
Dan: We always try to customize! Whether it is an intimate wedding, private party or social gathering, or a massive production show, complete with sound, lighting, costumes and sets, J & D Entertainment aims to please.
Jon: All of our events are tailored to the creative and budget needs of the client, no matter what the size. We customize productions to meet the wants and needs of the client by really listening to their desires. They talk and we listen!

What is the best thing about owning a business in Houston?
Jon: Houston is one of the top cities in the country for small businesses. We really like the people in Houston and have found that others in the industry are open and encouraging. It’s refreshing to see how people work together in Houston.

How important is networking to the success of your business?
Dan: Networking is absolutely essential and provides more coverage than even advertising. With advertising you can get lost in the shuffle. Networking allows our clients to put a face to a name. When people meet us they get the vibe that we are professionals within the first minutes.

What are J & D Entertainment’s goals for the future?
Jon: We want to be one of the top entertainment providers in Houston. We ultimately want Houston’s event planners to use us and to know that we bring glamour, sophistication and panache to every event we create. A long-term goal we have is to either have a long running variety or production show or to open up another regional theatre. We envision a production that mixes a little Vegas and a little Broadway, with a Houston flair mixed in. We truly have brought some of Vegas to Houston! (At least the tasteful part of Vegas!)

Why should meeting and event planners include entertainment at events?
Dan: People remember the entertainment more than the food, décor and venue. It constantly shocks us when clients are willing to spend 90% of their budget on the décor, food and venue and then 10% of their budget on entertainment. A month after the event attendees won’t remember what they ate, but they’ll remember the entertainment...especially if we provide the show!

What is the one thing you would tell future clients about J & D Entertainment?
Dan: The J & D Entertainment experience is always professional, always entertaining, and we have the highest standards for our productions. We are constantly coming up with new entertainment ideas and products to stay competitive.
Jon: I would have to suggest people get out of their comfort zone and try a new flavor. We have great talent and fresh ideas at our finger tips. Don’t pull the same old rabbit out of the hat. Go with something new and fresh. When in doubt, glamour and sophistication always work!

Jon Halbur and Dan O’Brien
Co-Owners
J & D Entertainment