Frequently Asked Questions

Hodson Event Entertainment

  • Hodson Event Entertainment provides professional DJ, MC, audio, lighting, special effects, and event production services for weddings, corporate events, holiday parties, galas, birthdays, festivals, school events, and private celebrations. Our services range from music and sound to immersive lighting, special effects, and event enhancements.

  • We work a wide range of events, including:

    If people are gathering and music, sound, or lighting matters — we can help.

  • We are based in the Chicago area and serve all of Chicagoland and surrounding suburbs. We also provide entertainment and production services nationwide for destination events, festivals, and corporate clients.

  • Yes. Hodson Event Entertainment is fully insured. Certificates of insurance can be provided to venues or event planners upon request.

  • Yes. In addition to weddings, we provide DJs and MCs for corporate events, holiday parties, galas, birthdays, festivals, school events, and private celebrations. Each event is tailored to the audience, goals, and atmosphere.

  • We customize music based on:

    • Event type

    • Audience demographics

    • Brand or theme

    • Energy level

    • Client preferences

    A corporate gala will sound very different from a birthday party or festival — and we plan accordingly.

  • Yes. Our DJs mix live, allowing us to:

    • Adjust energy in real time

    • Read the crowd

    • Transition smoothly between genres

    • Keep engagement high throughout the event

    We are known for our exceptional club style mixing!

  • Yes. We provide professional MC services when needed, including:

    • Corporate announcements

    • Award presentations

    • Introductions

    • Timeline coordination

    Our MC style is polished, confident, and appropriate for the type of event.

    Our team continually trains in this department to ensure the very best delivery at any event. Every one of our MCs is also a pro DJ.

  • Yes. We regularly provide DJ, sound, lighting, and production services for corporate events, conferences, product launches, holiday parties, and company celebrations.

  • Absolutely. We specialize in professional, polished setups appropriate for galas and fundraisers, including:

    • Elegant background music

    • Clear microphone audio

    • Stage lighting

    • Award and speaker support

  • Yes. We frequently collaborate with corporate planners, venues, AV teams, and production crews to ensure seamless execution.

  • Yes. We provide DJ and entertainment services for holiday parties including Christmas parties, New Year’s events, company celebrations, and private gatherings.

  • Yes. We provide entertainment for birthdays, anniversaries, and milestone celebrations, with music and energy customized to the guest list and vibe you want.

  • Yes. We are behind the scenes at many major festivals and event companies like Lollapalooza, ARC, Vibeapple, Redline Chicago.

    We provide DJ services, sound systems, and lighting for festivals, outdoor events, and large gatherings. We can support crowds of varying sizes and event formats.

  • Yes. We offer solutions for outdoor events, including setups where power access may be limited or unavailable.

    • Uplighting

    • Dance floor lighting

    • Stage lighting

    • Intelligent moving lights

    • Truss-mounted lighting systems

    • Custom color themes

    Lighting is always designed to enhance the event, not overwhelm it. Unless that’s what you want :)

  • We offer a range of special effects, including:

    • Cold sparkler fountains

    • Dancing on Clouds

    • Laser shows

    • Cryo jets and cryo cannons

    • Haze and atmospheric effects

    All effects are venue-approved and operated safely.

  • Yes.

    All indoor effects are selected specifically to meet venue and safety requirements. We coordinate approvals in advance when needed.

  • Yes. We offer modern photo booth experiences, including:

    • Ring light photo booths

    • Digital sharing booths

    • Custom overlays and branding

    • Optional attendants

    • Print and digital delivery options

  • Yes. We offer select rentals for sound, lighting, and event enhancements. Rental availability depends on the event type and technical requirements.

  • We arrive early enough to ensure all equipment is fully set up, tested, and ready before guests arrive. Setup timing depends on the services booked and event complexity.

  • Space requirements vary based on the services selected. We coordinate with venues and planners to ensure a clean, professional footprint.

  • Yes. We regularly work with venues, planners, photographers, videographers, and coordinators to ensure smooth execution.

  • For weddings and large events, we recommend booking 9–18 months in advance. Corporate and private events may be booked closer to the event date, depending on availability.

  • Yes. Pricing is clear, upfront, and customized based on your event needs. There are no hidden fees.

  • Yes. A signed agreement and retainer are required to secure your event date.

  • Yes. We build redundancy into our systems. Backup equipment is standard for critical components.

    This extends to performers as well.

  • Events evolve — we adapt. We work with you to adjust timelines, layouts, and details as needed. Not a problem.

  • Because we combine technical expertise, professional presentation, and crowd awareness across every type of event we serve. Whether it’s a wedding, corporate gala, festival, or private party, we treat every event like it matters — because it does.