Don't assume that the first figure suggested offered is what you will have to pay. Often if you can contact a speaker directly, you may be able to avoid the fees that their agent would charge you. Entertainment Entertainment at the conference can be a critical aspect of any student conference's success. A singer, a comic, a theatrical presentation, films, and dances are all options. Again, get advice from people in the campus activities office on your campus about booking performers.
Fees are often negotiable.
This can sometimes convince performers that this amount of visibility makes it worthwhile to lower their fee. Make efforts to find out about technical limitations of performance space you have reserved. It is likely that not all registrants will come to evening entertainment events if you are in a large urban area. But, if you are in a more rural area with few other options, it is very likely that the vast majority of registrants will be looking to you to help fill their evening. It can be very helpful and rewarding to have participants complete a conference evaluation form.