Hospitality Rider - Make your life easier!

A band rider is a document that specifies the technical and hospitality requirements for a musical group when they perform at a venue. It is a list of requests that a band makes to the venue or promoter in order to ensure that the performance goes smoothly and that the band's needs are met. Today we'll talk about the hospitality part of it.

It is important to be consistent !

Having a consistent rider means that the band knows what to expect at each venue, and the promoter or venue knows what the band requires. This consistency helps reduce confusion, miscommunication, and potential issues that could arise.
A consistent band rider can prevent issues with  hospitality, which can lead to misunderstandings, bad vibe and people being upset in general. It also helps to maintain a positive relationship between the band and the venue or promoter, which can lead to future bookings.

Be enlightening. Be informative. Be on point.

Here is a list of information that people need to be aware of in order to properly accommodate you

1. Dining: You may request a specific type of cuisine, such as vegetarian or vegan options, and may also specify the number of meals that you need. Usually you should be specific about the get-in catering requirements (snacks/finger food), the dinner requirements and the after show food requirements. Also, don't forget to mention possible food allergies that your people may have.
2. Beverages: Bottled water, soda, juice, beer or wine. You may also require that certain brands be provided or that certain types of alcohol be made available.
   (Be flexible-read more on that below)
3. Transportation: Shuttling from a Hotel or a Tour Bus if it's parked far away, or an airport pick-up and drop-off.
4. Accommodation: Hotel rooms with a certain number of beds, type of other or a specific hotel to be booked. You may also ask for other amenities in the rooms such as a mini-bar or a separate room for your instruments. Try not to go overboard with all these ;)
5. Dressing Room: You may request a specific type of dressing room, such as one that is separate from the audience or the other bands, or that has a specific layout or amenities.
   

Further Hints & Tips

1. Be clear and specific: You should be clear and specific about your requests, so that there is no confusion or misunderstandings. This includes specifying the number of meals, the type of cuisine, and any other specific requests such as brand of drinks or types of alcohol.
2. Be reasonable: You should be mindful of the cost and feasibility of their requests. Don't go bananas asking for the world ! Some requests may not be possible or may be too expensive for the venue or promoter to provide.
3. Be respectful: You HAVE TO be respectful of the venue or promoter and understand that they are also running a business. They also HAVE TO be respectful of the staff and crew that will be working with them.
4. Be flexible: Try to be flexible and open to compromise. You should be willing to make adjustments to your rider if necessary and be willing to work with the venue or promoter to find solutions that meet everyone's needs.
   Obviously this doesn't mean putting up with possible workarounds or cheap solutions (to express it politely) of certain "professionals". Let your Tour Manager take care of such events.
5. Be prepared: You should be prepared and have a copy of your rider with you at all times. You should also review the rider with the venue or promoter before the performance to ensure that all requests have been met.
6. Be up to Date: When your travel party is bigger or smaller, dont forget to adjust accordingly. It's a really unpleasant situation to waste food and wreck the budget, or leaving some people without food and drinks.
7. Be aware of the laws and regulations: You should be aware of the laws and regulations regarding the requests they make, like the legal drinking age and other exotic goods you may need ;)

Don't forget to get in touch if you need further clarifications .