Frequently Asked Questions
Find quick answers to the most common questions about Sphinx Management Group.
General Information
What is Sphinx Management Group?
What types of talent do you book?
What types of clients does Sphinx Management Group work with?
SMG works with a diverse range of clients, including colleges, universities, student life departments, community organizations, corporations, and cultural institutions. Every booking is customized to meet your audience, goals, and budget. While higher education remains our primary focus, we also collaborate with nonprofits, companies, and cultural organizations that seek to bring meaningful, inspiring, and culturally enriching experiences to their communities.
How long has Sphinx Management Group been in business?
For over 25 years, SMG has served the college and community entertainment and education market, producing events that celebrate culture, creativity, and connection while inspiring audiences nationwide.
Booking Process
How do I start the booking process?
Getting started is easy. Visit our Contact page or click Book Now in the website header to share your event details. An SMG representative will respond within one business day to discuss availability, pricing, and logistics, and guide you through the next steps of the booking process.
How far in advance should I book talent for my event?
To secure your preferred talent and date, we recommend booking 8 to 16 weeks in advance. During high-demand seasons such as Juneteenth, Black History Month, and Homecoming, early booking is strongly encouraged to ensure availability. When schedules allow, SMG will make every effort to accommodate last-minute requests.
Can I request multiple artists or speakers for one event?
Yes. Many clients choose to feature multiple artists, comedians, or speakers to create themed or multi-day events. Share your vision with us, and the SMG team will design and coordinate a cohesive program that brings your ideas to life and ensures a smooth experience from start to finish.
What information do you need from me to confirm a booking?
When submitting a booking request, please include key details such as your event type, preferred date, location, estimated audience size, budget, and any special requests. The more information you provide, the better we can match you with the ideal talent or exhibit. Once your details are confirmed, SMG will issue a formal contract to finalize the booking and move forward with planning.
Pricing & Payments
How are fees determined for talent?
Talent fees are determined by several factors, including the artist’s rate, travel and lodging requirements, production needs, and the overall scope of your event. SMG collaborates with each client to identify options that align with your goals and budget while ensuring a high-quality experience.
Do you require a deposit?
In most cases, a deposit is not required to start the booking process. After your event details are confirmed, SMG will provide an agreement that outlines all payment terms, deadlines, and requirements. Full payment is generally due on or before the event date. Our team will guide you through each step to ensure the process is clear, simple, and efficient from start to finish.
What forms of payment do you accept?
SMG accepts institutional checks, corporate checks, and ACH transfers for your convenience. Once your booking is confirmed, we’ll provide detailed payment instructions and deadlines to ensure a smooth and timely transaction.
Are travel and accommodations included in the booking fee?
Yes. SMG provides all-inclusive contracts that cover the booking fee, travel, and lodging arrangements. This approach ensures transparency, eliminates unexpected costs, and creates a seamless experience for both the client and the talent.
Event Logistics
Who handles travel and lodging for the talent?
SMG manages all travel and lodging arrangements for most bookings to ensure a smooth and stress-free experience. In certain situations, clients may be responsible for providing local transportation or on-site support, as detailed in the event agreement.
Does SMG provide contracts and rider details?
Yes. SMG prepares and manages all contracts, riders, and required documentation to establish clear expectations and responsibilities for both the client and the talent. This ensures every booking runs smoothly from start to finish.
Can the talent customize their performance or presentation for our audience?
Absolutely. Our comedians, speakers, and museum curators are happy to customize their performances or presentations to align with your event’s theme, audience, or event goals. We work closely with each client to ensure the content feels relevant, engaging, and impactful.
Do you provide marketing materials for booked events?
Yes. SMG provides a digital marketing kit that includes artist bios, high-resolution press photos, and a sample press release. These materials are designed to make it easy for your team to promote the event across your community and online.
What happens if the talent cancels or cannot make the event?
In the rare event that a performer must cancel due to unforeseen circumstances, SMG will promptly assist in rescheduling your event or securing a comparable replacement. If the client needs to postpone, we’ll collaborate with you to arrange a new date that aligns with the artist’s availability and the terms of your contract.
Traveling Museums
What is The Sankofa Museum?
The Sankofa Museum is a traveling primary source archive built from more than 2,000 authentic artifacts, rare photographs, historical documents, and firsthand accounts that trace the African American experience from its earliest origins to the present day. Curated by Angela Jennings, it transforms available space into an immersive historical environment and guides audiences through a living record of the people, events, and ideas that shaped the nation.
What is African American History on Wheels?
African American History on Wheels, curated by Clifton J. Brown, is a traveling exhibit celebrating the creativity and achievements of African American inventors. Through authentic artifacts and engaging storytelling, it highlights the inventions and everyday products that have shaped modern life and showcases the lasting legacy of Black ingenuity. The exhibit is currently available for select engagements in Ohio. For availability and booking details, please contact us directly.
How much space is required for the traveling museum?
The Sankofa Museum requires a minimum of 2,000 square feet, with a secure area that can be locked if the exhibit is booked for two or more days. It also requires 35 six-foot tables or 30 eight-foot tables.
The African American History on Wheels exhibit requires a minimum of 1,400 square feet, with a secure area that can be locked if booked for multiple days. It also requires 20 six-foot tables or 15 eight-foot tables.
How long do setup and breakdown take?
The Sankofa Museum typically requires up to four hours for setup and breakdown, while the African American History on Wheels exhibit generally takes up to two hours. Both timelines ensure proper staging and presentation of each museum’s displays and materials.
Which states do the traveling museums tour?
The Sankofa Museum is based in Columbia, South Carolina, and tours across the southern and Mid-Atlantic United States, including Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia.
African American History on Wheels is based in Cleveland, Ohio, and is currently available for select engagements in Ohio. For availability and booking details, please contact us directly.
Campuses, Cities & Communities
Do you work with both large universities and smaller community colleges?
Yes. SMG provides talent for institutions of all sizes, from large universities and state colleges to smaller community colleges and student-led organizations. Every program is tailored to fit your campus, audience, and budget.
Do you work with cities, libraries, and community organizations?
Yes. SMG books talent and cultural programming for city events and festivals, public libraries, cultural institutions, nonprofits, and community organizations. Whether you are planning a Juneteenth celebration, a Black History Month program, a summer festival, a library speaker series, or a community celebration, we help you find the right talent for your audience and budget.
What kinds of community events do you program?
SMG provides traveling museum exhibits, speakers, comedians, and concert artists for a wide range of community events, including annual festivals, cultural celebrations, city-sponsored programs, library and educational series, and nonprofit fundraisers. Each program is customized to fit your event’s goals, audience, and setting.
Can you help us find talent that fits our budget?
Yes. SMG works with a diverse range of speakers, comedians, and cultural programs at many price points. Whether you are a student organization, a library, or a city arts program, we will help you find talent that fits your budget while ensuring your audience enjoys a professional and memorable experience.
Do you participate in showcases or booking conferences?
SMG built its reputation in the college market as a longtime and active NACA agency during the years of live showcases. Today we work directly with campuses, cities, libraries, and community organizations to match the right talent to each event. Contact us and we will arrange the information, video, and materials you need to see our talent before you book.
Talent Inquiries
How can I join your roster as a speaker, comedian, or performer?
At this time, SMG is not accepting unsolicited submissions or inquiries to join our roster. We appreciate your interest and encourage you to check back in the future for potential opportunities.
Do you only represent exclusive talent, or can you book outside acts?
While SMG primarily represents its own roster of talent, we also serve as a middle agent and can coordinate bookings for nationally recognized music artists, comedians, and speakers upon request. This flexibility allows us to meet the specific needs and preferences of each client.
Technical & On-Site
What technical setup is required for comedians, speakers, or museum exhibits?
Most comedians and speakers need a microphone, sound system, and a designated stage or performance area. Cultural exhibits require a larger setup space and tables. SMG provides full technical requirements in advance to ensure a smooth setup.
Do you provide event staff on-site?
Yes. SMG provides on-site staff for cultural exhibits and concerts to oversee setup, coordination, and breakdown. For comedians and speakers, the host venue usually provides standard technical support such as audio and lighting. Our team will work with you ahead of time to confirm all details and ensure a smooth event experience.
Can you coordinate with our event or production team?
Yes. SMG collaborates closely with your event or production team to coordinate setup, sound, lighting, and scheduling. Our goal is to ensure every detail runs smoothly and your event is executed flawlessly.
Policies
What is your cancellation and refund policy?
Our cancellation policy is designed to protect both clients and artists and follows standard industry practices. Cancellations must be made in writing. In most cases, full payment is required unless the cancellation is due to extreme or unavoidable circumstances such as illness or an Act of God. When possible, we’ll work with you to reschedule your event for a mutually convenient date. Complete terms and conditions are detailed in each booking contract.
Do you have insurance or liability coverage for events?
Yes. SMG maintains standard business insurance and can secure additional liability coverage if required for your event. Any associated costs will be the responsibility of the client.
What happens if an event has to be rescheduled?
If an event needs to be rescheduled, SMG will coordinate with you and the talent to find a new date that works for both parties. Our goal is to make the process as seamless as possible and minimize any disruption to your event plans.
