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 more than two and a half decades, SMG has proudly served the college entertainment and education community, 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 6 to 12 weeks in advance. During high-demand seasons such as 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 schools 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 campus 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 campus 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 African American Museum on Wheels?
The Sankofa African American Museum on Wheels is a traveling exhibit that showcases more than 400 years of African and African American history through authentic artifacts, rare photographs, and guided storytelling. It delivers an inspiring, interactive learning experience for audiences of all ages.
What is African American History on Wheels?
African American History on Wheels, curated by Clifton J. Brown, is a traveling exhibit that celebrates the creativity, innovation, and achievements of African American inventors. Featuring authentic artifacts and engaging storytelling, it highlights inventions and everyday products that have shaped modern life, showcasing the lasting legacy of Black excellence and ingenuity.
How much space is required for the traveling museum?
The Sankofa African American Museum on Wheels 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 African American Museum on Wheels 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?
While both exhibits are available for national bookings, the Sankofa African American Museum on Wheels is based in Columbia, South Carolina, and tours across the southern United States, including Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia.
The African American History on Wheels is based in Cleveland, Ohio, and primarily tours throughout the Midwest and Northeast. Regular tour states include Connecticut, Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Missouri, Ohio, Wisconsin, Kentucky, Tennessee, and West Virginia.
Schools & Organizations
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 participate in campus showcases or booking conferences?
Yes. SMG attends regional and national conferences such as NACA, where schools can meet our talent and see live showcases.
Can you help us find talent that fits our student organization’s budget?
Yes. SMG works with a diverse range of speakers, comedians, and cultural programs at various price points. We’ll help you find talent that fits your student organization’s budget while ensuring your audience enjoys a professional and memorable experience.
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 school 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 campus event staff or production team?
Yes. SMG collaborates closely with your campus event staff 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.
