Selecting the right MC
With so many things to consider when organising a gala dinner, community, team building or corporate event, one thing Event Managers can sometimes overlook is the importance of selecting the right MC. As an MC can often make or break the experience of your guests, it’s important to consider the role they play.
Setting the tone
A professional MC will set the mood for your event. Their choice of language, delivery and tone, content and format will impact how well they resonate with your intended objectives and engage with the audience.
Note that while a celebrity MC may drive ticket sales or attendance, this does not always guarantee suitable hosting skills. Be sure to research their previous MC work and make sure it aligns with your purpose.
Engagement with attendees
The role of an MC is to ensure your audience is having a good time. You don’t want your guests leaving through boredom, or not booking to attend your events in the future.
With a professional MC, your audience never switches off. They will ensure there are pauses between each session to avoid content being information-heavy and lengthy, and work the crowd to achieve your objectives. For example, targeting 100 guests to sign up for your next networking event.
Keeping the flow
A good MC will be the crucial link between various portions of your event, connecting the dots and improving your audience’s experience.
It is expected that there is an energy level appropriate for the event, and the MC would preview the agenda for guests, introduce and thank speakers, and convey gratitude for any services provided.
When events don’t run to schedule, you risk the audience leaving with a negative impression. A professional MC will work to reshuffle an event to keep to time and overcome any setbacks.
After researching your MC options, it’s recommended to work with someone who has some understanding of your industry and / or resonance with your audience, as well as experience hosting events in the past.
Checklist
It’s important to make sure all events include appropriate attributes where required. A quick MC checklist;
Acknowledgment of Country
Welcoming key Dignitaries
Opening remarks
Housekeeping
Agenda overview – the flow of the day
Appreciate sponsors &/or exhibitors
Introductions (check name pronunciations and appropriate protocol for introducing Politicians and other VIP speakers
Reference to any social media hashtags for event sharing
Thank you’s, closing remarks and announcement of the next event
Co Founder and Chief Executive Officer,
David Yakas
