ASK AN EVENT HOST AND KEYNOTE SPEAKER: WHAT’S THE FUTURE OF CONFERENCES AND CONVENTIONS?

Trade secret: The best event hosts and MCs for conferences, conventions, trade shows and meeting events play a crucial role in the success of a gathering by guiding the program flow and atmosphere. You’ll often find them…

• Opening the conference – Welcoming and greeting the audience as event hosts to get things started on a high note. Introducing the program, schedule and setting the tone.
• Introducing segments/speakers – Bringing speakers on stage, providing background if needed and transitioning between segments.
• Facilitating discussions – Moderating any discussion sessions and driving engaging dialogue through questions as event hosts.
• Light entertainment – Adding fun elements like jokes, activities and lighthearted moments between serious segments.
• Audience interaction – Encouraging audience participation through things like Q&A sessions. Making attendees feel involved.
• Moving the program – Keeping the event on time and on schedule by adhering to the program flow.
• Announcements – Making any important announcements from an event host’s standpoint about logistics like meal times and breaks.
• Captivating presence – Using stage presence, energy and charm to captivate the audience throughout the get-together.
• Narrative – Tying together different segments as an event hosts into one cohesive storyline for the entire session.
• Thanking sponsors/speakers – Showing appreciation for those who made the event possible.
• Wrapping up – Recapping the event, thanking the audience and sending people off on a high note.

The role of event host requires high energy, stage presence, organization and improvisation skills. A great MC keeps the event lively, smooth flowing and directed.