How to Choose the Right Event MCs

What Makes a Great MC? The Complete Guide to Choosing the Right Master of Ceremonies

The MC can make or break your event – yet they’re often the last consideration in planning. It’s all in the title – Master of Ceremonies. The MC has to be the ringmaster, the lynchpin holding all elements of an event together. Knowing what makes a good MC comes down to impeccable timing, professional polish and an advanced ability to read the room and engage the audience, seeing and solving problems on the fly.

In this guide, we’ll offer your a clear criteria for how to choose an MC for any event, from event needs to MC credentials. No matter your needs, the ICMI roster is bursting at the seams with incredible MCs to fit every style and type of corporate event. Not sure where to start? Our expertise in matching MCs to events will help you find the perfect MC for your event.

Understanding the MC Role 

What is an MC ?

Also known as the Master of Ceremonies, an MC’s core responsibilities include:

✔ Guiding the audience through the event program
✔ Introducing speakers, award recipients and segments
✔ Maintaining the energy and momentum of the event
✔ Managing timing and keeping to the schedule
✔ Engaging the audience and  handling transitions smoothly between segments
✔ Responding to unexpected situations (technical, heckling) with professionalism

The MC is not:

❌ The main entertainment or speaker

❌ There to showcase themselves

❌ A replacement for proper event planning

❌ Responsible for creating content (unless you’ve specifically hired them for that!)

What’s the difference between an MC, host and facilitator? 

The MC (Master of Ceremonies)
An MC is used for formal events, such as awards, galas, conferences, that offer a structured program with multiple segments. A great MC keeps event moving forward with professional polish and gravitas

The Host
A host is ideal for less formal events, taking a more casual, conversational tone with personality-driven interactions to create a warm, welcoming atmosphere.

The Facilitator
You’ll normally find a facilitator at educational events, that offer workshops or other training-focused activities. Facilitators are process-oriented, guiding specific discussions or activities.

Some professionals can do all three – ICMI can help determine what your event needs!

Speak with our expert MC consultants

 

Key Qualities of Exceptional MCs 

When looking for a professional MC to host your event, there are a range of skills that separates the great from the good and the merely, uh, okay. Beyond speaking into a mic and remembering their lines, we’ve identified these essential criteria as key to what makes a good MC, additionally, we’ll tell you how to spot them when you’re choosing your corporate MC.

1. Impeccable Timing

Why It Matters:

• Your event runs to schedule (or close to it)
• All speakers get their full time
• Your audience doesn’t lose interest
• Smooth transitions between segments without awkward, dead air

An MC with impeccable timing: 

• Knows when to cut banter and move forward
• Senses audience energy and adjusts pace
• Keeps your event flowing without rushing
• Fills unexpected gaps seamlessly

 2. Audience Reading & Engagement

Why It Matters:

• Maintains energy throughout event
• Connects with diverse audience members
• Adapts tone to audience response
• Creates inclusive atmosphere

An MC who can read and engage the audience: 

• Reads the room’s emotional temperature and adjusts their performance
• Makes eye contact and connects personally with audience members
• Uses humour appropriately for their audience (clean for corporate!)
• Engages different audience segments over the course of the event

3. Polish & Presence

Why It Matters:

• The MC represents your organisation and sets a professional tone
• The MC can command attention when needed, projecting confidence and authority

An MC with professional polish and presence provides:

• Clear, articulate speech
• Appropriate attire and grooming
• Confident stage presence
• Professional demeanor under pressure

4. Flexibility & Problem-Solving

Why It Matters:

• Events rarely go 100% to plan
• Technical issues happen
• Speakers often run long or short
• Last-minute changes can occur

A flexible MC will: 

• Stay calm when things go wrong
• Adjust seamlessly on the fly
• Cover for any issues without drawing attention to them
• Draw on an appropriate selection of backup material or topics if required
• Make decisions quickly when needed

5. Preparation & Professionalism

Why It Matters:

• Demonstrates respect for client and audience
• Understands context and content
• Knows program inside and out

A thoroughly prepared MC will: 

• Research all speakers and topics before the event
• Practice name pronunciations (no Adele Dazeems)
• Ensure they understand your organisation
• Arrive early and prepared
• Participate in rehearsals fully

6. Voice Quality & Clarity

Why It Matters:

• Sets tone for entire event with energy and enthusiasm conveyed through voice
• Your audience must be able to understand every word
• Avoids vocal fatigue affecting the energy of long events

An MC with vocal training will show:

• Clear enunciation and projection
• Varied vocal tone (not monotone)
• Appropriate pacing (not too fast or too slow)
• Vocal stamina for multi-hour events
• Professional microphone technique

 7. Personality Balance

Why It Matters:

• A corporate MC supports the event and doesn’t hijack it
• The MC’s personality enhances the experience without overwhelming the content
• The audience connects with the MC but the focus stays on the event program

A balanced MC will:

• Be warm and engaging without being attention-seeking
• Know when to shine and when to step back
• Enhance speakers without competing
• Use appropriate humor without overdoing it
• Remain professional without being stiff

Why Every Event Needs a Professional MC

Types of MCs for Different Events 

Corporate & Business Events

The best corporate event MCs will be professional, polished and credible, with a balance of formality and personable engagement. Business-savvy, with corporate awareness, they understand business audiences and cultures,

Ideal for: Conferences, AGMs, business dinners, corporate celebrations, EOFY events

Awards & Gala Events

The ideal MC for awards and gala events will be elegant, refined and experienced with awards presentations. Their understanding of appropriate ceremony pace and gravitas will create a special atmosphere for the event.

Ideal for: Industry awards, charity galas, recognition events, black-tie dinners

Casual Celebrations

A comedic or entertaining MC is best for casual celebrations, creating a fun, relaxed vibe with a more conversational style that’s warm, friendly and relatable.

Ideal for: Team parties, casual celebrations, social events, lighter corporate gatherings

Conferences & Trade Shows

If you’re choosing an Australian MC for industry events, you’ll need an engaging event MC with high energy, comfortable with long-form hosting. If they don’t have knowledge of the industry, they need to be a quick learner with the multitasking skills to manage multiple segments.

Ideal for: Multi-day conferences, industry expos, panel discussions, educational events

Hybrid & Virtual Events

Just because they shine onstage, doesn’t mean they’re a star on camera. Choosing the right MC for hybrid and virtual events means looking for a host that’s tech-savvy and comfortable with digital platforms and cameras. A corporate MC in this style must be able to manage in-person crowds and engage online audiences simultaneously.

Ideal for: Webinars, hybrid conferences, virtual celebrations, online awards

Red Flags: What to Avoid When Choosing an MC

When choosing the right MC for your event, from casual to corporate, keep an eye out for these red flags.

❌ Focused on Self-Promotion 

• More interested in their own profile than your event
• Wants to showcase themselves rather than your program
• Pushes own agenda or content

❌ Lack of Preparation

• Doesn’t ask questions about event
• Minimal interest in pre-event briefing
• Shows up unprepared and mispronounces names

❌ One-Size-Fits-All Approach

• Repeat the same vibe for every event
• Doesn’t customise to your audience
• Cookie-cutter introductions
• Ignores event-specific context

❌ Poor Communication

• Hard to reach, unresponsive and doesn’t confirm details
• Unclear about fees or requirements
• Unprofessional correspondence

❌ Inappropriate Humor

• Doesn’t understand audience sensitivities
• Risky jokes and offensive or divisive material
• Can’t read the room

❌ Lack of Experience

• Never hosted similar event type
• No professional references
• Can’t provide demo videos
• Unclear about capabilitiesSkip the stress of unprofessional MCs and let ICMI help you select the perfect MC for your event. Send us your brief to receive curated suggestions matching your needs.

  ICMI can curate MCs for you

  How to Select the Right MC for Your Event 

  Still wondering how to choose an MC for your corporate event in Australia? Here’s a step-by-step guide to how to choose the perfect MCs for your event.
  

  
  Define your event requirements

  • What is the event type and format?
  • What are the audience size and demographics?
  • What is the appropriate tone (formal, casual, celebratory, serious)?
  • How long and how complex is your event?
  • What is your budget?
    

    
    Match the right type of MC to your event

  • Corporate and professional MC for business events
  • Elegant MC for galas
  • Energetic MC for conferences
  • Comedic MC or host for celebrations
  • Industry-specific MC or facilitator for specialised events
    

    
    Review the credentials of interesting MCs

  • Review portfolio of past work and watch their demo videos of similar events
  • Check their client testimonials and references
  • Verify that they have experience with your format of event
  • Confirm any professional training and event background
    

    
    Assess your preferred MCs 

  • Do they exhibit the 7 key qualities above?
  • Do they listen and ask questions?
  • Can they articulate their approach?
  • Do they seem genuinely interested?
  • Is communication professional?
    

    
    Confirm logistical factors 

  • Availability for your date
  • Fee within your budget
  • Location (local vs. requiring travel)
  • Technical requirements
  • Ability to customise
    

    
    Conduct a briefing call 

  • Discuss your event objectives and context
  • Share audience and organisation context
  • Cover any sensitivities or requirements
  • Gauge their approach to preparation
    

    
    Trust your gut! 

  • Do you feel confident in their abilities?
  • Will they represent your brand well?
  • Do they understand your vision?
  • Are you excited to work with them?

  ICMI has a full roster of vetted, professional MCs, and we understand the strengths of each individual. We match MCs to your specific event needs, curating a list that saves you time spent on research. We also provide specific guidance on briefing and working with MCs effectively.

  Browse our MCs

 Briefing and Working with Your MC

The more information that you provide to your corporate MC, the more successful your event will be. Don’t be afraid to be detailed and thorough – a professional event host will appreciate your attention to detail.

Pre-Event Essentials

• Event overview and objectives
• Program schedule with timings
• Audience size and demographics
• Organisational background and culture
• Speakers  and award recipient information (names and brief bios)
• Any sensitive topics or issues to avoid
• Dress code
• Technical setup and AV details

Pronunciation Guide

• Phonetic spellings of all names, including:
  • People
  • Company names
  • Industry-specific terminology
• You can record audio if helpful

Key Messages

• What you want your audience to take away from the event
• Which values significant to your organisation should be emphasised (for example, sustainability, diversity)
• Any announcements or key information
• Any sponsor acknowledgments required, including frequency or any specific wording

Booking an event MC: To Do List

Pre-Event
✓ Schedule briefing call 2-4 weeks before
✓ Send detailed event brief in writing
✓ Invite MC to rehearsal if possible
✓ Confirm all logistics and timing
✓ Provide direct contact for day-of coordination

Event Day
✓ Introduce MC to key stakeholders
✓ Review any last-minute changes
✓ Ensure technical setup meets their needs
✓ Provide water and breaks for long events
✓ Designate point person for MC questions

Communication Throughout the Event Process
 ✓ Be clear and specific about expectations
✓ Share both “musts” and “nice to haves”
✓ Respect their professional expertise
✓ Allow creative freedom within parameters
✓ Provide feedback constructively

Get expert MC matching advice

MC Fees and Budgeting 

When wondering how to choose an MC for corporate events in Australia, don’t forget the importance of your budget. Here are some typical fee ranges for Australian MCs.

Entry-Level/Emerging MCs
$2,000 – $4,000 +GST

• Less experience but high potential
• Great for smaller, less formal events

Professional MCs
 $4,000 – $8,000 +GST

• Experienced with track record
• Reliable for corporate events
• This is the most common range

Premium MCs
 $8,000 – $15,000 +GST

• Highly experienced specialists
• Known names or TV personalities
• Ideal for major events and high-profile clients

Celebrity MCs
 $15,000+ +GST

• TV personalities and celebrities with national recognition
• Major drawcard for events

There are many factors which will affect your final MC fee. Consider: 

• Event duration (half-day vs. full-day vs. multi-day)
• Event complexity (simple vs. intricate program)
• Travel requirements
• Preparation time needed
• MC profile and experience
• Date (Different types of MCs will have different peak seasons)

How much does a keynote speaker cost in Australia? 

Amazing MCs to Book for Your Event in 2026

Brian Nankervis

One of Australia’s most celebrated MCs, Brian Nankervis has made Australians laugh for over four decades. From his appearances on Hey Hey It’s Saturday, The Panel and Thank God You’re Here to co-creating popular music trivia game show RocKwiz, Brian is a brilliantly clever and experienced entertainer who knows how to moderate complex proceedings while keeping his audience entertained.

Book Brian Nankervis 

Nicole Livingstone OAM OLY

A three-time Olympian turned CEO, Nicole led high-performing teams from the pool deck to the boardroom, including scaling AFLW from an eight-team start-up to a thriving national league. With warmth, wit and hard-earned wisdom, she bridges the worlds of sport and corporate events, with a down-to-earth attitude that engages audiences.
Book Nicole Livingston

Andrew Klein

As a former corporate lawyer, Andrew brings a style that’s part casual and part professional, perfect for a corporate MC. With over 25 years experience, he’s well-known for his informal, entertaining style, quick wit and improvisation skills. Andrew is great at connecting with a variety of different audiences, adapting seamlessly to different formats and styles of events.

Book Andrew Klein

Tracee Hutchison

Award-winning broadcaster, journalist and author Tracee Hutchison boasts over 30 years of experience in Australian and international media landscapes, with a history of incisive interviews that’s included Prime Ministers, celebrities and cultural icons. As an event MC she’s more than able to handle facilitating anything the audience can send her way, ensuring your event runs smoothly, with a slick, professional feel and a familiar voice.

Book Tracee Hutchison

Matt Hetherington

Matt Hetherington is Australia’s premier corporate entertainer. He has performed at some of Australia’s largest events and has MCed for the Epworth Ball and Telstra Awards, entertaining some of our country’s biggest companies, sporting legends and even Prime Ministers. Winner of three Green Room Awards and the prestigious Helpmann Award, Matt transforms any corporate event into a treasured occasion.

Book Matt Hetherington

Brihony Dawson

Australia’s most prominent non-binary keynote speaker, television host and MC, Brihony Dawson’s authenticity as an MC keeps everyone engaged throughout the night, making them a powerful host who strikes the right balance between entertaining audiences and keeping focused on a tight run sheet.

Book Brihony Dawson

Frequently Asked Questions 

• What is the difference between an MC and a host?

  An MC is best suited to more formal, structured events, such as awards ceremonies, galas and conferences. A host provides a more conversational presence for more casual, entertaining events.

• What makes a good MC?
  We determined seven criteria: impeccable timing, audience reading and engagement, professional polish, flexibility and problem sovling, voice quality and clarity, and personality balance.

• How do I choose the right MC for my event?
  

  Define your event requirements, match your event style to a shortlist of MCs, review credentials and demo tapes, confirm logistics, set-up a briefing call and trust your gut!

• How much do professional MCs cost?
  

  Emerging MCs start from $2,000 – $4,000, professional MCs range between $4,000 and $8,000, premium MCs range between $8,000 and $15,000 and if you’re looking for a celebrity MC, they start at $15,000. All prices are in Australian dollars and fees will also require an additional GST.

• When should I book an MC for my event?
  

  Start looked 4-6 months before your event, especially for events during peak seasons.

• What information should I provide to an MC?
  Before your event, you should provide your MC with an event overview, programme schedule with timings and run sheet, audience information, including size and demographics, organisational background and culture, speakers and award recipient information, including a pronunciation guide, any sensitive topics to avoid, the technical set-up and AV details and finally, the dress code.

Ready to find the perfect MC for your event?

ICMI’s roster features Australia’s best professional MCs, from corporate specialists to gala experts, comedic hosts to conference veterans. Our consultants understand how to choose a great MC and will match you with the perfect fit for your event. Browse our MCs or contact us today for expert recommendations.

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