Who Does Your Event Actually Need?

Choosing who stands at the front of the room isn’t simply about finding someone confident with a microphone. An MC, host and facilitator can each play a very different role, and choosing the right one can change the energy, flow and ultimately the outcome of your event. Our managing consultants have these conversations with clients every day.

An MC keeps the event or conference moving. They connect the program, introduce speakers, manage timing, read the room and deal with the unexpected without the audience necessarily knowing there was a problem. They also tie in the themes, messages and organisational objectives.

A host often brings more personality to the role. They may interview guests, interact with the audience and become part of the entertainment and overall event experience.

A facilitator has a different job again. Their focus is on getting something from the room: discussion, ideas, decisions, participation or learning. They need to listen, question, challenge and know when to move a conversation forward.

And sometimes, of course, you need someone who can do all three.

The starting point shouldn’t be “Who is available?” It should be “What do we need this person to achieve?”

That’s where a good talent consultant earns their keep. Tell us about the audience, the purpose of the event, the personalities already on the program and what you want people to leave thinking, feeling or doing.

The biggest challenge our team sees isn’t finding the right talent. It’s that speakers, MCs and facilitators can sit too far down the event planning priority list, and by the time the conversation starts, the ideal person may no longer be available.

Jo Neville, Sydney, says: “Lock your talent in early. It gives you a better choice and, importantly, gives your speaker, MC or facilitator the opportunity to understand your event, your audience and what you want to achieve. The right talent can then be part of the journey with you, not simply turn up on the day.”

That’s where a good ICMI consultant earns their keep. We can help you find the right person for the job, not simply another person for the stage.