The answer depends on your appetite for Risk, because it is a question of Risk vs Reward? With all that you’re pouring in – is it really worth having the person(s) who pull the entire event together on the day “winging it”

Producing an extraordinary conference or event is a huge undertaking. Most conferences will cost in excess of $150,000 to run in addition to a significant amount of both people power and time to ensure a successful outcome.

With such a huge investment the stakes are HUGE and it is vital that your event runs smoothly. You want your host to be professional, eloquent and articulate whilst at the same time generating energy and enthusiasm throughout your event.

An amazing MC will always make the MC role look easier than it really is and whether your event is delivered in person, virtually or hybrid – the pitfalls, risks and issues tend to be similar. This is where the Professional MC comes into the picture.

The use of a Professional Conference Organiser (PCO) is vital to ensure that the event is smooth, planned well and the logistics are managed, BUT coordinating the actual running of the event when showtime arrives needs an experienced Master of Ceremonies.

Let’s be honest, most companies will have someone who is great behind the microphone. But should they really be in control of your event? should they be the glue holding the entire event together?

• • Will they know what room setup or timing is best?
  • How will they handle a quiet and subdued audience or what will they do if things really go wrong?
  • As opposed to being on stage, should they really be networking with your customers, sponsors or stakeholders?
  • Do they understand how best to structure their approach based on your event objectives?
  • Things can and will go wrong, will they be able to change their approach immediately if circumstances require?       
  • Do they have the experience to truly add value during your event preparation?

Comedians can be extremely funny and keep the atmosphere light and entertaining – but will they appreciate the intricacies of your company, industry and sponsors. Are they aware of the what the event actually needs and what your expectations really are?

A professional conference MC will always make the MC role look easier than it really is and whether your event is delivered in person, virtually or hybrid and a great MC will be able to manage any situation.

The short answer is – It Depends.

The average keynote speakers will cost in excess between $10,000 to $20,000 for a one-hour session and many won’t need to be turning up to pre meetings, de-briefs or event shakedowns.

A great MC will insist on planning, on getting involved early on to prepare and plan every detail of your event to ensure you get maximum value from both your investment in the MC and the overall event investment.

In terms of a guide – the investment for a great MC will be about half of what the average keynote speaker will cost.

When organisation, energy and audience engagement is what you need, then Luke is the right MC for you. Prior to his career as a Professional MC Luke had a succesfull Finance Career spanning over 20 years where he was an executive manager, with experience presenting to Boards, CEO’s and Regulators. Plus Luke has an MBA from the university of Technology, Sydney.

Luke’s unique background and experience means a perfect fit for corporate conferences and discussion moderation in almost any industry. In fact most of Luke’s 500+ events have been conferences, roundtables and discussion moderation with a sprinkling of sporting events mixed in!

If you’re thinking you need someone to be the glue holding your event together – then Luke is the Event MC you need!!

Generally speaking – the earlier in the process, the better!

Luke is your end-to-end event partner, leveraging experience and sharing ideas / advice to help you to shape the foundations of your event. From table setup to scheduling and everything in between, he regularly partners with teams to help plan and deliver their events so feel free to bring Luke in as early as you wish.

On the other hand, Luke has delivered countless highly successful events on very short notice.

There is no golden rule in terms of when to book your MC, however in Luke’s experience most clients tend to secure the date, the venue, then their MC.

Drop Luke a note today and Let’s explore your next event 

Luke hosts events Anywhere, from interviewing swimmers in Sydney Olympic Park Aquatic Centre to Fireside Chats with CEO’s in Singapore and Roundtable Discissions in Europe – if people are able to travel to your venue Luke will bring extraordinary value to your event.

Virtually, Luke has a state-of-the-art studio within his Sydney home and has hosted hundreds of virtual events from his home base.

Importantly, Luke loves flying – if he wasn’t a Professional Event MC he would definitely become a pilot so travel is more than welcome.

Let’s partner on the journey toward an awesome event – drop me a line today!