Whether you are throwing a sweet 16 party or organizing a corporate conference, you should consider hiring a Master of Ceremonies, otherwise known as an MC.  I’m not just saying this because I think I’m the creme de la creme of MC’s (though I am pretty darn good), but because they pack a lot more than just a witty introduction.  MC’s today are working professionals, stand-up comedians, motivational speakers, and more.  This means you are bringing high caliber talent to the helm of your event and transforming the entire experience.  Here are my top three reasons why your event needs a professional MC.

KISS…Keep It Smooth Silly

Carlos Santana and Rob Thomas dedicated a song to the one attribute that could make or break your event:  Smooth! You have your event space, your speakers, and your run of show all set.  The caterer has been hired and decorations are on their way.  Now what?  While you’re busy balancing all of these various elements of an event, who is keeping your audience engaged and ensuring the program runs smoothly?

Enter the MC.  They will oftentimes work with you prior to the event to help you organize the agenda.  In a recent gig I not only helped complete the run of show, but I shortened the bio’s of each speaker to help us stay on schedule.  It might be the first time you are throwing an event but it’s likely not your MC’s first gig.  Professional MC’s come with experience which could be instrumental in conceptualizing how a program should run.  Also, what better way to ensure that your MC knows what is expected of them than to involve them in the planning process?  Keep in mind that not all MC’s will do this, but it’s worth finding out if it’s included in the cost.

Once the run of show has been set and the event kicks off the MC will be the person to bring the crowd together and grab their attention.  From then on it’s up to the MC to keep the program on schedule.  If a speaker is running late or there is a mistake in the program, what happens?  These scenarios typically result in a group of people pulling their hair out wondering how to fill in the gap.  MC’s are professionals who can tell an interesting story or a funny joke, on demand, so that the audience’s attention doesn’t waiver.

A Strong Introduction

The introduction of the program sets the tone for the evening.  If you have someone on stage who seems nervous or unprepared the audience will take notice.  It’s an uncomfortable feeling for everyone involved.  On the other hand, if your MC is poised to perfection, confident, and witty, you have already won over your crowd.  This is equally important for anyone they are introducing.  If the introduction is on point then they are walking up to an audience that is enthusiastic and ready.

Prestige Status

Hiring an MC lets your audience know that you value their time and attendance.  It shows that, instead of making do with someone in your organization, you sought out a professional to create the ultimate experience.  The right professional will uplift the crowd and oftentimes entertain them when an opportunity arises.  When you have already spent a fortune putting together an event don’t skimp on the person everyone will be following.  You can bank on getting more than you bargained for with a professional MC.  If your event is being filmed then you can enjoy their performance time and time again!

Events are meant to create experiences.  Whether its to gain information from speakers or be entertained by performers, MC’s are the glue that hold them together.  It’s a small investment that yields a great impact.  I have hosted events where I introduced speakers, but at the end the compliments were directed towards me.  A good MC will fill in the gaps when things aren’t running on time, maintain a strong connection with the audience, and bring an element of prestige to your event.