Tips for Working with Emcee's

Interesting things always come out of a debrief meeting. Last week I had a debrief meeting with a client about the fundraising event I planned for them in May. As we discussed each element of the event, the planning process and then the actual event some interesting points came up in regards to the auction and Emcee.

In any event that there is an Emcee, there is always an element of risk. Are they going to follow the script? Have they even really read the script? Will they adlib and go for the joke that the audience doesn't get or even worse offend the guests?

Those risks being said, it made me think of some pointers that are a must when utilizing an Emcee for any event!

• Make sure the Emcee receives the a DRAFT version of the script at least two weeks in advance, this allows them to become familiar with the flow and the direction that the event is going (formal vs. informal)
• One week out, send them the almost final script and schedule a read through with a Q&A portion - this Q&A is imperative because it allows you and them to ask questions that neither of you may have asked nor thought of on event night. For instance, live auction package #1 - is there enough information for you? If a bidder asked you a specific question about the hotel, could you answer it?
• On event night, get the Emcee to arrive a minimum of 30 minutes before the event starts. This is a great time to walk through the space, talk through any last minute concerns and test the microphone and volume of their voice in the space
• Most importantly, make sure they know who is coming! They need to know the demographic of the guests attending and why they are coming to this event and the goals for the evening.

What are some of your experiences when working with Emcee's?