The post Adam Christing, America’s Most Popular Corporate Emcee And Clean Comedian, Appears On The WOW Factor Podcast appeared first on Adam Christing.

That’s where force majeure clauses come into play. French for “superior force,” this clause is often included in legal contracts in order to protect parties from liability in case of any unforeseen circumstances.

Key takeaways

• A force majeure clause is a contract provision that helps remove liability in the case of any unavoidable and unforeseeable event that could interrupt or hinder a party from fulfilling their contractual obligations.
• Even if you think it can’t happen to you, it’s important to incorporate a force majeure clause into your event contract to protect all parties from the unforeseeable.
• Examples of force majeure events include acts of God like earthquakes, tornados, or fire, as well as other events like war, riots, or civil disorder.
• For an event to be considered under a force majeure clause, it must be unforeseeable, external to the parties, and must make it impossible for the affected party to fulfill contractual obligations.
• Things like economic hardship or unanticipated difficulty can’t be considered under force majeure clauses.
• In addition to a comprehensive force majeure clause, you need to book a great Master of Ceremonies in order to host an amazing corporate event!

Keep reading, and I’ll let you know everything you should keep in mind about what a force majeure clause is, and why you need one when corporate hosting.

See Related: 7 Games To Enhance Your Next Annual Company Dinner

What is force majeure?

When it comes to corporate events, planning and preparation is key. You can’t expect to host an entertaining and enlightening event without investing time and effort into its success beforehand.

And part of this event planning process should include incorporating a force majeure clause into the contract for the said event.

I’ve been a corporate Master of Ceremonies for over thirty years, hosting events for Fortune 500 companies, non-profit organizations, and plenty of other businesses. And after thousands of different events, I’ve seen how unpredictable circumstances can sometimes throw a wrench into things.

Sometimes, things just happen that no one has any control over. Anything from natural disasters to infrastructure failures can make it hard or even impossible for parties to fulfill their obligations.

What is a force majeure clause?

At first, it can be difficult to define what a force majeure clause is and what it does.

A force majeure clause allocates any risk if an event is going to be hindered, canceled, or delayed because of a circumstance that no parties could have prevented, anticipated, or controlled.

This clause is a type of contractual defense for all parties involved. Of course, the terms of the contract can vary from event to event, but the general idea will remain the same.

Why is it important to prepare for force majeure events?

If you’re planning an event, your mind is likely preoccupied with booking caterers and finding the perfect evening entertainment. You’re likely not envisioning what you would do if there was an earthquake in the area.

Everyone thinks it won’t happen to them until it does. And that’s why a force majeure clause is so important!

If something like this does happen, you need to be sure you will walk away from it without taking a major loss.

Understanding a force majeure event

This French term is deeply related to the concept of an act of God. A force majeure event is one that no one has any control over and that no one can really be held accountable for.

Most of the time, force majeure events are natural disasters, like a hurricane or tornado. After all, it’s impossible to blame anyone except Mother Nature for something like that.

However, even human actions can still count as a force majeure event. Warfare is one such event that the parties in question would not have any control over, but that can lead to a failure to perform.

What qualifies as a force majeure event?

Not all circumstances are as black and white as a tornado. For a force majeure clause to be accepted, it must be explicit and specific about what sort of unanticipated events would cause the clause to go into effect.

It’s essential to determine what sort of events should be covered under the force majeure clause.

Natural disasters and other acts of God that should be considered include hurricanes, floods, tsunamis, volcanic activity, earthquakes, and other weather disturbances. Other events like fire, threats of terrorist attacks, civil disorder, war, serious illness, labor disputes, or governmental action should also be included in force majeure clauses.

Another example of an extraordinary event that should be covered is disease. We saw this during the recent COVID-19 pandemic.

An example of a force majeure event

The thing about force majeure events is that they can be hard to define. Things aren’t black and white, and the difficulty with force majeure comes into play often when deciding if an event can be considered under the clause.

One example of a theoretical force majeure event could be the following: let’s say there’s a tornado that destroys a supplier’s factory in Oklahoma. This then leads to shipment delays in which a client sues for damages. The supplier could then invoke a force majeure defense in that the tornado was an external, unavoidable, and unforeseeable event.

And what’s key is that these three attributes are checked off.

Defining a force majeure event with three key elements

Now, let’s dive into the nitty gritty of force majeure.

The concept of force majeure first came to be in French civil law. Most common law systems, like that of the United States, are pretty explicit about what events can trigger a force majeure clause.

In general, in order for an event to be considered under force majeure clauses, it must satisfy the three elements of force majeure. These three tests were applied by French law.

Let’s break them down.

Bonus: The Difference Between Hosting B2B and B2C Events

#1: It must be unforeseeable

When a force majeure event occurs, it must be completely unpredictable and unanticipated. The affected party claiming force majeure can’t have foreseen it happening.

However, this can present some gray areas. Sometimes, it can be hard to prove that such circumstances can be considered unforeseeable events.

It can even be argued at times that a natural disaster is foreseeable if a similar event happened in the same place before, even if it took place many years ago. Force majeure events need to be considered on a case-by-case basis.

#2: It must be external to the parties of the contract

Any event that takes place that can be potential force majeure events must be external to both parties.

This element is more clear-cut and easier to define than the rest.

#3: It must render a party unable to perform its contractual obligations

Lastly, the circumstances must have a large enough effect on the ability of a party to perform and fulfill their contractual obligation.

If said party claiming force majeure can still fulfill their obligation, then it wouldn’t constitute force majeure. Even if it’s more expensive or more difficult for them to execute their end of the bargain, it doesn’t mean that they can claim force majeure.

What doesn’t count as force majeure events?

There are plenty of examples of events or circumstances that don’t count as a force majeure event, even if they can pose some serious challenges for a party.

For example, economic hardship is one such instance that doesn’t count as force majeure. Not only is it foreseeable, but it doesn’t necessarily make it impossible for someone to hold up their end of a contract.

Unanticipated difficulty is another. Even if one party has some serious trouble fulfilling their obligations, that’s not enough to excuse performance.

Anytime something is foreseeable, not external to the parties, and doesn’t make it nearly impossible for someone to uphold their obligations, it likely won’t hold up as force majeure.

Interpreting force majeure events

Creating a comprehensive and detailed force majeure clause is essential if you want to ensure everyone is properly protected and not held liable for something out of reasonable control.

If it comes down to it, courts will tend to interpret force majeure clauses very narrowly. There won’t be a lot of leeway and things will be considered as the contract states. Most of the time, only events that are explicitly listed in the force majeure clause will be considered.

For example, let’s say that a contract spells out “acts of terrorism” as a defined force majeure event. That means that threats of terrorism don’t necessarily fall into that category, and a court might not excuse any failure to perform on that basis.

Examples of force majeure clauses

When it comes to corporate hosting, there are plenty of reasons why you should include a force majeure clause in your contract. Whether you’re the event’s emcee or the hosting organization, a force majeure clause will help protect anyone involved in the festivities.

It’s always a good idea to seek legal counsel when writing up a contract. That way, you can ensure your force majeure clause is as it should be.

If you’re curious about the general layout of a force majeure clause, here’s an example contract provision:

If this Agreement is delayed in or prevented from performing in the Event of Force Majeure, only within the limitation of such delay or prevention, the affected Party is absolved from any liability under this Agreement. Force Majeure, which includes acts of government, acts of nature, fire, explosion, geographic change, flood, earthquake, tide, lightning, and war, means any unforeseen events beyond the prevented Party’s reasonable control and cannot be prevented with reasonable care. However, any shortage of credit, capital, or finance shall not be regarded as an event beyond a Party’s reasonable control. The Party affected by Force Majeure who claims for exemption from performing any obligations under this Agreement or under any Section herein shall notify the other party of such exemption promptly and advise him/her of the steps to be taken for completion of the performance.

Of course, any force majeure clauses that you are involved with should be unique to your situation.

That’s the best way to ensure that any potential catastrophes can be properly responded to!

How to set up your corporate event for success

Even though things can go wrong in the blink of an eye, that doesn’t mean they have to. Force majeure clauses help protect you in case of any detrimental unforeseeable events, but the best way to ensure you can host a successful and entertaining corporate function is by booking the right speaker to run the show.

Your chosen emcee should not only be entertaining and personable, but they should also be cooperative and easy to work with. A great Master of Ceremonies knows how to ensure a great corporate event, both on stage and behind the scenes!

When finding your emcee, you should look for someone with plenty of experience and a great track record. They should also be fun, exciting, and able to infuse their act with humor and intrigue.

Your event attendees deserve to be treated to an evening of memorable interaction. And that’s what a fantastic Master of Ceremonies can do for you!

Final thoughts

Now that you understand the importance of force majeure clauses, you can ensure that when it comes time to host a corporate event, you are properly prepared and ready for it all. That’s how you can guarantee success, even in the face of disaster!

Keep Reading: 5 Stage Presence Tips From A Master of Ceremonies

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Adam Christing has been called “The Tom Brady of emcees.” He has hosted over 1,000 company meetings, special events, gala celebrations, and more. He is the author of several books and the founder of CleanComedians.com. For more event tips, follow Adam Christing on Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, LinkedIn, and YouTube.

The post The Importance Of Force Majeure Clauses When Corporate Hosting appeared first on Adam Christing.

Even if you spend countless hours preparing your content to a tee, it will mean virtually nothing if your tone, body language, and delivery are lacking.

At a glance

1. S – Smile and connect with your audience members
2. T – Tone and timing will have an immense impact
3. A – Animated gestures and interactive body language is essential
4. G – Grounded posture and confidence will go a long way
5. E – Energy and enthusiasm will carry you till the end

Knowing how to master the art of stage presence is essential if you want your time on stage to be memorable (and not in a bad way!)

Luckily, with over thirty years of experience as a corporate emcee, I’ve learned what it takes to do just that.

Keep reading, and I’ll use the acronym STAGE to go over the five main components of strong stage presence.

See Related: The Difference Between Hosting B2B and B2C Events

#1. S – Smile and connect with your audience members

Before you even start your speech, you’ll give your audience a first impression of who you are as an entertainer and an emcee.

And as your stint on stage goes on, they’ll continue to develop their opinion about you and your content. Be sure they won’t form a negative opinion.

However, much of what they decipher doesn’t stem from the actual words you say.

Instead, they’ll decide based on things like your tone and your delivery.

Good stage presence starts with your facial expressions

Something that will play a huge part in this is your facial expressions.

And one of the first things your audience will notice is whether or not you’re smiling.

Smiling on stage isn’t just about showing your friendly and warm side.

And you shouldn’t smile so intensely or unnaturally that it leaves people feeling uncomfortable.

Instead, a genuine smile is more about helping you form valuable connections with your audience. This will make them more receptive to your ideas and more trusting of your words.

That way, they’ll actually listen to what you have to say, and will welcome it all with open arms!

Don’t underestimate the power of a warmhearted smile

A sincere smile instantly makes you more approachable and sets a positive tone.

It communicates warmth and helps create a friendly atmosphere in the crowd.

Don’t forget to pair it with eye contact that keeps your audience engaged.

#2. T – Tone and timing will have an immense impact

Even if you have the most perfectly scripted speech ready to go, it’ll mean nothing if it’s not delivered properly.

All of your hard work will instantly go to waste if you don’t know how to make sure your content can be properly received.

And the only way to do that is to master the art of tone and timing before you step into the spotlight.

Take time beforehand to practice and experiment with varied tones

While you’re getting ready for your time on stage, don’t forget to try different pitches, paces, and volumes of your voice to find what suits you and your speech best.

Maintaining a dynamic tone will help provide depth while keeping the audience’s attention.

Bonus: 7 Games To Enhance Your Next Annual Company Dinner

You should also know how to use pauses to your advantage.

Timing is crucial to many things, but it is especially important during a speech, presentation, or performance.

Regardless of how you decide to incorporate tone and timing into your act, don’t forget to make sure it aligns with the mood of the event.

Whether you’re an emcee or musician, it’s important to create a cohesive experience for your audience.

#3. A – Animated gestures and interactive body language is essential

As an emcee, I know the immense power that hand and body gestures can have while speaking.

Animated and lively gestures can provide depth and meaning to your act without you ever needing to open your mouth.

With over thirty years of experience as a Master of Ceremonies on my side, I know how this seemingly simple aspect of public speaking can actually make a world of difference.

Be expressive, without making your gestures too distracting

Using your hands and body to express your emotions and better portray your message is important.

But when performing on stage, don’t forget that too much can be distracting and may overshadow your words.

It’s important to find that happy medium.

And the only way to do that is by practicing and experimenting.

#4. G – Grounded posture and confidence will go a long way

If you’re nervous and fidgety on stage, your audience will notice right away.

And that’s a great way to ruin your stage presence and ensure your listeners won’t care about a thing you have to say.

You likely already know this, but confidence is essential on stage.

The ability to manifest confidence is necessary for any performer, musician, or emcee.

This is truly the lifeblood of your performance!

More confidence means better stage presence

Feel free to fill the entire stage with vivid energy.

This will help you build confidence while creating a sensory experience for your audience.

But don’t just float around like a limp noodle.

Your posture should be grounded and you should have a confident stance.

Showcase your inner confidence while kicking bad habits to the curb

Don’t forget to avoid nervous behaviors like fidgeting, swaying, or pacing.

Even if you don’t normally succumb to these types of practices, you might find yourself biting your nails when faced with the anxiety that comes with being on stage in front of a sea of expectant faces.

#5. E – Energy and enthusiasm will carry you till the end

Now, we’ve reached the fifth and final aspect of amazing stage presence – your energy!

No one wants to show up to a conference, corporate event, or even stand-up show and be faced with a boring speaker who is unsure of their every move on stage.

Every one of the people in the crowd deserves to watch an act that is innately infused with humor, energy, and enthusiasm.

Don’t underestimate the power of humor in your act

If you’re speaking at a conference or corporate event, you might think that you’ll need to steer clear of anything humorous and stick with a purely professional script.

But that’s the opposite of what you should be doing!

Your audience deserves to experience a funny speaker who knows how to keep them entertained.

And that’s also the best way to complement the energy and enthusiasm that you will carry on stage.

Don’t forget to infuse passion into all you do on stage

Now is the time to let your passion for the event, topic, or audience shine through.

And when you genuinely care about what you’re presenting, it’ll further resonate with the audience and help you better connect.

Just be sure to keep the same energy from start to finish.

Project enthusiasm through your voice, facial expressions, and body and hand gestures, and the rest will fall in line seamlessly.

Final thoughts

With these best tips in mind, you’re well on your way to ensuring your time on stage is meaningful, memorable, and truly entertaining and fun.

Now, you can finally discover the full potential of your stage presence!

Keep Reading: 5 Ways To Make Your Workplace Festivities Inclusive During The Holidays

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Adam Christing has been called “The Tom Brady of emcees.” He has hosted more than 1,000 company meetings, special events, gala celebrations, and more. He is the author of several books and founder of CleanComedians.com. For more event tips, follow Adam Christing on Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, LinkedIn, and YouTube.

The post 5 Stage Presence Tips From A Master of Ceremonies appeared first on Adam Christing.

How does a local Boys & Girls Club raise $375,000 in a single night at their first gala fundraiser? Executive Director Sarah St. Marie and her team produced an “Evening of Magical Giving.” Christing is an interactive comedian and a professional magician. He used both of these skills to help the Club realize their mission.

Christing says, “Meeting planners forget that the first three letters of the word fundraiser are FUN. People will give more money to your cause when you give them a great time.”

Emcee Adam Christing at a Donor Event in Sea Island, Georgia

Christing says, “I am not the star of these gatherings.” It’s these amazing non-profit groups-and their donors-who are transforming lives through their causes.

The popular master of ceremonies has joined forces with a group he considers the world’s #1 major donor event company: Westfall Gold. Nine out of ten of these events were produced by WestfallGold.com. Christing says, “You don’t want to produce an event without expert consulting and a stellar production company that knows how to maximize the experience for generous givers.”

Turning Donors into Investors via the Transformational Experience of Giving

Westfall Gold has helped non-profit groups raise approximately $2 billion by producing major donor experience weekends for charitable orgs. Westfall Gold is an experienced design agency and fundraising consultancy for organizations passionate about advancing good in the world.

John Baas is Vice President for Advancement at Dordt University. He has hired Christing to emcee his university’s “President’s Weekend” three times and says, “Adam, once again, you hit it out of the park!” Christing utilizes clean stand-up comedy, interactive magic, and heartfelt humor to help donors have a tremendous experience at events like the one Dordt recently staged at the Ritz Carlton in Dove Mountain, AZ.

Lisa Wolf is the Senior Vice President of Client Experience for Westfall Gold. Her company has hired Adam Christing nearly 200 times. She considers Christing a partner in their work. “It’s always a better weekend when Adam is in the house as the master of ceremonies.”

Many of the events Adam Christing emceed featured food celebrities like Maneet Chauhan, SuperChef Darnell Ferguson, and Johnnyswim’s Abner Ramirez and Amanda Sudano from In the Kitchen with Abner and Amanda.

Darnell Ferguson, host of SuperChef Grudge Match, with Adam Christing

Adam Christing has been a professional emcee for over 30 years. He has also served as a corporate emcee for companies like Coca-Cola, COX Communications, and Insperity.

According to Christing, when a meeting planner hires an emcee, they are setting themselves up for better fundraising success. “A gifted event MC will help elevate your event by engaging your people, not just by feeding them content, but by making them a part of the program. Your event MC needs to entertain your attendees and guide them through an unforgettable experience.”

Christing states, “People love to give in community. A great Master of Ceremonies will help you galvanize your group and drive your mission forward. He/she will bond with your audience and inspire them to give in a way that makes a big difference.”

Bob Westfall, the founder and chairman of WestfallGold.com says the key “is moving people from being transactional to transformational givers.”

Christing states, “The best corporate emcees and fundraising hosts work for you long before the event takes place. With a master of ceremonies, you want more than a humorous host, you want someone who can help you think through every aspect of your program.” Christing helps organizations develop what is called their “Run of Show” (the meeting agenda). Sarah St. Marie acknowledged Christing for this by saying, “Thank you for helping us craft a really special and successful night!”

What was the master of ceremonies’ favorite event during a 9-week run? “Ha! It was the one for Cottonwood Preschool, my grandson’s preschool in Southern California,” says Christing.

Christing’s forthcoming book taps into his 30 years of event emcee experience. It will be released in 2025 and is called We Got You: Gather Your Group, Galvanize Your People, Grow Your Results.

Reach out to Adam Christing via his website (AdamChristing.com) or email Sheryl@AdamChristing.com

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Adam Christing has been called “The Tom Brady of emcees.” He has hosted over 1,000 company meetings, special events, gala celebrations, and more. He is the author of several books and the founder of CleanComedians.com. For more event tips, follow Adam Christing on Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, LinkedIn, and YouTube.

The post Master of Ceremonies Helps 10 Non-Profit Groups Raise Over $77 Million at 10 Fundraising Events in the Fall of 2023 appeared first on Adam Christing.

Key takeaways

1. C – Communication should be a top priority
2. U – Unite through fun team-building activities
3. L – Let go of any toxicity and promote positivity
4. T – Trust your employees by increasing autonomy
5. U – Understand the power of a healthy work-life balance
6. R – Recognize hard work and genuine effort
7. E – Entice your employees with comfortable and clean physical spaces

As an experienced corporate emcee, I’ve figured out what the modern-day employee truly needs at work in order to feel at peace. And it’s more simple than you realize!

So, without further ado, let me break down seven of my best workplace hospitality tips for you with the acronym CULTURE.

See Related: 7 Halloween Office Party Ideas You’ll Want To Celebrate With A Spooky Emcee

#1. C – Communication should be a top priority

There are a few key aspects of any positive workspace that shouldn’t be overlooked. One of the most fundamental is workplace hospitality.

However, creating a hospitable workplace might not be the piece of cake you might first assume. In fact, curating a positive and supportive workplace culture takes plenty of focus, attention, and effort.

But, as a workplace leader, it’s up to you to ensure you’re active in creating an office space that your team feels comfortable and supported in!

The best way to create an office environment that exudes hospitality

The foundation of any high-functioning company is communication. Your team needs to be open and connected in order for engagement and productivity to thrive.

Be sure to encourage employees to express their thoughts and ideas freely. One way to do this is by implementing regular team meetings and providing channels for feedback, connection, and creativity.

#2. U – Unite through fun team-building activities

When your team can function as one, everything runs more smoothly. Plus, that ensures that the people who make up your organization and community feel at home and comfortable with each other.

In order to promote healthy workplace relationships, you should take some time to put together some team-building activities.

As a corporate emcee, I know how great interactivity can truly help an audience bond. Even if you’re not a master of ceremonies, with the right activities and the right speaker, you’ll be able to treat your team to a much-needed bonding session!

Bonus: 5 Giving Tuesday Ideas With A Corporate Master Of Ceremonies

#3. L – Let go of any toxicity and promote positivity

If you want a positive and hospitality-driven team, you need to start by getting rid of anything negative. Be sure that you don’t allow rumors to run wild and quickly nip any sour behavior.

It’s the least your workers deserve!

#4. T – Trust your employees by increasing autonomy

Success, inspiration, and newfound leadership come from freedom. Plus, no one likes to feel micromanaged.

Enable employees to run their own working day (to a certain extent, as always.) Give them some extra freedom and responsibilities.

That helps build trust and prioritizes teamwork, which is fundamental for your company’s culture!

#5. U – Understand the power of a healthy work-life balance

Now, we’ve reached one of the most integral aspects of creating a positive employee experience. Work-life balance.

If this phrase is unfamiliar to you, it’s a good idea to brush up on its meaning.

The most important parts don’t even take place in the office space

The spaces of your office aren’t where your employees need to spend the majority of their time and hard work. Inspired employees are those who have a great balance between their home lives and work lives.

So, if you want to ensure each staff member in your office, be sure they have enough rest days to make up for their work days. That way, they can explore their own creative endeavors, spend time with family, or do whatever else piques their interest!

#6. R – Recognize hard work and genuine effort

If your employees work hard day in and day out with nothing to show for it except their paycheck, it’s easy to say that they’re likely to feel drained and unappreciated. And that’s, without a doubt, not a good way to promote hospitality.

Take time to recognize the efforts of your employees and offer rewards. Whether you want to dish out some extra vacation days or merely give out a “good job,” anything is better than nothing!

#7. E – Entice your employees with comfortable and clean physical spaces

The emotional and mental feeling in a workplace is only part of it. The remainder comes from the physical space.

Not only does this help establish a great first impression for guests stepping foot through the door, but it also ensures that the spaces your employees spend their time in are beneficial to their productivity and well-being.

Your employee’s surroundings are more important than you might think!

Wrapping up

Investing in the future of your organization starts with hospitality. Inspired, focused, and motivated people in your office will help boost productivity and engagement while helping to create a truly positive and uplifting place to work!

Keep Reading: 5 Fresh Team Building Activities To Celebrate Thanksgiving At Work

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Adam Christing has been called “The Tom Brady of emcees.” He has hosted more than 1,000 company meetings, special events, gala celebrations, and more. He is the author of several books and founder of CleanComedians.com. For more event tips, follow Adam Christing on Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, LinkedIn, and YouTube.

The post 7 Workplace Hospitality Tips From A Corporate Emcee appeared first on Adam Christing.

At a glance

• An event venue is essential if you want your event to be a success and leave a lasting impression on your guests.
• From finding the right emcee to deciding on your event budget, there’s plenty that goes into the event planning process.
• Things like capacity and layout, food and beverage options, and venue facilities can significantly impact your venue selection.

If you want to host a memorable and exquisite evening that will truly wow your attendees, you need to spend plenty of time and effort in selecting an event venue.

Keep reading, and I’ll let you know why choosing the right venue is critical.

See Related: The Difference Between An Emcee And A Host

#1. Why do you need an event venue?

Most event planners already know that they need a venue for any in-person event. That much should already be obvious!

But that question itself might be a bit more in-depth than you realize. Because it’s important to know exactly why finding the perfect venue is so essential.

The right venue will set the tone for the entirety of your event. It should reflect the right atmosphere and convey your message effectively.

Plus, it should have all the details that you need in order to create a memorable experience for your guests.

#2. Why is venue selection so important in the event planning process?

Every event planner knows that event planning is perhaps the most essential part of any function. Without adequate organization, your event is bound to end in disaster.

As a corporate emcee, I’ve played my part in my fair share of corporate events. And, let me tell you, there’s a big difference between events that had a lengthy planning process and those that had less.

(Keep in mind that when it comes to picking a venue and planning your event, you cannot do without a fantastic master of ceremonies. The right speaker will help keep your event on track and keep your guests entertained, no matter where your venue might be!)

Bonus: Stage Presence: How To Master It As A Master Of Ceremonies

#3. Things you should consider when picking an event venue

Understanding the importance of finding a venue for your next event is only part of it. Now comes the more challenging part.

Picking a venue might be easier said than done. Because you need to be sure that any event space you book has all of the things you’re looking for.

Capacity and layout

Here’s the most basic aspect when it comes to picking event venues. You need to be sure that the place you pick can hold all of your guests!

If you don’t provide adequate space, the healthy flow of the event is sure to be stifled, and your guests will be anything but comfortable. However, if you opt for too much space, the event will feel rather empty and off-putting.

Location and accessibility

It’s important to keep your guests in mind when finding a space for your upcoming event. Find a venue that is in a convenient location for your attendees so that it won’t be a hassle for them to attend.

Also, be sure your venue’s location has ample parking and enough transportation options.

Food and beverage

The best way to keep your guests happy is by keeping them fed and watered! That means incorporating plenty of food and beverage options for your event.

When checking out different venues, make sure you consider the food and beverage options you want to provide for your guests.

Technological capabilities and facilities

Now, let’s get into the nitty-gritty. You likely have a list of requirements that you need to check off at your upcoming site visit. That’s how you’ll know if the venue you’re interested in can satisfy your needs!

Especially if you’re planning on having a virtual or hybrid event, this part is very important.

Be sure that your venue has audio-visual equipment and other event technology, sound systems, and adequate lighting. Don’t forget about extra details like breakout rooms, security personnel, venue staff, and other needed amenities, facilities, or services.

Wrapping Up

Ensuring your event’s success isn’t a small feat. But with the right venue picked out, you’re well on your way to hosting a memorable event!

Keep Reading: 4 Tips For Holding A Microphone From A Corporate Emcee

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Adam Christing has been called “The Tom Brady of emcees.” He has hosted more than 1,000 company meetings, special events, gala celebrations, and more. He is the author of several books and founder of CleanComedians.com. For more event tips, follow Adam Christing on Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, LinkedIn, and YouTube.

The post The Importance Of Choosing The Right Venue For Your Next Corporate Event appeared first on Adam Christing.

But what exactly is the difference between the two?

Key takeaways

• An emcee, short for master of ceremonies, is responsible for keeping an event on track and managing introductions, among other things.
• An event host will be the primary audience entertainer and will lead the show.

Though the roles of each often intertwine and carry many similarities, it’s important to understand the foundational differences. That way, you can make sure your upcoming event is outfitted with the perfect person running the show!

Keep reading, and I’ll dive into the key differences between an event host and a master of ceremonies.

See Related: Stage Presence: How To Master It As A Master Of Ceremonies

#1. What is an emcee (MC)?

An emcee (MC), short for master of ceremonies, is the one responsible for ensuring everything runs smoothly.

Whether it’s a corporate event or a wedding, the right speaker has a big part to play.

One of their primary roles is introducing performers

They are responsible for introducing speakers or other speakers and likely have the most knowledge surrounding the event.

They’re involved in it all!

Plus, they’re able to keep the audience engaged and entertained, ensuring that there are no dull moments.

Bonus: 4 Tips For Holding A Microphone From A Corporate Emcee

#2. What is an event host?

The event host is in charge of managing the event or program.

They also help ensure all the guests are comfortable and feel at ease.

The role of a host can vary depending on the nature of the event.

For example, larger functions will likely be much more demanding.

#3. Why is it important to have an emcee or host for your corporate event?

If you’re looking to host an event, you likely have a lot on your plate. After all, there’s a lot that goes into event planning!

However, you need to make sure you hire an entertaining and lively host or master of ceremonies.

That’s the only way to ensure your event is a success inside and out.

The mark of any great event is an exceptional host or master of ceremonies

By booking the right speaker, you can provide your guests with amazing entertainment while keeping the show running smoothly.

A great host or MC is the backbone of any great function!

#4. What are the characteristics of a great host or emcee?

Every great speaker has a few key characteristics that help them shine on stage.

So, if you’re looking to book a host or emcee for your upcoming function, be sure that they know how to WOW the audience!

W – Warm welcomes and introductions

Especially for emcees, the person you book should be able to introduce speakers and welcome guests with open arms. This is a must.

O – Open communication

Your event needs a team working together in order for it to be a success. Every person should value communication above all.

That’s the best way to ensure everyone is always on the same page.

W – Wonderful at audience interaction

Your guests deserve to be truly entertained. And that’s best done with interactive games and activities!

Your host or emcee should know firsthand the importance of great entertainment and engagement when it comes to events.

Wrapping up

Understanding the difference between a host and MC doesn’t need to be a challenge. The key lies in merely finding the right person with a great on-stage personality to make your upcoming event a success!

Keep Reading: The Ultimate Site Visit Checklist For Emcees & Event Planners

—

Adam Christing has been called “The Tom Brady of emcees.” He ha” hosted more than 1,000 company meetings, special events, gala celebrations, and more. He is the author of several books and founder of CleanComedians.com. For more event tips, follow Adam Christing on Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, LinkedIn, and YouTube.

The post The Difference Between An Emcee And A Host appeared first on Adam Christing.

At a glance

1. M – Make the most of your worst moments on stage
2. A – Adjust your content to your unique audience members
3. S – Smile and maintain positive body language
4. T – Talk to your audience on a more personal level
5. E – Engage the audience through humor and laughter
6. R – Remember to maintain a high level of energy

As the master of ceremonies, it’s up to you to command attention while connecting with your audience. As a corporate emcee with over 25 years of experience, I’ve learned exactly what it takes to MASTER the art of stage presence. So let me share it with you!

Without further ado, let me break down these principles with the acronym MASTER.

See Related: 4 Tips For Holding A Microphone From A Corporate Emcee

#1. M – Make the most of your worst moments on stage

Public speaking can be one of the most challenging things you can do. Especially if you’re a newbie emcee, you’re likely full of nerves. And that’s okay!

In fact, you’d be surprised how many people actually suffer from glossophobia or the fear of public speaking. 75% of people have this fear, and it’s even shown that it can truly inhibit your professional life.

So, if you’re feeling nervous or anxious before walking on stage, you’re far from alone.

Though it can be challenging, overcoming the jitters and finding your confidence on stage is essential if you want to wow your listeners and be a great event host. If you’re going to be speaking at an upcoming event, conference, or presentation, you need to master your stage presence.

The fundamentals of building a good stage presence

That brings me to my first point, M: Make the most of even the most embarrassing moments on stage.

The mark of any great emcee is their ability to bounce back, even from a hefty slip-up. Though it would be amazing if every performance turned out to be perfect, that’s not totally realistic.

You’re bound to run into a couple of hiccups!

However, instead of letting these slips and trips ruin the rest of your act, you need to keep going with vigor and confidence. Don’t let anything rattle you!

#2. A – Adjust your content to your unique audience members

An important part of developing a better stage presence is connecting with your audience. But that can be hard to do if you don’t take the time to get to know them.

Pay attention to the demographics of your listeners before you step on stage. This will help you curate a personalized and tailored performance.

Your listeners will know if you are neglectful of who they actually are. For example, it wouldn’t make sense to use modern-day jargon and slang if the crowd is filled with senior citizens.

Know (and really know) your audience. It’s that simple!

#3. S – Smile and maintain positive body language

Remember when I said that 55% of any performance is based on non-verbal communication? This is a huge part of building a strong stage presence!

There are various types of non-verbal communication, and it’s important to understand how you can use each one to your advantage on stage.

One of the best ways to incorporate non-verbal communication is by smiling. Though this can seem like a simple thing and perhaps even not that important, it’s actually the backbone of any great performance.

Plus, smiling is definitely contagious. If you’re grinning ear-to-ear on stage, those in the audience are sure to feel their face light up as well!

Smiling not only shows your listeners that you’re approachable and relatable, but it also releases endorphins that help you feel good. So, if you’re trying to shake those last-minute nerves, try smiling a bit extra as you walk into the spotlight. It’s more effective than you might think!

#4. T – Talk to your audience on a more personal level

Being a great emcee is all about stepping out of your comfort zone so and using your time on stage to truly connect with your listeners.

Though it can take lots of hard work to truly build a meaningful bond with your audience, it’s the best way to establish charisma and master your stage presence!

You need to focus on reducing the distance between you and the audience. This can be a bit tricky when there’s a physical barrier of the stage between you both, but eliminating that mental divide will help you build connections.

Fuel your speech or presentation with passion and empowerment, and be sure to incorporate plenty of personality and unique stories. It’s all about showing your audience that you are just like them!

Bonus: The Ultimate Site Visit Checklist For Emcees & Event Planners

#5. E – Engage the audience through humor and laughter

If there was some sort of secret sauce that any great performer or emcee had, it would be humor. Laughter is one of the best things you can have on your side, and it will truly help your time performing on stage stand out.

Performing live can be intimidating, but if you have fun on stage, your audience will have a fantastic time, too. Great stage presence is all about putting on a performance, and there’s nothing more enticing than humor, laughter, and joy.

It’s a good idea to also make this a key part of your on-stage persona. Often, stage presence is built on the indefinable qualities that make you you.

This unique aspect will both set you apart as a performer while ensuring that your speech is memorable, enjoyable, and down-to-earth!

#6. R – Remember to maintain a high level of energy

Just like your smile, your energy level is contagious.

If it seems like you’d rather be anywhere else than there, your listeners will also want to leave A.S.A.P. However, if your performance is infused with enthusiasm, vitality, and passion, your audience will always feel engaged and energized!

Great stage presence is all about incorporating high levels of energy into your act. This is essential if you want to leave your mark as a great emcee.

However, this is easier said than done. Maintaining that high level of enthusiasm is actually much harder than it seems, especially if you’re not that experienced on stage.

From rock bands to keynote speakers, anyone who spends time on stage knows that the key to staying energized is staying healthy. Before your time on stage, drink plenty of water and make sure you’re not hungry.

Eating nutritious foods, staying active, and committing to a sleep schedule will help you maintain enthusiasm as an emcee in the long run and make your stage presence truly take off!

Wrapping up

Whether you’re looking to spend time on stage singing, playing an instrument, or speaking to a professional crowd, it’s important that you master the art of stage presence. This will be what makes or breaks your act!

From maintaining eye contact to telling personal stories, as a master of ceremonies, it’s up to you to understand the foundation of stage presence. That way, you can truly establish yourself as a great speaker and event host.

Keep Reading: What Is A Run Of Show And Do I Need One As An Emcee?

—

Adam Christing has been called “The Tom Brady of emcees.” He has hosted more than 1,000 company meetings, special events, gala celebrations, and more. He is the author of several books and founder of CleanComedians.com. For more event tips, follow Adam Christing on Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, LinkedIn, and YouTube.

The post Stage Presence: How To Master It As A Master Of Ceremonies appeared first on Adam Christing.

Key takeaways

1. Know what kind of microphone you will be using
2. Don’t hide behind your mic (even if you’re nervous!)
3. Hold your handheld mic the right distance from your mouth
4. Don’t forget to test your mic before you begin

Even something as seemingly simple as talking into a mic can seem overwhelming when it comes time to step into the spotlight. You never know how nerve-wracking public speaking can be until you’re in front of a sea of expectant faces, and you don’t want to be caught holding the microphone like an amateur. That’s an easy way to start your act off on the wrong foot!

Keep reading, and I’ll share four tips that you need to know when it comes to handling a mic before stepping on stage.

See Related: What Is A Run Of Show And Do I Need One As An Emcee?

#1. Know what kind of microphone you will be using

Speaking in front of a crowd is anything but an easy task. Especially if you suffer from stage fright, it can be hard to find the courage to take on public speaking!

You deserve to shine in the spotlight. From the moment you make your introductions to the second the audience applauds, you’re the one in control.

However, there are a few mistakes that anyone can fall victim to when they’re on stage. As a corporate emcee with over twenty years of experience, I’ve seen first-hand how some other speakers mess up with the simple aspects of public speaking.

And, most often, one of those mistakes is how they hold their microphone.

Though this can sound trivial at first, there’s more that goes into being a keynote speaker than you may realize. If you’re not thinking about how to hold a microphone effectively, you’re bound to make a fool of yourself on stage.

The first step to holding the microphone correctly is knowing what kind of microphone you have.

Handheld microphones versus hands-free mics

Not all mics are created equally. And sometimes, you might not even need to actually hold your mic.

If you have a handheld microphone, you’ll need to consider things like hand placement, while you’ll need to focus more on mic position if you have a podium or a mic stand.

If you’ll be using a wearable microphone, be sure not to wear jewelry that can touch the mic. If you have long hair, it’s also a good idea to keep it away from the mic.

The resulting jingle or excess noise will likely be nothing less than obnoxious for your audience as you give your speech.

If you will be using a hands-free mic, be sure to understand the role of hand gestures in your act. This can help you feel more at ease in front of your audience.

#2. Don’t hide behind your mic (even if you’re nervous!)

There’s a delicate balance between holding the microphone too close to your face and too far away. Though it can be hard to find this harmony, I have a few tips that will really help you out.

It’s common for amateur emcees or newbies to subconsciously hide their faces behind the microphone.

Essentially if you’re feeling a little nervous, it’s natural to want to protect your face.

Your entire face should always be visible

You need to be sure that your audience can see and interact with your facial expressions, as this type of non-verbal communication is a major component of any presentation or speech.

If you’ll be using a handheld microphone, make sure that your face is clearly visible the whole time you’re holding the mic. You’ll maybe need to practice your speech beforehand with a mic, and you’ll also likely need to consistently remind yourself of this during your time on stage.

Position the mic so that it is vertical and perhaps only blocks your chin at times.

If you’re speaking behind a podium, ensure that the mic is positioned correctly. If you’re shorter, be sure to adjust the position downward, and vice versa if you’re on the taller end.

Bonus: The Ultimate Site Visit Checklist For Emcees & Event Planners

#3. Hold your handheld mic the right distance from your mouth

Though you need to hold the microphone far enough away from your face, you can’t hold it too far away. After all, it needs to be able to pick up on your voice!

The distance between your mouth and the microphone will be the main determining factor in how loud your voice is. Obviously, the farther away, the fainter you will sound, and vice versa if you hold it closer.

However, you need to know that not all mics will sound the same. Each microphone amplifies your voice in a different way and likely has different settings that can be adjusted.

So, don’t forget to adjust any settings on your mic beforehand and figure out the optimal position and distance between your mouth and the mic.

As a general rule of thumb, it’s usually better for your voice to be on the louder side. After all, you want your audience to be able to hear you!

Be careful not to hold it too close, though. This can result in popping sounds that can be disruptive. Though this isn’t the end of the world, it can be a little distracting to your audience.

#4. Don’t forget to test your mic before you begin

Here’s a tip that will save you in the long run. Don’t forget to test your mic before the show starts. That way, you can know for sure how your voice will interact with the microphone.

There’s nothing worse than opening your act with the phrase, “Can everyone hear me okay?” That instantly kills any excitement or intrigue for the event.

Instead, you should always arrive early to the event so that you have time to test the sound system, talk with the sound technician, and conduct a sound check. This will also let you get familiar with your new microphone before the function kicks off.

Get familiar with your setting

Before any event, I make sure I am 100% comfortable with the stage, setting, and mic I’ll be using. That’s what any great master of ceremonies does!

If you have a wireless microphone or a podium mic, this time is also a perfect opportunity to set up the perfect spot.

For a handheld microphone, you can experiment with mic position and sound quality so that you can be set up for a flawless delivery when the conference, meeting, or event starts!

Wrapping up

Knowing how to properly hold and use your microphone is essential if you want your time in front of the audience to be memorable and entertaining. You deserve to walk away feeling proud and confident in your performance, and your audience deserves to be truly wowed!

With these tips and tricks in mind, there’s no reason why you won’t be able to master the art of holding a mic. I’ve got your back!

Keep Reading: 6 Motivational Themes To Include At Your Next Corporate Event

—

Adam Christing has been called “The Tom Brady of emcees.” He has hosted more than 1,000 company meetings, special events, gala celebrations, and more. He is the author of several books and founder of CleanComedians.com. For more event tips, follow Adam Christing on Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, LinkedIn, and YouTube.

The post 4 Tips For Holding A Microphone From A Corporate Emcee appeared first on Adam Christing.

However, putting together an entertaining, memorable, and lively event isn’t always as easy as it seems. And if you want to host a successful function, you need to be sure that you start off on the right foot.

Key takeaways

• A site inspection checklist is essential for ensuring the venue you pick has all you need
• Be sure to arrive at your visit with your team and a good camera
• Each event is unique, so be sure that your checklist is personalized
• Include general information about the venue and other items regarding things like food and beverages and general safety

Site inspections are critical in ensuring the venue you picked is up to your standards. Your soon-to-be guests deserve to spend their evening at the right venue!

Keep reading, and I’ll share with you the ultimate site inspection checklist that will help you organize the perfect conference, meeting, or event.

See Related: What Is A Run Of Show And Do I Need One As An Emcee?

Why is it important to have a site inspection checklist?

The thing about great events is that they’re made to look easy. Whenever guests arrive, they likely won’t notice all the fine details and painstaking effort that went into making the magic happen.

However, if you’re a speaker or an event planner, you need to always be on top of your game. There’s actually a lot that goes into organizing a great function, and you can’t let anything slip through the cracks!

Finding a location for your event is an essential part of the event planning process

For any event, you need to be sure you find a suitable venue. Not every location is going to have what you need. And you need to be totally aware of your desires before going into this.

That’s why the event planning process in and of itself is so essential. It’s the backbone of a successful evening. You can’t expect great results without taking the necessary time to prepare and plan!

After finding a prospective venue(s), be sure to conduct a site inspection

Hopefully, you spent plenty of time scouting out prospective venues online. You’ll need to set aside a good chunk of your event planning energy for just research.

But, before booking a venue, you need to conduct a site visit. This is the only way you can be sure if you found the perfect event venue.

Four essential tips to keep in mind when completing a SITE inspection

Site visits help you ensure that every detail of your prospective venue falls into line with what you are looking for. And though this can seem like a pretty straightforward deal at first, there’s actually a lot that you’ll need to pay attention to.

Before we dive into the more intricate aspects of site inspection checklists, let me give you a few general tips when going on a site visit with the acronym SITE: Sense, Inquire, Teamwork, and Expectations.

#1 – S: Sense

One of the things that will truly save you during any site inspection is your gut. You have to listen to what your heart tells you!

Let’s say that a certain venue has all the specific features that you want, but it doesn’t have that overall vibe you’re looking for. You shouldn’t settle, and you should take into consideration how a place makes you feel because that feeling will extend to your guests.

#2 – I: Inquire

When you go on a site visit, you’ll likely be meeting with a group of people or a team. You’ll also likely be in contact with the people you will be renting from.

Now is the time to ask all the questions that might be irking you. Even the smallest inquiry should be voiced!

However, be smart about the questions you ask and the time you ask them. Be sure that whatever you ask isn’t already answered on any materials you may have.

#3 – T: Teamwork

Take time to connect with other event planners before conducting your site inspection. In most cases, your visit will involve a group of people, anyway.

Talk to as many other planners as you can, especially if they’re already involved in your specific event, conference, or meeting. Then, after the inspection, you can exchange ideas and points of view before moving forward.

This type of teamwork is essential in ensuring you pick the right venue!

#4 – E: Expectations

Preparation and planning are key when it comes to planning an event. I doubt I can say that enough!

So, before arriving at your site inspection, come prepared. That’s what site inspection checklists are for, and they’ll surely save you in the end.

Bonus: 6 Motivational Themes To Include At Your Next Corporate Event

What you should consider before heading to any site inspections

I think I need to say it again. Before heading to your site, get prepared. You can’t ever over-prepare!

To start with, you need to always bring your own unique site inspection checklist. This helps you ensure that the venue you’re looking at checks off all your boxes (literally.)

However, that’s not all that you should focus on. Here are a few more things you should do before setting a date to check out the site.

• Check in with your team, and be sure that everyone is on the same page. Take into consideration any recommendations or requests they might have.
• Pack plenty of tools that you might need, including the basics, like a camera with a backup battery and plenty of free storage space.
• Research the surrounding area as well as the specifics of the venue itself. Read any available resources like online virtual floorplans or brochures to make sure you know what you’re getting yourself into.
• Prepare some business cards to give out to the sales rep of the venue when you show up to help network.
• Keep in mind the things you really need to see at the venue. If you’re not interested in the pool area, it might be worthwhile to gloss over this during the visit.

Now, let’s get into what your site inspection checklist should have on it.

Everything you should include on your site inspection checklist

As an experienced corporate emcee, I’ve been a part of plenty of site visits. Any great master of ceremonies knows that they need to be involved in all parts of the event planning process!

So, without further ado, let me give you a comprehensive breakdown of a well-rounded site inspection checklist.

Keep in mind that this can vary from event to event. Each event is unique, and you should pay attention to your specific needs. If you are interested in something that’s not on this list, add it in!

Basic info

• The date and time of the site inspection appointment
• The name, address, and contact information for the venue
• The availability of the venue
• General safety info, including fire protection guidelines

Logistics

• Nearest airport and general directions
• Nearest hotels and general directions, price breakdown, and amenities
• Parking areas and applicable fees
• Directional signageFood and beverage

• Availability and cost for things like
  • Breakfast, whether it’s continental or full
  • Lunch and dinner
  • Coffee and other beverages
• Service charges, tax rates, and special packages
• Be sure to also inquire about the general quality and selection of the food and beverages themselves

Audio and visual

• What equipment is provided in-house, including the quality and availability
• Rental rates and labor rates
• Consider if union rules are applicable and with what requirements

Meeting rooms

• Space availability
• Charges for rental rooms or set-up
• Soundproofing, decor, and general cleanliness
• Sound system and presentation equipment

Any extra details

Don’t hesitate to add in any other details you might want to consider. There’s so much that can go into this!

Wrapping up

Hosting a great event doesn’t need to be a challenge or an uphill battle. With a great site inspection checklist in your back pocket, you’ll be able to pick out the perfect venue and establish the basis for a killer function!

Keep Reading: 9 Corporate Event Themes Your Team Will Love

—

Adam Christing has been called “The Tom Brady of emcees.” He has hosted more than 1,000 company meetings, special events, gala celebrations, and more. He is the author of several books and founder of CleanComedians.com. For more event tips, follow Adam Christing on Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, LinkedIn, and YouTube.

The post The Ultimate Site Visit Checklist For Emcees & Event Planners appeared first on Adam Christing.