HOW DO I START A CORPORATE EVENT AS A HOST?

As the host of an upcoming corporate event like a conference, meeting or gala, all eyes will be on you when it’s time to take the stage and get things started. Those opening moments set the tone and energy level for the entire program. Nailing your duties as a confident, polished emcee from the very start is crucial.

Follow these tips to masterfully kick off your organization’s corporate event and make an engaging, professional first impression:

Arrive Early and Prepare Properly
Arrive at the event venue with plenty of time to spare before you’re scheduled to take the stage. Use this time to get situated – check in with AV techs to do mic/audio checks, confirm event timing and run of show details, and review any notes on pronouncing speakers’/VIP guests’ names correctly. A little preparation goes a long way towards hitting the ground running.

Exude Poise and Warm Self-Assurance
Body language is so important when you’re first welcomed to the stage. Standing upright with your shoulders back and chin up while making friendly eye contact across the room projects authority and self-assurance. Smooth out any potential nervous tics by planting your feet shoulder-width apart. Speak clearly and slowly with vocal inflections to convey energy and warmth. A genuine, confident smile also puts people at ease.

Welcome Attendees and Set the Context
After being introduced yourself, kick things off by offering a hearty welcome to all attendees. Express your great pleasure at seeing so many people in attendance to experience the incredible program that has been organized. This sets an appreciative, upbeat tone right away.

Briefly outline the core objectives or key themes that will be covered over the course of the event. Providing some context about why this particular topic or function is so valuable and important to the business or industry gets people’s undivided attention.

Share Necessary Housekeeping Items
Provide any critical housekeeping notes like exits locations, agenda timing, or procedures before officially starting the program. Do this with brevity and a touch of humor if appropriate to keep it light, but ensure key information is conveyed.

Then transition smoothly into introducing the opening speaker, tee-ing them up with an enthusiastic, contextualized lead-in that captures what’s compelling about their experience and expertise related to the core themes.

Facilitate Start With Energy and Engagement
Don’t just turn it over completely to the next speaker. Stay visibly engaged yourself by actively listening, providing prompts for audience reactions like applause, and maintaining an energetic yet polished presence onstage until it’s time for your next transition.

As the host, you set the tempo and create the environment for a truly impactful, engaging corporate event right from those critical opening moments. Starting strong with confidence and polish ensures you’re guiding attendees through a professional, worthwhile experience right out of the gate.