Choosing the Right Awards Host for Your Event

Posted on 27th October 2023

If you’ve got an event lined up that features awards, then you’ll want to have a competent host to present. Choosing the right host is a critical part of planning your event and your choice will depend on the type of event you’re bringing together. The host sets the tone, engages the audience, and ensures that the event runs smoothly from start to finish. This article will guide you through the key considerations in selecting the perfect awards host for your event.

Who is Your Audience?

The first step in choosing the right awards host is understanding your audience. Who will be attending your event? Are they industry professionals, sponsors, or a general audience? Your host should resonate with your audience and speak their language. For example, a corporate crowd might appreciate a host with a professional demeanour and a subtle sense of humour, while a younger, more relaxed audience might enjoy a host with a playful and energetic style.

Consider conducting a survey or engaging in discussions with your attendees to better understand their preferences. This will give you a clearer picture of the kind of host that will resonate with your audience. What’s more, you might end up with a few great options by pooling ideas from those who will be in attendance.

What is the Tone of the Event?

Every event has a distinct tone, whether it’s formal, casual, serious, or playful. The tone of your event should reflect in your choice of an awards host. For a formal event, you might opt for a host with a polished, sophisticated demeanour. For a casual or playful event, a host with a lively, approachable style might be more appropriate. So gauging your choice based on your event will help you make a more informed decision.

Ensure that your potential host understands and can adapt to the tone of your event. They should be able to read the room and adjust their delivery to keep the energy and mood in alignment with your event’s theme and objectives. Ideally, they’ll also have some level of experience in hosting similar awards ceremonies and events.

How Can an Awards Host Make Your Event More Memorable?

A talented awards host can elevate your event, making it more engaging and memorable for your attendees. Through a mix of humour, storytelling, and audience interaction, a good host can create a vibrant atmosphere that enhances the overall experience for everyone involved.

A skilled host can adeptly manage unexpected situations, keeping the event on track and maintaining a positive, enjoyable environment. They should be able to smoothly transition between segments, introduce award recipients with enthusiasm, and keep the audience’s attention throughout the event.

Questions to Ask Potential Awards Hosts

Before you settle on a host, make sure that you have a discussion with them to ensure they’re a good fit for your event. Here are some questions to consider asking:

• What experience do you have hosting events similar to ours?

• How do you handle unexpected situations or technical glitches during an event?

• Can you provide references or examples of past events you’ve hosted?

• How do you engage and interact with the audience?

• How will you prepare for our event, and can you adapt your style to fit our event’s tone?

These questions will give you a sense of the host’s experience, adaptability, and preparation process. It’s also a good opportunity to learn more about them, which can help guide your decision-making process.

How to Find the Best Host

There are various channels through which you can find a suitable host for your event. Referrals from industry colleagues, online searches, and social media are good places to start. However, a dedicated platform like a speakers bureau can be invaluable in your search.

Speakers bureaus connect event planners with a wide array of professional speakers and hosts. You can browse through profiles, watch video reels, and even consult with their team to find a host that aligns with your event’s needs and objectives.

Selecting the right awards host is a pivotal step in ensuring your event’s success. By understanding your audience, defining the event’s tone, and engaging with potential hosts, you can find a person who will not only make your event enjoyable but unforgettable.