When do you book an MC? Since an MC is one of the key accessories to a successful event, you need to get someone in place ASAP. Once you know who you want, contact them. Good MC’s are often booked a year in advance! If they do an event and do a great job, many organizations will ask them back for the next year on the spot.  I’m already booked for seven events in 2012 that I hosted last year and the year before that .. that’s 12 months in advance. For some MC’s, they don’t like to commit themselves that far ahead but for me, I like to start booking my schedule. When I’m asked so far out, I do make it clear in writing, that if for some unseen circumstance I am no longer available due to a move from the city or a new job offer that puts me in direct competition of another media outlet that is presenting the event, I will have to cancel but because I keep in contact with my clients during the year, I keep them up to date on any employment changes on a regular basis.

Don’t confirm your MC until you are sure of the date of your event. If you book someone and then change your date, they may charge you if they have already turned down another offer. Since many MC’s make a living hosting events, they can’t afford to accept an offer only to have the client change their mind for any reason – some may even ask you for a non-refundable deposit for their services. Just last year I was booked for an event that had to change their date at the last minute due to a conflict. I was already booked for the new date they picked so I couldn’t do their event and they had to search for a new MC.

If your MC agrees, even a year in advance, get it in writing and stay in touch with updates on how the event planning is coming along. This will keep your MC in the loop and your event in top of their mind. Be sure to give them event updates on a regular basis so they can help you with public service announcements should they work in the media, send mass emails to their clients and/or social media updates.

The MC you choose should want your event to be as successful as you do!