When planning your next event, why should you budget for a professional MC? The question is, why wouldn’t you?  The biggest benefit of paying for an MC is that .. you’ll get a working professional and they’ll show up!  I can’t tell you how many times I’ve heard of organizations asking someone to MC their event only to have them do a crappy job by not coming prepared, arrive late or worse yet, not even show up at all. There’s the old and very wise saying that “you get what you pay for”. How many weddings have you been to where Uncle John is the MC. He’s had too much to drink, can’t talk into the microphone properly, tells inappropriate jokes and no one wants to stop him. Your guests are leaving to go outside for a cigarette and they don’t even smoke.

Some organizations think that they can ask a media person or professional speaker to MC their event knowing that because public speaking is what they do for a living, they’ll do a great job. Even better when they are known in the community because you get a little celebrity at the same time.  When you hire a professional MC, it becomes their job. They’ll prepare for weeks in advance, arrive early, keep the show on time, professionally introduce your speakers and ultimately have your guest walking away feeling like they got their money’s worth .. and wanting to attend again next year. By not at least offering to pay your MC for their hard work, you are insulting their talent and abilities. In the end, you’ll be grateful you did and you’ll be able to provide great testimonials like these:

Thanks to Seanna Collins for being a superb hostess.  She was so professional and so aware of what was going on. She kept us on track and on schedule.  You are an amazing MC Seanna!  Empowering Edmonton 2011 Organizing Committee

 If you’re looking for the most soothing and professional voice on radio today, Seanna Collins is your choice!  She’s also a suburb MC, television host and as committed to a perfect project as you are!   Kelley Keehn – Personal Finance Expert, Author, & Speaker

Next, how much to pay your MC ..