Every event has moving parts. You’ve got speakers to coordinate, sponsors to acknowledge, guests to engage, and a schedule that rarely runs exactly on time. In the middle of all this, your MC is the one holding everything together. They don’t just announce what’s next. They set the tone, guide the flow, and keep people’s attention so the event feels seamless rather than scattered.
The reality is that many companies underestimate just how critical this role is. Hiring the wrong MC can drain the energy out of a room, derail your program, and leave guests talking about awkward pauses instead of the keynote speaker you worked so hard to secure.
That’s why choosing the right person is so important. In this article, we highlight the most common mistakes companies make when hiring an event MC and, more importantly, share practical steps to help you avoid them. With the right host, your next event can feel polished, professional, and genuinely enjoyable for everyone in the room.
Mistake 1 – Choosing Based Only on Price
It’s easy to think of the MC as just another line item on the budget. But booking the cheapest option is one of the quickest ways to compromise your event. An underprepared or inexperienced MC can turn a polished gala into a long night of filler jokes and clumsy transitions.
Instead, think of the MC as an investment. A professional host elevates your event from functional to memorable, keeping guests engaged and ensuring everything runs on time. The difference is in the details. A skilled MC knows when to raise the energy, when to hold the room for an important announcement, and how to link each part of the program so it feels seamless. The right choice doesn’t just fill a role, it safeguards the flow and reputation of your entire event.
How to get it right:
- Compare MCs on value, not just cost.
- Look for proven live event experience, not just a polished website.
- Choose someone who understands they’re shaping the guest experience, not just filling time.
Mistake 2 – Not Checking Their Experience With Corporate Crowds
Not all MCs are suited to every stage. The person who can handle a wedding reception might struggle to manage a room full of executives. A stand-up comic who thrives in late-night clubs might not be the right fit for a client appreciation dinner. Corporate audiences in particular expect a balance of professionalism, structure, and moments of lightness that feel appropriate without crossing the line.
For corporate event entertainment, it’s essential to have an MC who understands the unique demands of business audiences. That includes managing time-sensitive schedules, working closely with AV teams and event coordinators, giving sponsors recognition without making it sound like a sales pitch, and keeping delegates engaged even through longer programs.
How to get it right:
- Ask specifically about their corporate MC experience.
- Check if they’ve worked with businesses, associations, or government audiences.
- Choose an MC who brings both professionalism and a welcoming presence.
Mistake 3 – Ignoring Personality Fit With Your Audience
Your MC is effectively the face of your event. If their personality clashes with your audience, engagement will drop quickly. Too formal, and the event feels stiff. Too casual, and it feels sloppy. The wrong match can make even the best-planned program feel out of place.
Think carefully about your audience demographics. A room of young professionals may respond differently from a room of senior executives. A gala dinner requires polish and sophistication, while a product launch might call for energy, humour, and a sense of excitement. The MC you hire should be able to adjust their style, but they should also feel naturally aligned with the type of audience you are hosting. When the personality fit is right, the MC becomes a natural extension of your brand, helping the whole event feel seamless and intentional.
How to get it right:
- Watch their videos or showreels to get a sense of their style.
- Book a short call to test personality fit before committing.
- Trust your instincts. If you enjoy their energy, your guests likely will too.
Mistake 4 – Forgetting to Ask About Preparation and Customisation
A polished MC does not just show up and wing it. They prepare, ask the right questions, and make sure the event feels tailored to your organisation. Generic one-liners and cookie-cutter scripts are no longer enough in a world where audiences expect authenticity and a program that feels designed specifically for them.
Strong preparation also means the MC is ready for both the big and small details. That might include pronouncing award winners’ names correctly, weaving in references that reflect your company culture, understanding the key messages your CEO wants reinforced, and knowing when to pause or emphasise certain moments. These touches show respect for the audience and elevate the professionalism of the entire event. Proper preparation also reassures you as the organiser that the MC has done their homework and is committed to helping the event succeed.
How to get it right:
- Ask how they prepare for events.
- Confirm whether they tailor material for your audience.
- Look for MCs who request pre-event meetings, script reviews, and background details.
Mistake 5 – Overlooking Their Ability to Handle the Unexpected
Every event has its curveballs. A speaker might be delayed, the tech might fail, or the stage might suddenly be empty and need filling. A great MC doesn’t just cope with these moments. They turn them into opportunities to keep the audience engaged, relaxed, and confident that everything is still under control.
This adaptability is what separates amateurs from seasoned professionals. Guests might not remember every speech, but they will remember how smooth or how awkward the event felt when things went off-script.
In fact, an MC who can keep the energy steady during a hiccup often earns more trust and appreciation from the audience than during the polished, rehearsed parts of the program. The ability to stay calm, inject humour where appropriate, and buy time seamlessly is what makes the event feel effortless, even when it isn’t.
How to get it right:
- Ask for real examples of how they’ve handled challenges.
- Look for confidence, calmness, and creativity in their stories.
- Choose someone who is comfortable thinking on their feet.
Mistake 6 – Skipping Research and References Before Booking
A glossy website is no guarantee of talent. Too often, companies hire without watching an MC perform or checking how past clients rated their professionalism. That can lead to unpleasant surprises, like someone who looks great online but struggles to connect with a live audience once the spotlight is on.
The best way to avoid this is to do your homework before signing a contract. Videos will give you a real sense of their style, pacing, and delivery in front of different audiences. Reviews and client testimonials also reveal how they operate behind the scenes. You will quickly see if they are organised, punctual, and respectful of the schedule. If possible, speak directly with past clients to get an honest view of what it was like working with them from start to finish.
How to get it right:
- Ask for recent video footage of live events.
- Read client testimonials and online reviews carefully.
- Ask for references and take the time to speak with previous clients.
Mistake 7 – Leaving It Too Late to Book
The best MCs, particularly those with proven track records, are often locked in months ahead of time. If you wait until the last minute, you’ll usually end up with whoever is still available rather than the person who truly fits your event. That can mean compromising on quality, style, or the overall impact of your program.
This is especially true during peak seasons such as end-of-year corporate functions, spring weddings, and large conferences. Booking your conference MC too late can leave you scrambling for a replacement who may not have the right experience or presence to manage a room of delegates. Leaving it late also reduces the time your MC has to prepare, collaborate with your team, and shape their delivery around your event goals. The earlier you book, the more you can treat your MC as a partner in planning, not just someone holding the microphone on the day.
How to get it right:
- Book as soon as your venue and date are confirmed.
- Allow time for pre-event collaboration and planning.
- Treat your MC as an essential early booking, not a last-minute add-on.
Avoid These Mistakes and Hire the Right Event MC
Your MC is more than just a voice on a microphone. They are the difference between an event that feels flat and one that feels polished, energetic, and engaging. Avoiding these mistakes will save you stress, protect your reputation, and ensure your guests leave with a smile.
If you want someone who blends professionalism with humour and international experience, Sam McCool is a strong choice. He brings the polish of a corporate host and the adaptability of a comedian, keeping audiences engaged whether it is a TEDx talk, a gala dinner, or a major conference. With Sam, you get more than an announcer. You get a partner who knows how to keep audiences connected and engaged throughout the entire program.
The right MC doesn’t just run your event, they transform it. Let’s talk about making yours unforgettable.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What qualifications or background should I look for in an MC?
There isn’t a formal “MC qualification,” so experience is the key factor. Look for someone who has hosted events similar to yours and can adapt to different audiences, whether it’s a corporate gala or a casual celebration. Strong communication and stage presence are essential. A background in comedy or performance is a bonus, as it shows they know how to read the room, manage energy levels, and keep attention even during quieter moments.
2. What red flags should I look for when choosing an MC?
Be cautious of vague answers about how they prepare, or if they can’t provide recent video footage of live events. Inconsistent or missing client references are another warning sign. Over-promising is a concern too, especially if they claim to handle “any type of event” without examples. Finally, if they don’t ask questions about your company, goals, or audience, that’s a clear sign they may deliver generic material rather than tailoring their approach to your event. These are common red flags when hiring an MC.
3. What information should I share with the MC to help them prepare properly?
Provide the run sheet, key timings, and speaker details, along with background information about your company or audience. Share sponsor acknowledgements, event themes, and any sensitive topics to avoid. It also helps to explain your overall goals, whether that means keeping things formal, creating energy, or striking a balance. The more context you provide, the more polished and customised their delivery will be on the day.
4. How much control should I give the MC over the program?
You don’t need to hand over the entire agenda, but you should allow them freedom in how they deliver it. You provide the structure and priorities, while the MC brings flow, energy, and audience connection. A good MC won’t change your program; instead, they’ll bring it to life, smoothing transitions and making the event feel seamless without losing focus on your objectives.
5. What’s the best way to test an MC’s style before booking?
Start with a short call or meeting. You’ll quickly get a feel for their personality, energy, and professionalism, and whether they suit your audience. Combine this with watching unedited video footage of them hosting, which shows how they interact in real time rather than just polished highlights. This gives you a realistic picture of how they’ll handle your event from start to finish.
