24th March 2013

Being An Event Host – Tip No.18 – The Afters

London, UK

Your reputation as an MC or presenter can be left in tatters if you “don’t do the right thing” at the end of an event.

I was once told of a celebrity of some repute, who, at a post-event dinner didn’t engage with any of the delegates or guests of the award ceremony in question and what was worse, he left abruptly and before the coffee was served! Apart from being rude, this aloof and condescending behaviour would certainly has meant lost opportunities in the future. Although possibly tiring, staying behind at the end of an event to talk to others, especially those who booked you, will leave a warm glow in the hearts and minds of those you’ve entertained and informed – and you never, ever know who you might meet.

Starting right and saying your thank you’s is never enough, you need to concentrate throughout your time on stage and do the afters well too!

Something else to consider is the follow-up. I always make a point of calling a client or event organiser about a month or so afterwards – you can thank them for the kind testimonial they’ve sent you, or remind them if they haven’t! Much more importantly though is getting some feedback about the event and, if possible, your performance too.