The master of ceremonies — is the public face of your BizTechDay event. Choose your onstage host carefully. He or she will be responsible for introducing all of your original content, keeping your program on schedule and representing the vision for your event.

Responsibilities of the onstage host:

• Introductions: Providing short introductions to all speakers — Preferably no longer than 60 seconds per speaker
• Time-keeping: Keeping the program on time by keeping speakers on track — enforcing the clock strictly
• Troubleshooting: Responding quickly to technical difficulties, delays or changes in program; helping speakers quickly and painlessly resolve any technical glitches
• Announcements: Announcing any changes to the program and housekeeping rules
• Connections: Making connections between the speakers, partners, staff and sponsors
• Thank you: Making sure the following are public thank and appreciate on stage: speakers, partners, staff, sponsors and you – the host

Qualities of a good master of ceremonies

• Great communication skills – ability to speak clearly and articulately
• Personable, highly approachable and friendly
• Have had previous host experience
• Knows how to motivate and excite the crowd
• Professional demeanor