How do you know when your event needs an emcee, a host, a moderator, a master of ceremonies, a facilitator, or just someone to make an introduction? What is the difference? Does something strange happen if you have the wrong one at your event? What purpose do they serve? Does every event need one? Over the years I have worked with all of the above but recently I was asked to explain the differences between them and I had to stop and think for a minute. In the hospitality industry, we use some of these terms interchangeably without batting an eye, but some actually do have unique functions.
An emcee appropriately gets its name from the letters “MC” as in Master of Ceremonies. This person plays a critical role in an event with moving parts. An emcee helps the event meet its goals, takes the audience on a journey, and challenges them to tap into specific emotions. This person needs to engage the audience, be knowledgeable about every speaker or performer, and be able to think on their feet. An emcee may relay house rules, tell jokes, intro a speaker, facilitate a show-of-hands poll and hand out prizes, or be the calm voice of reason during an emergency situation.1
In contrast, an event host is the one who knows what’s going on at all times. They’re your go-to person behind the scenes. They’re not in the spotlight but are preparing the stage for those who are. They’re also checking room setups, troubleshooting registration, confirming the menu, sending a car to the airport to pick up a VIP, and making sure everyone has a copy of the schedule, all at the same time.
The terms moderator and facilitator are often used interchangeably, however, a moderator can facilitate a discussion, but a facilitator does not moderate one. For example, a moderator would lead a group of panelists through a discussion using a specific format, keeping the speakers on subject, on time, and limiting the audience’s engagement. A facilitator could be helping a team solve a problem, improve a process, or make a decision. This person helps the team achieve their results in the most efficient way.2
At the start of a breakout session during a large conference, you may simply need someone to start it off by getting everyone’s attention and introducing their speaker for the next 45 minutes. It could be just about anyone in the room who could read a short bio from a note card. No training or prior experience needed. A little personality helps.
Now, the next time you schedule a panel of speakers to discuss the subject-du-jour at your next conference, you know that you’ll want to ask a moderator, not a facilitator, to keep the conversation moving. And if you don’t already, please do some research on your emcee’s before hiring them. This is such an important role in the life of an event. This person is literally the voice of your organization and sets the tone of your event to the attendees, vendors, and even to those volunteering or working with you.
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1.The Speaker Lab blog. What is an Emcee. February 29, 2024. https://thespeakerlab.com/blog/what-is-an-emcee/
2.PowerfulPanels.The Difference Between Moderating and Facilitating an Event. Kristin Arnold. https://www.powerfulpanels.com/difference-between-moderating-and-facilitating/
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