You signed up for an amazing event.  You took time away from the office and made travel arrangements to be in person or set aside webinar time because:

• The speaker lineup and subject matter thrills you.

• You'll network with valuable connections and enjoy quality time with respected colleagues.

• You're going to learn SO much!

Then you feel the letdown.

Somehow, in the planning of an amazing series of sessions, no one thought to engage a pro to emcee or moderate the event. 

Why do so many organizations lean on their professional staff to handle these duties when it's not even in their wheelhouse?

And experts brought in to present material on their field of study shouldn't be expected to focus on anything other than conveying their brilliance.

Further, they should never have to introduce themselves.  And they should be introduced with the professionalism worthy of their stature.

I say, "Let people serve in their respective sweet spots."

Bring in a professional who will eliminate the pressure to:

• Engage the audience
• Keep the program moving forward and on schedule
• Manage the technical lapses that can hijack a live presentation
• Deliver professional introductions
• Communicate the meeting format so the audience knows what to expect
• Field questions from the audience
• Read the room to foster an optimal experience

When these needs are handled by a professional, your presenters, your professional staff, and most importantly, your audience can relax and fully engage with the material so carefully curated.

I've sat in too many audiences, cringing that this one piece wasn't considered.

Sure, the material being presented will still land.  People will continue to network, and positive outcomes will be achieved.

But like a martini without an olive or a cake without icing...somehow your event feels "unfinished" without adding this one component.

Just one simple fix would dramatically improve the entire experience...and take the pressure off of so many other people so they can SHINE.

In THEIR lane.