How to Brief Your MC for a Corporate Event

The quality of your MC on the night is largely determined by the quality of the briefing you give them in the days and weeks before. A thorough, well-organised briefing produces a prepared, confident host. A last-minute email with the run sheet attached produces an MC who's still reading their notes when guests arrive.

Here's what your MC needs — and when they need it.

Timing: At Least One Week Out

Send your MC the complete briefing pack at least a week before the event. Ideally two. This gives them time to research, prepare their script, come back to you with questions, and feel fully across the program before they walk in the room.

The Run Sheet

Your MC needs the complete, current run sheet — not a draft, not a summary. Every element timed, every transition noted, every speaker listed with their allocated time and a brief description of their role.

If the run sheet changes after you've sent it (it will), send an updated version immediately. Run sheet discrepancies on the night are avoidable.

Speaker Information

For every speaker, your MC needs:

• Full name (correctly spelled and confirmed pronunciation)
• Title and organisation
• A 2–3 sentence bio for their introduction
• Topic or focus of their presentation
• Allocated time
• Any special requirements (slides, water, specific microphone setup)

Nothing undermines an MC's credibility faster than mispronouncing a speaker's name or reading a bio that's six years out of date. Verify all speaker information directly with the speakers or their assistants.

Audience Information

• Who is attending? (Industry, seniority mix, demographic)
• Are there any VIPs or clients in the room who warrant specific acknowledgement?
• Is there any organisational context the MC needs? (A recent acquisition, a team achievement, a difficult year?)
• Are there any topics, jokes, or references to avoid?

Logistics

• Venue address and parking/access details
• Contact name for the venue coordinator on the day
• AV contact (who manages the screens, microphone, and tech)
• Dress code
• Call time (when should the MC arrive?)
• Any planned surprises or off-program moments

The Briefing Call

Send the written briefing pack first, then schedule a 30-minute call to discuss it. The call is where nuance happens — the things that are hard to capture in a document, like the tone you want, the moments that matter most, and any sensitivities around specific content or people.

An MC who asks good questions on the briefing call is an MC who's already preparing. That's the one you want.