How do you find emcee opportunities?

I've made it part of my mission to educate beginner MC's and Event Hosts that there is a much wider array of Opportunities than the usual Corporate and Wedding markets that most focus on! Sure, some of them don't pay quite as well, but in many cases they are easier to market to and to get some traction and the all important stage time. Examples include - Associations, Government, Community Events, Trade Shows, Franchise Industry, Sports.

Sharpen your speaking skills, your stories through workshops, courses and publishing professional posts. Develop a unique style and presence that sets you apart.

Network within your local community - attend events, join clubs/organizations and let people know you're an emcee. Check local event listings, community calendars, and social media for opportunities. Reach out directly to event organizers. Create an online presence (website, social media) showcasing your skills. Consider joining platforms like GigSalad or your local online channels that connect emcees with clients. Volunteer to emcee small local events to gain experience. As events bounce back post-pandemic, emcee roles are increasing again so don't hesitate to bounce forward and upskill at every opportunity.

Creating your own MC opportunities when you're not getting invited to the bigger stages is SO important. In the early days of my career, I was all about making my own stages - building up confidence & expertise by keeping my on-stage skills 'fresh'.

Just like speakers, consider creating a demo reel to showcase your expertise. You can pay an expert or even whip one up yourself using templates on platforms like Canva. Take 10 second clips of yourself in various emcee roles and environments and cut them together; ideally with the sound available to hear you actually speaking on stage. -- Aside from this, you should definitely post about your emcee roles on platforms like LinkedIn where you can showcase and also point to your experience.

Creating a strong emcee portfolio becomes your secret weapon. It lets you show off your stage presence, delivery styles, and adaptability through videos and photos. This professional presentation builds trust with potential clients and increases your visibility. if you tailor it to specific events and keep it updated, your portfolio becomes a powerful marketing tool that lands you those emcee opportunities.

Build your portfolio: Collect videos, testimonials and reviews that showcase your emcee talents because at the end of the day testimonials and an impressive portfolio will open doors and demonstrate your professionalism to potential clients.

In your portfolio, you want to convey your energy - so make sure your 'look' matches the energy you want to give off. I wear a lot of bright colours on stage as that's the energy I like to bring to events - think about your wardrobe!

For me, finding new emcee opportunities is all about leveraging online networking. I focus on building meaningful connections in industry-specific platforms and with LinkedIn connections. Engage with event planners and fellow emcees by participating in discussions and sharing insights. I also tap into my close personal network when I see potential opportunities. By asking trusted contacts for introductions or referrals, I connect with key decision-makers. It’s about being proactive and strategic—focusing on quality connections that align with your goals.

Attend industry conferences and events, connect with event planners, DJs and venues. It is most important to leverage social media to promote your services and build your brand.

Unlike call for speakers, I have not seen too many "call for Emcee" jobs. If it is, its usually unpaid or low paying. Im a fan of making yourself visible, ask for referrals and proactively reach out to target clients.

I am a moderator for events, advisory boards and "fireside chats" but much like the emcee role, it's about getting out there, being seen performing your craft, gathering testimonials and videos, and then meeting people who need your services. LinkedIn is the most powerful platform for that, although make sure to meet the production crews at events. They can be great references. Relationships with agents at speakers bureaus also helps, as they can suggest to those looking for speakers that they may also need a moderator or emcee. When marketing yourself, also consider what the event planner needs. A sales event may need an emcee, while a scientific focused proceeding may need a moderator. What's your brand, where is your sweet spot?

1. Reach out to Global Events Managers - that’s a major title for speaker decision-making. 2. Make a 90 second video reel 3. Ask for an 11 minute discovery call to get you in the door.

Be in a local community that regularly holds meetings and always be an active participant. It gives you the opportunity to practice and also ensures that you remain in the mind of potential referrers.