Journey of a master of ceremonies to create a story

Before the EVENT – Crafting the Flow and Energy

Introduction: Setting the Stage for the EVENT #theeventmpi for Meeting Professionals International

From the very beginning, it was clear that THE EVENT was about more than just presentations and networking. It was a space designed for event professionals by event professionals, with one key message that guided everything: forget everything else out in the outside world. Be here, be present, experience everything.

In the early conversations with the organizers, I knew we wanted this event to feel different. It wasn’t about separating the audience from the stage. There was no fourth wall—no front of house or back of house. Everything was transparent. It became our guiding philosophy that this would be a sandbox, a safe place to experiment, to try things, and even to fail. The idea was simple: we’re all in this together, and the audience wasn’t just watching—they were part of it.

That philosophy gave us the story we needed to tell throughout the entire event. It wasn’t just a line in the agenda; it became the thread that connected every session, every interaction. It’s about creating a space where everyone can step out of their usual roles and truly engage.

Building the Event's Narrative

In the planning phase, it became clear to me that creating a narrative was key. It wasn’t just about lining up speakers in a logical order; it was about crafting a journey for the audience. Together with the organizing team, we made sure that there was thread that would weave everything together Whether it was discussions around AI or self-empowerment, the aim was to have everything feel cohesive.

One thing I’ve learned from these experiences is that, as an MC, it’s not just about what you say—it’s about how you guide people from one idea to the next. You’re creating bridges between different topics, making sure the audience stays with you, fully engaged and ready for what’s next.

Setting the Tone Before the Event Starts

Before the event even begins, there’s this moment where you can feel the energy starting to build. I like to think of it as setting the tone. That’s when I start to gauge the audience—are they excited, focused, or maybe a little hesitant? My job is to channel that energy in the right direction.

I remember preparing for the opening of THE EVENT and thinking about how to make that first connection. From the moment the audience steps into the room, it’s about creating a space where they feel welcomed and involved. The aim is to make them feel like they’re part of something bigger right from the start. It’s the little things—tone of voice, body language—that make all the difference.

Conclusion: Getting Ready for a Seamless Experience

What really stood out to me during the planning was how everything—every session, every transition—had to feel connected. Being involved early on helped me see the big picture, and that’s what I tried to bring into my role as MC. It’s about more than just moving the event forward; it’s about guiding the audience on a journey that makes sense, that flows naturally.

Thank you to Marie-France Watson, CED, DES for the deep dive and using the Event Design Collective framework to create this beautiful story!

Stay tuned for Blog 2, where I’ll dive into how we managed the energy and flow during THE EVENT and some real-time adjustments that made a difference.