How to find and book an event host

Where to look

Start with people who have seen hosts work: your production agency, the event team at your venue, colleagues who ran a similar event. A host they have watched on stage is a safer choice than a name from a list.

Then search by format and city, for example "conference host Paris". Look for video of the host on a real stage, with a real audience.

How early to ask

As soon as the date is set. A host can only be on one stage per date, and the dates you want are often the dates other organisers want too.

I take one event per date, so I can tell you straight away whether yours is available.

What to send in your first message

The date. The city and the venue. The format. The audience size and who they are. The languages they speak. The hours you need the host on site.

With those six lines, a host can check the date and send a quote. Without them, you lose a few days in emails.

Red flags

The host asks nothing about your audience. A host who does not ask has not started preparing.

Nobody can tell you who will be on stage. Some agencies send whoever is available that day. Get the name in writing.

The host says they speak a language but has no video of hosting live in it.

You are expected to write the host's script yourself.

The host wants to change your programme without talking to your producer.

No rehearsal is planned for a large stage with screens and video.

After you confirm

Send the programme, the list of names and titles, the sensitive points and anything that must not be said. The host sends back the wording for your approval. I work inside your production plan, so your producer stays in charge.

Questions

Should I book through an agency or directly?

Both work. Through an agency, the agency manages the host for you. Directly, you talk to the host yourself. In both cases, confirm the name of the person who will be on stage.

Should I talk to the host before confirming?

Yes, a short call is enough. You hear how they speak and whether they ask useful questions about your event.

What is different when booking a host for an awards show?

Send the categories and the names early. The host needs time to check every pronunciation and to time the walk to the stage for each award.

Can I book a host for one part of the event only?

Yes, for example the evening gala after a day of sessions. Say which hours you need in your first message.