What decides the cost of a corporate emcee

Days on site

This is the first factor. A two-hour panel and a three-day convention are very different amounts of work. Count every day the host must be at the venue, including a rehearsal day if there is one.

Format and preparation

An award evening with many categories needs every name checked and every walk to the stage timed. A panel needs questions prepared from your brief. A short welcome speech needs much less.

Writing the running order takes real time. Ask each host whether they write it or expect you to send a finished script. I write it with your producer, as part of the job.

Audience and stage

A large venue usually means more screens, more cues and a longer technical rehearsal. That adds hours on site.

Languages

If your audience speaks more than one language, ask each host what they can do live in each one. Then compare two set-ups: one multilingual host, or a host plus interpreters for the host's part of the programme.

Travel

If the host travels, transport and, for longer trips, accommodation are part of the cost. A host who can reach your city by train can often arrive the day before and rehearse.

Why the cheapest option can cost more on the day

The cheapest option is someone from your own team. They do not appear on any invoice. But on the day they are on stage instead of with your guests, they have had little time to rehearse, and when a session overruns, nobody on stage is used to stopping it.

For a short internal meeting, that is a fair trade. For a gala, a convention or an event with clients and press, it usually is not.

Questions

Why are prices not published on this site?

Because two events are rarely the same amount of work. A written quote based on your event is the only figure that means anything.

What can make a quote change after it is sent?

A change of date, days on site, format or languages. If your brief changes, ask for an updated quote.

Is it cheaper to use someone from our team?

On the invoice, yes. On the day, that person is working instead of looking after your guests. For a short internal meeting it can be the right choice.

Can I get a price over the phone?

I need the date, the format and the days on site first. With those, I send a written quote, usually within the day. Send your event details to get a quote.