A conference game show event, lead by a fun game show host can make your next meeting more engaging and memorable.
Association conferences and company meetings should be fun. As a keynote speaker and master of ceremonies my main job is to make sure that the audience is involved.. Too many meetings are just like all other meetings. They lack anything risky, as nobody wants to have their event bomb. Thus a celebrity speaker, an EmCee from inside the organization, and a traditional seeming agenda with breakout sessions and coffee breaks seem like the safest way to ensure nobody will complain. Yet nobody will be engaged or amazed either. A conference game show should be something you consider adding to your opening general session. When you have the right keynote speaker and or EmCee they can serve as the game show host, and kick off your event with a dash of silly fun.
After a decade in the meetings business, and having presented to over 850 audiences, I know that the same-old / same-old conference is not that exciting. The celebrity speakers seems like a good idea, but does the cost really have an ROI? An inside MC saves money, but are they engaging and fun? And the traditional agenda has been experienced so many times there is nothing interesting that touches the soul of the audience. It takes courage to try new things, but that is the only way you can get fresh results.
In recent years I have enjoyed seeing many meeting planners get playful in how they design their meetings. Many of my favorite clients have said “will you play with us to try something new?” This is music to my ears. Internal company meetings look for ways to do team building, while associations want to ensure members have a good experience. Regardless of the purpose, when you add fun and funny to your agenda the whole event shines.
My Game Show Experience
I grew up watching television game shows with my mother. Our favorites were the classic shows; Wheel of Fortune, Jeopardy, Match Game, The Newlywed Game, Family Fued, Password, etc… These shows awarded contestants with cash and prizes and had fun and friendly hosts. Unlike the game shows of today, that are hosted by celebrities, the classic game shows were led by people with nice personalities who you might want to invite into your home for coffee. Bob Eubanks, Pat Sajak, Chuck Woolery, Gene Rayburn, Alex Trebek, Richard Dawson, and others had a way of drawing in the audience with their smiles. (Today’s hosts like Drew Carey, Steve Harvey, Michael Stahan, and Alec Baldwin have their roles because of their Q Scores).
When I was a kid I wanted to be a game show host. I dreamed of having a show, making people laugh, and giving way prizes. I was even a contest on two television game shows (one as a kid, the other while I was in college). The first show I appeared on was Truth or Consequences, hosted by Bob Barker when I was in the first grade. Later, at age 21, I was a five day returning champion on the $25,000 Pyramid with Dick Clark. After these experiences I was hooked. But there was no classes in college on “How To Host A Game Show”. Additionally, the world of television changed and I did not see a career path in that world.
Too bad, I should have followed my dreams and at least tired to find a way to host a games show.
Master of Ceremonies as Game Show Host
But dreams do come true. Over the decade that I have had the opportunity to be “Game Show Host” as many large association and company events. When meeting planners ask me if I am willing to be part of their game, the answer is always a resounding “YES”. The child in me who dreamed of laughing and playing while giving away prizes is reborn. The best work I do is with associations and companies who want a corporate focused professional speaker and / or master of ceremonies (let’s face it, I look like I step out of “Accountants Today Magazine”), however they want someone who can also cut loose from that image and bring the fun.
Hire Thom Singer
If you are looking to bring new life you your conference, and if you are going to be hosting a game show style event… we need to talk. Call my now at 512-970-0398.
**********************
Thom Singer is a motivational speaker and professional master of ceremonies / emcee. He is the host to the “Cool Things Entrepreneurs Do” podcast and the author of twelve books.