As an event MC in Dubai, I had the pleasure of hosting Artists in Focus 2024, an evening celebrating artists and their work. There was a red carpet, a full room and a huge screen behind me. One of my favourite photos from the night was taken away from the lectern. I’m holding out the mic for a guest beside a table full of paintbrushes. Getting to chat with the people the evening is there to celebrate is one of my favourite parts of hosting.
Welcoming guests to Artists in Focus
As the Dubai event host for Artists in Focus 2024, I opened the evening on the red-carpet stage with the event artwork behind me. I like stepping out from behind the lectern for the welcome. It gives me a chance to look around, see how people are responding and get a feel for the room.
Once the programme got going, I let guests know what was coming up and brought their attention back to the stage when it was time. I also handed over the mic so guests could tell their stories in their own words.
From the lectern to the artist’s table
One of the photos shows me at the lectern with Brands For Less on screen. As a corporate event MC in Dubai, I keep partner acknowledgements short and clear. I give people a moment to take in what’s on screen before moving on.
Over by the artist’s table, the pace was a bit more relaxed. When I’m chatting with someone in front of an audience, I like to ask a short question and give them time to answer. With the brushes and art materials laid out in front of us, guests could see what we were talking about as they listened.
Book an event MC in Dubai
I’m Darryl Rees, an event MC and presenter based in Dubai. I host awards evenings, brand events and corporate gatherings across the UAE. If you’re planning an event, send me your date and a little about the audience and programme, and we can talk through what you need from your host.
