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He takes the helm of a conference and, in his trademark sophisticated-yet-slightly-cheeky manner is able to add an integral element to a conference program … Personality.
For example, the 600 delegates involved in the export tourism industry at the ATEC Symposium in 2003 in Perth STILL talk about how he made Prime Minister John Howard laugh when he popped by unexpectedly and how he stumped a representative from Qantas by asking why we're not allowed to tilt our seats back during take-off.
These moments mean an audience is eagerly listening to proceedings throughout the day, rather than flagging and fading as they so often do. And why is that important?
Darren's audiences are listening … so they're more likely to learn … and THAT's the bottom line for most corporate gatherings. Many delegates approach him at the end of a day and make comments along the lines of, "I wouldn't have made it through the day without you!".
His biggest disappointment is that so many conferences prefer to spend more money and resources on balloons, decorations, flashing lights and perhaps a 30-minute spot from a celebrity … than they do on the mental well-being of their delegates for the WHOLE conference.
The feedback and praise for Darren has been nothing short of phenomenal (many preferring his style to the celebrity MC's who had been used in previous years) and they seemed delighted to have found an MC who understands how to simultaneously have fun with, and also maintain intellectual integrity with, all audiences.
He is often asked to facilitate Q & A and Panel Sessions, so he researches the topic and finds the balance between fun and seriousness needed for the occasion.
| Enjoyment: | Darren injects a strong element of fun |
| Education: | Delegates learn more when they are enjoying themselves |
| Budget: | Compared to a celebrity MC it's incredible value for money! |
| Sponsors: | If time permits Darren can run an occasional Sponsor Speakeasy - a brief and fun chat with a sponsor representative during proceedings, thus offering sponsors more satisfaction |
| Appropriate: | Darren will tailor his style to fit in with theme and atmosphere you are trying to create |
| Team Building: | Darren can save $1000s from your event budget if you also have him run a team-building activity or two that you would otherwise have out-sourced. He tailors fun quizzes and Survivor Nights over dinners and creative hunts and movie-making activities during days. A small extra fee is involved, but it works out better value than having someone else who doesn't know the group come in and run them instead. |
His mix of humour with his well-researched industry knowledge enables him to provide unique introductions for people, no matter how often they have been introduced in the past. His ad-libbed observations that he throws in when working crowds or thanking a guest speaker have become legendary amongst his many regular clients.
He has introduced and interviewed politicians, business leaders and famous sporting identities, putting both his audience and his guests at ease through his professional yet easy-going approach.
He has also worked amongst crowds in 'Vox Pops' situations, thriving on the interaction and spontaneity that comes from working with members of the public.
In all, Darren's quick wit, friendly demeanour and business training (he holds a Bachelor's Degree in Commerce - majoring in Marketing - from UNSW), means he is able to have input in your conference over and above many other MCs.
From his facilitation of panels and brainstorm sessions, to his interviews of CEOs, to his ideas on planning an agenda structure that is best for the delegates - Darren offers much and always delivers. Reading the selection of client feedback over the page will indicate how he brings more than just a voice to an event.
- Introduce speakers in a uniquely professional yet audience-friendly way.
- Use humour and researched knowledge of the client, the industry and its personalities
- Energise the audience with occasional activities such as humorous, interactive quizzes and challenges
- Bring a new creativity to the way an event runs
- Create an atmosphere where learning is easier … as people learn more when they have been laughing … resulting in people gaining better value for their conference dollar
- Deliver housekeeping messages
- Maintain the spirit and enthusiasm of delegates or guests
- Gives sponsors better recognition than just a brief mention at the start and end of proceedings through his 'Sponsor Speakeasy' sessions.