This photo was taken right before go time in Washington DC a few weeks ago! Throughout 2022, I consulted as a keynote speaker and emcee for a division of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services preparing for an event about which a director said, “This is the most complex virtual multi-day event that we’ve ever put on, or that’s ever been done at the level of the federal government.”
No pressure!
The event was focused on helping 800 project managers nationwide enhance strategies to help members of their communities develop better parenting skills, specifically responsible fatherhood. I was the professional emcee they selected to engage and inspire audience and bring comedy, connection and cohesion to the event.
My client worked day and night, as I did as well alongside them and we were ready for action. And action is exactly what we experienced. I combined ideas and inspiration, adding segments as a keynote speaker throughout the event, improvisational moments to keep the event flowing, and made sure the messages were showcased, as they mattered most.
We had speakers nonstop throughout the multi-day event, a razor sharp timeline and schedule, and an audience of extremely important people watching in person and virtually, so there was no room for error. But preparation is everything and we were ready for anything. That group level of confidence is what a professional emcee helps to support. I remove worry. That’s worth everything to an event which is so complex..
This event was certainly worth posting about. It is the perfect event: focused on a mission that matters, creatively awesome, incredibly fun, and most definitely important. It was meaningful not just to those watching and experiencing the event as it happened, but also all those tens of thousands of people who were positively impacted by the messages we shared from the stage about compassion, connection, and supporting community.
What an honor!
