Master of Ceremonies for Tech Events

Position Overview:

We are seeking an experienced Master of Ceremonies and Corporate Event Host to support the development and delivery of GDS’ world class technology focused events. Ultimately, you will help create and deliver insight led content aligned to our client’s business goals. This role is instrumental to the development and delivery of a truly exceptional corporate event experience.

As the Master of Ceremonies, you will be responsible for delivering captivating digital and physical interactions, setting the tone, and facilitating top-tier discussions surrounding emerging technology. Serving as both a proficient technology journalist and the public persona of our events, you will play a pivotal role in helping broadcast our messaging internally and to a global audience through post-event analyses, insightful articles, podcasts, and video content.

Candidates must have excellent writing and communication skills to be able to deep dive into a variety of industries and verticals. Travel is required as you will lead and moderate our executive roundtables and in-person events.

You will be a core part of creating challenging, insight-led content, facilitating engaging and useful discussions, and delivering on our clients’ business goals.

Key Responsibilities:

• Event Hosting: Host the event, prepare speeches, moderate discussions and roundtables, engaging and involving attendees.
• Audience Engagement: Foster interaction with attendees, utilizing tools like polls, Q&A sessions, and chat features during virtual events, and encouraging participation in live settings.
• Program Coordination: Collaborate with clients, stakeholders and event planners to understand the agenda, objectives, and specific messaging or branding requirements for both formats. Prepare session synopses and roundtable questions.
• Script Development: Research, prepare and rehearse scripts or speaking points, ensuring messaging is clear, concise, and aligned with corporate goals for both live and virtual settings.
• Client Engagement and Management: Manage client engagement and briefings leading up to the event and on-site
• Crisis Management: Handle unexpected issues or changes in the program with professionalism, ensuring minimal disruption whether in-person or online.
• Promote Company Values: Reinforce our clients' mission, values, and goals during events, highlighting achievements and future initiatives. Work with stakeholders in the business to create bespoke content.
• Technical Familiarity: Be comfortable using virtual event platforms (e.g., Zoom, Webex, Teams) and managing technical aspects to ensure a seamless experience for online participants.
• Networking Facilitation: Encourage connections among attendees, whether through live networking sessions or virtual breakout rooms, to foster a collaborative environment.
• Post Event Reporting and Promoting

  Write summit summary and post-summit reports along with articles and blogs on event experiences.

  
  

• Marketing and Content Creation: Work with internal marketing team to deliver scheduled and ad-hoc of content to be used for company marketing purposes

Qualifications & Requirements:

• Experience: Previous experience as an MC in a technology vertical is required. Familiarity with both live and virtual event formats is essential.
• Journalism Experience: Background in tech news or journalism is a plus, enhancing communication skills and audience engagement capabilities.
• Communication Skills: Exceptional verbal communication skills, with the ability to engage and adapt messaging for diverse audiences in both formats. Inviting personality with high energy, high engagement and a positive outlook
• Confidence: Comfortable speaking in front of large groups and managing live or virtual situations with authority.
• Adaptability: Ability to think on your feet and adjust to changes or challenges during events, whether in-person or online. Ability to demonstrate composure under pressure
• Professionalism: Maintain a polished and professional appearance, adhering to corporate dress codes and standards, regardless of the event format.
• Copywriting: Professional copywriting experience (blogs, social media, newsletters, journalism)
• Content Creation for Social Media Channels: Experience writing and creating content for social media channels

Benefits:

• Professional Development: Throughout your career at GDS Group you will receive continued career development support from our leadership and development team
• Benefits: Leading Healthcare package, 401k match, generous paid time off and subsidized commuter benefits
• Company Culture: Company social events and rewards throughout the year
• Networking Opportunities: You will be working regularly with high level executives and stakeholders from major corporations all over the world!

Working Conditions:

• Working Hours: You will be required to work some evenings and weekends, depending on the corporate event schedule.
• Travel: Ability and eagerness to travel domestically a minimum of twice per month
• Hybrid Work Schedule: You will be working in the office in Manhattan 1 to 2 days per week, traveling to events regularly and working from home 2 to 3 days a week. You must have a reliable internet connection and a suitable environment for hosting virtual events from home.