Ski for Light Event Planning Manual

April 2013

5. Banquet MC

The role of the Banquet Master of Ceremonies is to act as host and facillitator of all aspects of the Saturday night banquet program.

The Banquet MC should be someone who is comfortable with public speaking, is able to keep the program moving smoothly, and is familiar with the traditions and values of SFL.

The Banquet MC is not an entertainer, as is sometimes the case with other MC roles, the Oscars for example. The focus of the audience should be on the elements and people that are part of the evening, not on the MC.

International Week

Saturday

• In late afternoon meet with the SFL President to discuss the items to be included on the evening program. Learn the names of individuals whom the MC will be responsible for recognizing and calling up to the lecturn or podium.
• At 6:30 pm, announce from the lectern that the evening is about to start, after first introducing yourself. Ask everyone to find their seats as quickly as possible so that dinner service can begin. Inform the audience that the Announcer will come to the lectern about 7:15 to make final announcements, and that shortly after that you will be back to begin the program. If appropriate, announce that this is also the last chance to buy raffle tickets, and that the Raffle Coordinator is in the room if anyone is interested.

• To begin the program, MC welcomes everyone and recognizes and thanks the Announcer.
• MC explains what will be unfolding during the evening.
• Call up Event Chair to award placks to hotel and ski area if applicable
• Call up First-time Participant for remarks
• Call up First-time guide for remarks
• Call up raffle coordinator for drawing if applicable
• Call up Race/Rally coordinator and guide trainers for Race/rally awards
• Recognize and thank SFL President, then turn the remainder of the program over to the President.
• President thanks Event Chair and presents Event Chair with a gift.
• President explains the history of the Jan Haug Award and announces recipient. Calls up recipient to be recognized and to say a few words.
• President explains history of the Bjarne Eikevik President's Award, announces recipient. Calls up recipient to be recognized, and to say a few words.
• President announces location of next event, if applicable.
• President makes closing remarks.