Why Hiring a Professional Presenter for Your Company Awards Evening is a Smart Move

Company awards evenings are a cornerstone of corporate culture. They serve not only to recognise outstanding achievements but also to boost morale, celebrate milestones, and strengthen team spirit. However, the success of such an event often hinges on one critical decision: who will host it?

While it may be tempting to hand the microphone to a confident member of your team, there’s a strong case for bringing in a professional presenter. In this blog, we explore the key advantages of hiring a professional, and why it can elevate your awards evening from good to exceptional.

The Role of a Presenter
A presenter is far more than a person who reads out names or introduces speakers. They are the thread that ties the event together, ensuring smooth transitions, maintaining energy in the room, and keeping the audience engaged. They manage the pace, tone and professionalism of the entire evening.

The Benefits of Hiring a Professional Presenter

1. Polished Delivery and Stage Presence
Professional presenters are trained to command a room. They have extensive experience with live audiences and know how to modulate their tone, handle nerves, and keep attention focused. Whether it’s a humorous anecdote to break the ice or a heartfelt introduction to an award winner, they know how to strike the right note.

2. Neutrality and Professionalism
Using a staff member as host might seem like a nice, informal choice—but it can lead to issues with impartiality, favouritism, or awkward inside jokes that alienate some attendees. A professional provides a neutral, unbiased presence and ensures all employees feel equally celebrated.

3. Time Management and Event Flow
Awards evenings often run over time, leaving guests restless and cutting short important speeches or entertainment. A professional knows how to keep the schedule tight, manage overruns, and adapt on the fly—all while keeping the mood upbeat.

4. Handling the Unexpected
From technical issues to unexpected delays, live events can be unpredictable. A seasoned presenter brings calm and control to these moments. They’re trained to improvise gracefully, avoiding awkward silences and keeping the evening on track.

5. Audience Engagement
Keeping a room full of people entertained for several hours is no small task. Professionals have developed techniques to read the room, vary their tone and style, and interact with the audience without alienating or embarrassing anyone. They make everyone feel included in the celebration.

6. Brand Representation
Your awards night is a representation of your brand and company culture. A professional presenter understands this and will align their delivery style with your brand values—whether you want something polished and formal, warm and friendly, or high-energy and entertaining.

Why Staff Members Might Not Be the Best Choice
Although internal hosts can bring charm and familiarity, they often lack the training and experience to deliver consistently. Here are some of the risks involved:

Nervousness or lack of confidence, especially when faced with a large or senior audience.

Inappropriate jokes or comments that could cross HR boundaries or make guests uncomfortable.

Lack of audience engagement skills, resulting in a dull or fragmented experience.

Poor time management, leading to overruns and disorganisation.

Divided focus—your internal staff should be enjoying the evening, not carrying the pressure of running it.

Even if a staff member is naturally charismatic, the hosting role can prevent them from enjoying the evening as a guest, and may expose them to unnecessary stress.

Frequently Asked Questions About Hiring a Professional Presenter

Q: What kind of presenter should we hire?
This depends on your company’s culture and the tone of the evening. Some companies prefer a high-profile TV or radio personality, while others opt for corporate MCs with experience across industries. It’s important to choose someone whose style aligns with your brand and audience.

Q: How far in advance should we book a presenter?
Ideally, book at least 2–3 months in advance, especially if you’re seeking someone with a busy calendar or during peak event seasons (e.g. Christmas or end-of-financial year). Early booking gives you more choice and allows the presenter time to familiarise themselves with your company.

Q: Can we brief the presenter on our company culture and values?
Absolutely. Most professionals welcome a detailed briefing and may even request one. This includes understanding your company’s tone, previous awards nights, key personnel, and the structure of the event. Some presenters also offer a short rehearsal or pre-event call to clarify expectations.

Q: How much does a professional presenter cost?
Fees vary depending on experience, profile, and location. You might expect to pay from £500 to £5,000+, depending on whether you’re hiring a local MC or a well-known media personality. Always confirm what’s included in the fee—some presenters offer scriptwriting, rehearsals, or extra engagement on the night.

Q: What if we have a hybrid or virtual component to the awards night?
Many presenters now have experience with virtual and hybrid events, including using platforms like Zoom, Teams, or bespoke virtual venues. A professional can manage audience interaction both in-person and online, ensuring no one feels left out.

Q: Can the presenter help with scripting or event planning?
Often, yes. Many professional presenters offer consulting or script development as part of their service. Their experience in event structure, humour, and flow can be invaluable, especially if your team is short on time or unsure how to build a cohesive programme.

Q: What should we look for in a presenter’s portfolio or showreel?
Look for someone who:

Has hosted events similar in size and tone to yours

Demonstrates clear diction, engaging delivery, and adaptability

Receives positive testimonials from previous clients

Feels authentic and comfortable on stage

Final Thoughts
Hiring a professional presenter for your company awards evening isn’t just a luxury—it’s an investment in the success of the event. It reflects the importance you place on the occasion and ensures that your employees feel valued, celebrated, and entertained. Whether you’re hosting a formal gala or a relaxed team night out, a skilled presenter can bring your event to life and leave a lasting impression on every attendee.

Don’t leave it to chance. Choose a professional, and let your night shine.