How do you manage event hiccups?

Thorough preparation is key. I create detailed run sheets, have backup plans, and ensure all vendors, speakers, and staff are briefed. Anticipating potential issues allows me to proactively address them or have contingencies in place. Preparation minimizes surprises and helps maintain a seamless event flow

One thing i've found helpful is to be ahead of the show-caller so as to anticipate any mishaps. Being a producer in my other life, helps with the experience of mitigating problems as they come and filling in the gaps so that the audience has no idea - thanks to on the spot improvisation (Growing up in theatre also helps)

Stay calm and composed. Don't let the audience sense any panic or frustration. Have a backup plan ready for common issues like technical glitches, speaker no-shows, or schedule delays. Keep spare batteries, cords, and a hard copy of your script handy. If something goes wrong, quickly acknowledge it with humor and pivot seamlessly to a contingency. For major disruptions, communicate clearly with organizers and attendees about the situation and next steps. Be prepared to improvise, stall for time with filler content, or adjust the rundown as needed. Above all, maintain a positive, reassuring demeanor to keep the show running smoothly despite any hiccups.

I always carry my S.O.S card which has all the list of emergency phrases that I can use when things go wrong. I print it on a separate sheet of paper, make cue card out of it, and have it separate from my main MC script. I refer to it at any point of the event when unexpected hiccups happen. The truth is, there is no such thing as a true curveball to an event. Most of the unexpected scenarios are quite predictable because most events follow a standard format. You can also predict possible areas where things can potentially go wrong. The #1 place where an emcee has to stall for time is when the tech fails. #2 is when the stage is taking too long to set up when you transition from one segment to next.

If you hit a snag during your presentation, the key is to keep everyone engaged. A neat way to do this is by using interactive features like live polls or Q&A sessions, and guess what? Event apps make this super easy to pull off. This keeps the audience engaged and interested in the topic you are speaking about. Live polls are fantastic for this. You can get everyone's opinions, spark a little debate, or just add some fun to your talk. And Q&As? Let them toss questions your way, and you can answer on the spot, keeping the conversation flowing. This way, even if things don't go as planned, you've got these tools in your back pocket to keep the energy up and ensure your presentation still rocks.

I definitely recommend having a few go-to jokes or anecdotes ready for when something goes wrong. And yes, I used the word "when", as inevitably it will happen one day in one of your gigs. You will manage to stay calm if you are prepared so step 1 in this article is a great place to start. I also really appreciate the call out of "don't apologize excessively" - this is so important, especially if whatever occurred is out of the organizers' hands. Instead just inform the audience of what is going on and do your best to distract away from it. For example, kill time with your prepared jokes or anecdotes, tell a story about another event where something worse happened, or cut to a bathroom/networking break if you need to. You've got this!

When hiccups occur, I remain composed and project confidence. Panic only breeds more chaos. Taking a deep breath, analyzing the situation objectively, and communicating clearly with my team helps resolve issues effectively. A calm, reassuring presence from the Emcee can defuse tension and maintain audience engagement

Curiosity and improv are the antidote to unexpected chaos on stage. Get comfortable authentically communicating with the audience before something hectic happens. Ask them questions throughout the day so they don’t notice if you ask them a few more during a gap. Find ways not only to connect them to the stage, but to each other. You can do this by asking specific questions about who has done x or felt x in a given time period? Let them look around, realize they’re not alone in their current challenge. And if the gov emergency alarm goes off early like it did for me on stage last year, just pretend it’s the aliens communicating and run with it. The audience loves a good surprise. Especially if you’ve got a great sense of humor.

Sometimes stuff just doesn't go as planned. But hey, that's your chance to shine and show how quick on your feet you are. Let's say a speaker bails last minute or is running late. No sweat, right? You've got this. Use that extra time to get chatty with the audience, maybe run a quick poll, or hey, why not bring someone from the crowd up for a quick chat? And if tech decides to throw a tantrum? No biggie. Break out some fun props, start a game, or crank up some tunes. Keep the vibe going. And if things get a bit awkward, a little humor goes a long way. Or just switch gears and talk about something else. The trick is to stay cool, think on your feet, and just roll with it. You've got the tools to turn any situation around.

Rigidity is the enemy when problems arise. I've learned to think on my feet, pivot when necessary, and find creative solutions. Perhaps a speaker is delayed – I can fill the time with impromptu Q&A or audience participation. Flexibility and creativity allow me to navigate challenges smoothly, keeping the event engaging

Every event presents learning opportunities, even when things don't go perfectly. I debrief with my team after each event, identifying areas for improvement. Implementing those lessons into my planning and execution helps me become a better Emcee and mitigate future hiccups more effectively.

While professionalism is paramount, I also remember to have fun and not take myself too seriously. A little humor and charm can go a long way in defusing tense situations. Laughter is contagious, and a positive, upbeat attitude from the Emcee can uplift the entire event experience, even when hiccups occur

Whether it's bringing folks on stage to ask fun questions or lead the audience in a fun dance number, having fun creates the most memorable experiences.