Host tips

Content Familiarity

Know your speakers and content: Take time to familiarise yourself with the session themes and speakers using the briefing document. You do not need to memorise every detail, but knowing who is who helps you make smoother transitions and introductions.

Have key facts ready: Keep event “nuggets” like membership info or special event features (e.g., “we are planting a tree for every attendee”) ready: these are great for transitions and filling space naturally.

Be comfortable with the topic: Most hosts are chosen because they already know the subject area – use that confidence to engage the audience authentically.

Be a Translator: Understanding your audience and the technical jargon used in the sector means you can step in to clarify terms. This makes the conference more accessible and inclusive for everyone.

Technical Readiness

Prepare your setup: Choose a comfortable and quiet space. Test your lighting, microphone, and camera position well before going live.

Stay powered up: Keep your laptop plugged in – live streaming can drain your battery faster than expected.

Plan for contingencies: Think ahead about what could go wrong (tech issues, delays) and have backup options ready so you can stay calm and professional if a problem arises.

Don’t forget the tech check: Ahead of the conference, you’ll join your Event Manager in a quick tech check to familiarise yourself with the event platform, and learn about on-the-day logistics.

Authenticity and Tone

Be yourself: Deliver in a way that feels natural to you. Authenticity helps you connect with the audience immediately.

Set expectations: As host, your role is to “stitch” sessions together and tee things up for delegates: frame what is coming next and keep the tone consistent throughout the event.

Take notes: taking notes on what resonates with you allows you to transition smoothly, showing the audience that you are “engaged and part of the conference with the rest of your delegates.”

Stay relaxed: You are there to guide, not to perform perfectly. A conversational tone makes the entire event feel more welcoming and less formal.

Create Community: Use the chat to your advantage! Acknowledge audience questions, give shout-outs, and even share questions the delegates are asking each other. This shows the audience the event is “live” and that you are genuinely interested in what they are receiving.

Flow and Transitions

Keep transitions smooth: Use small connecting comments (“Next up we will hear from…”, “That was such an insightful session”) to maintain flow and energy between speakers and segments.

Your Approach

Enjoy it: Hosting is an opportunity to connect, not a high-stakes test: treat it like a conversation you are having with friends and colleagues.

Trust the team: Fundraising Everywhere provides strong support, so rely on them for tech, cues, and guidance. Do not feel like you need to solve every problem yourself.

Confidence through preparation: The more familiar you are with the flow and speakers, the easier it will feel to stay calm and keep things on track. Your preparation is your foundation for peace of mind.

You Are in Safe Hands: Trust the Support

One of the most reassuring messages we hear from our seasoned hosts is about the support system. As host Anish, who recently ran one of our virtual conferences, shares: “The support that I got from the team at Fundraising Everywhere was fantastic. You are in really safe hands.”

Your job is to focus on the content and the audience; our team is backstage handling the technical cues, chat moderation, and any sudden fixes. Trust the team and rely on them: you do not have to solve every issue yourself.