Mastering the Art of Emceeing with 360 Degree Emcee

Mastering the Art of Emceeing with 360 Degree Emcee

Author: Bizzabo February 9, 2026 Duration: 36:23

In this episode of Event Experience by Bizzabo, host Rachel Moore sits down with Sara Deacon, experienced emcee and CEO of 360 Degree Emcee, to explore the often-misunderstood role of an emcee in delivering standout event experiences.

Sara shares her unconventional journey from martial arts coaching to event facilitation, revealing how skills like presence, adaptability, and connection translate directly to the stage. She explains why emceeing is fundamentally different from keynote speaking or panel moderation, and why reading the room is one of the most critical (and undervalued) skills in live events.

The conversation goes beyond scripts and stage cues, diving into the emcee's full-circle role: collaborating with planners, managing audience energy, supporting speakers, and adapting in real time when things don't go as planned. Sara also offers practical guidance for event planners on how to hire and work effectively with emcees, outlining the tangible value they bring in boosting engagement, reinforcing event goals, and even increasing event ROI.

Through real-world examples, Sara illustrates how authentic connection and in-the-moment decision-making can transform an event from good to unforgettable. The episode wraps with actionable advice for planners to prioritize audience connection and invest in skilled emcees who can elevate the entire event experience.

What you'll learn

  • Why a professional event emcee plays a critical role in shaping the attendee experience by reading the room, building connection, and managing energy throughout the event

  • How hiring a skilled emcee can increase audience engagement, support event goals, and even improve fundraising and ROI

  • Why authentic connection matters more than scripts, and how adaptable, collaborative emcees help create meaningful, memorable events for both organizers and attendees

For transcripts, mentions and more, visit: www.bizzabo.com/podcast/mastering-the-art-of-emceeing


Ever wondered what really happens behind the curtain of a massive conference or a groundbreaking product launch? Event Experience, presented by Bizzabo, pulls back that curtain entirely. This isn't about abstract theory; it's a direct line to the people who've actually built the stages, managed the chaos, and captivated thousands. Each episode sits down with a different Event Experience Leader, those individuals responsible for shaping how we gather and connect. You'll hear firsthand accounts-the unexpected hurdles, the last-minute saves, and the strategies that turned a simple gathering into a memorable phenomenon. Conversations dive deep into the practical realities of event marketing and management, exploring how to genuinely engage an audience and, crucially, how to define and measure success beyond just ticket sales. The podcast serves as a collective masterclass, distilling hard-won wisdom from the trenches of global events. If you're involved in bringing people together, whether for a corporate function or a sprawling festival, these candid stories and actionable insights will change how you approach your next project. Tune in to learn from the best, so you can leave your own audience talking long after the lights come up.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

Event Experience
Podcast Episodes
Well In France On Curated Event Design [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 38:57
Curated event design beats scale, says Dominique Farrar, founder of the Paris-based wellness community Well in France. Before starting her own community, Farrar spent 15+ years building B2B communities at Yelp, Spendesk,…
DMA Events On AI-Powered Trade Show Activations [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 38:05
Richard Foltys, founder of DMA Events, has produced more than 1,500 brand activations for companies like Red Bull, Disney, Barbie, and FIFA. In this episode of Event Experience Podcast, he joins host Rachel Moore to brea…
Wired Production Group On Nonprofit Event Storytelling [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 32:30
Nonprofit event storytelling runs on a different clock than corporate keynotes, and Ron Rausch has spent 25 years working out where the two meet. Ron, owner of Wired Production Group and The Ark Collaborative, joins host…
How Talking Purpose Turns E-Commerce Events Into Sales Funnels [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 31:25
E-commerce events give online brands something no ad campaign can: the chance to put a product directly into a customer's hands. In this episode, host Rachel Moore talks with Katie Kung, founder of Talking Purpose, who p…
SentinelOne's Approach to Event Networking, Budget, and AI [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 28:46
Only 15% of event organizers say networking is effective in 2026, down from nearly 50% the year prior, according to Bizzabo's 2026 Benchmarks Report. Bethany Murphy, Senior Director of Global Strategic Events at Sentinel…
Creating Sensory-Friendly Event Spaces with Calm Nest Collective [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 27:38
In this episode of Event Experience by Bizzabo, host Rachel Moore speaks with Nika Brunet, founder of Calm Nest Collective, about designing sensory-friendly, inclusive event spaces. Nika shares how her background in soci…
How Brella Is Shaping Virtual 2.0 Events [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 41:01
In this episode of Event Experience by Bizzabo, host Rachel Moore sits down with Mark Mallchok, event experience strategist and co-founder of Brella. With over 30 years in the industry, Mark shares how events have evolve…
Building Event Success Beyond Tech with Smart Event Academy [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 39:10
In this episode of Event Experience by Bizzabo, host Rachel Moore sits down with Jen Santos, Founder of Smart Event Academy, to unpack what truly drives successful events beyond just technology. Drawing on her background…
How On Sale Group Markets Events in the Attention Economy [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 27:25
In this episode of Event Experience by Bizzabo, host Rachel Moore speaks with Dawn Farrow, founder of On Sale Group, about the realities of marketing live experiences in today's attention economy. Dawn shares her unconve…