Simon Banks

Biography

Simon Bank’s has been MC’ing conferences around the world for the last 13 years. Simon brings a fairly unique mix to MC role. A background in the arts, entertainment and innovation combined with his corporate career in learning and development and sales. It’s a good mix of the fun stuff with the serious stuff. Or delivering the serious stuff in a fun way. With Simon’s background, he can easily connect with content you want to bring to life. He understands the your lingo and the quirky in-house humour that goes with it.

“A delegate recently told me that I was like Picasso’s and Eddie Izzards love child. Whilst this seems far too flattering and slightly weird, it sums up my MC approach. I like to keep things fresh and creative, a splash of humour and most of all, energetic. As an MC, you manage the energy of the conference. If you are have a great energy, it’s contagious. I like to keep the audience moving and connecting with the people around them. Whether you&’re the MC or a delegate, some of the best stories are in the audience. If delegates are in a good space AND feel comfortable connecting with people that they don’t know, great things are possible. They leave with much more than a hand out from the presentations.

If the audience is energised, they are engaged. They are ready to listen. They want to be there. If you can keep the audience engaged, the conference will be a success. If the audience turns off, your conference is a waste of money. If the audience thinks you’re an idiot, your also in trouble. I don’t try to do anything like stand up comedy or tell jokes but I get told I am funny. I guess the humour comes from connecting with what is going on around you and keeping it light. Most of all, it’s not being cheesy or taking yourself to seriously!”

With over 13 years experience in live events there are plenty of great ideas to share around making your conference success.