Where Stagecraft Meets Strategic Thinking
Let’s begin with an inconvenient truth: most corporate events feel like they’ve been designed by committee—safe, predictable, and about as inspiring as a quarterly earnings report. But here’s where it gets interesting: the best events aren’t just well-organised, they’re well-orchestrated.
The Art of Event Architecture
Think of an MC as the architect of atmosphere. Anyone can read a running sheet, but crafting moments that matter? That’s where decades of experience in radio, theatre, stand-up comedy, and marketing create something rather special. I’m on a mission to rid workplaces of those soul-depleting gatherings where PowerPoint presentations outnumber engaged participants.
Why Choose Steve Davis?
My approach combines the timing of a broadcaster, the insight of a marketer, and the adaptability of an improviser. And speaking of unexpected combinations, I’m currently collaborating with Australian music icon Rick Price on comedy songs—because sometimes the best business insights come from the most surprising places.
Here Are Some Feedback Comments We Received Earlier
These comments have arisen from a diverse range of events from formal events overlooking Adelaide Oval to intimate sessions in upper rooms of venues, to open decks overlooking the Outback. Wherever people gather, a good MC can bring value by making an event cohesive and memorable (for all the right reasons).
The ABC Of MC Practice
A Set Of Elements
- Strategic message integration that feels natural, not forced
- Meticulous time management with a velvet glove approach
- Deep experience in reading and energising audiences
- Multidisciplinary background that enriches every event
Being Human
- Disarming humour that puts people at ease
- Genuine curiosity about speakers and their messages
- The ability to turn unexpected moments into opportunities
- A commitment to making every participant feel valued
We had the pleasure of engaging Steve Davis recently as our MC for our regional tourism conference. Steve was the perfect host for this vibrant group of tourism professionals. His humour and wit was the perfect icebreaker on the opening night and set the tone for the rest of the conference. Steve did his homework on each speaker as he introduced them with entertaining stories as well as pertinent facts, which both alarmed and amused the speakers in equal measure. He was also a valued speaker, providing excellent insights and advice as one of our sessional speakers on the topic of customer service and upselling. Steve was also a very good timekeeper, ensuring the conference went smoothly and to schedule. In short, we were delighted with Steve’s contribution to our conference, he was most definitely a key part of its success and I have no hesitation in recommending Steve as an entertaining, capable and efficient Master of Ceremonies and speaker.
Character Choices
Steve Davis: The Marketing Mythbuster
Drawing from 20+ years of workshop presentation and speaking experience, I bring a grounded approach that earns respect through substance rather than celebrity. As Shaun de Bruyn from Tourism Industry Council SA notes: “I have worked with Steve over the last 7+ years and have always found him to be energetic, highly professional, and 100% engaging. His capacity to understand the audience and provide relevant information is exceptional. While an MC, he’s also an entertainer who provides laughs and interesting stories.”
Professor Sebastian Longsword: Academic Eccentricity
When your event needs something memorably different, the Professor steps in with his unique blend of erudite wit and networking exercises that “melt even the hardest or most timid of hearts.” He’s graced national conferences, awards ceremonies, and team-building events with his particular brand of scholarly charm. As Amber Wegener, Marketing & Business Development Executive, Grant Thornton said, after the Professor’s talk to the Australian Marketing Institute on the topic of AI in Education: Had a fantastic time at last week’s Australian Marketing Institute‘s networking event. Professor Steve Davis otherwise known as Sebastian Longsword, shared some hilarious insights on marketing, MBAs, and AI. If only it were that easy!
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions Re Professional MC Services
How can a professional MC enhance my event?
An MC ensures smooth transitions, engages the audience, and reinforces key messages. Steve Davis’s approach is to imbue this work with thoughtful insights to achieve the outcomes noted by Carolyn Miller (Thrive Project, Gruen Transfer), who said he creates a sense of warmth and familiarity with the speakers, which helps to engage the audience.
What makes Steve Davis a unique MC?
Steve combines humour, professionalism, and strategic messaging from his multidisciplinary background. This adds nuance to his delivery. For example, a pure comedian might be entertaining but not ground their work in the business or marketing messaging important to the organisation. A warm and friendly MC might let things drag and not keep the event on time. And given he’s been in front of small and large groups in the business world many thousands of times in his 20+ years as a workshop presenter and speaker, his stagecraft is grounded in a quest to earn respect and trust, not swing in on the coat tails of celebrity and cash out on being a “known name”. He works hard for his money, as they say!
How does Steve Davis manage event timing?
Steve meticulously plans and monitors the event schedule to ensure it runs smoothly. He is clear in his expectations with fellow speakers and should he need to intervene, it’s always done in a firm but friendly way, more like a velvet glove than an impatient tapping of the toes.
Can Steve Davis incorporate our event’s theme into his performance as MC or speaker?
Yes. Everything Steve does is customised so that his approach aligns with your event’s theme and goals, and your organisational “voice” and style. That comes from years of “reading the audience” and, when he did talkback radio on Adelaide’s FiVEAA, having the audience give him direct feedback!
What are the benefits of having an MC in character?
Character MCs like Professor Sebastian Longsword add a unique, entertaining element to the event. Everybody loosens up an little and relaxes when in the presence of the Professor. His disarming and eruditely cheeky banter helps people feel at ease and his networking exercises can melt even the hardest or most timid of hearts.
How does Steve Davis engage the audience?
Steve uses humour, interactive segments, and relatable stories to captivate the audience, depending on the situation. One common rule of thumb is that he weaves the event’s or talk’s topic into his introductions of speakers, and draws from current events to further add relevance to the gathering. And don’t worry if your speaker has provided a long introductory bio full of jargon; the audience will get the engaging version!
Can Steve Davis handle both formal and informal events?
Yes, Steve adapts his style to suit the tone and format of your event. One of the advantages of growing up with a dad as an Anglican priest is that he had to maintain a polite persona around the faithful. Later, in radio, he had to cover all manner of topics while respecting a general audience (unlike the anything goes model in the media today). Even in comedy clubs, he never enters vulgar territory, instead he pushes boundaries a little through euphamism and suggestion; always with a glint in his eye.
Does Steve Davis travel for events?
Yes, Steve is based in Adelaide but is available for events across Australia, and has done so, from the luxurious resorts of north Queensland to the most remote regions of the Northern Territory, from chilly Melbourne to most parts of Adelaide and South Australia.
What types of events does Steve Davis typically MC?
Steve has experience with corporate events, conferences, and community events. He also does weddings and private events upon request.
How do I book Steve Davis as an MC?
Contact him through the website or via phone 0403022077 to discuss your event details and availability.
The TAM Approach to Event Management
Before Your Event
Before your first guest arrives, we dive deep into understanding your objectives and audience—because meaningful events grow from meaningful preparation. We’ll craft strategic messaging that aligns with your goals while ensuring it feels authentic to your organisation’s voice. Think of this as creating a narrative architecture for your event, where every element has both purpose and personality. Of course, we can also work closely with your speakers to help them shine, going well beyond standard biographical introductions to find those golden threads that connect their expertise to your audience’s needs.
During Your Event
When the curtain rises, our role transforms from architect to conductor. We maintain precise timing without making it feel mechanical—more like a well-rehearsed orchestra than a stopwatch enthusiast. Our introductions bring speakers to life through stories and insights that matter to your audience, not just lists of achievements. We create space for genuine interaction and dialogue, reading the room’s energy and adapting as needed. And when those inevitable unexpected moments arise? We handle them with the kind of grace that turns potential disruptions into memorable highlights.
Enquire About Hiring An MC
Enquire today about booking Steve Davis as your MC to make sure your event is fun, runs on time, and delivers the messaging that needs delivering.