Eventex MC, Alan Stevens Shares His Insight On The Congress And The Event Industry Growth In The East

It’s a God’s honest truth - we met him last month at another event organized by our company and he was brilliant! Now, you don't have to take our word for it: we did an introductory interview so you can get to know Alan as he’s hosting both Eventex Congress and the Eventex Awards Gala.How does your job relate to the event industry?I'm a speaker and MC/facilitator, so I work with meeting planners to make an event as successful as possible, by running on time, delivering the objectives and ensuring everyone has fun. I believe it's crucial for the speakers and facilitators to work with planners before, during and after the event. It's a commitment of several months for both sides.What are your most important duties?

• Pre-event planning with the meeting planner to agree objectives
• Pre-event liaison with all speakers
• Arrival well before an event
• Technical rehearsals
• Re-confirmation of all arrangements with organiser and speaker
• Ruthless time-keeping
• Dealing with all unexpected events
• Questioning and summarising where required
• Post-event analysis and feedback

How do you describe your work style?Relaxed, confident and authentic. I'm there to do a professional job, but in a collaborative way.What is the biggest professional risk you have taken?I've always tried to push myself in terms of my professional expertise. I once facilitated a conference where I spoke throughout in French, which is not my first, and is far from my best, language. It seemed to go well, but I may have misunderstood the feedback!How do you see the growth in the European event market?I believe that growth in Europe will be focused towards the East, where there are innovative events and risk-taking planners. Growth looks to be slow but steady over the next few years, with a move towards hybrid and virtual events.What do you like the most about Eventex Congress 2015?The huge enthusiasm around the event, and the opportunity to contribute to an event that can only become larger in years to come.Can you give us a brief outline of what you are presenting at Eventex Congress 2015?I will be on stage as the facilitator, introducing speakers, ensuring that everything runs to plan, and being the representative of the event planner on stage.