How to choose the right awards host for your event
Awards hosts usually come from the worlds of Radio and Print Journalism. However, they often hail from the world of celebrity too. Well known for their appearances in extremely popular series or presenting roles on television, they can really make your event a massive success. Others are politicians and some also hail from large corporate backgrounds or institutions where they have gathered their experience hosting important and international internal events. Whatever their background, they are all first-class awards hosts.
Successfully choosing the right awards host is down to a couple of things.
Firstly, make sure you can provide as detailed a brief as possible. The brief should include the reason for the awards, how many awards, the anticipated timings, whether the event will be filmed and if so for what purpose. We also need to understand if a rehearsal will be required, who the sponsor or sponsors are likely to be and how many people are expected to attend etc. And don’t forget to let us know if the event is invite-only or a ticketed awards do.
Secondly you really need to know what you have available budget wise because offering a guide of £x to £x allows us to quote people who only sit within the remit of your budget. Each industry genre has its experts so you can request an awards host who has some knowledge in Tech or the Economy, Mental Health or Business. The list is endless, and we can always suggest more than one to fit your brief.
Each award host listed on The Speakers Agency website is first class at what they do, and their fees range from £1500 to £150,000 plus. And they are all very different. Most are extremely versatile but do be clear in what your requirements and expectations are. Someone funny like Sue Perkins might be most appropriate but equally a highly experienced news reporter like Maxine Mawhinney might be a much more suitable choice depending on your exact event.
The agents at The Speakers Agency pride themselves on giving genuine and serious consideration to every brief. We work together to make sure the recommendations sent over to you are optimum and by sharing our collective knowledge of our eclectic list of awards hosts, we rarely fail to make the very best suggestions.
Our list of awards hosts is extensive and they include:
Gyles Brandreth is a writer, broadcaster and former MP. He is one of Britain’s most sought-after award ceremony hosts and after-dinner speaker. Gyles is a reporter on ‘The One Show’ on BBC1. His acclaimed Victorian detective stories – ‘The Oscar Wilde Murder Mysteries’ – are published in twenty-one countries around the world. He is also a former Oxford Scholar, President of the Oxford Union and MP for the City of Chester. His career has ranged from being a Whip and Lord Commissioner of the Treasury in John Major’s government to starring in his own award-winning musical revue in London’s West End.
Wynne Evans is instantly recognisable to millions for the TV advertising campaigns which have made him a household name as the spoof opera star Gio Compario. He is also one of the UK’s most exciting tenors with over 25 years’ experience trained opera singer. Wynne is a highly revered awards host who can even incorporate singing into his hosting role if desired.
Sue Perkins is a writer, presenter, broadcaster and entertaining host. She has been a firm favourite on British television for over 15 years entertaining the nation with her unique brand of wit and humour. A fantastic and highly entertaining awards host for any event and audience, Sue Perkins will have you feeling inspired whilst grinning from ear to ear.
Sir Lenny Henry is a renowned comedian, presenter, writer, producer and one of the founding members of ‘Comic Relief’. His personality is as big as his heart, with a genuine ability to make people at ease around him which makes him an excellent awards host for your next event.
Helen Lederer is a Comedy Actress, Author, Broadcaster and hugely popular awards host. Having played Catriona the dizzy journalist in BBC 1’s ‘Absolutely Fabulous’, she also presents BBC Radio 4 pick of the week and writes for newspapers and magazines. Her comedy novel ‘Losing it’ (Pan Macmillan) was nominated for the PG Wodehouse Comedy Literary award. Helen set up the Comedy Women in Print award because she wanted to shine a light on witty women writers.
Seyi Rhodes is an investigative journalist and captivating speaker who has always been fascinated by cultural change and social upheaval. His ultimate goal is distilling his experience in some of the most uncertain and challenging parts of the world to help his audience find the resilience they need to manage the current climate of uncertainty and change.
Nicky Campbell is the presenter of the BBC Radio 5 Live Breakfast programme and BBC One’s Sunday morning faith and ethics show The Big Questions. Nicky has won 6 Sony Gold Radio Awards and presents ITV’s multi-award-winning ‘Long Lost Family.’ Nicky Campbell is a consummate professional he is highly suited to awards hosting.
TV Presenter, writer and broadcaster Clare Balding won the nation’s heart during the London 2012 Olympics and Paralympics and is an outstanding awards host and speaker. An expert at live major event presentation, such as the Lord Mayor’s Show or Trooping the Colour, Clare also has an uncanny knack of getting the most out of interview subjects as demonstrated by her work at the Olympic games which earned her widespread acclaim.
Rageh Omaar is one of the most recognised and respected TV foreign correspondents in the country. He is one of the most prominent reporters and presenters working for the BBC and Al Jazeera English. Furthermore, he is a fascinating speaker, and an outstanding event host and facilitator. Clients include Goldman Sachs, The Department of Health, Middle East Financial Awards ceremony in Bahrain and The Economist Emerging Markets awards.
Diane Louise Jordan is a former Blue Peter presenter, and made history the first black presenter on the show. She has also presented Songs of Praise and is often seen doing crazy things like Coasteering on the Country File. Uplifting, informative and fun to listen to, Diane is an impressive awards host for any event.
