An MC who lifts the room - and keeps it there.
Professionalism, business credibility, humour, and the flexibility to ad lib anything that comes your way.
From 150 to 2,200+ attendees, on stages all over the world in a myriad of settings, stages, and configurations.
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Continents
2,200+
Largest Audience
150+
Smallest Room
On stage · International conference - holding the room in a packed auditorium
Where I've spoken
Dots on the map.
82 places in 58 countries.
Keynote, MC, panel and workshop roles. Hover or tap a dot for details.
Hover or tap a dot for details. Use + and - or pinch to zoom, then drag to move around.
Why the host matters
The wrong MC can sink a great event.
You've spent months planning. The speakers are world-class, the venue is set, the programme is tight. Then a flat host kills the energy, mispronounces sponsor names, fumbles a panel, or freezes when the schedule slips.
Your audience won't remember the deck. They'll remember how the event felt. The MC sets that feeling.
What I bring
More than a voice with a script.
A facilitator, business operator, and people-reader who keeps your event sharp, connected, and on time.
01
Business Knowledge
Two decades leading and advising organisations means I speak the language of the room - founders, entrepreneurs, executives, operators, and global teams.
02
Humour & Warmth
Events should feel alive. I bring genuine humour, energy, and human connection that makes audiences lean in rather than check their phones.
03
Flexibility & Ad Lib
Run-of-show changes, technical hiccups, surprise speakers - I roll with it. Sharp improvisation keeps the event flowing without missing a beat.
04
Psychometrics & People Insight
Accredited and proficient in a range of psychometric tools and insights. I read rooms, panellists, and audiences quickly - then tailor tone, pace, and questions in real time.
05
Entrepreneurial Edge
Founder, operator, investor, and family business succession expert. I add commercial flavour and credibility to any business event, from product launches to industry summits.
06
Leadership Experience
Years of facilitating boardrooms, peer forums, large-scale conferences, and leadership academies mean the stage is just another room I know how to lead.
Who's behind the microphone
I don't just host the event - I help it land.
I'm Stephen Shortt - facilitator, founder, and long-time MC for international business events. I've hosted everything from intimate leadership dinners of 150 to flagship conferences of 2,200+ across five continents.
My background blends entrepreneurship, leadership development, and a broad range of accredited psychometric tools and insights. That mix means I understand the business, read the room, and adapt instantly - whether I'm handing over to a Fortune 500 CEO or steering a panel back on track.
Clients keep rebooking because I don't just host the event - I help it land.
Events I host
Business events with an audience, a programme, and high stakes.
If it's a business event with an audience, a programme, and high reputational stakes - I can hold it together and make it shine.
Conferences & Industry Summits (150 - 2,200+ attendees)
Awards Ceremonies & Gala Dinners
Product Launches & Brand Activations
Panel Moderation & Fireside Chats
Internal Kick-Offs, Town Halls & Leadership Offsites
Multi-day Festivals & Member Events
Working with me
A partner, not just a performer.
Great events aren't built on the day - they're shaped in the weeks leading up to it. I work as a true collaborator with organisers to bring your vision to life.
Long before the lights go up, I'm on calls with organisers - reviewing the agenda, sharpening transitions, and helping speakers and segments shine. I treat your event like my own.
"I always look forward to working with him."
- Tamarin Gillwald Morell, Global GSEA Director
Collaborative & Flexible
I plug into your team and your way of working. Run-of-show changes, last-minute pivots, evolving briefs - I roll with it and keep things moving.
Thoughtful Ideas
Drawing on years of hosting global events, I share what's worked (and what hasn't) - bringing fresh ideas for moments, segues, and audience engagement that lift the whole programme.
Shaping the Tone
From playful to polished, intimate to high-energy - we'll align on the right tone for your audience and brand, so every moment on stage feels intentional.
What clients say
Trusted by event organisers
Stephen is a phenomenal speaker, host and facilitator. He has that rare ability to instantly charm a room - with humour, warmth, and a keen sensitivity to the energy in the space. His content is always top-notch, and he delivers it in a way that feels both effortless and deeply engaging.
"On top of it all, he's a dream to work with - professional, prepared, and a true partner in making any event a success!"
Hannah Marsh
Director of Global Learning, EO Global
Working with Stephen is incredibly efficient and gives you, as an organizer, a great sense of confidence and peace of mind. He is highly professional, flexible, and excellent at navigating the dynamic nature of live events. Whether it's handling last-minute changes, making quick decisions on the spot, or adapting to unexpected situations, Stephen always manages everything smoothly and with great confidence.
What I particularly appreciate is his ability to connect not only with the audience but also with the organizing team. His communication, positive energy, and collaborative approach make a real difference behind the scenes and on stage.
"I truly value working with Stephen and would highly recommend him to anyone looking for a reliable, engaging, and outstanding event host."
Aleksandra Pszczola
Learning & Event Lead, Unlimited Poland
Stephen is far more than an emcee - he becomes a true partner in your event. As an accomplished founder and CEO, he brings an incredible depth of leadership experience, yet shows up with genuine humility and a calm, grounded presence that immediately puts you at ease as an organizer.
Working with Stephen is seamless. He is flexible, collaborative, and handles the natural curveballs of live events with calm confidence. You can trust him completely to adapt in the moment while keeping the energy, flow, and audience experience exactly where it needs to be.
"He brings kindness, respect, and a natural sense of humor to every interaction, both on and off stage. On top of it all, he is a joy to work with and someone I trust completely to make any event stronger!"
Jess Owens
Global Event & Learning Strategist
On stage
Selected moments
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Everything you might want to know before we jump on a call.
About the Role & Preparation
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Booking
Let's talk about your next event
Ready to change the energy in the room?
Tell me about the audience, the agenda, and the outcome you want. Fifteen minutes over a virtual coffee is usually enough to know if we're a fit.