It wasn’t too long ago that we found ourselves at a convention, watching as a mind reader attempted to read the minds of people in the audience.
For many in that audience, it was a fascinating insight into how an artist senses and influences the human mind, but for us, it was another reminder of just how important MCs are to a convention’s success. The convention in question wasn’t mind-reading connected – this was part of the convention’s broader entertainment offerings – and yet the show was one of the most talked about parts of the weekend.
When it comes to our beloved comic conventions, it’s up to the organisers to ensure there’s variety and provide a range of entertainment offerings – shows that don’t have to be intrinsically connected to the core themes of pop culture or comics, but provide the audience with something a little different. But it’s up to the MCs to bring in the right audience, provide context to the show, and effectively moderate it, in keeping with the convention’s overall tone.
Most people in that audience, however, their minds are on the mind-reader and not the MC, and the same thing happens in comic conventions. In many ways, they’re the unsung heroes of the weekend, remaining in the background but working their own magic to make the convention a success. With this in mind, we wanted to shine a light on the MCs and unveil all the reasons why they are integral to the success of comic conventions. Starting with the most obvious.
Setting the Tone
The right MC will set the tone for an event. At comic conventions like the San Diego Comic Con, attendees may spend many hours of the day moving between different activities, so it’s the MCs job to introduce the guest efficiently and provide insightful commentary, creating an environment that matches the spirit of the event in question. It’s also important for MCs to share the enthusiasm of the audience. When it comes to comic conventions, specifically, fans are often ultra-passionate about the content, so an MC will share that enthusiasm and work to build a connection with the audience to enhance their experience.
Maintaining the Flow
It’s also important to remember that comic conventions are large, multi-day events with numerous panels, interviews, competitions, and other activities. An MC will help to ensure that the schedule remains on track by smoothly transitioning between events, making announcements, and preventing any delays. If you’ve ever been to a comic convention that felt smooth and organised, that’s all down to the MCs, who need to be efficient and smart about the packed schedules.
Handling Awkward Situations
Speaking of things going smoothly, it’s worth noting that, sometimes, things don’t go smoothly. Comic conventions are live events, after all, and during a live event, a number of unexpected things can happen. The guest could be late, technical issues could arise, or there might even be schedule changes. An MC will need to fill in the gaps by improvising, keeping the audience engaged during the disruptions. It might not make them any easier on the audience, but at the very least, the MC can put a smile on their face and keep them entertained while things are sorted out.
Conclusion
These are just three integral ways that MCs can make or break a convention. But whether it’s maintaining the flow, engaging the audience, setting the tone, promoting interaction or simply representing the brand, the MCs will always provide structure, entertainment, and energy to the event, managing both the logistical side of things and the overall atmosphere. That’s why they’re so important and that’s why, without them, our comic conventions just wouldn’t be the same.
