Executive Communication for
High-Stakes Moments
Event Hosting and Executive Facilitation
Important events need more than an agenda and a microphone. Town halls, client summits, leadership offsites, conferences and panel discussions all depend on someone being able to hold the room, guide the conversation and keep things moving when plans inevitably shift.
A strong host or facilitator creates clarity without dominating. They manage energy, connect speakers and ideas, ask the questions that need asking and give both participants and audiences confidence that the event is in safe hands.
The objective is simple: make the event feel intentional, credible and well led.
Experience on stage and in the space
Michael Rickwood has spent more than fifteen years hosting, moderating and facilitating high-visibility events.
Since 2017, he has been a Master of Ceremonies for the VivaTech Discovery Stage in Paris, interviewing more than 200 founders, executives and innovators in front of live audiences. He has also hosted and facilitated events for organisations including Airbus, Engie, Microsoft, Pierre Fabre, Mercedes-Daimler and the World Bank.
What Michael can bring to your event
- Master of Ceremonies and event hosting
- Panel moderation and live interviews
- Executive and leadership facilitation
- Town halls, client summits and corporate events
- Leadership offsites and strategic discussions
- Speaker preparation and event flow
- Handling transitions, timing and unexpected changes live
From preparation through to the live event, the focus is on creating clarity, momentum and connection while allowing the people and ideas in the room to remain centre stage.
Clear, Credible Event Hosting & Facilitation
Hosting is not about performing. It is about taking responsibility for the room.
Michael's role is to open the event, hold the flow and stay steady when pressure, uncertainty or the unexpected enters the space. The approach is practical and restrained: clear openings, clean transitions, attentive listening and calm authority, while keeping the focus on the people and ideas that matter.
The LENS Technique
Michael uses the LENS Technique as a simple framework for live and on-camera hosting. It provides a structure for managing intention, timing, attention and presence without making the event feel scripted or over-produced.
The framework stays largely invisible. The audience should experience a well-led event, not notice the technique behind it.
Planning an important event?
Whether you're organising a conference, leadership gathering, panel discussion or corporate event, let's discuss what you need from your host or facilitator.
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Event Hosting and Executive Facilitation FAQ
What kinds of events do you host and facilitate?
Michael hosts and facilitates conferences, corporate events, leadership meetings, client summits, panel discussions and other high-visibility events. The role can range from hosting an entire event to moderating a specific discussion or facilitating an executive session.
What is the difference between event hosting and executive facilitation?
Event hosting focuses on the audience experience, maintaining energy, flow and connection across the programme. Executive facilitation is more focused on helping a group have a productive conversation, explore difficult questions and move towards clarity or decisions. Some events require elements of both.
Do you work with executives and corporate teams?
Yes. Michael regularly works with senior leaders, corporate teams, founders and subject-matter experts, both on stage and in facilitated discussions. The approach is designed to create structure and momentum without taking attention away from the people and ideas that matter.
What is the LENS Technique?
The LENS Technique is Michael's framework for managing intention, timing, attention and presence during live and on-camera events. It provides structure behind the scenes while allowing the event itself to feel natural and unscripted.
Do you host tech events and startup conferences?
Yes. Michael has extensive experience in fast-moving technology and innovation environments, including hosting the VivaTech Discovery Stage in Paris since 2017 and interviewing more than 200 founders, executives and innovators.
Can you host or facilitate international events?
Yes. Michael has worked with organisations and audiences across five continents and is comfortable working in international and cross-cultural environments. Events can be hosted or facilitated in English or French.
How involved are you in preparing the event?
As much as the event requires. Preparation can include understanding the audience and objectives, reviewing the running order, preparing openings and transitions, researching speakers, developing interview or panel questions and anticipating moments where the programme may need to adapt.
Can you work with speakers before the event?
Yes. Where useful, Michael can also work with speakers, panellists or senior leaders before the event to clarify their messages and help the different parts of the programme work together.