Event Facilitation

Conferences - Away Days - Panel Chairing - Fireside Chats

"The way we gather matters. Gatherings consume our days and help determine the kind of world we live in, in both our intimate and public realms. Gathering - the conscious bringing together of people for a reason - shapes the way we think, feel, and make sense of our world"

Priya Parker

What makes me your ideal event chair?

It pays to work with a professional presenter who has anchored national and international news. I mean, Sam from Internal Comms is great and all, but ...

With years of experience in a high-pressure, fast-moving environment, I’ve perfected the art of keeping audiences informed, entertained, and engaged - even when the autocue decides to take a coffee break, there's chaos behind the scenes, the energy flags after lunch or the subject matter gets challenging.

Now, I bring those same skills to moderating events, panel discussions, fireside chats, and conferences. Just with a bit less reverence. And a ban on the word "housekeeping".

I'll Master Your Brief, confidently

News presenters are handed new or unfamiliar topics daily, often every hour! I'm used to quickly grasping complex topics, distilling the key points, and communicating them clearly and confidently. Whether it’s a big picture industry event or a nuanced discussion, I’ll hit the ground running, ensuring your audience gets clarity and insight.

I’m an Expert at Setting the Tone

Whether your event calls for professional gravitas, creative energy, or a friendly, conversational tone, I know how to read the room and adapt. From serious debates to animated panel chats, I’ll make sure the mood matches your goals. That said, I do my best work at events that call for a little personality and, dare I say, fun. That's right, even earnest should never mean dull.

I Know How to Ask the Right Questions

Years of interviewing politicians, CEOs, and experts have honed my ability to ask insightful, thought-provoking questions (and to steer things back on track if conversations take a scenic route or someone needs reining in). I’ll get to the heart of the matter, ensuring meaningful and lively discussions that go beyond the predictable and keep your audience engaged. And if speakers are nervous or inexperienced, I'll support and bring out the best in them too.

I’m a Storyteller at Heart

I know how to craft a narrative - whether it’s introducing a keynote speaker, summarising a complex discussion, weaving powerful themes through the day or wrapping up the event with a memorable takeaway. Your event will feel personalised, cohesive and purposeful, not like a collection of disjointed sessions with the links written by committee and the intros crafted from Wikipedia (yawn).

I Handle the Unexpected Like a Pro

A panellist runs late? A tech glitch interrupts the flow? The CEO ignores all instruction to talk for only 4 minutes? No problem. Years in live broadcasting have taught me how to handle surprises with poise and humour, so no-one starts squirming in their seat.

Interactivity comes as standard

Gone are the days where people are happy to be talked at. The best events involve your audience, get the conversation buzzing, encourage diverse viewpoints and create new connections. Everyone will leave feeling energised, included and ready to take action.

I'm all about Adding Value

I'm a collaborative partner, working with event organisers, speakers, and stakeholders in advance and on the day to ensure every aspect of your session hits the mark. Once booked, I'm all in - happy to offer input on the shape of the event if needed, to arrive early and chat to delegates, hang out over lunch and stay for any debrief (or drinks!)

What my clients say

"Rachel’s work as the chair of Brompton’s Active Travel Hustings was nothing short of brilliant.

Her professionalism, preparation, knowledge of each party’s proposed policies and complete confidence to challenge and guide the debate added huge value, contributing to the overall success of the event.

We wouldn’t hesitate to work with Rachel again"

Will Butler-Adams, CEO Brompton Bicycles

"Rachel compered a conference of 200 professional women for us.

She was superbly talented and skilled in her balance between steering the event, leading and encouraging interaction and making people feel engaged, involved and valued. Rachel has a lovely way of introducing and working with speakers who may be nervous, or new to public speaking, together with challenging people to be their best"

Helen Toogood, Organiser Spirit of Women

"Rachel is one of the most skilled communicators and facilitators I’ve worked with.

Not only is she clear, articulate and engaging, but she also brings natural gravitas, warmth and humanity into everything she does — all of which makes it feel both effortless and rewarding to work with her.

Our audiences love her. We do too"

Richard Alderson, Founder

Careershifters

Let's discuss your event!

Drop me an email at [email protected] with a few lines about the nature and scale of support that's needed, and let's get on a relaxed, no-obligation call.

We can discuss the outcomes you're looking for, I'll tell you what I'd propose and we can see if it's the right fit.

Copyright 2024 . Rachel Schofield . All Rights Reserved.