Simon Diez is a presenter for corporate events, galas and international conferences.
What sets him apart is his ability to bring the energy and atmosphere of a concert stage to business events. Shaped by his roots in the world of live presenting, he knows how to command a room with his presence, impeccable timing and a keen sense of people and moods.
Today, he combines emotional stage presence with clear, confident leadership. He provides direction, keeps even complex proceedings on track and creates an atmosphere in which the audience, speakers and participants alike feel at ease. He really comes into his own with international and multilingual formats: as a trained simultaneous interpreter, he moderates confidently in German and English, delivering a style of moderation that connects, makes an impact and lends events a special charisma.
Interview with Simon Diez
How did you come to become a presenter, and what sparked your interest in this profession?
I got into presenting through music. In my hometown’s orchestra, my love of language led me to start presenting the concerts as a traditional ‘announcer’. That was when I first realised what words can create on stage – that stage presence, that special connection with the audience. Over time, I developed my own style more and more, bringing in more personality and more entertainment. And at some point, people around me said: “You have to do this professionally.” It took a while before I really believed that myself. But then I set out on this path – step by step, ever onwards.
Today I host major events and create exactly what captivated me back then: atmosphere, emotion and moments that linger in the air.
What qualities and skills do you consider most important for being a successful presenter?
For me, it all starts with the desire to take to the stage – and with the joy of connecting with and inspiring people. It takes a genuine passion for language: the ability to create images with words, to stir emotions and to command a room. Sometimes powerful and commanding when energy is needed. Sometimes quiet and subtle when the aim is to move people. It is precisely this range that defines good hosting.
Spontaneity is just as important. On stage, something always happens in the moment. Being able to react to that, confidently yet effortlessly, is crucial. Added to this are humour and the ability not to take oneself too seriously. Because ultimately, it’s not about the presenter, but about the people on stage and in the room. Providing them with the right framework, making them look good and at the same time engaging the audience – that, for me, is the essence of good presenting.
Can you tell us about a particularly memorable or challenging event you’ve hosted?
Yes, one event immediately springs to mind that still makes me smile to this day. I had the privilege of hosting a major musical gala at the Apollo Theatre in Stuttgart – featuring some of the stars of the musical theatre world and around 1,300 guests in the auditorium. What made that evening so special for me was that, as a ten-year-old boy, I sat in the audience in that very same theatre for the first time. I fell in love with that space straight away – the stage, the atmosphere, the sheer scale of it. And then, many years later, to be standing on that stage myself and hosting an evening just like that was a very special moment for me. It was a very emotional evening, with moving music, fantastic performers and a strong connection with the audience. It is precisely moments like these that I am passionate about.
How do you prepare for a hosting role, and what strategies do you use to remain flexible during an event?
For me, the most important part of the preparation is the discussions with the client.
– What is this event really about?
– What is the aim?
– What atmosphere should be created?
Apart from the content and the schedule, what interests me most of all is: what character should the event have?
That is precisely what I work out in advance together with the client. This involves very precise coordination of all programme items and procedures.
– Who comes on stage and when?
– Where are the transitions?
– Where is calm needed, where is energy needed?
This clarity is the basis for ensuring that everyone involved feels confident. And it is precisely this that creates freedom on the day. Because no event goes exactly to plan. Things happen – technically, organisationally or in the moment itself. If the preparation is right, I can react calmly, improvise and embrace the moment. For me, this is where a great strength lies: being spontaneous, bringing humour to the table and using even small unforeseen events to re-establish a connection. And at the same time, I always find my way back to the structure.
What are the key trends and developments in the field of event hosting and management that you are currently observing?
Amidst all the hype surrounding AI and technological advances, one thing remains: personal interaction, the personal experience, the emotion of an event – sharing the feeling of what is happening on stage, in the audience, and throughout a hall or theatre. Hopefully, that will never be replaced.
How do you deal with difficult or unexpected situations during an event?
I have a deep understanding of the live moment. At events, something unexpected can always happen – whether technical, organisational, or simply in the flow of the event. For me, the key is to stay calm and assess the situation quickly. If possible, I briefly consult with the team behind the scenes. If I’m already on stage, I rely on my experience and spontaneity. It often helps to embrace the moment rather than try to gloss over it. With a wink, a touch of humour and a direct approach, a connection with the audience is quickly re-established. These small, unplanned situations can even create a sense of closeness and make the evening more human. At the same time, certain moments also call for clarity and leadership. In those instances, I make decisions, set a clear direction and confidently steer the programme forward.
This balance of composure, spontaneity and clear leadership ensures that even unexpected situations are handled well – and that the flow of the event remains stable for everyone.
Thank you very much for the interview!
Book Simon Diez as a presenter: 1 (704) 804 1054 or simon.diez@premium-speakers.com