What Darren's Clients Have Said
RECENT EVENTS (2022-2023)
POSITIVE INFLUENCE KEYNOTE
MLC BRAND & CONTENT CONFERENCE
CONFERENCE MC’ING
APOSHO36 (Asia Pacific Occupational Safety & Health Organisation)
PRESENTATION SKILLS
Grosvenor Place
POSITIVE INFLUENCE KEYNOTE + AWARDS NIGHT MC’ING
PRD REAL ESTATE
CONFERENCE MC’ING
AIA FINANCIAL WELLBEING ADVISERS CONFERENCE
BRAINSTORM FACILITATION (incl. SHOW & TELEVISE)
RECKON AUSTRALIA
FEEDBACK FROM PREVIOUS YEARS
COMMONWEALTH BANK
His witty and energetic introductions created the perfect energy for each speaker and he was even brave enough to provide an extremely humorous introduction to our CEO, which was hugely appreciated. His innate ability to seamlessly knit the sessions together, whilst lifting concentration levels whenever they drifted, certainly had an impact on the success of the conference.
ROBERT HANICH, MANAGER IMPROVEMENT & SIMPLIFICATION, RBS, SERVICE DELIVERY & IMPROVEMENT
THE WRIGLEY COMPANY
Not only does Darren play the more traditional MC role of keeping things on track and managing the energy levels in the room, but he is also engaged in the messages that each presenter is attempting to land, and creates links back to these throughout the conference. Evidence of this was Darren’s preparation going into conference, where he engaged with all presenters, and was crystal clear on the objectives of each session. Darren is a warm, engaging and witty, and I would highly recommend Darren be considered for your conferencing needs.
HAMISH MCLEAY, SALES DIRECTOR – PACIFIC
SYDNEY TRAINS
Thank you for being such an amazing MC! You really did make the whole event, set the tone beautifully and kept everyone entertained right until the very end. The dedication you put in to preparation (especially given how late the information was coming through to you) was amazing and this shone through on the day.
Simone MAcKenzie, Event Manager
WESTPAC
BRILLIANT!!! Beautifully prepared and completely in the moment. Very witty, very knowledgeable. The perfect MC!!”
JAN SWINHOE, HEAD OF WESTPAC PRIVATE BANK
NESTLE AUSTRALIA
“Absolutely Fabulous” – Darren researched each of the presenters, he was funny, witty and most entertaining. Highly recommended.
VINCE LAMOTTA, STATE RESOURCE MANAGER
HYUNDAI
In the past we have used well-known personalities as MC, often at considerable expense – and, apart from being a well known face, they are in some instances not particularly good MC's. Darren is a professional at what he does and this shows through. We were also impressed at how flexible he was in his work, being highly approachable and being able to ad-lib and cope with last minute changes. In many ways his witty and well researched interludes, between the various sessions proved to be the highlight for the delegates. We were very impressed with the amount of background work he had done and the way in which he managed to weave his light-hearted comments into the conference content.
BILL NEEDLE, DIRECTOR AFTER SALES
RAMS HOME LOANS
Another fabulous conference. Thank you. You are fantastic to work with. An absolute professional but FUN!!
Clive Kirkpatrick, Head of Franchise, RAMS Home Loans
OPTUS
Thank you for doing a wonderful job at the IT Offsite. As you are aware, Optus were thrilled with your performance.
ALICIA CARRICK, EVENT MANAGER FOR OPTUS IT OFF-SITE, LATERAL MARKETING
NSW DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
Darren is an incredible MC, and took our stresses away by being on TOP of everything! He is engaging and entertaining with a wonderful, personable nature, understanding the audience. His involvement with other presenters and speakers and willingness to lend a hand was priceless. Darren's sense of humour is always appropriate and appreciated, he is now part of our 'family'. It was our absolute pleasure having worked with Darren and having him MC at our conference and everyone involved felt in awe and inspired.
SRG WARILLA ORGANISING COMMITTEE
MLC
Without question Darren was the best MC I have ever used for a conference. He put a huge amount of preparation into his scripts which continually produced an eruption of laughter and cheers from the audience.
Kathleen BURNSIDE, BUSINESS EVENTS ORGANISER
TATA CONSULTANCY SERVICES
The sense of humor you bring in, as well as the level of research you do prior to the event are outstanding.
VISH IYER, HEAD OF ASIA PACIFIC, TATA CONSULTANCY SERVICES, SINGAPORE
BEST WESTERN HOTELS
However, the biggest compliment you could receive for the job you did will not be paid by me in this letter. I’m sure you agree that it came when Best Western International offered you the opportunity to MC their conference in Beijing next year.
RODGER POWELL, CEO, BEST WESTERN AUSTRALIA
BT FINANCIAL GROUP
Feedback on the day was overwhelmingly positive and you played a large part in its success – for that we are very grateful!
Zoe McCormack, Communications & Engagement Manager, BT Customer Operations
CSL
His introductions to the sessions ensured that the audience started each session with a laugh and a little excitement, which not only made the conference more memorable, but also managed to tune their attention into the speaker.
RICHARD WARD, NATIONAL SALES DIRECTOR
POOLWERX
You not only managed to keep us on track and motivated for three days but yYou also managed to add a really nice touch of humor and a real sense of fun throughout the event.
Troy Cartwright, Chief Services Officer
ST GEORGE BANK
The Quiz was a great success. One of our team leaders is very difficult to please and he said he had a ball!!
MARIE BURSTALL, ST GEORGE BANK
ENGINEERS AUSTRALIA
Your recommendation of MC for the forum Mr. Darren Isenberg was outstanding.
Sam Satsangi, Project Director, Department of Infrastructure, CHAIR OF Engineers Australia Transport & Infrastructure Forum
IAG
I found Darren to be absolutely charming. He took a lot of pressure off my shoulders and really ran things very smoothly. He was very engaging with the audience and very funny when announcing.
ROBYN GANNON, IAG
NAB
The Conference MC, Darren Isenberg added huge value to the agenda with his amazing wit and intellect. Darren unquestionably increased participation and attendance rates whilst keeping motivation to a maximum throughout the conference.
EXTRACT FROM THE APOGEE FP NATIONAL CONFERENCE FINAL REPORT
COMMANDER COMMUNICATIONS
I must say that you turned what potentially could have been a slightly dull affair into an up-beat, motivational bonanza.
LULI ADAYEMO, BEST CASE SCENARIOS
PCO FOR COMMANDER COMMUNICATIONS FRANCHISE CONFERENCE
PRICEWATERHOUSE COOPERS
Darren's brief for our event was a combination of MC and facilitator. He switched between both brilliantly and nailed them. And his summary at the end of the conference was perfect and couldn't have been better if we had scripted it ourselves.
BRENDON CUTT, DIRECTOR – RISK ADVISORY SERVICES
ANZ MOBILE LENDING
You exceeded our expectations in what were a challenging few days where we needed to address the agenda and content issues on the spot. You were with us into the early hours of the morning providing input and advice to make sure we addressed some issues of Day 1 to ensure we delivered an outstanding Day 2 of conferencing - we delivered.
GLENN HASLAM, GM, SPECIALIST BUSINESSES, ANZ RETAIL DISTRIBUTION
PRICE ATTACK
Over the years you really have been an integral part of the success of this event. The Price Attack crowd love you and have really embraced you which is testimony of what a great job you do for them. It is a real pleasure for me to deal with someone who is easy-going but at the same time very professional and accommodating. Makes my job so much easier … one less worry. You put a lot of thought and humour into your scripts, manage any last minute requests and changes with a smile and just keep going. All this combined makes you a stand out.
Martin Klopfer, ETM
PCO for PRICE ATTACK NATIONAL FRANCHISE CONFERENCE
LONSDALE FINANCIAL GROUP & IOOF ALLIANCES
You took the lead in holding things together when we needed someone to. Your talent, skills, fun attitude, sense of humour and your well-researched delivery were one of the highlights of the event. Hence as I mentioned, you better insert a "placeholder" in your calendar for mid-October for next year's Lonsdale Conference.
Mark Stephen, CEO, LONSDALE FINANCIAL GROUP
QUEENSLAND AUDIT OFFICE
He was received very well ... initially with some surprise as our delegates are not used to humour at financial or government events ... but then they loved him.
Lauren Rago, Principal Adviser – Communications and Public Relations
ARCADIS AUSTRALIA
Darren did an outstanding job. He was incredibly professional, humorous and got the mood of the event just right. I’d happily ask him back again.
Greg Steele, CEO - Pacific
GENESYS WEALTH
Darren's preparation for the event was meticulous. His ability to take on last minute instructions & to deliver them faultlessly was first rate. Last but not least the touch of humour he used was well received & not over the top.
Matthew Fahey, Adviser Capability Development Manager
AON
We truly appreciate the time and effort you put in to preparing your sessions to ensure that they contained information about our audience and our industry. The feedback received has been tremendous and I look forward to working with you again in the near future.
STEVE LARDNER, NATIONAL GENERAL MANAGER - RETAIL RISK SERVICES
WASTE MANAGEMENT ASSOCIATION OF AUSTRALIA
This was the first time we engaged an MC for our conference dinner. After a long day in conference sessions his wit and sense of humour created a great evening for our awards dinner. This enabled me to sit back and enjoy the evening along with everyone else, as I knew we were in good hands, so thank you!
Jan Cornay - Events Manager
ANZ BANK
The perfect MC. He used the right amount of humour at the right time and was a great overall host.
SAMANTHA ZACKEY, ANZ INSTITUTIONAL BANK
THE PROFESSIONALS REAL ESTATE AWARDS
Darren was one of the most organised MCs I have come across in my time in events. He brought a fantastic new style to our awards function.
BELINDA EADE, EVENT MANAGER
COMMONWEALTH BANK OF AUSTRALIA
You managed to keep our audience alert and energised throughout several intense business sessions. The workshop debrief showcased your interview and facilitation skills, where you made a seemingly difficult task into an easy one using your intelligence, quick wit and intuition.
SUE ASHTON, GENERAL MANAGER, RETAIL BANKING SERVICES
AUSTRALIAN STEEL INSTITUTE
Darren, you were the perfect MC. Thanks for making the sessions more interesting and fun, and for bringing the speakers to life.
Paul Kerr, AIM HIGHER MARKETING
PCO FOR AUSTRALIAN STEEL INSTITUTE
MR RENTAL
Having you MC our conference was worth every cent and more. You were a “pick me up” for everyone between sessions, very funny, exciting and full of energy.
JODIE WILSON, EVENT ORGANISER
MLC
Darren's session was first class....a great mix of humour and content.
BENN FURLONG, MLC SALES MANAGER – INVESTMENT
STRATA COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION
It has been rated as the best conference to date and one of the main comments coming through was that it was “very friendly” which I know is because of the atmosphere you created in all the plenary sessions and social events.
Rumbidzai Zhou, Research & Policy Officer
ANZ MOBILE LENDING
Darren, your professionalism, enthusiasm, humour and ability to read the moment and deliver the right words at precisely the right time left all the attendees unanimously voting you as the best MC to have graced their stage.
BLAIR KEENAN, HEAD OF MOBILE LENDING
AUSTRALIAN AUTOMOBILE REPAIR NETWORK
Not only was your preparation for the event well beyond our expectations but your handling of the constant schedule changes and some more memorable difficult moments with speakers were handled exceptionally well.
DIANNE PAGE, GENERAL MANAGER
PUBLIC RELATIONS INSTITUTE OF AUSTRALIA
PRIA’s national conference was successful on many fronts but mostly because of your immense professionalism and willingness to ensure the event lived up to your high standards – not just ours.
Ray Shaw, CEO
AUSTRALIAN MEAT INDUSTRY COUNCIL
By having you as MC, it brought the entire event up to an entirely new level of professionalism. One of the most impressive things was the amount of research you did to make your MCing role work for this particular industry and the delegates at the event. You did it with style and wit, the likes of which we had not experienced before.
STEVE MARTYN, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
AUSTSWIM
We have had such presentations before, but what set your presentation apart was the fact that you gave the participants practical ideas and applications, which they can take away and use immediately.
MICHAEL COLLINGS, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
STRYKER SOUTH PACIFIC
The feedback about your MC’ing has been fabulous and the amount of pre-event work you did into researching Stryker and its “people” really shone through and did not go unnoticed.
PENNY CSESZKO, EVENT MANAGER
LEGALWISE SEMINARS
You were a pleasure to work with and a wonderful facilitator. Your participation in the conference was invaluable and delegates were extremely grateful for your efforts in preparation, your energy and sense of humour.
Hykie Kwong, Program Director, INTERNATIONAL FAMILY LAW CONFERENCE
DEUTSCHE BANK
I never thought I would get the opportunity to see some of the amazing things that you achieved during our Quiz night.
ALEXANDRA KNEZOVICH, MARKETING CO-ORDINATOR
MBF (now BUPA)
Darren Isenberg is the ultimate MC for a conference. His quick wit and charm mask his highly professional preparation that produces a seemless and integrated experience. Our people felt like Darren was part of our business and knew us very well. It was great to be able to relax and enjoy the conference knowing that we were in safe and funny hands.
TONY WOOD, GENERAL MANAGER , RETAIL & CORPORATE DISTRIBUTION
NATIONAL BROKERS GROUP (now VOW FINANCIAL)
Your speaker introductions were clever and entertaining and your always being available to adjust the age Feedback from members of the Conference Organising Committee commended our choice of MC because you successfully created the mood and feel we were seeking for our event. nda and for last minute changes, all surpassed my expectations.
STEVE LAMBERT, CEO
SOCOG (SYDNEY ORGANISING COMMITTEE FOR THE OLYMPIC GAMES)
Your crowd interactions, songs, activities and competitions were a huge hit with the hundreds of spectators who queued to enter the Olympic Superstore. We were delighted with the results.
JO TUNBRIDGE, CO-ORDINATOR – PROMOTIONS & EVENTS
WESTPAC
There was great content over the two days but without Darren's MC role it would have been hard going at times.
DELEGATE COMMENT
ATTENDANT CARE INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION (ACIA)
Thank you so much being our MC! Your involvement certainly raised the bar and cemented our conference as an important part of the industry.
Ailyn Libo-on, Chief Executive Officer
WESTERN PACIFIC FINANCIAL GROUP
The perfect person for our conference. He was personable and related well with all the attendees. The conference day sessions ran beautifully as his fantastic voice carried to all corners of the room and ensured that the Agenda ran on time with smooth transition from speaker to speaker.
Devi Chhana, Practice Communications Manager
LEADING EDGE COMPUTERS
A big thank you for the great job you did in MC-ing our recent computer conference. As you are now aware we have a very diverse membership and I applauded the way you were able to relate to them and take them on the journey with you from the Welcoming Dinner right through to the end on our conference sessions. I thought the trivia event you put on as part of the welcoming dinner was both topical and entertaining and helped break the ice for many members and get them into the conference swing.
GRAHAM DEAR, GENERAL MANAGER
ASSOCIATION FOR TERTIARY EDUCATION MANAGEMENT
Took the conference to whole new level.
RENEE BROWN, CONFERENCE MANAGER, TEMC2010 PCO
HYUNDAI
My client was extremely happy and delegates have been asking if you are going to be at the next conference. One delegate summed up all our thoughts: "The MC at the conference was exceptional. He made what can be a long and tedious day very enjoyable".
LISA MALMGRON, ACCOUNT DIRECTOR, WILSON MARKETING & PROMOTIONS (CONFERENCE PCO)
MEETINGS & EVENTS AUSTRALIA
You gave a fascinating, informative and entertaining session.
SHARON GOLDIE, CONFERENCE CHAIR
BIG4 HOLIDAY PARKS
Without your humour and your presentation our conference would not have been the success it was. You provided a great impact from the very beginning, especially the tailored National Anthem.
RONA CONWAY
ST GEORGE BANK
We learned amazing things about team members that we didn’t know before!
JOHN COLONNELLI, CORPORATE RELATIONS
HIRE AND RENTAL INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION OF AUSTRALIA
His presentation is full of facts, figures and ideas complimented by his excellent delivery style.
PHIL NEWBY, CEO
AUTO ONE
Darren was perfect as the MC, I would happily recommend him to anyone.
ALEX BOWLER, GENERAL MANAGER
NINTH AUSTRALASIAN CONFERENCE ON CHILD ABUSE AND NEGLECT
Feedback from members of the Conference Organising Committee commended our choice of MC because you successfully created the mood and feel we were seeking for our event.
GILLIAN CALVERT, CHAIR OF THE ORGANISING COMMITTEE, NINTH AUSTRALASIAN CONFERENCE ON CHILD ABUSE AND NEGLECT
SOUTH AFRICAN TOURISM
We have had fantastic feedback and are so pleased and were relieved to see that you could bring to life the concepts that we originally had in such a fun and interesting way without it being naf!
JANAYA BIRSE
CSL
Darren gave us some great, easy to apply tools to enhance our presentations to be more engaging and enjoyable for both presenter and audience.
RICHARD WARD, NATIONAL SALES DIRECTOR
AUSTRALASIAN ASSOCIATION OF COLLEGE AND UNIVERSITY HOUSING OFFICERS
We thoroughly enjoyed your humour, enthusiasm and energy and have received many accolades from our delegates, commending your skill and performance as a Master of Ceremonies.
ROBYN ROFFE, SECRETARY
KAMPGROUNDS OF AMERICA
You certainly improve the ROI of any conference or convention that you host.
JIM ROGERS, CHAIRMAN/CEO
AUSTRALIAN FRIENDS OF THE HEBREW UNIVERSITY, JERUSALEM
Thank you for your amazing MCing last week. I think virtually every person in the room asked me who you were and thought you were brilliant.
Ilana Den, Federal Executive Director
LEADING EDGE TELECOMS
Thank you so much for your wonderful flexibility, your total professionalism, your dry sense of humour and your unquestionable intelligence! Oh, and while you’re shaking your head and blushing – also thank you for your humility. It is such a rare quality to find someone with such brilliance – who doesn’t know it!! Can’t wait to work with you again on Telecoms next year!