MC: A sustainability-knowledgable, funny, on time and on message Master of Ceremonies
“I witnessed Ian MC two events in Bendigo during my recent Australian visit, and what I saw was masterful, funny, inclusive, and eloquent. I had no idea that he was an MC, only that I had seen few if any as good or better.”
“Ian McBurney is a fun, quirky, juggler, soothsayer, thinker and entertainer who presides over complex discussions with masterful aplomb, humour and respect for a diversity of views …all the while ensuring that his prodigious knowledge, extraordinary experience, passionate beliefs and engaging talents never outshine anyone else’s contribution…. He is a rare blend of smarts, humour, humility and respect.”
“Thank you for your work in the lead up to the conference that included many, many conversations over email and phone. Right from the ‘get-go’ you understood the conference objectives and I had complete confidence you would facilitate and MC the conference with passion and professionalism. You absolutely nailed it. From my perspective, and from what I’ve been hearing, you had the right mix. I loved the rain indoors activity, the dinner limericks, your quick wit and the way you linked the content back to the conference theme and objectives. Perfect.”
“I was really happy with our graduation event last week. The two elements that pleased me most were 1, the ten or so graduating speakers, and 2, your MC-ing which kept the night tight and smooth, and left us feeling that we were part of something precious. Looking forward to working with you again.”
“We engaged Ian as our MC for the annual Hills Sustainable Communities Conference One Path One Direction, Castle Hill NSW. The feedback from conference participants was that “the MC was excellent at keeping people on track with timing and presenting each person and keeping things moving and interesting”. Ian is an absolute professional and was very flexible. He took his time to plan and better understand the audience he was MC-ing for – something that was clearly apparent in his immediate connection with everyone on the day.”
“Hosting Hume’s Great Green Get Together in 2016, Ian made sure the focus of the event was to celebrate the fabulous environmental achievements of community members. He connected the big picture environmental issues of climate change and biodiversity, with the very local, positive community-driven initiatives in the municipality. He made people feel like we were part of the solution.”
“We were lucky enough to have Ian MC at the Warrnambool Sustainable Living Festival, the largest event of its kind in South West Victoria. Ian’s energy and enthusiasm were completely contagious and his effortless crowd-management skills ensured that guests were constantly engaged and informed about events throughout the day. Ian’s endless bag of tricks (literally) entertained kids and adults alike and successfully got people talking about their vision for a healthier, happier future.”
“Fine wrap up once again from you. People left feeling great, thanks in large part to your towering positivity, and your ability to cast this humble jumble of great community activities into part of a powerful transformation. We listen to you and understand that our efforts are serious and valuable, and an essential part of holding it all together.
Hope you are doing ok mate. Thanks for all your work and support.”
“I found Ian very easy to work with, friendly and outgoing ... Ian’s insight and experience helped to shape our forum to make it more engaging ... It was clear to see that staff and students alike really enjoyed the day and were inspired by his knowledge and passion in sustainability ... We highly recommend Ian to other organisations and community groups seeking an engaging facilitator/MC.”
“Ian provided a knowledgeable, humorous and punctual service to North Central Catchment Management Authority in your role as the MC at the 7th Biennial Victorian Flood Conference, November, 2010.”
“The MC was, without a doubt, the most interesting and engaging presenter I have ever witnessed. I am so inspired!”
“As MC Ian carried the event through all the delights of a fun celebration, contributing gems of environmental wisdom along the way. His time keeping was excellent and Ian kept things humming. He had familiarised himself with the Environmental Champions Program and the people involved. All present had a fabulous time, and I highly recommend Ian’s ability to take your event to a new level.”
“The launch of the Don’t Be A Tosser Butt Litter Campaign in Bendigo was a great success. The event was well organised with a good media presence. It was your MC role which generated most excitement and interest on the day. I think you managed to get everyone really involved and that was a real plus for such a diverse group attending. Thanks for all the preparation and making the launch such a lively event.”
“Your ability to engage and connect with the audience was valuable and the thought provoking stories you shared stimulated ideas for how sustainable behavioural and social change occurs. Your fun and uplifting nature was enlightening. We recommend other to consider you as MC. ”
Master of Ceremonies events:
2018 - DELWP Barwon New Energy Roundtable, Geelong
2018 - Student Sustainability Summit, Resource Smart Schools, Newstead
2018 - Drawdown, an evening with Paul Hawken, Bendigo
2018 - Darebin and Banyule City Councils Community Sustainability Leaders Course Graduation Ceremony
2018 - National Walking and Cycling Conference, Bendigo
2018 - Haven; Home, Safe All Staff Day, Bendigo
2018 - Future Movers Workshop, Bendigo for Make a Change Australia
2018 - Community Sector Showcase, Bendigo
2018 - DELWP Renewable Energy Policymakers Events in Bendigo and Kerang
2017 - Hume Environmental Leaders Program Graduation, Craigieburn
2017 - Community Energy Lunch, Bendigo
2017 - Warrnambool Sustainability Festival
2017 - Tri CMA Knowledge Sharing Conference, Echuca
2017 - Banyule and Darebin Community Leadership Program Graduation, Bundoora
2017 - Regional Renewable Energy, Bendigo, DELWP
2017 - Regional Renewable Energy, Kerang, DELWP
2017 - Haven; Home, Safe all staff day
2017 - Creating Our Future Workshop, Make a Change Australia, Latrobe University Bendigo
2017 - Future Movers Workshop, Make a Change Australia, Bendigo
2017 - Community Sector Showcase, Ulumbarra Theatre Bendigo
2016 - Hume Environmental Leaders Program Graduation, Craigieburn
2016 - Hobsons Bay World Environment Day Community Volunteers Celebration
2016 - ANMF Sustainability Conference, Melbourne Convention Centre
2015 - Mount Alexander Shire Council Environment Strategy Community Workshops, Castlemaine
2015 - Hume City Council EnviroChamps Graduation Ceremony, Melbourne
2015 - Bendigo Youth Summit, City of Greater Bendigo
2015 - Castle Hill Shire Council Sustainable Communities Conference, Sydney
2014 - Two Active Transport Forums for schools and businesses for City of Greater Bendigo.
2014 - Darebin/Banyule Community Sustainability Leaders Graduation, LaTrobe University, Bundoora
2014 - Warrnambool Sustainability Festival
2013 - Let's Talk Rubbish public education event, City of Greater Bendigo
2012 - Environmental Champions Celebration Event, Craigieburn Global Learning Centre
2012 - Bendigo Towards Zero Waste Launch, Bendigo Farmers Market
2011 - Repower Bendigo Community Forum, BRITafe
2011 - The Innagural Bendigo Community Sustainability Awards, Bendigo Town Hall
2011 - Business in the 21 Century, a Paul Hawken talk, Bendigo Town Hall
2011 - Deakin University Sustainability Forum
2011 - City Of Whitehorse Sustainability Awards Evening
2011 - The Bendigo Sustainability Group Trivia Night
2010 - Fundraising event for Linda Beilhartz' north pole trek
2010 - Central Victoria Solar City Welcome Pack Launch in Bendigo
2008 - The launch of the Bendigo Sustainability Group
2008 - Bendigo City Council youth environment forum 'Smells like Green Spirit"
2007 - The "Climate Wise House" Seminar at the Capital Theatre in Bendigo
2007 - Victorian Government launch of the "Dont be a Tosser" Campaign in Bendigo with MP Bob Cameron
2006 - Victorian Local Governance Association 10 year Anniversary Dinner
2006 - Launch of "Consuming Planet Earth" education kit from the department of Consumer Affairs with MP Marsha Thomson
2005 - NSW Local Government Sustainability Conference at the Powerhouse Museum
2003 - Co-MC at the NSW Local Government Environment Awards Dinner
2002 - 2006 - Eight Central Mallee Sustainability Kids Conference events with the Central Mallee Regional Waste Management Group
2003 & 2005 - Two Wimmera Sustainability Kids Conferences with the Wimmera Catchment Management Authority
2002 - 2006 - Numerous Local Govenrnment Environment Program Launches including a Moonee Valley cigarette butts, Melton recycling service and Yarra plastic bags and campaigns
2002 - 2006 - Numerous Local Government Festival Stages