At DSF we are lucky enough to have some very talented MCs who volunteer their time at our events, bringing their personality, warmth and expertise to the room. During our festivals, our MCs take centre stage, offering a helping hand to our speakers and keeping the show going both on and off stage. This interview provides a glimpse into the personal side of our MCs within our expanding community. Dive into the brief interview below!
A bit about Matt:
I’ve been working in tech since I graduated from Computing Science at Staffordshire University in 2000. Starting out as a Java dev, a move to a management consultancy led me to the data space. After a few years of projects for clients around the UK and Ireland I left to join Channel 4, where I spent 6 years in their data team working across traditional BI/DWH projects and also the, then new, world of “Big Data”. Next a couple of years leading the Solution Architecture team at Black Swan Data, working on data science projects for clients across media and aerospace industries. Finally my most recent role was as Director of Data for UNiDAYS, where I led the Data Team for 7 years.
When did you MC for DSF?
MC’d 3 of the DSF Winterfest events in November.
How many times have you been an MC and from what year?
My first time was at Careers Day this year (2025), so 4 times in total.
Why did you want to volunteer as an MC with DSF?
I’ve gotten so much from being an attendee and sponsor in the past. It has been great to be able to help deliver some of that for other people.
What is your favourite thing about being an MC?
Meeting all the fantastic speakers and hearing their stories. Seeing people I’ve met at previous events now delivering their own talks.
What advice would you give other people looking to MC at an event?
Grab the opportunity, you won’t regret it. It’s a lot of fun being the hype person for other people.
What is next for you?
I’m finishing up a contract role at the moment, starting to prepare for being the Chair of the CDO Exchange Retail conference next summer, and looking for my next full time data leadership opportunity.
Any final words?
No matter whether I’m attending, sponsoring, or MC’ing, I always have a lot of fun with the DSF team. I’m looking forward to more in the future.
Thank you to all our wonderful speakers for taking part in our MC Spotlight!
Want to become a DSF MC? Apply here!