An emcee, also known as a master of ceremonies or MC, is a person who acts as the official host of a ceremony, staged event, conference, convention, or similar performance. The emcee plays an important role in many forms of entertainment, as well as business events and other gatherings. They introduce speakers at conventions, tell jokes and announce winners at awards ceremonies, and get the crowd excited between acts at comedy shows. The emcee is responsible for determining the forms to be observed on a public occasion. The duties of an emcee include opening the ceremony, introducing performers, and keeping the audience engaged. They also act as the first person that the audience sees, representing the club to the audience members, or the company to its employees and guests. The emcee sets down some rules of the house and dispenses any additional information as needed, such as pointing out the location of the emergency exits and the restrooms. The term "emcee" is a phonetic spelling of the acronym M.C., which is short for master of ceremonies.