Make Bright Lights Look Cool

Want this "starburst effect" in your shots? The key is making your aperture small. To do that you must select a relatively high f-stop number. In this photo, taken early on the beach at Destin, FL, the aperture is set at f/22. Try using the "aperture priority" setting in which you set the aperture and the camera changes the shutter speed accordingly.

The problem with that is you may not want the exposure selected by the firmware in the camera, which is programmed by someone in Tokyo you've never met.

A little "trial and error" shooting will get you the shot you want. You'll probably get the best result by developing your shot to decrease the highlights a bit and pull up some detail from the shadows.

Make Your Speaker Outstanding

I recommend a background check for speakers at any meeting in which the stage is decorated. I'm talking about the background your stage creates for the people watching and listening whom you hope will be focused on said speaker. look at the stages in this composite image.

Both meetings happen to have been at the Roosevelt, in New Orleans, but they are not unique in that their viewers, especially from the rear, must pick out the speakers from bright and busy backgrounds. My suggestion, after shooting meetings for 10 years, is to create a background, or the function of changing to a background, that is subdued and not distracting while your speaker or panel is on stage. I know that may require some tactful suggestions to the folks at your venue

I know you want your attendees to look at the stage rather than at their phones during presentations. A simplified background will make that easier.