Why not do what the “news guys” have been doing for decades when there is no “pool feed” provided for audio.
Attach YOUR mic to THIER mic with gaffer tape (use a very small mic) and attach it to a wireless transmitter (or another independent camcorder or audio deck) under the podium.
That way, you are in control of the audio at the mic position, not some dude who may have been taking advantage of the open bar that day.