HIRE A SPEAKER FOR KEYNOTES, WORKSHOPS, TRAINING & BREAKOUTS

If you plan to hire a speaker for your corporate event, know that picking the right keynote or breakout presenter can significantly impact its success. A compelling orator can inspire, educate, and energize your audience, reminding that the choice to hire a speaker with panache stands to make your event memorable and valuable. We review what you need to know to make the best choice.

1. Determine Your Goals – Before beginning your search, clearly outline your event’s goals. Are you looking to motivate your sales team, introduce new industry trends, or foster innovation? Your objectives will guide your selection as you hire a speaker and help ensure their message aligns with your event’s purpose.
2. Know Your Audience = Consider your audience’s demographics, interests, and expectations. A speaker who resonates with a group of tech entrepreneurs may not be the best fit for a gathering of healthcare professionals. Understanding your audience helps you choose a speaker whose style and content will engage and benefit them.
3. Set a Realistic Budget = Keynote speaker fees can vary widely based on factors like experience, popularity, and subject matter expertise. Establish a budget early in the planning process, but be prepared to be flexible for the right speaker who can deliver exceptional value.
4. Research Potential Speakers – Look beyond a presenter’s popularity. Review their past presentations, read client testimonials, and watch video clips of their speeches. Research as you hire a speaker will give you a sense of their speaking style, content depth, and ability to engage an audience.
5. Consider Topic Relevance and Expertise – Ensure the SME’s area of expertise aligns with your event’s theme and your organization’s current challenges or goals. A speaker with relevant industry knowledge can offer more targeted insights and practical takeaways.
6. Evaluate Speaking Style and Delivery – Different speakers have different styles – some are motivational, others more educational or entertaining. Choose a style that complements your event’s tone and objectives.
7. Discuss Customization – The best keynote speakers tailor their presentations to each audience. Discuss how the KOL can incorporate your company’s specific challenges, goals, or industry trends into their talk.
8. Check Availability and Logistics – As you work to hire a speaker, confirm availability for your event date and discuss logistical details such as travel arrangements, accommodation needs, and any technical requirements for their presentation.
9. Understand the Contract Terms – Carefully review the speaking agreement, including cancellation policies, intellectual property rights for recording the speech, and any additional services like workshops or meet-and-greets.
10. Plan for Audience Engagement – Discuss opportunities for audience interaction, such as Q&A sessions or post-speech networking. Such elements can enhance the overall impact of the keynote address.
11. Prepare for Follow-up – Consider how you’ll reinforce the expert’s message after the event. This might include distributing key takeaways, implementing action items, or scheduling follow-up discussions.

By keeping these factors in mind, you’ll be well-equipped to hire a speaker who can deliver an impactful and memorable keynote presentation, adding significant value to your corporate event.