BOOKING A KEYNOTE SPEAKER: EXPERT HINTS, TIPS AND ADVICE ON HIRING PROFESSIONAL PUBLIC GUEST SPEAKING LEADERS

Keynote speakers set the tone and agenda for events, motivating attendees into subsequent action. Choosing the best-matched keynoter requires focus on your goals plus these savvy booking insights.

1. Clearly define the event purpose, themes and audience demographics, including profession, education level and prior knowledge, to assess fitting speaker scope. Consider niche needs affecting appropriateness like culture, language or accessibility.

2. Research speakers thoroughly across live/virtual appearances, online videos, articles, books, client testimonials and press interviews. Evaluate their authority, credibility, delivery style and overall quality fit.

3. Assess a prospective keynoter’s influence through metrics like major corporate clients, social media followers, industry awards and types of past engagements. Seek those possessing relevant prestige.

4. Ensure the speaker’s core messaging and areas of expertise directly connect with your meeting focus and desired audience takeaways. Reject vague, unfocused platitudes.

5. Consider location in the booking process, as the highest caliber speakers plan extensive schedules well in advance. Initiate booking 4-6 months pre-event at minimum.

6. Examine content depth versus entertainment value depending on tone preferred. Academic keynoters carry intellectual heft while motivational speakers inspire through emotional appeal.

7. Set clear expectations regarding talk length, slide deck submission policies, travel reimbursements, technical requirements fulfilled onsite and other contractual event obligations.

8. Request live video reviews or demos from short-listed keynote candidates to assess their genuine on-camera presence before booking commitments occur.

9. Ask candidates about customizing materials to your audience’s needs versus relying solely on their stock speech through a pre-event needs analysis call.

10. Finally, check keynoter availability for ancillary media interviews, breakout sessions, guest columns or social media takeovers to expand their impact on your event.

Using these tips as a keynote booking roadmap makes landing the ideal presenter for your next conference or meeting highly possible.