12 Nov BOOKING A KEYNOTE SPEAKER: WHAT TO KNOW WHEN PLANNING YOUR EVENT KEY NOTE
Booking a keynote speaker involves several important considerations to ensure the success of your event and the satisfaction of both your audience and the speaker. Working as professional speaking pros ourselves, we wanted to break down a number of important points to keep in mind:
Audience Alignment: When booking a keynote speaker, choose a presenter who aligns with your audience’s interests and needs. The speaker’s expertise and style should match the expectations and professional level of your attendees.
Event Objectives: Be clear about what you want to achieve with your event. Whether it’s to inspire, educate, entertain, or provoke thought, your speaker should be able to contribute to these goals effectively.
Speaker’s Reputation and Style: As part of booking a keynote speaker, research the expert’s background, reputation, and speaking style. Watch videos of their past talks to get a sense of how they engage with the audience and convey their message.
Budget: Understand the costs involved, including the speaker’s fee, travel expenses, accommodation, and any other special requirements they might have. Ensure that these costs align with your budget.
Availability and Booking in Advance: Top keynote speakers often have busy schedules, so it’s crucial when booking a keynote speaker to hire them well in advance of your event. Be flexible with your dates if you have a specific speaker in mind.
Contract and Terms: Ensure that all terms, including payment, cancellation policies, and what is expected from both parties, are clearly outlined in a contract. This includes the length of the presentation, Q&A sessions, meet-and-greet opportunities, and any other involvement expected from the speaker.
Content Coordination: Discuss the content of the speech with the expert when booking a keynote speaker. Make sure it’s tailored to your audience and event theme. Provide them with enough information about your audience and event objectives.
Technical and Logistical Needs: Be clear about the technical requirements, such as microphones, projectors, or specific presentation software. Also, discuss any logistical details like travel arrangements, accommodation, and on-site assistance.
Promotion and Marketing: Utilize the speaker’s participation in your event for promotional purposes. Check if the speaker agrees to be featured in your marketing materials as part of booking a keynote speaker and whether they will promote the event through their channels.
Feedback and Follow-Up: After the event, seek feedback from your audience about the keynote. This will help you gauge the success of the speaker’s engagement and provide valuable insights for future events.
Plan B: Always have a backup plan in case of last-minute cancellations or unforeseen circumstances. This could include having a list of alternate speakers or preparing in-house content as a replacement.
Remember, effective communication and clear expectations are key to a successful collaboration with a keynote speaker.
