WHO SAYS THAT BOOKING SPEAKERS FOR EVENTS HAS TO BE DIFFICULT?

After a disruptive several years, booking speakers for events is getting simpler. Now that we’re moving on from virtual-only conferences to live and hybrid event formats, corporations and associations are eagerly returning to organizing highly-anticipated in-person events in 2024 and 2025. That makes securing keynotes critical. To wit, booking speakers for events who deliver inspiring and educational talks and addresses is becoming more vital than ever.

Thoughtful, lively and entertaining presentations will be integral for meetings, trade shows and conventions bouncing back post-pandemic aiming to achieve high attendance and engagement goals after lengthy time away. From tech to healthcare to manufacturing and beyond, industries want to reconnect face-to-face by booking speakers for events who inform and motivate professionals tackling today’s business opportunities and challenges.

Surveys show over two-thirds of event attendees specifically cite the relevance, quality and uniqueness of keynote speakers as one of the top factors driving their participation decisions. That is why booking speakers for events with fresh perspectives and actionable insights will be heavily prioritized by corporate event teams and association meeting planners allocating more budget than ever to secure top speaking talent over the next two years.

But beyond and on top of keynote addresses, there will be heightened demand when booking speakers for events around facilitating breakouts, leading think tanks or panels and guiding intimate VIP sessions and small-group workshops – anything to maximize attendee value onsite.

Of course, with the now-common hybrid event model, professionals tasked with hiring experts must ensure presenters sufficiently engage both live and virtual participants simultaneously through compelling multimedia keynotes. Thankfully, many prominent speakers have become quite adept at this format after adaptions made during COVID.

Economic uncertainty still looms in 2024 and 2025 so those securing opening and closing acts may experience more motivational addresses or leadership sessions focused on innovation, agility and growth – timely themes all organizations can relate to and gain from during transitional periods.

Bottom line, though? Looking forward, as the events industry gets back on solid ground over the next two years, booking speakers for events who educate and inspire will sit at the heart of driving attendee interest and achieving organizational goals. It is an exciting time for meetings aiming to re-connect industries face-to-face once again.