A CONFERENCE KEYNOTE SPEAKER AND FUTURIST’S GUIDE TO MOTIVATIONAL SPEAKING AND PROFESSIONAL PRESENTERS

Researching what the best conference keynote speakers who give professional and virtual speaking presentations at meetings, tradeshows and events talk about is a fascinating exercise. Frankly, a HUGE range of motivational and inspirational talkers are available to help convention planners set the tone for a winning occasion. Of course, if you’re new to the space, it also helps to know what options are available. As bestselling conference keynote speakers ourselves, our team thought it made sense to offer a quick-hit guide to several of the sorts of key note speaking professionals that you can book when you’re in need of thought leaders to present, inspire and motivate audiences of any industry or background.

Celebrity Keynote – Famous figures like actors, athletes, politicians that attract attention. They may share life experiences and success principles.

Industry Leader – Executives and innovators within the conference’s industry that provide an inside perspective. Often a CEO or founder.

Thought Leader – Authors, academics, consultants with expertise sought by the audience. Known for research and new ideas/frameworks.

Motivational Keynote – Top conference keynote speakers who are focused on inspiring personal development and behavior change through storytelling, examples, and coaching.

Advocate Keynote – Influential activists, non-profit leaders, and spokespersons for social, environmental or political causes that align with the event’s mission.

Comedian Keynote – Comedians lighten the mood and entertain as conference keynote speakers through stand-up routines or humorous observations tailored to the audience.

Futurist Keynote – Experts who analyze trends and technologies to provide informed perspectives on what may unfold in the coming years.

Technical Expert – Scientists, engineers, developers and other domain experts that can speak on breakthroughs and innovations in technical fields.

Examining different types of conference keynote speakers that you can hire more closely gives a sense of just how broad the spectrum of potential presenters really is these days. For instance, you can hire rock stars, TED talkers, industry executives, CEOs of corporations large and small, etc. What I’d tell you as a MICE industry leader looking to hire a professional presenter is that it’s important to think about the theme of your event, the presenter’s background, topics that they tend to address in presentations, and of course their speaking and presenting style as well. It’s important to make sure all gel with your audience and the tone and subject that you’re looking to provide insight and input around.

In other words, when selecting speakers, you’ll generally want to pick those that appeal to the event audience and fulfill the conference’s objectives – whether it be motivation, education, inspiration or entertainment.