DEVELOPING A CONFERENCE SPEAKER STRATEGY AND EVENT PLANNING APPROACH

Securing the ideal presenters as part of a conference speaker strategy is make-or-break for impactful industry meetings and events. Convention organizer plans must align speaker selection with event themes, target audiences and ultimate goals to drive meaningful engagement. Well-matched presenters as part of a holistic conference speaker strategy who provide valued perspectives make gatherings must-attend events while underwhelming speakers diminish events, regardless of other promising logistics.

Of course, it helps to keep a few points in mind here. Right off, the foremost conference speaker strategy is defining clear speaker criteria at the onset when establishing event themes and focus areas. Organizers should document speaker attributes that best support desired outcomes whether increased lead generation, broadcasting thought leadership or facilitating partner networking. Criteria might encompass industry authority, adoption of emerging technologies, diversity of corporate perspectives or applicability across customer segments.

With speaker criteria solidified, create a structured recruitment plan for reaching talent. Expert keynotes with large following may have intensive booking processes requiring six to twelve month leads. tap event partners as an insider resource for accessing talent. Many professional associations and media groups have existing relationships with renowned corporate figures perfect for marquee presentations.

Look also internally at customers presenting success stories. While some conference speaker strategy plans see planners recruit celebrity CEOs almost as loss leaders, client case studies focused on attendees’ shared business context spark deep engagement. These sessions make conferences feel less like detached lectures and more like two-way exchanges where participants see their own organizations reflected on stage.

Assemble diverse panels spanning companies, job levels and demographic factors to fuel rich idea exchange. However avoid simply grouping speakers without facilitated interaction which squanders potential value. Guide speakers to prepare insightful commentary on each other’s portion of the elephant in the room.

As the event approaches, continually promote speakers across digital channels and email campaigns. Spotlight speaker quotes, credentials and presentation teasers offering a window into their minds and content. Video trailers showcasing speakers in action magnify interest more vividly than written bios alone.

With conference speaker strategy spanning thoughtful design, recruitment effort and multifaceted promotion, conventions ultimately thrive based on the knowledge speakers impart. Unforgettable events deeply connect audiences to speaker perspectives long after stages empty. Conference organizers who meticulously orchestrate speaker strategy reap rewards of galvanized attendance and organization visibility for years ahead.