Hiring the Best Keynote Speaker: An Event Planning Guide

Of course you want to be hiring the best keynote speaker possible as a meeting or event planner. A captivating and engaging speaker has the power to inspire, educate, and leave a lasting impression on your attendees, after all. But with countless options available, finding the perfect fit can be a daunting task. Follow this comprehensive guide to navigate the process and ensure you hire the best keynote speaker for your event.

1. Ask Yourself: What’s Your Objective and Who’s Your Audience? – Before embarking on your speaker search, clearly define your event’s objectives, theme, and target audience. Understanding these crucial elements will help you identify speakers whose message, expertise, and speaking style align with your attendees’ interests and expectations.
2. Build a Realistic Budget – Keynote speaker fees can vary widely, ranging from a few thousand dollars to well into six figures for high-profile individuals. Establish a realistic budget upfront to narrow your search and focus on speakers within your financial means.
3. Conduct Thorough Research – Invest time in researching potential speakers. Review their bios, speaking topics, videos of past presentations, and audience feedback. This will provide valuable insights into their expertise, speaking style, and ability to engage and captivate audiences.
4. Take a Diverse Approach – Aim for a diverse range of speakers who can bring different perspectives, experiences, and backgrounds to your event. A diverse lineup fosters an inclusive and enriching experience for all attendees, promoting openness, understanding, and personal growth.
5. Give Storytellers Top Priority – While expertise is crucial, look for speakers who are skilled storytellers. Engaging narratives and personal anecdotes can captivate audiences, making complex topics more relatable and memorable.
6. Look for Thought Leaders in the Field – Choose speakers who are recognized as thought leaders in their respective industries or fields. Their insights, expertise, and unique perspectives can provide attendees with valuable takeaways and actionable strategies.
7. Get Logistics Down Pat – Consider the logistical requirements of potential speakers, such as travel arrangements, audio-visual needs, and any special accommodations they may require. Ensuring these details are addressed early on can prevent any last-minute hiccups.
8. Strike a Deal and Get Terms on Paper – Once you’ve identified your top choice, negotiate the terms and fees, and secure the speaker’s commitment with a formal agreement or contract. Clearly outline expectations, responsibilities, and any additional requirements.

Are you a meeting planner who’s on the hunt for a professional presenter? Then these hints, tips and strategies should give you the competitive edge that you need to find and hire the right keynote speaker for your corporate meeting, conference or trade show program.