HOW ARE KEYNOTE SPEAKERS SELECTED?

Fair question: How are keynote speakers selected? All things considered, professional speaking pros can make a huge impact on a convention or conference, given that their ability to captivate, inspire, and motivate attendees tends to resonate. Noting their importance, understanding how are keynote speakers selected matters because the process for selecting a marquee act requires careful thought and strategic evaluation. Here’s a look into how effective event planners approach this critical decision.

Know Your Objectives and Preferred Approach

Before considering specific keynote prospects, get crystal clear on your event’s overall goals and the desired outcomes for including a keynote address. Are you aiming to provoke new ways of thinking? Provide professional development? Celebrate achievements? Articulating the keynote’s purpose upfront informs the ideal speaker profile.

Create Target Criteria and Do Your Homework

With your objectives in mind, take time to thoroughly research potential keynote options and establish specific criteria candidates must meet. Experience level, areas of expertise, speaking styles, fees, logistical needs, and audience feedback should all factor in. Methodically vetting and weighing these elements allows you to create a prioritized shortlist of suitable choices.

Consider Audience Perspectives

While your own assessment of a keynote speaker’s qualifications is important, don’t overlook evaluating how they will resonate with event attendees. Survey past participants on desired topics, optimal speech lengths, and types of keynotes they’ve found valuable. The keynote should complement audience interests and expectations.

Leverage Partnerships and Recommendations

Within your professional network, advisory boards, sponsors, and communities, identify individuals who have firsthand experience with or connections to talented keynote speakers. Trusted recommendations and referrals carry weight and can help validate a prospect or expose you to new possibilities.

Assess Availability and Contractual Terms

Once you’ve narrowed down your top keynote prospects, verify their availability for your event dates. Inquire about their speaking fees, contractual requirements for travel, lodging, AV, book sales, etc. If there’s flexibility in terms, it may be worth negotiating to lock in your ideal speaker.

Allow Adequate Lead Time

Premier keynote speakers are in high demand, so engage them as early as possible in your planning process. Leaving too little lead time can severely limit your options. Aim to have your keynote speaker officially secured 4-6 months prior.

With a thoughtful, audience-centric approach that balances objectives, qualifications, and logistics, you’re positioned to select a keynote speaker who energizes your event and delivers a truly impactful, memorable experience.