HOW TO BOOK AND HIRE A KEYNOTE SPEAKER FOR YOUR NEXT BUSINESS MEETING, CONFERENCE OR EVENT

Booking and hiring a compelling keynote speaker sets the tone for corporate events and conferences while catalyzing new ideas that drive organizational strategy. Picking the right speaker talent though requires understanding event goals, researching speakers, leveraging negotiators and managing event logistics. Follow these best practices for signing impactful keynotes to inspire your teams.

Start by outlining key objectives for your leadership summit, sales rally, annual meeting or regional conference. What issues or big ideas do you want a keynote to tackle? Should the tone be motivating, strategic, humorous or pragmatic? Determine desired keynote length and any ancillary speaker sessions like breakouts or workshops. Any must-have requirements around diversity, research citations or life experience help qualify best fits.

Armed with a speaker profile, crossover event objectives with internal stakeholder needs. Survey executives, event committee members and past attendees on the topics or types of speakers that would bring most value given company priorities and conference history. Gather input on potential names or thought leaders they admire to include on your consideration list.

Research potential speakers’ experience, reviews, speaking style and presentation topics to create a shortlist targeting your event goals. Leverage speakers bureaus to access talent – their existing relationships and qualified vetting brings efficiency. Share identified speakers with stakeholders and utilize bureau expertise to refine finalists based on fit, availability and budget.

As you evaluate proposals, remember speaker fees are negotiable – especially for lesser known presenters looking to build exposure. Have your bureau negotiate pricing and terms for deliverables like rehearsals, travel expenses and ancillary sessions. Contract speaker early but leave flexibility for date changes if needed.

Finally, work closely with both your bureau and speaker on promoting the event and managing logistics – from travel and A/V details to guest accommodations and green room preferences. Regular coordination ensures ideal venues and flawless execution so your speaker shines.

Following a strategic sourcing process allows you to land the perfect industry leader, author or celebrity to inspire attendees while achieving key event goals through their remarks and intellectual capital.