12 Nov HOW TO HIRE A KEYNOTE SPEAKER – PROFESSIONAL SPEAKING BOOKINGS EXPLAINED
It’s a common question: How to hire a keynote speaker? Hiring a professional presenters involves a series of steps to ensure you find the right fit for your event and that both parties have a clear understanding of the expectations and requirements. Noting this, we present a step-by-step guide on how to hire a keynote speaker:
Define Your Event’s Goals and Audience: Understand the purpose of your event and the interests of your audience. This will guide you in selecting a speaker who aligns with your objectives and resonates with your attendees.
Set a Budget: Determine how much you can afford to spend on a presenter as you think about how to hire a keynote speaker. Remember to account for the speaker’s fee, travel, accommodation, and any other related expenses.
Research Potential Speakers: Look for speakers who have expertise in the relevant field and a style that matches the tone of your event. Check their past speaking engagements, watch videos of their talks, and read reviews or testimonials.
Reach Out to Speakers or Their Agents: Contact your chosen speakers or their representation as part of the process of working to hire a keynote speaker to inquire about their availability and fees. It’s often helpful to have a few options in case your first choice is unavailable or out of budget.
Discuss Details and Expectations: Once you find a speaker who is interested and within your budget, discuss the specifics of the event. This includes the date, location, audience demographics, topic, presentation length, and any special requests like participating in a panel discussion or Q&A session.
Negotiate and Finalize the Agreement: Negotiate the terms, including the fee and any additional expenses. Once both parties agree on the terms, draft a contract that outlines all details, including payment terms, cancellation policies, and what is expected from both the speaker and the event organizers.
Coordinate Logistical Details: Arrange for the speaker’s travel, accommodation, and local transportation as you set about working to hire a keynote speaker. Also, coordinate any technical requirements for the presentation, such as audio-visual equipment.
Promote the Event: Use the speaker’s name and reputation in your marketing materials to promote the event. Check if the speaker is willing to participate in pre-event publicity, like social media promotion or interviews.
Prepare for the Event: Stay in communication with the speaker leading up to the event. Provide them with any necessary information about the venue, audience, and event schedule as part of your plan to hire a keynote speaker. Ensure that all logistical and technical aspects are taken care of.
Host the Speaker at the Event: Provide a point of contact for the speaker at the event for any last-minute needs or questions. Ensure they are comfortable and have everything they need for a successful presentation.
Follow-Up After the Event: After the event, send a thank you note to the speaker, and ask for feedback. It’s also valuable to gather feedback from attendees about the speaker’s presentation for future reference.
Remember, hiring a keynote speaker is not just about finding a big name; it’s about finding the right person who can add value to your event and engage your audience effectively.
