The event or conference is booked and everything is lined up, however, you can’t help but feel a little something is missing. The final piece of the puzzle that will make the event feel complete is an external speaker or host. Their fresh expertise and independent outlook will undoubtedly inspire delegates at an internal event and thus provide individuals with the tools and positive mindset to propel their company to great heights.
It is not only important to have an external speaker at a conference, but at awards ceremonies and dinners too. For they will bring stories, lessons and viewpoints that challenge, entertain and educate the audience. This is an incredibly powerful experience, which creates impact that long outlasts the day itself.
However, we understand that the process of booking a speaker or host can be daunting, before you’ve even begun navigating your way through the minefield of the industry. In a world where everything is accessible and anything is possible, everyone is a professional speaker with a message to share. Therefore, it is of vital importance to take a moment to consider the key goals of the event to ensure you extract maximum value from the chosen external speaker. The value of independent consultancy in this field, whose sole focus is the research and reviewing of the speaker marketplace, is a service that should not be underestimated.
Firstly, and most importantly, you need to understand the overarching aim of the event. Getting to grips with what you want the attendees to feel, experience and remember will tremendously influence your selection of the perfect external speaker. Through recognising who your key stakeholders are, and the perspectives behind their motivations and drivers for holding the event, you will have a more focused approach to selecting the ideal candidate. In turn, by placing the event aims at the core of your planning, you can ensure that you have briefed that person about the requirements for delivering success.
The next question should be what is the purpose of the external person? Are you looking for that wow factor, to attract delegates to attend the event, or even purchase tickets? Or are you looking for that big name to ensure attendees stay for the duration and aren’t part of the early-leaving brigade. It is also incredibly important to address the tone and the viewpoint that you want the speaker to provide. Answering these questions will help to ensure your perfect speaker has been chosen.
The value of independent consultancy in this field is a service that should not be underestimated
The last question remains still, once you’ve booked your speaker, how can you extract maximum value from them? Negotiating on fees and making cost-savings is always a plus and, of course, the natural route to take with respect to value for money. Nonetheless, it is always worthwhile to take some time to think about what value or return on investment means to you. For example, there is brilliant value in asking your conference keynote to stay for lunch with the board. This offers an opportunity for delegates to delve deeper into some of the subject matters that were touched upon in the speech. Alternatively, asking the host of your dinner to attend a drinks reception will ensure the night is extra special and may be helpful in securing those all-important sponsorship deals prior to the event.
We have touched upon a few areas that give reason to why an external speaker or host is important, and factors which should be considered during the process of selection. Critically, the event organiser must fully understand the purpose or goals of the event and ensure their selection aligns to these. Identifying the right speaker and engaging with them early will ensure they work with the organiser to achieve an all-round successful event.
For more information please visit www.speakerscorner.co.uk
