TIPS ON BOOKING SPEAKERS

New to Booking Speakers? Here's What You Need to Know to Get Started:

So your boss has just given you the enviable task of finding a speaker for your next event. What now? For many people this can be a daunting thought. Let's face it, booking a speaker isn't something that most of us do on a regular basis. Here are some tips to help you begin the process and make it one that's enjoyable, interesting, and, most importantly, one where you end up looking good.

• Start with your goals. Before you even begin looking at speakers, or talking to a speaker's agency, determine what you're trying to get out of the event. What do you want the audience to walk away thinking, feeling, and ready to do? When you can answer those questions, you'll be in a much better position to decide what kind of speaker you're really looking for.
  
  
• Talk to Your Colleagues. Find out what they'd like to see in a speaker -- what kind of topic, style, impact are they looking for? Find out if they've seen any great speakers recently.
  
  
• Budget as much as you can for the speaker. Think about it -- the intellectual content of your meeting is probably the most important single element in its success or failure. And your keynote speaker is a huge part of that content. People will remember a great speaker (or a lousy one), long after they've forgotten about the nifty table settings, or the delicious meal, or the free t-shirt. Don't scrimp on the speaker; you'll regret it later.
  
  
• Don't be afraid to ask for references. Videos, and the advice of an experienced agent, can be invaluable in finding the right speaker. But you may also want to speak to someone who has used that speaker in the past. We're always happy to provide your with names and phone numbers of previous customers. After all, watching a video is a lot like watching a commercial. But speaking to a reference is like talking to someone who has actually used the product.
  
  
• When you find the speaker you want, book them. Don't fall into the paralysis by analysis pitfall. You'll likely be able to find an endless supply of possible speakers for your event. But at some point you'll have to decide. Another three weeks of looking might turn up a better choice. On the other hand, if you delay too long you may lose the speaker you're most interested in. If you're working with an agency you trust, and have found a speaker that you think will add value to your event, it's best to make the deal sooner as opposed to later.

• Talk to the speaker before the event. We make it a policy for the speaker and the client to talk before the event. This discussion - even if it's only for a few minutes - can make a huge difference to the outcome by ensuring that both parties have a common understanding of the goals of the event and the make-up of the audience.