6 Things to Consider Before You Hire a Speaker

Choosing a speaker for an event takes a mix of research and intuition. Whether you're planning a conference, corporate seminar, or association meeting, tThe right fit will leave attendees energized, inspired, and informed. The wrong fit will have everyone talking for the rest of the meeting.

Here are 6 tips to hire the ideal speaker from event planners based on their experience:

1. Start With Your Audience Demographics

An audience primarily composed of attendees under 30 will prefer a more interactive experience that incorporates discussion or teamwork. Including tech or social media, such as the ability to answer questions via tweets, works well with this group.

Conversely, the Silent Generation (the predecessors of the Baby Boomers) is accustomed to a speaker imparting their wisdom and knowledge in a one-way fashion. Classroom discussion is neither required nor expected. 

2. Be Realistic About Your Budget

Be realistic about who you can afford to invite as a speaker at your conference. Celebrity speaker fees can range from $10,000 to $150,000. Some speakers might be willing to present in front of your audience for less, as it could lead to other business opportunities. If the speaker is based locally and available on your dates, you can eliminate transportation and hotel costs, saving money in the process.

Not sure where to start your search? Speaker bureaus can offer expert guidance and streamline the process of finding the right speaker for your meeting.

3. Define Your Event's Goals Clearly

Your goals will dictate the budget or portion of the budget that you’ll allocate for speakers. For instance, if your goal is to build attendance and visibility, bringing in a top keynote is the way to go. If your goal is to impart industry knowledge, it would be better to choose a thought leader. If you're looking for someone to increase your attendance, consider choosing a well-known name in your niche who will bring their own fan base with them.

4. Look Beyond Your Industry

Cross-industry speakers can be very effective because even though they don’t work full-time in your field, their familiarity with it makes their talk more relevant. For example, the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE) looks for a keynote speaker with strong name recognition who can bring their thought leadership in other areas and apply it to their audience. They have used Chef Jeff Henderson, a New York Times bestselling author and Food Network star who has also worked as an award-winning chef for brands like Caesars and Bellagio, and understands the association market. 

5. Make Diversity a Priority

One of the biggest complaints about speakers and panels is a lack of diversity. To stand out, research competing events and speaker trends. Avoid booking the same names that are on every conference agenda.

6. Stay on Top of What Other Meetings Are Doing

There can be a tendency within industries to choose the same big names on the speaker circuit. To avoid this, ensure you check the websites for other events and actively seek out unknown presenters to keep things fresh.

Also, if you're incorporating panels into your event, don't miss these tips for making panels work.

Final Words on Hiring the Ideal Speaker for Your Events

Hiring the right speaker isn’t just about filling a time slot. A great speaker can amplify your brand, reinforce your message, and leave a lasting impact on your audience. But that only happens when the choice is intentional.

Remember: The best speakers don’t just talk, they connect. They make attendees think differently, feel something, and take action.

And if you’re planning multiple events this year, consider building a roster of go-to speakers across industries for long-term success.