7 Essential Tips for Choosing the Perfect Speakers for Your Association’s Events
As an association executive, you’re constantly striving to organize successful conferences and events. Without mentioning any stats, you already know that the keynote speaker can make or break such gatherings.
People naturally gravitate towards those who enlighten them, entertain them, touch their hearts, or inspire them. But how do you find these gifted orators that will capture the room?
1. Leverage Your Association’s Potential
Your association is a goldmine of talent, but much of it remains untouched. Tap into the expertise of your association’s members.
As noteworthy figures in their field, they can deliver valuable insights. They’re already familiar faces, and many of them have a large following.
You’ll allow the vocal members to shine, and at the same time, showcase the talent in your association.
2. Utilize Board and Committee Connections
Board members and committee chairs are often on a first-name basis with prominent figures inside and outside the industry.
Ask them for recommendations and introductions. Chances are you’d find more than one eligible candidate who aligns with the night’s theme.
3. Explore Industry-Specific Speaker Bureaus
Here you’d be outsourcing the mission to the specialists. Speaker bureaus can match you with industry-specific experts you can choose from.
For best results:
- Communicate the goals of your event clearly.
- Describe the target audience including demographics and expectations.
- Request video samples of potential speakers to assess their style and content.
- Ask for reviews from the associations that had them before as keynote speakers.
4. Harness the Power of Social Media
Social media platforms are excellent tools for discovering emerging voices and thought leaders.
Use LinkedIn to identify professionals who actively and consistently share valuable insights. You can also follow X’s hashtags.
Choose from the host of influencers discussing hot topics in real time.
Engage with potential speakers to gauge their communication style and expertise. Create solid rapport before extending an invitation.
5. Scout Potential Speakers at Other Conferences
As you join various industry events, observe how the speakers deliver their speeches, and how the audience responds to them.
First-hand experiences are priceless. Plus, you can approach potential candidates during the meet and greet.
6. Implement a Call for Speakers
Instead of going after the speakers, you can reverse the process. Host an open call for speakers.
Clearly outline your requirements, theme, and evaluation criteria. Then, create a user-friendly submission process.
Promote this invitation through your association’s channels, members’ networks, newsletters, social media posts, and a dedicated landing page on your website.
7. Poll Your Audience for Favorites
The receiving end of all your efforts is the audience. As the primary beneficiaries of the event, their satisfaction matters. A lot! And so, their input is invaluable.
Consider polling your audience on the following:
- The topics they’re most interested in
- The speakers they enjoyed seeing at other events
- Their feedback on previous in-house speakers
- Public figures or industry leaders they wish to meet
This way, you’d be in perfect alignment with what the public wants, and where their interests lie.
Never put your eggs in one basket, so go for all the approaches mentioned above, instead of focusing on a single method.
The key to successful events lies not just in selecting articulate speakers, but in matching them to your association’s vision and what it stands for.
Above all else, find those who can capture your people’s hearts and minds.