When planning a conference or any large event, choosing the right keynote speaker is crucial. They can set the tone for the entire event and have a significant impact on your attendees. But how do you make sure you’re getting the most out of your keynote speaker? Here are some tips to help you maximize their presence.
First and foremost, it’s important to choose a keynote speaker who will resonate with your audience. Do some research to find out what kind of speakers they typically enjoy and what topics they’re interested in. It doesn’t matter how great a speaker is if they’re not connecting with your attendees.
Once you’ve chosen a keynote speaker, it’s time to start thinking about how to integrate them into your event. One mistake many event planners make is to treat the keynote speaker as just another part of the schedule. Instead, try to build up excitement around their appearance. Talk about them on social media, include a bio in your event program, and make sure they have a prominent slot in the schedule.
During their presentation, it’s important to keep the energy level high. Encourage the audience to participate, whether it’s through applause, questions, or other activities. A good keynote speaker will be able to work the crowd and keep them engaged throughout their talk.
Another way to maximize your keynote speaker is to get them involved in other parts of the event. For example, you could have them lead a workshop or participate in a panel discussion. This will give attendees even more opportunities to interact with them and learn from their expertise.
After the event is over, it’s important to follow up with your attendees about the keynote speaker. Ask for feedback and use that information to improve future events. You could even send out a survey specifically about the keynote speaker to get more detailed feedback.
Ultimately, the most important thing you can do is to make sure that your keynote speaker is delivering a message that’s valuable to your attendees. Some speakers may be great at entertaining, but if they’re not providing any real value, then your attendees will leave feeling unsatisfied. Make sure that your speaker is relevant to the theme of your event and that they’re delivering information that’s useful and informative.
A keynote speaker can make or break your event, so it’s important to choose wisely and then make the most of their presence. By building up excitement, keeping the energy level high, and getting them involved in other parts of the event, you can ensure that your attendees are getting the most out of the experience. Remember to follow up after the event to get feedback and use that information to improve future events.
