Most people understand some of the obvious reasons organizations work with a speakers bureau. We provide access, recommendations, knowledge of speakers, insight into an organization’s culture and audience, negotiation assistance and event logistics support.
Meeting planners still want an engaging speaker who can tell a great story, command a stage and create energy in the room. But it’s becoming less about whether the audience will enjoy the keynote and more about what people will do differently because they heard it.
“You need to customize your keynote” is common advice for speakers, but customization starts with something much simpler: Who is actually going to be in the audience? It sounds obvious, but it is one of the most important questions a speaker can ask.
One of the more interesting changes we’ve noticed this year is what happens after the keynote. Keynote speakers, this is a big opportunity for you. Five years ago, many engagements ended when the applause stopped. Today, organizations are increasingly asking speakers to stay involved.
Customization has become the expectation rather than the exception. Today’s audiences are smart. They want to know a speaker has done their homework. They want someone who understands their challenges and can meet them where they are.
