How to find a keynote speaker
When you are organising a conference, getting a keynote speaker can seem like one of the most daunting tasks. How do you find and approach the right person and ensure they say ‘yes’? For that matter – how do you decide what the ‘right person’ is? Sometimes, organisers feel they need to confirm and announce the keynote speaker before the conference location is confirmed or the Call for Papers is released. Sometimes, the keynote speaker is not confirmed until the very last minute (indeed, sometimes they cancel at the last minute and send a representative instead!).
In this blog, we will offer a few tips on how to choose and approach the perfect keynote for your conference.
KNE CLUE: HOW TO CHOOSE A KEYNOTE SPEAKER
There are various things to consider when starting to plan your conference and pick a keynote.
First of all, you will need to establish the conference theme and topic, as keynote speakers will expect these details when you approach them. Also, you will want to ensure your Keynote has relevant insights for the conference. (Read our blog on choosing your conference title for tips on this).
Next, you will need to consider your planned audience demographics and their priorities. The keynote speaker is often the major attraction for potential speakers and delegates, so you want to make sure you choose someone who is renowned in the chosen field.
It is also important to consider what you signal through your keynote selection. Inclusivity and diversity are increasingly important to many conference delegates and sponsors. So it is important to ensure adequate representation – especially amongst the leading speakers.
Finally, think about what you want to achieve with the conference – what are the goals and priorities? The keynote is your chance to make a statement, to get a key idea out, and to establish and shape the overarching conference narrative. So, it is important to select someone who can support your goals.
But remember – you also need to be realistic in your aims and aspirations. If you approach a potential keynote who is too senior or too important, they might not feel your event is worth their time. So remember to be realistic in your choice.
KNE CLUE: HOW TO APPROACH A KEYNOTE SPEAKER
It can be hard to know how to approach your preferred keynote, especially if you don’t have an existing relationship with them. While their email address might be listed on their institution website, there is no guarantee they will respond to a stranger – so how can you maximise your chances of acceptance?
Describe the event clearly and concisely, stressing the value to the audience of the theme. Mention previous events and prestigious partners, mention the audience size and demographics.
Mention why you are approaching them specifically, what is their expertise that makes them the perfect person for the event.
Highlight the value of being the keynote, to the prospective speaker and highlight any financial benefits you will be providing.
Outline your expectations and their responsibilities. This is just a very brief – the duration of the speech, the topic, the anticipated date and location.
Be polite and respectful. But avoid being obsequious.
Finally, use appropriate channels to contact the prospective keynote – email, social media, personal introductions and telephone calls can all be effective. And also look for existing contacts who can potentially facilitate an introduction.