When choosing speakers for an event, it’s best to be guided by the win-win principle. Invite professionals who have deep practical expertise, desire and ability to invest their time in preparing a speech. The event will help them develop their personal brand and share their results with the audience.
- Write a preliminary program and topics you would like to cover at the conference (use feedback from past events if you have such experience);
- Contact potential speakers and offer them topics. Specify the date of the speech and deadlines for preparation;
- Meet in person and discuss the concept, purpose, and target audience of the event. Work together to develop options for speech topics;
- Send all agreements and deadlines in writing;
- Prepare a “speaker’s guide” – a presentation template in accordance with the event’s brand book, technical requirements, photos of the location, recommendations on the presentation structure, information on dress code and adherence to the concept;
- Make two or three calls/meetings with the speaker to check the status of the presentation;
- Organize an offline rehearsal two to three days before the presentation and repeat it on the morning of the event. If possible, involve public speaking coaches;
- Respond promptly to force majeure.
The evening before the event, we received a message from a panel discussion moderator: “I missed my plane for the first time in my life. I’m sorry, I won’t make it.” We had to find a person overnight who could lead a discussion on the interaction between product managers and CEOs, i.e., who had to know the nuances of both positions. As a result of a high-speed search, the CEO of one of the holding’s businesses responded to our call.
An event is not just about catering and speeches. Create an atmosphere, look for special approaches. We asked the speakers to choose the music they would play on stage – we heard both AC/DC and rap. No extra effort, but the mood is guaranteed.