How to make your event a success with the right keynote speaker

How to Make Your Event Successful with the Right Keynote Speaker

The term Keynote Speaker is relatively new in the German speaking scene. It was coined in the early nineties by Gerd Kulhavy, the founder of Speakers Excellence, Germany's largest speaker agency. He first referred to speakers who can take on particularly important parts of an event. Over time, the term has experienced a certain inflation - today, many speakers claim to be Keynote Speakers. The requirements for this demanding task are by no means clearly defined. In this article, we aim to provide this definition and offer you valuable recommendations for successfully selecting a Keynote Speaker. Taking a closer look at the term Keynote Speaker, it should be a speaker who is capable of delivering the keynote of an event - whether at a congress, a company event, or a meeting. The keynote is the main speech, usually given at the opening of the event. This gives them an important role, namely to inspire the audience and prepare them for the following inputs. For this, they need experience with a larger audience: speaking in front of thousands of people is a completely different challenge than speaking in front of hundreds or fewer. Secondly, they must tailor their content to this audience and the goal of the event. It is their task to grasp and convey the essence of the meeting - with their content and entertainment methods. They must acquire industry knowledge, knowledge about the audience, and the goal of the event, and adjust their presentation accordingly. However, it is not necessary for the speaker to have industry knowledge themselves. Therefore, the selection of a Keynote Speaker is crucial for success. First, consider the goal of your event and the role of the speaker. Do you want to entertain, motivate, inspire, or inform your audience? Who is your audience - and what is the overarching theme? Choose your speaker - for example, from the database of Speakers Excellence, the largest agency for Keynote Speakers in the German-speaking area. They will also gladly recommend a suitable personality where human, competence, and experience become the perfect match. Be prepared for an appropriate fee and allocate your budget accordingly. A Keynote Speaker typically receives between 3,000 euros and 10,000 euros in fees, with well-known personalities charging even more. Do not cut corners in the wrong place. This is where the success of your event will be determined. Therefore, we also recommend experiencing "your" speaker live before booking. Attend an event, listen to the speech, and then decide if this speaker fits your event and your company. Nowadays, more and more speakers also show video clips on their website, which can give you a first impression. Take your time to make your decision - and book in advance. Outstanding Keynote Speakers are often booked well in advance. Once you have chosen a specific speaker, clarify the conditions as soon as possible: What event technology does your speaker need - from projectors to sound systems? Does he prefer to work with a handheld microphone or a headset? Will he stand behind a lectern or move freely on stage? Who will introduce your speaker? How will the transition to the next program point be handled? When should your speaker arrive for a sound check? Should he stay after the event to be available for personal conversations with your guests?

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