Planning a networking event is a huge undertaking. There are endless details to double check, vendors to chase down, and a budget to maintain.

Amongst all of this, you may be faced with the arduous task of booking a keynote speaker. 

If you've ever been to a presentation where the speaker was less than desirable, you know how important selecting the right talent to the success of an event.  You want someone professional yet inspiring who shares content relevant to your event and audience.  Booking the right guest speaker will leave an overall impression for your event and will reflect on you as a planner.Let’s take a look at a few of the top tips to booking the right speaker for your next business event. 

Know Your Event

First things first, know what you are expecting to accomplish.  

Start with what you want your guests to take away from the event.

Is the goal to be educational?  You might be looking for someone with a teaching style approach to presenting.  Are you trying to rally support for a cause?  In this case, you would look for someone who specializes in that niche, someone who relates to your topic on a personal level and can share their own real life experiences.

Know Your Audience 

The worst mistake you can make is choosing a great keynote speaker only to find that their presentation is the wrong style to engage your attendees.  

What is your audience expecting?  Is this an business event or more of a lighthearted entertainment gig?  You may want a speaker who is all facts and information, or you might be looking for someone who will indulge in a little audience participation.

Who are they talking to?  Are your registrants businessmen who will want a straightforward to-the-point presentation?  Maybe they're a younger crowd who would appreciate more topical material.  Use this information to know if your speaker should present material that is heavy in business lingo or lighter and more jovial.  

Consider your demographic and find a speaker that fits within it, or can at least appeal to it.  Make sure the topics they speak on relate to the nature of you event.  If they can't relate to the audience, they will easily lose the attention of your peers and make a themselves and you feel foolish for booking them.  

Know Your Budget

Now that you know all about your event and audience, it's time to nail down a budget for your speaker.  

Every speaker has a price, and likely won't be willing to budge.  If they have written a book or have a recording, they may require that you purchase a certain amount to give out to attendees.  

If you choose a presenter from out of town, you will likely be asked to cover their travel expenses.  This could include airfare, mileage, food and hotel accommodations.  

Be precise and diligent in pricing out your event speaker.  Know exactly what costs are involved, especially if there is a third party assisting in booking for you.  

Know Your Keynote Speakers Reputation

You've done some research and found a speaker who presents on the topic you are looking for.  Now to do the deep dive into their presentation style and work ethic.

Just like anyone else you have hired to work your event, the speaker is your employee.  You have to double check their reputation to be sure you are working with a professional.  Will they show up on time?  Will they speak to your attendees in the proper fashion?  How will they conduct themselves when networking with others at the event?  

Ask for references from previous engagements and talk to those who have worked with the speaker before.  Were they satisfied?

There is also presentation style to consider. If you hire a speaker who knows all there is to know about the topic at hand, but they present it in a manner that is considered off color by your guests, you're the one in trouble.  The speaker isn't at fault if they have a style that doesn't fit the type of audience they are talking to.  Every speaker has a style, and it's your responsibility to be sure it is the proper feel for your event.  

 Looking for a Speaker for Your Next Event?

Ask for a video or audio recording of the speaker and see that their delivery is on point.  Or better yet, if they are speaking at an event you can attend, check them out in person.  Meet for coffee and have them walk you through their typical presentation.

Know How to be a Courteous Host

You can have the best speaker possible selected for your event, but there are a few key items to consider to be sure you are being the best host possible.

• Be respectful for your speaker's material.  Don't ask for their deck ahead of time and then share details of it with registrants before the event.  A short preview of what's to come is all you should divulge.
• Be mindful of the time of the presentation. Make sure your presenter goes on when there are no distractions like lunch or cocktails.  You want all eyes on the speaker and their materiel.  
• Don't ask your speaker to change their presentation, if you don't think their materiel is right, you don't have the best speaker for your event.
• Don't try to haggle on price.  Know what you can afford and work within your budget.
• Be willing to promote your speaker before and after your event.  They are their own brand will be thankful to you for getting the word out on their superior services.  
• Engage your speaker and your audience before and after their presentation.  Ask if they would be willing to stay and chat with attendees and answer questions, or give out contact information.

Know Where to Look

All of the above will help you nail down the right keynote speaker, but you may not know where to start.  To find your star speaker you can look to:

• The internet on sites like www.nsaspeaker.org/
• Referrals from other event planners
• Influential people in your field - authors, bloggers, CEO's and instructors
• LinkedIn - do a search within your industry for speakers
• Reach out to your local Chamber of Congress
• Check out local colleges, professors can be perfect for a speaking event

The CEO of NR Media Group, Nate Riggs, recently joined the National Speakers Organization and has some great insights on the organization, read more about that here.  

Do you have any experience (good or bad) with hiring a professional speaker in the past?  We love a good story, let's hear it in the comments!