KEYNOTE SPEAKER BUREAU ESSENTIALS – WHAT MEETING & EVENT PLANNERS LOOK FOR IN PARTNERS

Keynote speaker bureau partners can prove extremely helpful. As a meeting planner, booking a standout presenter is one of the biggest challenges you face when organizing a conference or corporate event, no matter the program size. And like any one of the best keynote speaker bureau companies will tend to point out, a great opener sets the tone for the entire event and can leave a lasting impression on attendees. With so much riding on this decision, working with a reputable partner is essential.

But with so many booking agencies and talent agents out there, how do you know which one to choose? Let’s look at variables that meeting planners look for when selecting a partner:

Extensive Speaker Roster

The best talent agencies represent a vast array of motivational speakers, thought leaders, celebrities, and industry experts across diverse topics. It allows you to find the perfect keynote to align with your event’s theme, learning objectives and attendee interests. Variety in presenters demographics like gender, age and ethnicity is also valuable as you think about which keynote speaker bureau provider to choose.

Personalized Service

Top bureaus take the time to really understand your event goals, culture and preferences. They make tailored recommendations versus just giving you a list of available speakers to sift through. Their seasoned representatives provide consultative guidance throughout the vetting and booking process.

Professional Expertise

Look for a bureau staffed by experienced professionals who eat, sleep and breathe the speaking industry. They have developed strong relationships with speakers over years of representing them. Such insider knowledge among top keynote speaker bureau choices allows them to advise on everything from speaking fees to audience fit to presentation formats.

Reputable Track Record

Investigate how long the bureau has been in business and its overall reputation. Read online reviews and ask for references from past clients in your industry or region. An established agency with a proven history instills confidence they can execute a flawless booking experience.

Full-Service Support

Leading bureaus offer comprehensive ancillary services beyond just providing speaker recommendations. This may include contract negotiations, travel logistics, marketing/PR support, virtual event broadcasting and more. Having these turnkey resources saves you significant time and headaches.

While working with a professional keynote speaker bureau involves an investment, the return is immense. Their expertise helps mitigate risks and ensures you book an exceptional speaker who wows your audience and delivery a memorable event experience.