With lower budgets and shorter virtual event lead times, do paid professional speakers still have a vital role? We believe they are more valuable than ever:
- Name recognition draws attendees, sponsors, social media and press attention. Some better-known speakers can promote your event to their networks and provide short customized promo videos for your communications.
- Aligning with well-known experts or celebrities signals the elevated stature of your event.
- Possible multiple roles at same event – keynoter, workshop leader, emcee, panelist, moderator, facilitator. Branding and budget benefits.
- Amplify Pre and Post-event learning – hard copy or e-books, white papers, resource lists, newsletters, coaching, online courses, etc.
- Share objective outsider’s experience learned from presenting at related events.
- Reinforce your management’s point of view and enhance thought leadership.
- Introduce new ideas, encouraging fresh approaches especially for annual or new events.
- Energize dry, content-focused events, counter “Zoom fatigue”.
- Lackluster non-professional/free speakers can crater audience engagement and increase attrition. Don’t Let the Poor Presentation Skills of Some Non-Professional Speakers Torpedo Your Entire Event! Professional presenters with compelling content and personas keep them tuned in.
- Speakers with their own sponsor relationships can help maximize your budget.
- Add diversity of race, gender, age, national background, differently abled, professional background, thought. These may not be readily apparent among your internal presenters.
- For uncertain times, guest thought leaders may have the best credibility on the big-picture.
- Build anticipation and participation for kickoff and closing general sessions, minimize early exits.
- More familiarity with a range of virtual platforms.
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