How do you customize your speakers and entertainment for events?

Super important that the entertainment has entertained for that kind or similar audience before and has video & testimonies to back it up!

Delivery language is vital. B2B events often are focused on business communities. Some are suave and some are from small towns. A super hit urban performance may not got go well with regional audience.

Additionally, ensure that speakers and entertainment are inclusive. Will there be someone signing? Is the stage accessible to someone who may be using a wheelchair? It is important that at all times we factor inclusion into decision making because the one audience member who feels excluded can share their experience and derail the success of the event.

You also need a clear definition of why you are hosting the event. It’s not just about entertaining your audience. What is the underlying narrative and story that the content you curate tells.

Imagine planning an event without knowing your audience's desires. It's like cooking without tasting – a recipe for disaster! To hit the bullseye, dive deep into your audience's psyche. Explore their interests, quirks, and curiosities. Feel their pulse, and tailor your event accordingly. Picture this: A tech-savvy crowd thirsting for innovation. They crave TED-like talks, not traditional lectures. Now, your event is a magnet, sparking curiosity and fostering engagement. So, before you choose speakers and acts, decipher your audience's secret code. Craft an unforgettable event where every moment feels tailor-made, and watch your success soar!

Getting the right speakers together for an event is crucial to how impactful the conversation will be, especially if it's a panel and Q&A. Identifying your theme and goals will help with selecting speakers that can engage the audience with this topic. Caution: this can be harder than it seems. Take the time to really understand your attendees.

Picture this: your event theme is "Innovation Unleashed," and your goal is to inspire attendees to think outside the box. Now, imagine booking a speaker who talks about routine office tasks. Not the right fit, right? Your theme and goals should be your North Star, guiding every decision. Want your audience to leave with a burning passion for change? Find speakers and entertainment that fan those flames, not extinguish them. So, before you pick a speaker, know your theme and goals like you know your favorite song lyrics.

The entertainment you choose have to fit in with the theme of your event. Always create a narrative that connects with meaning to the attendees. People do not always realise it but when they do, a story that flows throughout your event will spark more creativity.

If it's for charity, you want inspirational, if its for multi day retreats, you probably want 1 speaker who is more entertaining on a different subject. If its a 1 day conference, may be a keynote speaker who leads trends in the industry. There are patterns in hiring speakers in events, and you will notice it the more events you do.

So many people have great backgrounds but are potentially not great speakers. Depending on your values, you might want to spend more time with those that aren't professional speakers (yet), but have great insights to share. We don't need the same people all the time, just because they're good speakers.

It's like online dating, but for your event. Research and vetting potential speakers and entertainment is your chance to swipe left on the mismatched, swipe right on the ones that align. Dive into their digital lives, read reviews like juicy gossip, and stalk their social media profiles harder than your ex's new flame. Remember, this is not just business; it's showbiz, baby! Check their compatibility with your event's vibe, budget, and goals. Don't let your event be a blind date gone wrong – do your homework and make that match that sparks event magic!

Finding the right speakers and entertainment for your event is vital. Use online platforms, referrals, and reviews to discover candidates. Consider their availability, reputation, budget, and compatibility with your theme and goals. Make informed choices for a successful event.

It's highly recommended to observe your prospective speakers or entertainers in action before hiring them. Despite their sound, talent, or energy, their appearance or style may not align with the overall vibe or objectives of your event. Therefore, seeing them beforehand can help you ensure that they are the right fit for your event.

I like to think of a bucket of panels that have a narrative and then, within that, each panel having a storyline. I like to add some big names as a draw but to mix some new talent that holds great promise and will wow the crowd. Proud of the fact that over the years we've introduced new faces to the speaking stage --- many from diverse backgrounds. Then the trick is to prep the hell out of them but still make it appear fresh, off-the-cuff and unscripted.

Think of it as a rock band rehearsal – you're the conductor, they're the musicians. Communicate and collaborate to get that symphony of an event going. Give them the sheet music, discuss the tempo and rhythm, fine-tune the instruments, and practice those harmonies. Keep the lines of communication open, like a hotline to rock 'n' roll greatness. Whether it's the main act or the opening act, a well-rehearsed performance makes for a standing ovation.

When I've chosen my speakers and entertainment, effective communication is key. I provide them with all event details, including date, time, location, and audience. We discuss content, logistics, and expectations thoroughly. Regular contact ensures we're on the same page, addressing any issues promptly. This collaborative approach ensures a smooth and successful event.

It's hard to find anything to add to Robin Raskin's excellent recipe for success (she has so much experience in this area), but I'll try. If your event is online or hybrid, make sure that you have at least one tech rehearsal well in advance. Make sure that you speakers can be seen and heard clearly, that they have a sufficient Internet connection, and that they know how to get on and off "stage" in the online platform. You want to leave enough time so that you can fix any problems -- such as sending them a suitable microphone or webcam -- before the start of the event.

Always have a contract with speakers. Be clear about length of speech, break time, meals, arrival times, video taping and copyright issues. Also clearly state cpntract dollars and payment methods. This will make the speakers feel more comfortable as both sides are clear on the terms of conditions.

Yesss! The relationship isn't over just because the event ended. Honest feedback is sooo valuable! And that follow up helps nurture and enhance the relationship with the speakers and entertainers.

It's like the post-game analysis in sports, but for your event. Get the scoreboard out and see how your speakers and entertainment performed. Listen to the cheers and jeers from the crowd. Take notes on what hit the high notes and what fell flat. Then, like a coach, give constructive feedback. Let them know where they scored big and where they could use some practice. It's not just about the final bow; it's about improving the act for the encore. Keep the stars happy, and they might just light up your stage again.

Post-event, I value feedback. I gather insights from attendees, sponsors, partners, and staff regarding our speakers and entertainment. This assessment helps me understand the impact and quality of their contributions. I share this feedback with them and express my gratitude. Building strong relationships ensures future collaborations are just as successful.

oh yes!! Your next successful event is heavily dependent on how you evaluate your previous events. Being receptive to feedback, helps you avoid mistakes you do not want to repeat. It also fosters team building.

We don't need monologues and one-sided communication. Think about how you will engage your audience and what will make the event memorable. Plenty of tools are available, and if you combine that with creativity, you can create a great experience.

Events are not milestones to be checked off. Events are part of a greater campaign that demand and requires constant attention. Consider them as part of your key outreach efforts, the same as social media, articles, emails and meetings - something that you do consistently and continuously. Aside, the more you drive post-event efforts, the more cost efficient it becomes.

According to the Learning Pyramid, adults retain only 20% of the information they learn through presentations and traditional courses. That number shoots up to 90% when we put knowledge into practice through peer learning. Most of your participants could have been on stage and have precious knowledge to share. So, think about initiatives that foster knowledge-sharing among participants! By doing so, you are leveraging an underutilized and free resource at your event, making the experience more individualized and agile for all.

We host a monthly breakfast event that attracts mostly the retired, as the younger are off to work. We recruit presenters from the wider community to join us and to share their passion with us so that we can be more informed about the amazing work that is going on around us. We always ask for a Q&A time as well. We don't include entertainment, per se, because the breakfast and conversation are sufficient.