Rethinking the Speaker Relationship

We've written here about what shows without speakers might look like and how realistic it is for the future of events. The dynamics of a peer interaction-driven show are appealing on many levels, however, there is still a real need for subject matter experts to be a feature of many events.

Speakers fill many roles at a conference. Some play a motivational role energizing an audience to make changes personally, professionally, and globally. Others open minds in a way that impacts how people receive more technical or logistical material at the event. And then there are our true subject matter experts--they have been there, done that and are sharing what they've learned with the audience so mistakes can be avoided and successes repeated. Still other speakers work as facilitators to get conversations started at the event and beyond. They keep a group on topic while pushing the conversation forward.[Tweet "Rethinking the speaker relationship: Guiding principles in working with speakers. #GovEventsBlog"]

No matter which type(s) of speakers an event uses, it is important to recognize the value of their role and support them accordingly. We've pulled together a couple of thoughts on what should be some guiding principles in working with speakers.

• Don't discount your speakers - Many motivational speakers or highly visible names will request to be paid for speaking at an event. Inevitably, most have to engage in a negotiation of that price. While we're not suggesting you pay a fee you feel is unfair, we do think you should take a serious look at what you are getting for that money. Speakers will feel defensive and undervalued if there is protracted discussion on their price and that may affect how they view the job. Instead of spending time negotiating, find other ways to cover what you determine to be a fair cost. Is there a sponsor who could underwrite some of the fee in exchange for keynote visibility of their brand? Would the speaker be willing to meet with a couple of key prospects, members, partners etc., as part of their appearance? That way the fee is covering speaking and some "added" marketing/customer relations. The speaker may even walk away with new contacts for additional business.

• Look beyond the PowerPoint - Challenge your speakers to think beyond traditional slide presentations. Arm them with (and train them on) new interactive technologies like audience polling, online chat, and other social tools. In booking the speakers, make your intentions clear, listing the types of technology you want to see used and help them integrate them into their presentation.[Tweet "Challenge your speakers to think beyond traditional slide presentations. #GovEventsBlog"]

• Plan for back-up - It happens. Speakers get sick, flights get cancelled, job commitments creep up and you're left with an open speaking slot hours before the event. When booking speakers ask them to provide a back-up if they are unable to participate. If the event is in a location away from your local network, check with the convention and visitors bureau to get a list of local speakers you could reach out to on short notice. Comb your attendee list and highlight people at the event that may be able to fill in on short notice. Be prepared to turn presentation-centered sessions into interactive discussions if the key speaker cannot make it.[Tweet "Plan for back-up: Speakers get sick, flights get cancelled... #GovEventsBlog"]

What elements do you think are critical to a solid working relationship with speakers? Let us know in the comments.