Conference speakers have the potential to make a good conference a great conference. But where exactly do you find keynote speakers of that caliber?
If you’re tired of using your standard Google search engine for such queries, consider these tips below. We’ll help you find the best keynote speaker for your event in no time.
See Related: What Is A Keynote Speaker And Why Should They Be Funny?
7 steps to finding the right keynote speaker for your event
There are plenty of motivational speakers and business speakers out there. It’s just a matter of finding them in time for your next event!
#1. Find speakers based on solid recommendations
Odds are, you work with a lot of folks who have experienced some powerful keynote speeches in their lives. Consider asking those friends or co-workers for their recommendations as a good starting point.
Some professional speakers might just be unattainable. But if you pull your resources and ask around, you may find an event speaker that perfectly suits your theme, industry, and most importantly, budget.
Plus, well-recommended business speakers already come with gold stars. They’ve done their work before and proved that they’re up to the task.
#2. Ask past event attendees for their ideas
If you’ve hosted events before, ask previous audiences what kind of keynote speaker they want to see. After all, you’re looking for a speaker who will resonate with your audience.
So it only makes sense to engage attendees in the selection process of a keynote speaker. This kind of collaboration can also be inspiring for the audience.
Because they’ll know that they played a part in the success of the event. As an organizer, it never hurts to hear out your audience, especially when it comes to finding the right speaker for them.
#3. Utilize your network to find the perfect speaker for your target audience
You don’t have to search for a keynote speaker through cold calls. In fact, the more resources you can engage, the better.
If you have a contact in the industry or business, use it. Ask if your colleagues are able to identify anyone who would be willing and able to speak to the expertise of your conference.
This is a particularly good idea if you’re working on a tight budget. You don’t have to go with the most famous person in the world so long as the keynote speaker you find resonates with the audience anyway.
#4. Use social media channels to find potential candidates
With social media at our fingertips, it only makes sense to search online for motivational speakers. And when you do, you’ll get an idea of the few or many events they’ve spoken at before.
Most speakers will use their online platform to show off other conferences they’ve spoken at. And this is a great opportunity for you to see them in their element.
Additionally, looking at the comments section will help you determine how this speaker interacts with the audience. Every little detail will give you insight into how these speakers operate both online and in-person.
#5. Look to publications to find a speaker
Let’s say there’s an industry publication that consistently puts out future trends in business. The column itself is engaging and speaks to the ideas of your company.
Why not consider who writes the column to come speak at your conference? Of course, this may be a long shot as not all writers are keynote speakers themselves.
But if you follow these publications as closely as you follow its business leaders, there’s likely something there. Even asking if the co-founder of the journal would speak is another avenue to explore for your event.
#6. Go with a full-service speakers bureau like Clean Comedians®
If all of this sounds too overwhelming, you can always go with trusted speakers bureaus like us! Granted, we have plenty more corporate entertainers to offer than just keynote speakers.
But each of them is here to offer you their unique talents for your upcoming event. Take a magician speaker, for example.
You might think that other speakers who are straight-laced are the way to go. But what if you could get a keynote speaker who talks about overcoming adversity while also entertaining the audience with a bit of magical flair?
That’ll surely be a keynote speaker audiences remember for years to come. After all, how many keynote speakers can you recall who have brought magic to the table of an event?
#7. Don’t sacrifice engaging content for big-name speakers
As you search for speakers, it’s easy to get caught up in finding the biggest speakers in the world. But don’t let a big name fool you into thinking they’re the perfect fit for your event.
Most often, you’ll be able to find speakers who have just as much – if not more – to offer. They may not have had their name in Hollywood lights, but the content they have to offer your event is more than deserving.
Bonus: What Is A Humorist Keynote Speaker?
Best keynote speakers from Clean Comedians®
We’re proud to house a couple of keynote speakers on our corporate entertainment roster at Clean Comedians®. Below are our top performing speakers you can contact through our agency.
Adam Christing
Adam Christing is an author, speaker, and master of ceremonies. He’s been at it for quite some time, folks, so he knows what he’s doing!
In fact, he’s dazzled more than 3,000 audiences in North America throughout his career. And you can guarantee that his speech will have your audiences laughing up a storm.
Aaron O’Brien
Aaron O’Brien is a live and virtual entertainer who’s known for his unique brand of “inspiring magic.” Having joined the famous Magic Castle in Hollywood at the age of thirteen, he’s certainly proved his place in the world of magic, speakers, and comedy.
But what’s best about O’Brien is his commitment and passion for event planners. When you contact him, the first thing you’ll hear out of his mouth is, “How can I help you?”
Greg Bennick
Greg Bennick is all about comedy, community, and creativity. And as a speaker, he brings such positive energy, audiences have been known to get out of their seats in a standing ovation for him!
In fact, he prefers the term “keynote entertainer” over “keynote speaker.” Because that’s exactly how he intends to energize your audience with laughter and amazement, all in one.
Jeff Civillico
Jeff Civillico has been a Las Vegas Headliner, Host Personality, and Philanthropist in his long-running career. And now, he’s out to share his renowned clean comedy show with corporate events and conferences around the globe.
In fact, he’s served as a Host Personality and Keynote Speaker for a number of major corporations, associations, and nonprofit organizations. So you know he’s up for the job.
Jody Urquhart
Jody Urquhart is a funny motivational speaker who knows how to leave an audience with a positive and meaningful perspective. Her bestselling book All Work & No Say shatters the assumption that work can’t be rewarding and fun.
And that’s the exact kind of energy she’ll bring to your next conference. As a former stand-up comedian, Urquhart only uses clean humor and original content – all of which is catered to each specific audience!
The Passing Zone
The Passing Zone is one of the top comedy/variety acts in the world today. And before you think some comic jugglers can’t deliver a killer keynote speech, just wait.
Not only will their comedic act entertain you, but they’re juggling skills will leave you absolutely gobsmacked! With non-stop humor, they know how to surprise an audience, then leave then doubled over in laughter.
Finding your perfect match
Finding corporate entertainers has never been easier with Clean Comedians®. Simply contact us and we’ll set you up with the right keynote speaker for your event.
Keep Reading: What Does A Comedy Juggler Do?
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Adam Christing is a professional comedy magician, virtual MC, and the founder of CleanComedians.com. He is a member of the world-famous Magic Castle in Hollywood and a popular corporate entertainer, magician, and virtual speaker.