Archive for category: Conferences and Events

I enjoyed a coffee with a fellow speaker and we were discussing the importance of bringing value to not just the audience but also the people that are supporting you.

I am speaking of the good folks that work to get you on stage and ensure you can perform at your peak.

The first point of contact is your event or Meeting Planner. They have a responsibility to ensure that the speakers and other presenters are suitable to the task. They also coordinate many of the details to ensure you arrive on time and are prepared to deliver as expected. Hopefully your success will ensure that you are invited back again.

So what can a speaker do to ensure the Event Planner is eager to have your services?

Simple as it sounds, you should focus on cooperation. The lower the maintenance you are to the planner and the other support staff the more appreciated you will be.

They have many stressful duties before and especially during a conference and if you are professional, provide clear communication and assist in making their job easier, you will have a much higher likelihood of being recommended and perhaps even given greater positions on the agenda – if not this year, the next.

Low maintenance as a professional speaker, is basically polite consideration, few if any demands and a complete understanding of the organizers’ needs.  This can be shown by your professional independence and courtesy of being well prepared.

So, please – arrive early, provide your technical requests well in advance and have your own back up plans should the technology breakdown.

Your time slot may be shortened or moved or any other forecasted event can send many speakers and the planners into a tail spin.

Be part of the solution and you will score big points to all involved.

Remember you are there to put a light into the hearts of the audience and your audience includes your hosts at all times.