Booking earlier keeps you ahead of the game.<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
In the speaking industry, getting ahead of the game is key to delivering high quality events and unforgettable moments for audiences. The hundreds of event planners who responded to our survey overwhelmingly confirmed this, specifically calling out the importance of communicating early with event partners, breaking things into smaller tasks, and planning well in advance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cAt the planning stage, sit and think through the whole event step by step, making note of everything you will need for each step. This minimizes the risk of guests arriving for lunch and realizing you forgot to buy plates.\u201d<\/em> \u2013 Lisa Christensen White, Delaware Charter Schools Network<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cStart planning as far in advance as you can! If your event is an annual event, design a playbook with best practices and contact information that you can utilize each year.\u201d<\/em> \u2013 Jennifer Montgomery, Vanderbilt University<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cAlways be transparent with all stakeholders in the planning process from the beginning. Trust and communication are key components to successful event execution.\u201d<\/em> \u2013 Reece Anderson, independent event planner<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cPrep and schedule communications for an event (after booking) so the narrative is consistent and shared well in advance to give people adequate notice. This will also help the speaker understand how the event is being advertised.\u201d<\/em> \u2013 Alexandria Mitchell, Splunk<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n With event planning, innovation and enthusiasm are crucial to delivering engaging and memorable experiences. Our survey respondents emphasized the need to continually refresh content, harness the power of excitement in promotion, and critically assess traditional practices to ensure their ongoing relevance and effectiveness. These strategies are essential for keeping events vibrant, enjoyable, and impactful for all attendees.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cMix it up! Don’t keep the same content structure year over year, keep it fresh, dynamic and exciting!\u201d<\/em> \u2013 Cindy Kimball, event planner who works for a corporation<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cDo something different than what has been done a million times over \u2014 especially in a small area\/venue.\u201d<\/em> \u2013 Event planner who works for a non-profit organization<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cDo not underestimate the power of enthusiasm when promoting events. It is significant to showcase the fun and useful aspects that attendees will take away.\u201d<\/em> \u2013 Event planner who works in higher education<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cEvaluate the effectiveness of everything, and don’t just do something because \u2018we always do that.\u2019\u201d<\/em> \u2013 Event planner who works in business consulting<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cStop doing the same things! Mix it up for your audience, and they will be more engaged.\u201d \u2013 Hillary Amoyal, WebMD Ignite<\/p>\n\n\n\n Event planning is full of surprises, so being ready for anything is key to pulling off a great event. Our survey respondents shared that it’s essential to plan ahead to avoid issues, stay calm and resourceful when things don’t go as expected, and always have a backup plan. Good communication and flexibility help tackle any surprises and keep things running smoothly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cThere are always things that will go wrong. The best you can do is pre-plan. If things still go wrong, try to solve them behind the scenes so the attendees don’t know!\u201d<\/em> \u2013 Gayle Ewer, event planner who works in public media<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cThere is always going to be something that goes wrong or was unforeseeable. It’s how you overcome, press on, and learn from it that makes the event a success.\u201d<\/em> \u2013 Event planner who works for a business association<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cStay calm in the face of all the new changes.\u201d<\/em> \u2013 Event planner who works in education<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cBuild plenty of extra time into your run of show to accommodate last-minute changes.\u201d<\/em> \u2013 Event planner who works in technology<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cAlways have a plan b if a speaker backs out at the last minute. Run of show and communication with all is key so everyone is on the same page.\u201d<\/em> \u2013 Elle Kehoe, event planner who works for a non-profit organization<\/p>\n\n\n\n Our survey respondents shared some great tips for organizing successful events. They stressed the importance of getting attendees engaged right from the start, being flexible and willing to work together, and making sure speakers have all the support they need, especially for virtual sessions. Their advice really highlights how thoughtful planning and teamwork can make events both memorable and smooth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cYou have to get people engaged early. If a program starts slow, it will be harder to get the momentum going. Think about ice breakers that are not corny but actually connect to the concepts you are discussing throughout the day.\u201d<\/em> \u2013 Event planner who works for a trade association<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cFlexibility, graciousness and a willingness to work together are key points when creating events.\u201d<\/em> \u2013 Event planner who works in higher education<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cInclude a host or producer whose job is to ensure your speakers have the support they need during the virtual session.\u201d<\/em> \u2013 Anna Hoeser, eBay<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cManaging change is easy. Managing people is not. Prioritize people first.\u201d <\/em>\u2013 Event planner who works in agriculture<\/p>\n\n\n\n We\u2019d love to hear what you think about the topics covered above. What advice do you have to share? What has your experience with virtual and hybrid events been like? Find us on all social media platforms at @aaespeakers, and share your thoughts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This advice from event organizers is just one small selection of the insights we gathered on the entire speaker booking and event planning process. In the full report<\/a>, you\u2019ll find all kinds of information on everything from choosing speakers to orchestrating an unforgettable event experience \u2014 as well as predictions on what lies ahead for our industry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Let\u2019s continue to work together to bring amazing events and speakers to audiences. If we can help you find your next speaker, contact us<\/a> today.<\/p>\n\n\n\nDon\u2019t get too comfortable. Keep it fresh.<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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\n <\/a>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nWhen things go wrong, it\u2019s an opportunity to shine.<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
A few final reminders.<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
What advice do you have to share?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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