Corporate events are big business, and they’re getting even bigger, with spending on these gatherings rising by as much as 83% this year. As such, there’s a lot of competition out there, and anyone hosting an event needs to set it apart from the rest. The key is to find industry experts who can join you and share their knowledge and expertise.
Experts in their fields can charge hundreds of pounds per session or even more, so it can be tough to hire several to speak at your event, especially as a small business. However, if you create the right event, you could get people to speak just for the prestige of being an invited guest. This approach can cut down on your costs, and help you to make your corporate gathering an experience to remember.
But how do you create an event that’s attractive to industry experts and makes them want to waive their fees? Keep reading to find out how you can boost your chances of getting great speakers to your next corporate meet-up.
Plan The Event Down To The Smallest Detail
A well-planned, professional event will attract more guests and be more likely to appeal to industry experts with a large following. As such, you need to plan your event down to the smallest detail and make it enticing to visitors and potential speakers alike.
To start, you need to provide a clear outline of the event schedule, session topics, and logistical details. Make it easy for potential speakers to understand the commitment required and how their session would fit into the overall event. All that work can seem like a lot, so if you’re new to planning a corporate event, consider working with Sullivan Group Corporate Event Planners. Their extensive knowledge of corporate event planning means that they can turn your event ideas into a seamless and engaging reality.
Reach Out Personally
While some industry experts might be attracted to your event and want to request a slot to speak, that kind of notoriety takes time to achieve. At the start, you’ll need to reach out to them to get speakers involved. A mass email, or a bland social media post, can be off-putting and make your potential guests feel like one of many. To make them feel special, contact potential speakers in a personalized and engaging manner.
Send them an email or message that highlights how you’ve researched their work, and explain why you believe they would be a great fit for your event and how their insights could contribute to its success. In this message, you can also clearly communicate the benefits of speaking at your event, such as exposure to a relevant audience, networking opportunities, visibility within the industry, and the chance to share their expertise.
Build Relationships For The Future
Some people won’t be able to be part of your event this year, and that’s OK. Use the opportunity to cultivate relationships with potential speakers even if they can’t commit to the current event, to make the most of the time you put into connecting with them. After all, building a professional network is key to corporate success, so use this opportunity to grow it further.
Additionally, you can keep them informed about future events and maintain regular communication to build a foundation for future collaborations. You’ll then be able to grow your event over time and grow your reach so that you end up with a regular event that benefits speakers, visitors, and your business.
