GoKawiilEntrepreneur contributor outlines six vetting questions for hiring event speakers
A professional keynote speaker who has worked with Amazon, Hewlett-Packard Enterprise, LinkedIn and WebMD has published guidance for event organizers on choosing speakers, listing six questions to ask before signing a contract. The first recommended question asks organizers to define what should be different for attendees after the session, rather than simply picking a topic or a famous name. The speaker also recommends treating the selection process like a hiring decision, including talking to multiple candidates and checking references.
GoKawiil's interpretation of the reporting above, not reported fact.
The advice suggests that mismatched speaker bookings, even with skilled presenters, can undermine event outcomes if the speaker's expertise doesn't match the audience's actual needs. Framing speaker selection as a structured hiring process could push event organizers toward more rigorous vetting rather than relying on name recognition alone. The author's own example of declining a mismatched opportunity implies that even in-demand speakers may see self-selection as part of serving client audiences well.
- A speaker's reputation or fame doesn't guarantee the right fit for a specific audience or goal.
- Organizers are advised to define desired post-event outcomes before selecting a topic or speaker.
- Vetting speakers like a hiring process, including references and past results, is recommended.
Source: entrepreneur.com — Dr. Kyle Elliott, 2026-10-19
Published there as: “Hiring a Speaker for Your Next Event? Ask These 6 Questions Before You Sign a Contract”
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