Finding Good, Quality Speakers

MSAE's Meeting Management Networking Group met to discuss tips and best practices for selecting speakers for meetings and education programs.  Here are the top takeaways:

1. Find speakers and topic ideas at:

• MSAE Speakers Showcase - coming Friday, February 21, 2014 
• SpeakerPedia.com
• TED Talks
• Speaker bureaus
• MSAE events and education

2. Look for fresh videos and recent testimonials, check out speaker videos (their website and YouTube/Vimeo).

3. Negotiation tips:

• Allow speaker to sell books after presentation (emcee announces opportunity, not selling by speaker)
• Trade out a booth, exhibit space or advertising
• Offer a sponsorship
• Tweet about the speaker
• Provide video footage
• Revenue share - split the proceeds
• Ask speaker to provide several sessions
• Share expenses with another group/partner

Additional Resources:

• MSAE August Focus (pages 7, 12) - Four Principles for Planning Brain-Friendly Annual Meetings
• Meetings & Conventions - Choosing a Keynote
• Speakers and Entertainment (pages 16-19) - The Newest Trends That Spark Attendance
• Smart Meetings - Speak Up