What Meeting Planners Want and 9 Things that Drive Them Crazy About Speakers

Meeting planners have spoken, and we listened. On the subject of the selection and investment of a keynote speaker and what matters to them and their audiences, meeting planners are clear: it’s about substance, not showmanship.

“There’s riches in the niches.” ~Speaking Industry Adage

Our data shows that the old speaking industry adage is true. We asked, “What Are The Top Things You Want In A Keynote Speaker?” and the results were:

One half to two thirds of professional planners cite specific knowledge and demonstrated expertise as the top two criteria on which they base their hiring decisions. More important than being inspirational, funny, unique, a celeb or anything else, they want the real-deal speaker who is smart about their subject.

In addition, they want their speakers’ content to be tailored and to match expectations. Boilerplate speeches and bait-and-switch presentations are cited by three-quarters of meeting pros as the top two things that annoy them about keynote speakers.

Speakers don’t need fancy laser shows, tech riders, or to be big promoters — rather, do what you say and talk to their people. A little personalization goes a long way. Download our full report for the results and analysis of 150 professional meeting planners surveyed and find out what they are looking for from keynote speakers in 2020.