This is a question that I’ve come across many times over my own speaking career…how many times do you use the same speaker and trainers?
For the sake of this conversation, let’s ignore keynote speakers. Few conferences will use the same one year after year. That’d get boring. At best, keynoters will only return to a conference after several years away and usually only if they’ve done something big that really impacts the industry.
For example, I just released a new theme called Big Life that’s getting me invited back to old clients. Usually, it’s something like a new book.
However, trainers and breakout session speakers sometimes get invited back for years in a row. It just depends on the conference and what the speaker has to offer. My running record is six consecutive years at the same conference. I’m always there presenting new material plus a repeat or two of really popular breakouts that are requested by attendees.
Here’s several great reasons to bring back the same speaker for multiple years:
- They constantly offer fresh relevant material.
- They offer material that your attendees need repeatedly, like a certification or skill training.
- They’re requested by attendees, i.e. bringing them back brings in new and old attendees.
- They are part of the conference. In other words, they go the extra mile to serve you and the attendees, and it would be weird to not have them there.
And the best for last… You love them!
So, what other reasons do you have for returning speakers… or … for what reasons do you never bring back the same ones?
Thanks,
Dr. Redbeard
I have a full slate of upcoming events, including a roofing conference in Cherokee NC, a small business gathering in Orlando, and several EMS conferences. But there’s always room for yours!
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This message was written by a team of geeks, nerds, gamers, and Dr. David Powers. You can always find us at www.callsignredbeard.com. Thanks for reading!
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