Is PROFESSIONALISM in the event industry dead?

My clique, can I share a candid thought with you?

As I continue the journey of creating the guest speaker experience, I wanted to address a crucial topic for speakers and event organizers: professionalism.

Kiaundra Jackson, an industry marriage and family expert, wrote a Facebook post that inspired me to write this to you. It was apparent that there was obviously a lack of professionalism, tact, and communication. I boiled all frustrations down to two things: professionalism and lack of communication.

Regardless of expertise, there are certain fundamental practices that professional speakers and event organizers should uphold when engaging with each other. Those who have spoken professionally for some time know what I am talking about.

Again, based on Kiaundra's Facebook post, I further wanted to further expand and emphasize the following:

1. Speakers:
   • Your Preparation Can Ruin Your Brand or Open More Doors: Speakers compensated for their appearances should ensure their presentations, bios, and other required assets are meticulously prepared and readily available. Of course, speakers make updates to presentations. However, the event host should have access to the most current version without delay. When there are no clear learning objectives or connection with your presentation to the event goal, don’t expect to be asked to come back.
2. Speakers + Event Organizers
   • Timely Communication - Make it a Priority: Effective and prompt communication is vital. Speakers or their representatives should be responsive to inquiries or requests from event organizers, ensuring a smooth collaboration process. When event communications are not prioritized, there are missed opportunities, and unfortunately, it reflects your brand, professionalism, and manners. Take it like this: how you respond to communications is how you treat their audience engagement.
3. Speakers + Event Organizers
   • Establish Clear Boundaries or Else: Contracts are essential in formalizing agreements and setting clear boundaries. The partnership between speakers and organizations should be based on mutual understanding and respect, especially for engagements exceeding $5,000 for 45-minute presentations. As my husband tells me, a contract is a mutual agreement between two parties that clearly outlines the deliverables and promises. Speakers, at minimum, you should provide a contract confirming what you promise to deliver. I doubt you want to deliver the moon and the stars. Make sure expectations are clearly defined, or there will be disappointment.
4. Event Organizer:
   • Clarity in Processes: Establishing transparent processes upfront is imperative. A process should include understanding how the speaker and event organizer will work together, meeting cadences leading up to the event and final dry-run date, and outlining agendas to ensure structured and productive collaboration.
5. Event Organizer:
   • Transparency in Payment: Payment terms should be transparent and clearly outlined. Compensation should not be ambiguous, whether a one-time or a structured payment plan.

Operating in excellence begins with adhering to these principles. By upholding professionalism, speakers elevate their own brand and contribute to the overall success of the event and the brand of the event organizers who hired them.

As the CEO of the Professional Speakers Concierge Service, I am committed to ensuring that all guest speakers, from MCs and guest presenters to workshop leaders and keynote speakers, understand the importance of professionalism in every aspect of their engagement. Together, let’s strive for excellence and create memorable experiences for all involved.

Thank you for your continued support and dedication to excellence. Want to discuss this further? Book your Event Consultation TODAY! Click HERE.

I’m leaving for Italy in a few weeks, so now is the perfect time to connect.

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All my best,

Layna

Founder, Professional Speakers Concierge Service

Schedule your FREE Event Consultation TODAY!

Meet Your Speaker Experience Expert

Layna Castle, M.A. PMP Native American business owner and a Best-Selling Author recognized for her expertise in speaker experience and event management. With a passion for transforming the speaking industry, Layna's entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to excellence have made her the go-to expert for high-end event solutions, providing unparalleled support and resources. ​ Business Coaches + Training Tony Robbins Amy Porterfield Steph Crowder The Ritz Carlton ​

New York, New York
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