After 12 years working as a consultant at a Speakers Bureau the most common speaker requests we get are clients looking for a motivational speaker. Motivational speakers are an integral part to a good conference program, however over the past 25 years the depth and breadth of professional speakers available has grown immensely. Clients now have access to a vast array of expert speakers covering a wide variety of subjects. Below I have provided some (but definitely not all) of the different areas from which you can source a speaker, including some you may not have previously considered.
Futurists:
As leaders at the cutting edge of the latest trends and developments, Futurist speakers are individuals with the inside knowledge. Over the past 10 years there has been an ever growing trend in the demand for speakers about the future. There is actually a large number of speakers who call themselves a Futurist, all with very diverse backgrounds and knowledge. Futurists can cover a variety of subjects including social, business, finance, and new media. These speakers tend be some of the most engaging, interesting and thought provoking presenters. Depending on your conference objectives, there is a Futurist speaker who can cover virtually any topic relevant to your audience.
Innovation & Creativity:
Innovation and Creativity speakers have practical techniques to demonstrate to companies how to create an innovative or creative workplace culture. All have demonstrated their skills to have developed successful businesses, people or products.
It is important however to point out here there is a distinct difference between Innovation and Creativity. I often get people asking for a speaker who covers both areas. Innovation is a process by which you take an existing product or service and find ways to make it better. Creativity is a process for the generation and implementation of completely new ideas.
I have found that the best way to get maximum value from either an Innovation or Creativity speaker is to have them run a workshop. It is this “hands on” approach that really creates great “take-away” value for delegates.
On-line Marketing and Social Networking:
The World Wide Web evolves at a frightening pace and in the past 2 years we have had a huge increase in demand for speakers who can talk on topics like Social Networking, Search Engine Optimisation (SEO), Pay Per Click (PPC) advertising and general on-line marketing strategies from small to large business operations.
You will generally find most of the speakers in this space can cover all of these topics.
Workplace Safety & OHS:
Work place safety continues to be a big issue within organisations, however it is one area in which it can be difficult to find quality speakers. Having said this there is a handful of very good speakers available on the subject.
Political and World Affairs:
As the world gets smaller more and more companies are wanting someone to speak to them about global issues. These speakers have a special understanding of global trends in economics, politics, society, and business. They are able to discuss how these trends affect us locally and regionally.
Politicians have become very popular and, depending on your budget, you can access former Prime Ministers and notable former Politicians.
Human Resources and Generational Change:
Staff retention and recruitment are crucial in this age of low unemployment. Over recent years some of the most popular speakers have been on the Gen Y subject, however this is only one small area in the Human Resources space.
I have only discussed a few of the many subject areas that are serviced by paid professional speakers. As the Speaking industry develops, more and more speakers become available for very niche subjects. A good Speakers' Bureau should be able to find you a suitable speaker covering virtually any topic area. So next time you are considering a paid professional speaker for your conference, why not consider one in a subject area that is highly relevant for your audience and will challenge their thinking!
Carson White is a Managing Consultant at ICMI Speakers & Entertainers. carson@icmi.com.au or www.icmi.com.au