advantageeventgroup.com

I recently was asked to address a National Speakers Association audience in Atlanta on the subject of how planners select and hire speakers. The audience ranged in tenure from seasoned keynoters to workshop presenters to those just getting into the biz. In that line of work, marketing your services (or expertise) is critical to success. I’ve known great speakers over the years who’s career floundered because no one knew who they were.

During Q & A the question was asked, “How do you select a speaker?” It is price, content, value…? I told the story of when I had hired Bill Clinton a few years back when he was RED HOT. The client company was a group of corporate real estate executives and the venue was Chicago. 3000 ppl. The conference needed an attendance boost and the need to get a WOW was timely. Past speakers had been well received, but not “Water cooler” types. Even though the former Pres was costly, the break even point (based on speaker budget) was attainable and after that point, we were in the black in a big way.  Well, Clinton cancelled three weeks prior, we replaced him with Al Gore AND Bob Dole and the Clinton marketing factor still played to the situation.

All this having been said, I ask this question,

“What drives the decision to hire a keynote speaker, and what works and what doesn’t?”

Blog on!

 KJ

When people ask me how I got into this business, I usually start with “When I got out of college in ‘77…” and from there, a while later I finish. The world has moved at such an astronomical speed that when I think of buying my first PC jr. for $1000, I laugh. Now, Facebook, MySpace and for the business networker – LinkedIN are commonplace. Blogs are another, now, not so new, vehicle that can assist many in sharing information. I won’t share how long it took me to decypher what or where the term “BLOG” came from. Anyway, the technology base of this industry is also gaining speed; from IM’s to web portals and applications to assist in housing and data management. We all must continue to share information for the good of the industry. This BLOG is here to share thoughts, findings, and new opportunities. AEG is committed to being on the “dull edge” of technology (I say that because to be cutting edge, you have to have more money than time to spend it – regarding R & D). Not that we are dull, but we try to promote and associate with those who are leaders. For example, if you look at our IN THE NEWS section on the “About Us” tab, you’ll find a Wall Street Journal Article that speaks to technology and its assistance in the search for less expensive meetings. It’s all good; but very often one mans pleasure is another man’s poison. All sites and services don’t meet ALL the needs of all the planners/buyers all the time. In this world of instant access, it’s the responsibility of planners, planner/suppliers (like us), and suppliers to search out and share.

Network regularly – not just the old fashioned way (cocktails anyone?), but via your computer. I encourage all to reach out, ask for advice, seek knowledge, touch base with former business associates. It WILL make a difference in you personally and professionally. Put old grudges or a bad past experience behind you and look at how you can assist someone in accomplishing their goals, and they will ultimatly find ways, albeit small, to help you. A speaker that we work with, David Nour, calls this Relationship Currency. An interesting term.

My commitment to my company and this industry is to contribute something meaningful (subjective, I know) weekly. This is my first weekly chapter. I’ve been around a long time and hopefully, my thoughts words and experience will serve many for years to come. Blog On!  -  KJ

Welcome to the new AEG website, we have made the very best effort to create an environment that is both informational and visually stimulating.  For the past several years our goal has been to create a superior standard in the event production industry, and we are proud to say that our client list is a testament to just that kind of thinking.  So enjoy the website and remember to consult our services in creation and production of  your next major event.  Thank you.

Green conventions or meetings are meeting related programs which are conducted in ways to minimize the environmental burdens imposed by such activities. Green meeting and event planners apply environmentally preferred or best “green“; practices to waste management, resource and energy use, travel and local transportation, food provision and disposal, site selections to include hotels and accommodations, and management and purchasing decisions.

Producers who launch successful new events rely on both market research and that gut instinct that only experience gives. Know what’s happening that can affect the industry you’re targeting. Read The Wall Street Journal, Financial Times and other business publications. Don’t overlook international news related to your industry.