The Biggest Mistakes Event Planners Make When Booking Speakers

Over the past decade, I’ve worked with a lot of event planners. And if you’re an event planner yourself, I know one thing for sure: You’ve got a tough job. You’re constantly in the throes of juggling venues, catering, schedules, and—oh yeah—making sure your audience actually enjoys the event. And can we get real right away here? 

Nothing can derail a great event faster than the wrong keynote speaker.

Unfortunately, I’ve seen it happen. But I’ve also seen what works! So, let’s talk about the biggest mistakes I’ve seen event planners make when booking speakers—so you don’t have to make them, too.

Mistake #1: Picking a Speaker Based on Name Recognition Alone

Just because someone is well-known doesn’t mean they’re the right fit. I get it—a big name might draw an audience, but trust me! If they can’t engage, inspire, and connect, you will, without a doubt, be left with a letdown. I’m not knocking the idea of hiring a celebrity speaker. I know the hype is real, and I’ve seen a lot of great ones who do a wonderful job. Instead of letting star power overshadow substance, focus on finding speakers who can truly command a room and deliver value—not just a flashy resume.

Mistake #2: Not Matching the Speaker to the Audience

I can’t tell you how many times I’ve heard, “Well, the CEO loved this speaker at a different event.” That’s great—but is this speaker right for your audience? A killer tech speaker might not land with a sales team. A high-energy, joke-filled talk might not work for a serious leadership summit. Bottom line? The best speakers tailor their message to the people in the room. So make sure you’re confident in this before you sign someone! 

Mistake #3: Thinking Content Over Delivery

A speaker can have the best insights in the world, but if they deliver it like a (boring) high school textbook, your audience will be checking their emails within minutes. A great speaker brings energy, humor, and storytelling that makes the content stick and leaves attendees thinking about it/taking action in the days to follow. Engagement matters just as much as (if not more than) expertise.

Mistake #4: Waiting Too Long to Book

This one should be obvious, but again…I know how crazy life can get when you’re an event planner. So just consider this a reminder that the best speakers book up fast. If you wait until the last minute, you might be left scrambling for someone who’s available—not someone who’s ideal. Lock in your speaker early so you can get the right fit, not just the one who happens to be free. 

PS– As a keynote speaker myself, here’s a little insider tip: You don’t have to have all the details locked in before hiring a speaker. There are many times when an event planner will bring me into the fold months (or even a year+) in advance, and then we sort out the details later. This is a solid move because once the plans start coming together, you’ll be ready to roll with a perfect speaker match! 

Mistake #5: Not Prepping Your Speaker

Even the best speakers need context. What’s the vibe of your event? What challenges does your audience face? Who else is going to be involved? What’s the full run of the show for the event? Is there room for humor? What do you hope the attendees will take away? The more your speaker knows, the more they can customize their talk (my favorite part). A planning call or two before the event goes a long way in making sure the message lands just right.

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By avoiding these common mistakes, you can ensure that your speaker choice adds real value and creates an experience that resonates long after the event is over.

If you’re looking for a keynote speaker who brings energy, engagement, and real-world insight, let’s talk. I work with event planners all the time, and I know how to make your job easier.

✅ Need a speaker?  I’d love to be part of your event.

✅ Need help finding the right speaker? I can consult with you to make sure you book someone who’s the perfect fit.

✅ Want to be a better speaker yourself? I offer speaker coaching to help you own the stage with confidence.

Let’s connect and make your event unforgettable!

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