When it comes to organizing a memorable corporate event, the right keynote speaker can make all the difference. Events held at the end of the year have a different flair to them. Companies and teams typically want these events to provide guests with valuable educational insights and meaningful takeaways, but as the year comes to a close, there's often a lighter atmosphere and a greater focus on fun. These events are special because they often coincide with the holidays and can offer a much-needed break before starting the next year off strong. So, you want to be sure that while your event feeds your guests’ growth, it’s also a little more light-hearted and offers a bit of fun or whimsy to their work life.

Whether celebrating a milestone, rallying your team for a new year, or closing the year on a high note, the keynote speaker you choose sets the tone for the event and can significantly impact its success. Here’s how to ensure you select the perfect keynote speaker to elevate your festive corporate gathering.

1. Define Your Event Goals

Company executives often get bogged down in their team’s fourth-quarter numbers, so much so they can lose sight of team morale. As the event planner, it’s up to you to remind them that the end-of-year event should have an element of fun. It should feel like the much-needed deep breath your team takes after the long sprint to the finish line.

Before you start searching for a keynote speaker, clearly define the goals of your event and ensure your team is aligned on this. Are you aiming to inspire your team, celebrate a year well worked, or motivate your sales force for the upcoming year? Understanding the purpose of your event will help you narrow down the type of speaker who aligns with your objectives.

If your goal is to boost morale and energy, a motivational speaker might be ideal. We have plenty of motivational and inspirational keynote speakers who infuse their talks with levity and humor to achieve the upbeat vibe you’re looking for during the holiday season. Motivational speaker and youngest bestselling business author Alex Banayan is the perfect combination of fun and inspiration. Not only does he stimulate audiences across industries with his story of resilience and creativity in tracking down and interviewing some of the greatest minds in business, but his first-hand accounts of metaphorically sneaking in the backdoor to meet these industry titans offer an element of shock and humor that will have your team laughing and reminiscing in the year to come.

Maybe you’re more interested in driving home fourth-quarter sales without dragging down your team’s morale. Your best option is to opt for a sales keynote speaker who brings as much energy and passion as he does sales insights. Enter Brent Adamson. His bestselling and industry-changing book, “The Challenger Sale,” is a roadmap to closing. And the best part? He lays it out in a way that’s so engaging your audiences will be captivated from start to finish.

Or maybe you see this event as a way to bring focus to better customer service in 2025? If you want to set the stage for a record-breaking year and engage your team in a way that’s humorous and fun, Louie Gravance is the keynote speaker for you. With his mix of behind-the-scenes Disney magic and incredibly accessible takeaways from his time writing Disney’s customer service curriculum, your team will be wowed — all while learning a thing or two.

2. Align Your Budget

Finally, make sure the keynote speaker fits within your event budget. High-profile speakers might come with a higher fee, but they could also bring added value and name recognition to your event. This might be especially tempting when you want your team to get excited and make your event feel more like a party. Weigh the cost against the potential benefits they can provide in terms of engagement, inspiration, and overall event success.

No matter the budget, there is an engaging keynote speaker for you. Reach out to our team to curate a list of speakers that fit your event goals, theme, and budget.

3. Know Your Audience

Consider the demographics and interests of your audience. A keynote speaker’s style and content should resonate with the attendees to maximize engagement. If your audience includes a mix of senior executives and junior staff, look for a speaker who can connect with diverse groups, like the co-founders of Good Company Consulting, Lisa Walden and Hannah Ubl. Their specialty is bringing together different generations and bridging any divides to create a more holistic workforce. When the end of the year rolls around, sometimes it’s nice to take a break from profit chasing and show your team you care about the culture.

Or maybe you want to connect with your audience on something outside of work (while still delivering a message that can be applied to work). For example, adventure companies like Patagonia, Hoka, and Outdoor Voice find speakers who can connect to their team’s interest in the outdoors. Adventure and resilience keynote speaker Jim Davidson is the perfect person to capture their hearts and keep them on the edge of their seats with his harrowing tale of climbing Mt. Everest on the deadliest day in its history and then returning to summit the mountain years later.

Finding a speaker who can relate to your audience on a subject other than work can be key to creating an event that uplifts people.

4. Look for Relevant Expertise

Choose a keynote speaker who brings relevant expertise to your event’s theme. For instance, if you’re celebrating a successful year and want to focus on future growth, a speaker who has experience in scaling businesses or leadership in a competitive market would be beneficial. Former fortune 500 Chief Revenue Officer Ryan Estis could be just the keynote speaker you’re looking for. With his experience guiding businesses into the “era of customer service,” he can help your team scale in 2025. Or bring Ozan Varol to teach your team about reaching for the stars. He’s a rocket scientist who inspires teams with “moonshot thinking.”

For a festive-focused event, a speaker with a reputation for delivering entertaining and engaging presentations outside of the norm can keep the mood lively and keep audiences on their toes. Internationally recognized multimedia artist Phil Hansen can engage your team with live art, inspiring more creativity in 2025.

5. Evaluate Speaking Style and Presence

A keynote speaker’s delivery style is crucial for maintaining audience engagement. Watch videos of potential speakers to assess their speaking style, energy level, and how they interact with the audience. Are they engaging and charismatic? Do they use humor effectively? For a playful and fun event, a speaker with a dynamic and energetic presence can enhance the celebratory atmosphere.

Maybe consider someone whose keynote is more of a stand-up routine like comedian Scott Bloom, known for bringing the power of laughter to the language of business. Or someone who infuses magic and illusions like world-class performing mentalist Oz Pearlman.

6. Review Testimonials and References

Look for testimonials and references from previous clients to gauge the speaker’s impact and reliability. Positive feedback from other organizations can provide valuable insights into how the speaker performs and whether they meet expectations.

7. Consider Logistical Details

As the holidays grow nearer and nearer, you want to be sure to reach out to us to book your ideal keynote speaker as soon as possible. Ensure that the speaker’s availability aligns with your event date and that their requirements fit within your event’s logistics. Discuss travel arrangements, technical needs, and any special requests they might have. A well-prepared speaker who is easy to work with will contribute to a smoother event experience.

Choosing the right keynote speaker is a critical element in planning a successful and festive corporate event. By defining your goals, understanding your audience, and considering expertise, style, logistics, and budget, you can select a speaker who will make your end-of-year event something your team always remembers.