There’s nothing like a big-name keynote speaker to draw a crowd to your event or get your team excited for their next summit. Something about a celebrity, no matter their field of expertise, gives your event a larger-than-life feel. However, it is this same pedestal we put celebrities on that makes them feel unattainable when people are booking talent for their events. We’re here to help you navigate the ins and outs of booking a celebrity speaker, so you can bring your dream keynote speaker to your next event with ease.

The Do’s of Booking a Celebrity Keynote Speaker

Nail Everything Down in the Offer

When working with a celebrity keynote speaker all your wants and needs must be explicit. Oftentimes, we see clients book a celebrity for their keynote address and assume that comes with a meet and greet or a panel. Make sure you know exactly what you want from your celebrity speaker and clearly outline it in your contract. Adding additional items into the contract will be hard to do once it has been signed.

Keep Your Timeline Tight

Celebrity keynote speakers like to get in and out. We typically see them setting aside two to two and half hours for an event. This means when you’re hosting an event that includes a celebrity speaker it is important to organize the schedule with them in mind. Instead of having them open the event and then hosting a meet and greet at the end, schedule their speech directly before any other events you want them involved in. This way they can get their job done and head out.

Expect Last-Minute Changes

Because celebrity speakers are constantly jet-setting, their travel itineraries and needs may change at the last minute. We’ve seen celebrity speakers book back-to-back conferences across the globe two days before their scheduled events. We quickly had to change their departure flight from one event to the next. Flights, hotel preferences, and schedules are all subject to change when booking a celebrity speaker.

Lean On Their Handler

Most celebrity speakers will work with an assistant or handler who you will become very familiar with. From initial contact to day-of needs and requests, you will most likely be working with their handler. When they arrive at your event they are typically prepping for their speech and all your questions and logistics will be answered and addressed by their assistant or handler.

The Do Not’s of Booking a Celebrity Keynote Speaker

Do Not Assume They’re Too Famous

We often hear, “We’d love [insert your favorite celebrity here], but they’re probably too big for us.” And each time we tell them, “You won’t know until you ask.” There is no celebrity who is off the table. One of the huge perks of working with a bureau is that we can put you in contact with any celebrity speaker you’re interested in. Oftentimes, dream-state celebrities are available and willing for a certain price. We will always get you in contact and get you a quote. There’s no harm in asking.

Do Not Forget the Meet and Greet

When you book a celebrity speaker, you’ll be drawing in a crowd that will most likely be made up of big fans. Don’t forget to add a meet and greet to the agenda to drive home the whole purpose of bringing a celebrity to your event. Some tips on making a meet and greet run smoothly: decrease chaos with a line, have a representative there to move fans along after meeting the celebrity and limit the autographs per person. Efficiency is key to a well-run meet and greet and a happy celebrity speaker.

Do Not Disregard the Rider

Celebrity speakers will often come with a rider that entails their green room requests and any other specificities they require during their travel and event. We’ve seen celebrities require everything from a luggage handler to an airport greeter to childcare at the event. These lists are important and often deal-breakers for celebrity speakers. They are not to be taken lightly. Make sure you have their rider ahead of time so you can ensure everything is set up for them.

Do Not Get Discouraged

All of these nitty-gritty details may seem overwhelming, but don’t get discouraged. Bringing a celebrity speaker to your event is worth the price and the extra attention. Audiences across the board love learning from and meeting celebrities. These events are something people remember for the rest of their lives.

So, don’t be hesitant. Bring a celebrity speaker to your next event with Executive Speakers Bureau as your guide and mediator, and create an event they’ll never forget.