Motivational speakers and executive coaches have prospered through virtual keynote delivery. By uploading their TED Talks and training classes, they can digitally access far more clients than by relying on in-person presentations alone. But for you—the executive, marketing professional or event planner—are virtual keynote speakers worth hiring? And are the booking fees comparable to hiring a live or in-person professional speaker?
Making the best decision largely depends on the type of event you plan to hold. Online events such as webinars benefit greatly from a recognized virtual speaker. On the other hand, live events such as conferences often find a hybrid mix of in-person and remote presentations to be advantageous. Let’s look more carefully at when it’s worth hiring a virtual speaker and steps you can take to make your event a success.
When should I hire a virtual speaker?
Webinars have grown in popularity in recent years, having proven themselves to be a powerful marketing tool. With customers and prospects scattered across regions, the nation or even the world, digital events provide the most cost-effective means of client education, retention and prospect development. In fact, in a 2021 Demand Generation Benchmark Survey Report, 53% of respondents found webinars “generated the most qualified leads for the top of the funnel,” and 42% found that they “[converted] and [accelerated] leads at the middle and late stages of the funnel.”
Nothing beats kicking off your digital event quite like a virtual keynote speaker. Top professional speakers benefit your event by:
- Adding name recognition and excitement to your digital event
- Driving higher signup and attendance rates
- Priming your audience through inspiring and motivational keynotes
- Enhancing your brand through association with the best leadership speakers today
Of course, the keynotes themselves add their own value. Top speakers provide professional delivery and proven expertise in everything from personal branding and self-care to real estate and finance. That is, they provide the same benefits as an introductory speaker for your live corporate event. Plus, you can book a virtual speaker to deliver your keynote live or prerecorded. You might even choose a mix, offering something such as a prerecorded keynote plus a live Q&A period.
Best of all, a virtual keynote speaker can actually engage your attendees better than a professional speaker at a live event. That’s because staff, customers and prospective clients can easily ask questions through direct messaging. This allows you to screen questions and discover what it is your clients most want to know.
Can I hire a virtual speaker for a conference or other live event?
Yes. You can benefit from a virtual speaker at your live event, too. These hybrid events take advantage of both in-person and virtual presentations, providing the best of both worlds. First, you provide your attendees the opportunity to engage in hands-on training, product awareness, breakout sessions and person-to-person networking. But you also can offer your guests the top speakers from anywhere in the nation—or the world.
Some multi-day live events have become very creative in making the best use of the hybrid model. For instance, a high-ranking corporate officer may kick off your first and final day while your high-profile virtual keynote speaker delivers an address on a day in between to keep the energy alive and the momentum going.
What does it cost to hire a virtual versus a live speaker?
The cost benefits of hiring a virtual keynote speaker can be exponential. That’s because no matter how large your live facility is, you aren’t limited. With a virtual event, you can have as many staff, clients and prospects in attendance as your marketing and communications teams can deliver. Email blasts, newsletter links, social media and search engine advertising can each scale your event without added cost.
For a virtual corporate event, of course you need a digital keynote speaker. They set the tone while adding excitement, expertise and professionalism to your event. If your corporate event is hybrid, booking your professional speaker to deliver their keynote address virtually may save you money on booking fees.
But with virtual delivery being so popular, a lower fee is not always the case. The most important thing is to book your preferred professional speaker well in advance. See the Success Speakers Bureau website for current virtual keynote speaker availability and rates.
Is it easy to book my next virtual keynote speaker?
It’s never been easier. The world’s top motivational speakers and coaches are available through trusted booking partners. Not only do top speaking talent agencies help you choose the right speaker, but they also handle all the booking details for you. That way, you can get back to doing what you do best—planning your next virtual event!
Browse the perfect keynote speakers for your virtual event, or drop the Success Speakers Bureau a note with your virtual or live event needs. With speakers such as Grant Cardone, Anne Grady, Anthony O’Neal and Allison Graham, we’re sure to have the right speaker for you.
