How to determine the best host for your conference

There are many things to consider when organising a conference – from location to the attendees and most importantly your host. The host is a huge part of your event and will have a significant impact on how the event runs – including the experience of your audience.

Choosing a host for your conference can be quite overwhelming as there are so many people to choose from. However, there are a number of agencies to help you make the right choice and to make selecting a speaker as stress free as possible. Here are some things to consider when making your decision:

Think about your audience

Your event is for your audience, so when it comes to selecting a host you need to keep that demographic at the forefront of your mind. You should consider the gender split, the age groups in attendance as well as their interests. Taking all of these things into consideration will help you find the perfect person to engage with your audience.

Consider the type of event you are hosting

Whether you are hosting an awards ceremony, a fundraiser or hosting a fancy dinner for which you require a speaker, you are likely to select a different person for each type of event. So, it is important to consider this, as getting the wrong host could be detrimental to the success of your event. For example, you wouldn’t hire someone who specialises in comedy to host a serious charity event if you don’t feel it’s a good fit.

What is the aim of the event?

One question you should be asking yourself during the process of selecting a speaker is; what do I want out of this event? This will be a huge help in choosing the right person as some people will help more with certain things. If your sole purpose is to raise money and awareness, then it is in your best interest to go with someone who has a large following and is a hit with the press, as this will draw more attention to your event. On the other hand, if your aim is to boost morale and motivate people, you are better off selecting someone with a substantial background in motivational speaking.

Are they local?

It may seem odd, however people are often more engaged when listening to someone they can relate to, so someone who is local to the area in which your event is being held may go down well with your audience.

Can you afford them?

Lastly, you need to think about your budget. There are many costs involved in organising an event, so setting a pot of money aside for each aspect and managing your budget efficiently is key. Speakers can vary quite significantly in price and your budget could limit who you are able to hire for your event. It might be a good idea to filter through and get a list of people you can afford right at the beginning of your search for a speaker to avoid any  disappointment further down the line.