October 11, 2022

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What’s synonymous with October? Changing leaves, Halloween, and pumpkin-spiced everything. ? ?

There’s no question that pumpkin is the flavor of the month. It’s advertised everywhere and incorporated into everything. Even the original ramen in a cup has jumped on the pumpkin-spice crazy train. I admit I suffer a slight case of FOMO when someone walks by with a pumpkin-spice latte, and I’m slurping the last drops from my daughter’s juice box. But just because everyone’s doing it, does that mean it’s good? The answer is no. (The jury’s still out on Cup Noodles.) ?

➡️ The same applies to keynotes. It’s hard not to want the latest buzz-generating speaker at your event. Maybe the speaker’s written the latest best-selling book and is getting mad media coverage, or perhaps you’ve seen the same headline-grabbing name circulate at industry conferences and feel one step behind.

Choosing a keynote shouldn’t feel compelling, like the pressure to try this month’s flavor. Instead, select someone whose message truly compliments your event, audience, budget, and taste.

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? Don’t lose sight of your company’s values, vision, event theme, or objectives. Content without context is meaningless. Make sure your speaker fits.

? Your needs should drive the speaker and topic. Don’t feel pressured to book someone just because everyone else is.

? Consider a rising star over a household name (industry thought leaders, TED Talkers, influencers).

Have you felt pressured to book a speaker because everyone else did?