The Meeting Planner Keynote Dilemma: How to Find the Right Speaker Without Wasting Time or Budget

Finding a keynote speaker is easy. Just Google it. You’ll instantly get thousands—maybe hundreds of thousands—of results. The problem? Some are great. Some are mediocre. And some… well, aren’t what your audience deserves. So how do you sift through the noise and find a keynote presenter who’s the right fit and worth your investment?

Question #1 – How do I find a keynote speaker?

One idea is to consider asking for recommendations. After I present a keynote, I always ask the meeting planner or event lead, “Would it help if I sent you the names and websites of 2-3 excellent keynote speakers I personally recommend?” The answer is almost always a grateful yes. They vet the list, connect if interested, and save hours of search time—not to mention the stress of guessing.

Asking a colleague or peer who’s planned a similar event works wonders, too. First-hand experience matters. You can also explore speaker directories like eSpeakers, which features a wide range of professional speakers across all topics and price points.

Other Great Ways to Find Speakers

• Tap your network: Ask fellow planners or industry peers for proven names.
• Use professional associations: Try the National Speakers Association or Speaker Bureaus.
• Open a call for proposals: Let speakers come to you with tailored ideas.
• Search YouTube and LinkedIn: See how speakers present and engage.
• Set up discovery calls: Once you shortlist, connect via phone or Zoom to confirm fit and style.

Question # 2 – What Does a Keynote Speaker Cost?

Let’s be real: you get what you pay for.

• $2,500–$4,500: Usually entry-level or less-experienced speakers.
• $5,000–$7,500: Often more polished, with stronger storytelling and audience engagement.
• $10,000+: At this level (my range), you get a seasoned pro—someone who’s delivered 500+ keynotes, customizes content, reads the room in real-time, and knows how to deliver lasting impact.

Speaker websites, LinkedIn profiles, and social media will also tell you a lot about their style, reputation, and reach.

Question #3 – What is the value of a keynote speaker?

Perhaps you’re planning a conference and there is an industry expert who offers to be your keynote speaker for a nominal fee (or even free). Should you go that route? It depends on the type of event. If you are planning a technical or scientific meeting where the attendees are only expecting that type of content, it could work. You’ll need to keep in mind though that many subject matter experts are NOT professional speaking professionals. You hire a professional speaker for motivation and inspiration, excellent communication skills and the ability to provide a meaningful perspective on a relevant topic. An opening keynote speaker sets the stage for a successful conference while the closing keynote is often what the attendees remember most. Both are extremely important for excellent meeting evaluations and attendee experience!

Final Thought

You can find a great speaker without spinning your wheels. Start with recommendations, tap into trusted platforms, and look for proven pros who don’t just talk—they connect, inspire, and elevate your event. If you ever need a list of top speakers I trust, just ask—happy to share.

Continue the Leadership Conversation

The ideas in this article are part of a broader conversation about leadership, employee retention, workplace AI, and organizational change. Scott helps organizations across healthcare, government, manufacturing, financial services, technology, human resources, safety, early childhood education, and professional associations develop stronger leaders and build more engaged workplaces.

Explore Scott’s keynote programs:

• Leadership Speaker – Build stronger leaders, improve communication, and create high-performing teams.
• Employee Retention Keynote Speaker – Strengthen engagement, reduce turnover, and build workplaces where employees want to stay.
• Workplace AI Speaker – Help leaders and employees prepare for the future of work while keeping people at the center of organizational success.
• Change Management Speaker – Equip leaders with practical strategies for navigating disruption and leading organizational change with confidence.