When planning a conference, the quality of your speakers can make all the difference. A great speaker doesn’t just deliver a talk—they energise your audience, elevate your event’s reputation and create moments that people remember. But securing top talent is only half the equation. Keeping speakers engaged and ensuring they have the tools they need to succeed is what turns a good presentation into a standout one.
At the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre (GCCEC), we know what it takes to help organisers attract and support the best speakers. With flexible spaces, world-class AV technology and expert event support, we set speakers and events up for success. Here’s how you can secure, engage and deliver impactful speaker experiences that resonate with attendees.
Why Speaker Engagement Matters
Impact on Event Success
Speakers are the heart of any conference, and they are often the reason people buy tickets and attend in the first place. When a speaker delivers value, they:
- Drive registrations: A well-known keynote speaker or credible industry expert can be the deciding factor for attendees.
- Build event prestige: Great speakers establish your conference as an authoritative, must-attend event.
- Spark connection and conversation: Memorable talks generate discussions, social media buzz and meaningful takeaways that extend far beyond the day itself.
For example, at GCCEC, we’ve seen events where dynamic keynote presentations set the tone for a day full of learning and networking. A confident, engaging speaker draws in the audience and leaves them eager for more.
Setting the Tone for the Event
The opening keynote is your chance to capture attention and set expectations. Whether it’s an energising motivational speaker or a subject matter expert offering deep insights, your first speaker establishes the mood and aligns attendees with your event’s purpose.
At GCCEC, our versatile spaces give you the flexibility to create a custom presentation environment, from a large-scale opening address in the main arena to breakout discussions in smaller focused rooms. Combine that with crystal-clear AV and high-quality visuals, and your speakers will be perfectly positioned to connect with their audience.
Finding the Right Speakers
Leveraging Networks and Industry Resources
Finding the right speaker begins with knowing where to look. Start with trusted networks and resources:
- Collaborate with sponsors, exhibitors or partners: They often have access to respected thought leaders or connections with speakers who fit your event goals.
- Research other events: Review conferences in your industry to identify presenters who have performed well with similar audiences.
- Speaker bureaus and associations: These offer vetted, professional speakers who specialise in everything from motivation to technical deep dives.
If you’re unsure where to begin, GCCEC’s experienced event team can help. With decades of experience hosting conferences across industries, we can provide insights into formats, presentation styles and speaker considerations that work best for your audience.
Evaluating Speaker Portfolios and Feedback
A name alone doesn’t guarantee success—choose speakers who align with your event’s purpose and audience. To make an informed decision:
- Watch recorded presentations or speaker reels to understand their tone, delivery and engagement style.
- Assess audience alignment: Do they have experience speaking to groups like yours?
- Look for feedback or references from past organisers to gauge their preparation and professionalism.
At GCCEC-hosted events, organisers often pair high-profile keynotes with subject-matter experts for breakout sessions, balancing inspiration with actionable, relevant content. Our flexible spaces accommodate both formats seamlessly, ensuring speakers shine in any session.
Keeping Your Speakers Engaged
Providing Clear Expectations and Support
A speaker who feels well-prepared and supported will always perform better. Here’s how to keep speakers engaged throughout the process:
- Set clear objectives: Share a clear session brief covering audience demographics, session goals and preferred presentation formats.
- Handle logistics early: Provide travel arrangements, accommodation details and an agenda well in advance.
- Offer ongoing support: Assign a point of contact who can answer questions, manage requests and troubleshoot challenges leading up to the event.
At GCCEC, we make it easy for organisers to support their speakers. Our on-site team ensures everything runs smoothly, from AV setup to room configuration, so speakers can focus entirely on their presentations.
Offering Perks That Attract Top Talent
The best speakers have full calendars, so offering perks that make your event stand out can help secure their commitment. Consider:
- Premium travel and accommodation: GCCEC’s prime location on the Gold Coast means speakers have access to leading hotels, stunning beaches and vibrant dining options.
- VIP treatment: Exclusive speaker dinners, networking sessions or curated Gold Coast experiences are great ways to show appreciation and leave a lasting impression.
- Visibility and promotion: Feature speakers in pre-event marketing, media coverage and post-event content to boost their profile.
Speakers who feel valued and respected will not only deliver their best work but are also more likely to recommend your conference to others.
Enhancing Presentation Quality
Offering Rehearsal and Tech Support
Even the most experienced speakers benefit from preparation time and reliable technology. Offering technical support and rehearsal opportunities helps eliminate stress and ensures a polished presentation.
- Schedule pre-event rehearsals: Familiarity with the space and equipment builds confidence. GCCEC’s professional AV team is always on hand to assist with dry runs, ensuring everything—from lighting to microphones—works flawlessly.
- Provide tools for success: Whether it’s teleprompters, live polls or large LED displays, offering the right AV support helps speakers engage their audience effectively.
- Ensure a seamless experience: From stage design to perfectly timed transitions; our team handles the details so speakers can focus on delivering their content.
At GCCEC, we’ve seen how well-rehearsed, fully supported speakers captivate audiences. Providing these resources gives presenters the confidence to deliver their message with clarity and impact.
Using Feedback Loops for Improvement
Feedback helps speakers and organisers continuously improve. To gather valuable insights:
- Send post-session surveys to attendees asking about content relevance, speaker engagement and delivery quality.
- Share highlights and constructive feedback with speakers—they’ll appreciate knowing how their presentation was received.
- Use the data to refine speaker selection and preparation processes for future events.
For multi-day events, real-time feedback can even help you make small adjustments on the go, keeping attendees engaged and ensuring sessions meet their expectations.
Partner with GCCEC to Deliver Exceptional Speaker Experiences
Securing and supporting engaging conference speakers is about more than just booking big names. It’s about creating an environment where they can deliver presentations that captivate, inspire and add value to your event. At GCCEC, we combine versatile event spaces, cutting-edge AV technology and dedicated support to ensure speakers and organisers have everything they need to succeed.
Whether it’s a keynote that sets the tone or breakout sessions that offer practical insights, GCCEC is the perfect venue for delivering impactful presentations that resonate with attendees. Need expert guidance to secure top speakers for your next event? Contact GCCEC today, and let’s make your conference unforgettable—for you, your speakers and your audience.