Stop Booking “Bad” Talent
By Zach Nadler, CEO of VaynerSpeakers One thing I’ve learned over the years: great events don’t just “book speakers.” They curate talent. Thoughtfully. Strategically. Intentionally. And with a clear understanding of why the person on stage matters to their audience just as much as what they’re saying. If you host events—whether it’s a customer summit, an internal leadership retreat, or a global conference—how you think about on stage talent matters. If you’ve gotten feedback on “bad talent” – it’s likely that the talent didn’t align well with your company, goal, audience, etc. Don’t worry… there are a lot more speakers out there. Probably too many, if I’m being honest. Here’s how the best events approach curating talent. Know the Audience Comes First Sounds obvious, but it’s where a lot of companies miss. They choose speakers based on internal preferences (“Our CEO is a big fan,”) or social following (“They’re big on LinkedIn”). What gets overlooked? What the actual audience needs to hear. The best events start with questions like: If you can answer those questions, it should immediately narrow your search field. Balance Known Names with Fresh Voices Do big names help draw attention? Of course. But if your entire event lineup is recognizable faces, you’re not offering anything new. And don’t forget, plenty of events have attendees coming regardless of the speakers, even if they have no choice (I see you annual retreats). The smartest events blend: It’s not about booking celebrities. It’s about balancing familiarity with surprise. That’s what keeps audiences engaged. And if it’s a public event, emerging voices look even better five years later when you can’t afford them anymore! Think Beyond the Keynote A keynote is great. But the events that get the most value from their talent think bigger. Consider a mix of: In other words: book the person, but think about the full experience they can help create. Look for Fit, Not Just Resume Not every impressive person is the right speaker for your event, let alone a speaker at all. The best events look for: It’s not just about filling a slot–it’s about finding the person who makes sense for the room, at that moment. The events that consistently win? They treat speaker talent like strategy, not logistics. Because the person on your stage isn’t just delivering content—they’re representing your brand, shaping conversations, and helping your audience connect in a way that lasts, until your next event. That’s worth getting right. —Zach NadlerCEO, VaynerSpeakers Ready to book a speaker who gets the modern attention economy? Our roster includes speakers who blend social media insights with stage presence to create presentations that actually stick. Contact VaynerSpeakers to find your perfect speaker.
How to Build a Speaking Brand People (Actually) Remember
Let’s be honest: it’s hard to stand out nowadays Being someone who is remembered means getting rebooked and recommended. Here’s how to get there. Don’t Be Everything to Everyone One of the biggest mistakes new speakers make is going broad. Creating talks like “Leadership in Today’s Workplace” or “Innovating for Success” sounds like they could be delivered by anyone. Event planners aren’t typically looking for generalists. They’re looking for someone who understands their audience’s specific challenges. Instead of “leadership,” try going more niche: Instead of “innovation,” try: Instead of “Marketing,” try: Narrowing your focus doesn’t limit your opportunities. It positions you as the obvious choice when your topic fits the room. Your Story Isn’t Your Brand (But it’s a Start) Having a great personal story is valuable—although it’s not the whole package. Plenty of speakers say: “I built a company, so now I teach entrepreneurship.” That’s not a brand. That’s a starting point. What makes your brand: Ask yourself: Build Your Platform Before You Think You’re Ready A lot of speakers wait. They think: “Let me fine-tune my talk, get a few gigs, and then I’ll worry about marketing.”The secret sauce is actually starting! Think about how you can do small things now that will add up later: Be helpful before you’re famous. That’s how opportunities find you. Nail Your One-Line Description Event planners skim through endless speaker bios. You need a one-liner that makes them stop and think, “Oh—that’s interesting.” Forget: Try: What to include: Don’t Just Speak – Create Experiences Anyone can give a talk. The speakers who get remembered create an experience. That doesn’t mean gimmicks. It means: Look at Jesse Itzler: he doesn’t just deliver keynotes—he brings DJ Dee Wiz on stage to create an energy shift mid-talk. It’s not a concert, but it feels like one for a moment, and that energy makes people lean in, eager to remember what comes next. People should leave thinking something happened—not that they sat through another presentation. Focus on Relationships, Not Transactions Speaking is a relationship business. Being easy to work with matters as much as being good on stage. A few ways to build real relationships: At the end of the day, people book speakers they trust, not just speakers they like. Use Tech to Amplify —Not Replace—Your Work Professional videos, social media posts, email lists—all helpful. But they’re not a substitute for being good at what you do. Focus on: Bottom Line Being a good speaker isn’t rare. Being a speaker people remember—and want back—is. It’s not about luck. It’s about positioning yourself clearly, delivering consistently, and making the right people aware of what you do. And if you’re wondering where to start: tighten your focus, craft your one-liner, and share your perspective. The rest follows. Serious about growing your speaking career? VaynerSpeakers helps speakers build brands that get remembered—and booked. Contact us today and let’s get started. Ready to book a speaker who gets the modern attention economy? Our roster includes speakers who blend social media insights with stage presence to create presentations that actually stick. Contact VaynerSpeakers to find your perfect speaker.
Questions Event Planners Might Not Be Asking (But Should Be)
What Most Event Planners Might Be Getting Wrong About Booking Keynote Speakers Let’s be honest—booking speakers isn’t always straightforward. Between budget approvals, stakeholder opinions, and making sure your audience actually walks away inspired, there’s a lot more to it than just picking someone with a big name. Here’s the good news: most people are asking the wrong questions entirely. Which means you’re about to be ahead of the curve. Here are a few things we think every event planner should know: Can I Get a Better Rate if I Book a Speaker Directly? A lot of event planners assume going straight to the speaker saves money. It doesn’t. Speaker fees are generally the same whether booking directly or through a bureau. Sending a cold LinkedIn message doesn’t unlock a secret discount. But working with a bureau does get you something else: event support When you work with a speakers bureau, you’re not just booking talent—you’re getting a built-in support team. That means: Basically, you’re not paying extra for help—you’re getting it included. How Do I Go About Negotiating a Speaker Fee? Negotiating a speaker’s fee isn’t about “playing hardball.” It’s about knowing what matters to the speaker and their team. A few ways to approach it: Side note: bureaus only make money when deals close. So, we’re as motivated as you are to get the right speaker at the right price. Don’t Sleep on Books (And Signings) If your speaker has a book, incorporate it into the deal when and where it makes sense. Books can add huge value to your event (and people love leaving with something tangible). Bureaus can help you: Pro tip: Sending books ahead of the event builds buzz. Or, let signed copies double as VIP gifts or sponsor thank-yous. Either way, it’s an easy win. What a Bureau Actually Does (That You Don’t See on Their Website) A lot of event planners assume speaker bureaus are limited to their roster, but in reality, we work with everyone. If there’s someone specific you’re after—whether it’s a celebrity, a CEO, or a niche thought leader—chances are we know how to get to them. What makes that possible: A focus on finding the right fit, not just whoever’s convenient How it All Ties Together Booking the right speaker isn’t about checking a box; it’s about creating a moment your audience will remember. That doesn’t happen by accident. It happens by asking better questions, working with the right partners, and knowing when to lean on people who’ve done this before. Whether you’ve booked dozens of speakers or are staring down your first big event, the process should feel easier—not harder. Contact us today and let’s get started. Ready to book a speaker who gets the modern attention economy? Our roster includes speakers who blend social media insights with stage presence to create presentations that actually stick. Contact VaynerSpeakers to find your perfect speaker.
Inside the Attention Economy: A VaynerSpeakers Guide for Modern Speakers
TikTok Killed the Traditional Keynote. And your audience’s attention span just got shorter. Again. As a VaynerX company, VaynerSpeakers has had a front-row seat to how social media is reshaping human behavior. Attention spans are shrinking, expectations are shifting, audiences are evolving and keynote speaking is changing. Your Audience’s Brain on Social Media The numbers don’t lie. YouTube videos lose 60-70% of their viewers in the first 30 seconds. The average attention span has dropped to just 8 seconds. Instagram sessions last under 3 minutes on average, while TikTok videos now average 35-43 seconds – optimized for quick consumption and rapid decision-making. Your audience has been trained to make split-second engagement decisions thousands of times per day. They’ve developed “scroll reflexes” -aka- the automatic urge to move on when content doesn’t immediately grab them. This isn’t about short attention spans. It’s abut hyper-efficient attention filtering. Your audience can focus deeply when something captures them, but your window to make that happen has shrunk dramatically. A New Speaker’s Dilemma Traditional keynote structure works against social media-conditioned brains: We’re not saying social media ruined attention spans. We’re saying it upgraded them. Your audience processes information faster, expects more engaging delivery, and has zero tolerance for filler content. The VaynerSpeakers Approach to Modern Keynotes Hook First, Context Later Social media taught us that you have seconds to earn minutes. Start with your strongest point, your most surprising insight, or your most relatable problem. The introduction can come later. Make it Interactive (Really Interactive) Social media is participatory. Comments, reactions, shares, saves – there’s always a way to engage. Your keynote should feel the same way. This doesn’t mean jazz hands and forced participation. It means giving your audience ways to mentally and physically engage with your content. Live polls, quick partner discussions, or even simple “raise your hand if…” moments work. Deliver Value in Chunks Social media conditions people to expect value in every piece of content, not just at the end. Your audience should walk away with something useful even if they only catch 10 minutes of your talk. Structure your content so that each section stands alone while building toward your larger point. Think modular, not linear. The Bottom Line The audience’s relationship with content has fundamentally changed. They’re not worse at paying attention – they’re more selective about what deserves it. The speakers who succeed in 2025 are the ones who respect this evolution instead of resenting it. They design their talks for social media brains, not conference room expectations from 2015. With VaynerSpeakers, we work with speakers who understand that great content isn’t just about the message – it’s about delivering that message in a way that feels native to how your audience already processes information. Because the best keynotes don’t fight the scroll reflex. They earn it. Ready to book a speaker who gets the modern attention economy? Our roster includes speakers who blend social media insights with stage presence to create presentations that actually stick. Contact VaynerSpeakers to find your perfect speaker.
Graduation Keynotes: Speakers who Inspire the Class of 2025
As commencement season approaches, schools and universities are gearing up to celebrate the achievements of the Class of 2025. Beyond the traditional ceremonies, what truly resonates with graduates are the words they hear from keynote speakers. At VaynerSpeakers, we represent leading voices who deliver powerful and memorable commencement speeches that combine inspiration, strategy, and practical advice. Why Commencement Keynotes Matter A memorable commencement speech does more than mark the occasion—it sparks momentum. The right speaker goes beyond to deliver insight, challenge assumptions, and leave graduates with a lasting sense of purpose. A powerful keynote sets the tone for what’s next—and stays with students long after the diplomas are handed out. VaynerSpeakers Who Inspire the Class of 2025 Matt Higgins A self-made entrepreneur and investor on Shark Tank, Matt Higgins has an inspiring story of resilience. Matt’s recent commencement speech struck a chord with audiences. He encouraged graduates to shift their mindset and ask, ‘Why not me?’ Instead of feeling like a victim of their circumstances, he challenged them to believe they are prepared, capable, and ready for whatever comes their way. His message is honest, empowering, and perfect for schools that want to inspire confidence and self-belief in their graduates. Ryan Holiday Bestselling author of The Obstacle Is the Way and Discipline Is Destiny, Ryan Holiday shares timeless Stoic wisdom on resilience and discipline, ideal for graduates preparing for an unpredictable future. Donald Miller Known for his storytelling expertise, Donald Miller challenges graduates to live with intention. He helps students craft purposeful lives beyond just their resumes, guiding them to see their personal stories as a mission. Gary Vaynerchuk Serial entrepreneur and CEO of VaynerMedia, Gary Vee brings unmatched candor and actionable advice to every stage. His commencement-style messages cut through the noise, teaching students how to bet on their strengths, embrace failure, and stay future-focused. Kerri Walsh Jennings Three-time Olympic gold medalist and beach volleyball legend, Kerri inspires with stories of perseverance, mindset, and personal growth. Her journey resonates deeply with students striving for excellence—in sports, school, or life. Ready to Book Your Graduation Keynote? Make the Class of 2025’s commencement unforgettable with a speaker who delivers impactful, motivational, and transformative messages. From personal stories to leadership insights, our speakers provide powerful keynotes that will resonate long after the ceremony ends. Spots for spring events are filling up quickly—contact us to secure yours today!
AAPI Heritage Month Speaker Spotlight: Why Swan Sit Is the Voice Your Audience Needs
A Visionary AAPI Speaker for Your Next Event Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month is an opportunity to honor the history, contributions, and leadership of the AAPI community. If you’re looking to bring an inspiring AAPI heritage month speaker to your celebration or corporate event, Swan Sit offers a powerful blend of innovation, representation, and insight. Who Is Swan Sit? A Trailblazer in Digital Innovation and Brand Strategy Swan Sit is a globally recognized digital strategist and business leader who has driven transformation at some of the world’s most iconic brands. She has held executive roles including: Swan Sit is a contemporary operator at the intersection of corporate economics, digital transformation, and consumer attention—one of the few marketers equally fluent in left-brain analytics and right-brain creativity. With a dynamic career spanning Fortune 500 brands, early-stage startups, and board leadership, Swan is helping define what modern business leadership looks like. Her work has been recognized with Brand Innovators 40 Under 40, Marketing Women to Watch, and top honors at the Glossy Awards including Best Social Campaign and Best in Show. Today, Swan advises emerging companies and top executives, leveraging her career experience to share insights with her 3M+ Clubhouse followers and audiences around the globe. She’s spoken at global conferences, contributed to philanthropic causes, and served on advisory boards including AdWeek’s Diversity Council, Women in Retail, and the Impact Network. Why Book Swan Sit? Swan Sit’s keynotes go beyond business strategies. She brings authentic storytelling, executive insight, and a deeply inclusive perspective that resonates across industries and audiences. Your attendees will walk away with: Whether you’re hosting executives, marketers, creatives, or students, Swan delivers a message that is relevant, impactful, and motivating. Book Swan Sit as Your AAPI Heritage Month Speaker Celebrate the innovation and leadership of the AAPI community by bringing Swan Sit to your next event. Whether you’re organizing a corporate DEI initiative, marketing summit, leadership conference, or university program, Swan delivers a keynote that educates, energizes, and empowers. Contact us today to book Swan Sit and make your AAPI Heritage Month programming unforgettable.
