You have established a non-profit or charity; you are planning a fund-raiser; you want to support a cause you believe in. As part of the event you decide to host a banquet with a silent auction or stage a fashion show. Your plan is to invite an entertainment celebrity or sports icon for a meet and greet or to give a keynote address at your event.
You know that having a celebrity keynote speaker or sports figure make an appearance will help to raise public interest, improve your chances of media coverage and thereby increase attendance. The question is – how do you go about locating and inviting the celebrity speaker of your choice?
Many celebrities already have causes they believe in, non-profits they support and charities they donate to. They also have personal managers, PR companies and various agents who handle their day-to-day business affairs.
The most effective way to contact a celebrity is though your existing family/friends or business network. If you know someone who knows someone and that person can put in a good word for you. This will substantially increase your changes of connecting with a celebrity.
Name Recognition – Is it necessary?
Don’t get too caught-up in thinking that you need a celebrity or strong name recognition speaker to drive registration. One area that many planners overlook in their planning process is marketing and promoting online. A website with all pertinent information about your event is an excellent marketing tool. Information should be updated on a regular basis and kept current. Make it easy for attendees to register and offer incentives.
Focus your energy and attention on:
- Planning a great agenda
- Effective marketing strategies
- Promoting to your target audience
- Attracting media attention/coverage
The Random House dictionary definition of the word “celebrity” is “a celebrated person” and that person should be you.
Find sports figures, professional keynote speakers and celebrity keynote speakers at www.keynoteresource.com