From Bust to Buzz: The Real Impact of Celebrity Speakers at Events & How to Reprioritize Content
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The debate on whether celebrity speakers are worth it is ongoing in the events industry, especially after the recent no-show by Jason Sudeikis at the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) Annual Conference & Expo. Hiring a big-name speaker can generate buzz and potentially increase attendance, but it also comes with not only actual (speaking fee), but also other potential significant costs.
The effectiveness of celebrity speakers largely depends on their alignment with the event's goals and audience expectations. If well-chosen and prepared, they can add excitement and memorability and increase ticket sales and attendance. However, if their message doesn't resonate or they lack engagement, the investment may not pay off. Event organizers must carefully evaluate the potential return on investment and the speaker's relevance to their specific audience—plus the concern over availability and scheduling mishaps with A-list celebrities adds another layer of stress and possible issues.
Conferences can fail attendees by prioritizing logistics and flashy elements over substantive content and meaningful experiences. Key issues include poor on-stage programming, lack of thoughtful in-room attendee experiences, and inadequate support to ensure their speakers’ success. Attendees feel neglected when the focus is on surface-level ideas or flashy celebrity names rather than creating engaging and enriching learning environments. To improve, conferences and events should emphasize high-quality content, foster better speaker experiences, and ensure the overall environment enhances attendee engagement and satisfaction.
Not all “celebrity” speakers are surface-level presenters who opt-out of engaging keynotes and opt into fireside chats and audience Q&A exclusively. There are speakers with cache and mass appeal who have researched and formulated engaging, thought-provoking keynote speeches filled with unique and insightful content that can keep audiences interested and learning. When planning your next event program, consider these keynote speakers for your opening and closing keynote slots. They have what it takes to deliver valuable insights and leave the audience buzzing with excitement long after the event has ended.
Celebrity Keynote Speakers:
Sarah Jones
Called “a master of the genre” by The New York Times, playwright and performer Sarah Jones has presented mainstage at TED multiple times garnering millions of views, performed at the White House, and gave a performance at The World Economic Forum in Davos as the first ever artist on its stage normally reserved for heads of state.
As a performer, Sarah is best known for her chameleon-like ease with which she envelops each character—from a 85-year-old Jewish bubbe to a “dude” driver called Rashid. Sarah has taken her array of characters and turned them into some of the most unique stage experiences for event hosts. An elevated comedy experience that makes people laugh and gives them something to think about, Sarah is working with organizations to tailor her presentation to their unique event goals.
“Sarah had the crowd on the edge of their seat the entire time, so many laughs, so many lessons. She was amazing.” - A Big Box Retailer - DEI Summit
Anthony Veneziale
Anthony Veneziale (aka Two-Touch) is the co-founder of Freestyle Love Supreme, a live improvisational hip-hop comedy musical group started along with Lin-Manuel Miranda in 2003. For two and a half years, he worked with an otolaryngologist UC, San Francisco, to study which parts of the brain are activated and deactivated by freestyling and ultimately learning how to control your creative flow.
In a hilarious, completely improvised talk, this improv master will create a truly one-of-a-kind performance. Armed with an audience-suggested topic ("stumbling towards intimacy") and a deck of slides he's never seen before, he crafts a meditation on the intersection of the topics of your choice, bringing the comedic punches to an event near you.
“It’s like ‘Wild ‘N Out’ and ‘Whose Line is it Anyway’ if they had a baby full of love and celebration in the spirit of lifting each other up and spreading joy.” - Aneesa Folds
Thomas Sadoski
Thomas Sadoski is a celebrated humanitarian and actor known for his work in both television and theater. He gained prominence for his roles in TV series like The Newsroom and Life in Pieces, as well as in Broadway productions such as "Reasons to Be Pretty." Notably he serves as a board member for the non-profit organization War Child USA, which supports children affected by conflict. He is also an advocate for refugee rights and has participated in various initiatives to raise awareness and funds for global humanitarian crises.
As a trained and skilled storyteller with a career spanning over two decades of artistic endeavors, Thomas brings audiences on a journey through engaging and thought-provoking presentations that can challenge the status quo or bring audiences closer together and strengthen relationships.
"Thomas is a far cry from the usual Hollywood spokesperson. His hands-on approach and genuine passion for the work being done on the ground make a significant impact". - Sharp Magazine
Shantell Martin
Creative director and visual artist Shantell Martin has taken on some of the world's leading brands as clients, sharing her one-of-a-kind vision in transformative, interactive presentations that help even the biggest organizations empower their teams with play. Acclaimed for her mesmerizing black-and-white drawings, she transcends conventional artistry to explore the depths of human connection through her unique visual language. Her work has graced prestigious galleries worldwide, captivating audiences with its raw authenticity and universal appeal.
From immersive installations to interactive workshops, Shantell transforms spaces into vibrant hubs of creativity and connection. With her interactive presentations, each stroke and accompanying messaging unveils a narrative that resonates deeply with themes of self-discovery, community, identity and empowerment.
“The interesting thing about her work is that it has two levels. It has this visceral, energizing level. But once you start spending time with it, focusing on it, it invites you to go different places.” - Governors Island curatorial team
Laura Brown
Laura Brown is an iconic magazine editor and fearless advocate for badass women everywhere. As Editor-in-Chief of InStyle, she showcased diverse perspectives and amplified women's voices makes her a driving force in empowering the next generation of leaders. Her celebrity is known in the company she keeps, having gained a massive social media following with her extensive network of celebrities, thought-leaders and beyond. Networking and communication are certainly her expertise! Known for her bold vision and candid storytelling, Laura is set to redefine narratives with her upcoming book release, All the Cool Girls Get Fired.
Laura’s messaging emphasizes themes of empowerment, authenticity, and the stories of resilient women. A self-proclaimed “self-propelled little engine”, Laura shows audiences the importance of celebrating both your smallest victories and your biggest losses (and limitations), because being your authentic self is truly how you own your power.