Simon Thiessen | Keynote Speaker
Simon Thiessen is a keynote speaker who specialises in leadership, workplace culture and team dynamics. He is the founder of The Real Learning Experience and the creator of the Authenticity culture transformation model. You can read more about Simon and his keynote presentations at www.simonthiessen.com.au
Beyond the Podium: How to Get Maximum Value from Your Keynote Speaker
If you’re organising a conference—whether you’re a seasoned PCO, an internal events lead, or a manager wrangled into the role—it’s easy to think of a keynote speaker as a one-and-done deal. They walk on stage, inspire the crowd, take a bow, and vanish.
But what if you could get more for the fee you paid? A great keynote can be so much more than a 45-minute performance. With some planning, your keynote speaker can become a strategic partner who adds value before, during, and long after your event.
Before the Event: Warm Up the Audience
Start early. Your keynote speaker can help build excitement and context well before the conference begins.
- Teaser videos or blog posts: ask them to share short clips or insights to spark interest and preview their message
- Interviews or Q&A sessions: run a short video chat with them for your event’s social media or internal channels
- Tailoring the presentation: ask them to attend a planning meeting or briefing to better understand your audience, theme, and key challenges. Customisation equals greater impact.
At the Event (before they speak): Make Them Visible
Don’t keep your keynote speaker under wraps until their moment on stage.
- Networking sessions or VIP breakfasts: involve them in informal gatherings with sponsors, board members, or key delegates
- Workshop or breakout cameo: even a 10-minute pop-in during another session can add spark and build familiarity
During their presentation: Stretch the Moment
Their presentation is key, but there are ways to extend the value:
Acknowledge sponsors: a quick, genuine thank-you from the keynote can mean a lot to sponsors and boost your event’s credibility. A clever speaker will find ways to weave key sponsors into their presentation
Ask them to leave behind a gift: anything that can help attendees take what they hear back to their work or personal lives – frameworks, checklists, reminders or follow-up questions
Encourage interaction: A live poll, a question for delegates to discuss, or a call to action can turn passive listeners into active participants
After they Speak: Keep the Momentum Going
Don’t let the energy drop after the applause.
- Book signing or meet-and-greet: give attendees a chance to connect personally
- Panel involvement: could they sit on a panel later in the program?
- Lunch table host: pair them with a sponsor, a table of rising leaders, or delegates selected at random
Post-Event: Think Long Game
The best keynote speakers can keep delivering long after the chairs are packed away.
- Follow-up video or article: a short thankyou, a reflection, or “what’s next” message helps reinforce learning
- Resources or tools – can they offer a short course, PDF guide, online discussion, or reading list to deepen engagement?
- Social media mentions: tag them in highlights, quotes, or thankyous to extend your event’s reach – and ask them to share
- Future collaboration: consider how they might contribute to ongoing training, future events, or internal comms
Final Thought: Treat Them Like a Partner, Not Just a Performer
A good keynote speaker delivers a moment. A great one delivers momentum. With the right approach, they can energise your audience, elevate your sponsors, and extend your event’s impact well beyond the closing speech.
Want your keynote to deliver more? Ask them how they can help—and get creative with the answer.
Simon Thiessen is a keynote speaker who specialises in leadership, workplace culture and team dynamics. He is the founder of The Real Learning Experience and the creator of the Authenticity culture transformation model. You can read more about Simon and his keynote presentations at www.simonthiessen.com.au
Experiential Edge delivers activity-based learning programs. We have been bringing our unique blend of powerful learning and dynamic experiences to conferences for over twenty years.
