Delegates at Convene Queensland (Convene Q) on July 29 are set to get the lowdown on ‘The Who, How and Why of your Conference Speaker Program’.

Senior Saxton Speakers Bureau consultant Dr Helene Hagemans will explain why this element is so critical to conference success. Hagemans joins Sandra Passaro, director of business and strategic events with Tourism and Events Queensland, in the presenting hot seat.

Bureau managing director Winston Broadbent said the right speaker has the potential to make or break an event.

“You could have 800 people listening to an absolutely inspiring speaker, but on the other side of the coin things could be a disaster. That’s one hundred working days – twelve and a half weeks sitting in the room so it is a critical time to fill,” said Broadbent.

He says that most of the time the cost of a speaker is less than the cost of dessert with most people finding it the most memorable element of the event.

Broadbent said that requirements are changing for many corporate and association events.

“There is less demand now for pure entertainment. People are asking how they improve their bottom line. If you get the process right you can make a massive difference to your company,” said Broadbent.

Business events organisers can register to attend Convene Q, to be held at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre, here.