Ever wonder who actually makes the call to bring in speakers, coaches, and trainers? It's not always obvious from the outside, but there are typically two types of decision-makers who can get you on stage or in the training room. Understanding the difference helps you approach each one the right way.
Meet the Event Planning Pros
Think of event planners like festival organizers. They're the ones putting together the big shows - conferences, summits, and industry events that need powerful voices on stage.
When you connect with an event planner through SpeakerDrive, you're reaching someone who:
- Plans major conferences and summits
- Manages annual corporate events
- Coordinates industry gatherings
- Books keynote speakers regularly
These pros are always on the hunt for speakers who can engage large audiences and deliver memorable moments.
The HR & Training Champions
Then there's another group of decision-makers: HR and Learning & Development leaders. Think of them more like talent scouts for their organizations. They're not just filling speaker slots - they're investing in their people.
These internal champions typically look for:
- Leadership development experts
- Team performance coaches
- Skills training facilitators
- Workshop leaders
And here's the best part - when they find someone good, they tend to bring them back again and again.
Different Roles, Different Goals
Understanding what matters to each type of decision-maker is like knowing the difference between Broadway and Off-Broadway. Same industry, different venues, different needs.
Event Planners care about:
- Stage presence and audience engagement
- Brand name recognition
- Fresh content and new perspectives
- Proven track record with large crowds
HR Leaders focus on:
- Measurable learning outcomes
- Cultural fit with their organization
- Practical, applicable content
- Long-term development goals
Making the Right Approach
This is why SpeakerDrive provides context about each contact's role and focus. When you know who you're reaching out to, you can speak their language:
- Match your pitch to their priorities
- Highlight relevant experience
- Share appropriate case studies
- Focus on what matters to them
Looking Forward
Whether you're connecting with event planners or HR leaders, remember - they're all looking for experts who can deliver value. Understanding their different roles and needs helps you position yourself as exactly the right person to help them achieve their goals.