“Where are the women?”

“Why was the stage dominated by male speakers?”

“Couldn’t the organizers find qualified female speakers?”

These are questions that attendees, — male and female — ask themselves on the way home from the conferences and events that you worked so hard planning.

As two female co-founders, of an event-tech startup, Evolero, who are often listed on leading and innovative startup lists, run our own events, we are on the frontline and know too well and feel the urgency for women to be on stage.

Women are leading startups, Fortune 500 companies, and investing more and more in the next generation of innovation. Today, not having a balanced representation, not having a woman on stage, is a liability for your conference and in short will turn people away.

An exciting change is imminent. The inner feminine qualities that encompass women is reflected and presented through the impact that they have on the business and tech world.

More women in tech and business means more than just job opportunities for women, but their presence in the arena will foster more diverse and holistic innovation.

Events are powerful and play a major part in change. It’s the physical experience which is incredibly powerful, this is why you see an increase in live events as opposed to what was predicted when online social connectivity exploded. It’s obvious that bringing in more women and making sure women are on stage at events is a catalyst for change.

Although today women are more visible in the tech and business arena, and according to statistics women run startups are more capital efficient, and generate more revenue than male run startups, we still are asked by our clients about female keynote speakers, great event panelists.

We have reached out to 100’s of our clients, who organize leading innovation and tech events, our business partners and event industry leaders to create a quality list.

This list of “100+ Amazing Female Speakers” from the world of business and technology, includes well-known keynote speakers, international names, and rising stars- incredible speakers that you haven’t heard of yet, but need to!

In addition we have added information including what you need to know before you hire a speaker, what to ask, and how to choose speakers for your next event or conference.

Questions to answer before hiring a conference speaker:

Are you in the market for a professional speaker or a “rising star” speaker?

Is your keynote speaker or conference speaker going to educate, share your message, inform and entertain?

Is the speaker known for their storytelling ability? Does the speaker fee match the quality of the speaker? Do you have a budget that includes travel and hosting expenses for speakers? And how are you compensating your “free” speakers? Will the event speaker you choose spend time on site with attendees – before and after their session? Is the speaker a professional speaker or an expert in their field? Have you heard them speak? Will your audience have a “wow” moment during the speaker’s presentation? What will they take away from the presentation? Will the event speaker you choose help with the event marketing or buzz creation? Can you build an interactive bio for them including social profiles, videos, decks, SlideShare?

Before you hire or pitch the speakers on your target list make sure that you are well aware of your budget, including agency fees, registration costs, hotels, ground transportation, meals, flights, etc.

We asked some of the top speakers agents and event planners their top tips for hiring speakers.

Here are their tips:

Shawna Suckow, Planner, Speaker and Author

Ask how interactive the presentation will be, and HOW

If a speaker is minimally interactive with the audience, that means it’s a lecture, which is a red flag to me these days, unless it’s a keynote presentation. Breakouts have to be engaging today, or you’ll lose the audience.

Social Proof is important these days

What the speaker says about herself isn’t as credible as what other people say about the speaker. Every speaker has carefully cultivated quotes from raving audience members, but I prefer to seek out my own input by asking for feedback on planner message boards.

Ask the speaker if she’s willing to help promote her session on social media with your event hashtag, or by writing a brief blog, or by filming a one- or two-minute video. In my opinion, it’s important to get speakers involved in pre-event promotions these days, not just have them show up to speak and leave.

Premiere Speakers – Shawn Hanks, President and Brian Lord, Senior Vice President

Plan ahead…

You have many more options as an event planner when planning months in advance. Every event is different – some plan 12-months in advance while some only plan three months in advance. But planning with adequate lead time gives you more speaker options, better date options, and allows you time for an adequate selection and decision process.

Know your needs

A good bureau contact or speaker advocate can coach you on what information is needed during your process. Date, location, time slot are the basic building blocks, but deeper information is also valuable. Event theme, anticipated take-aways, keynote or deeper training?

If you have a grasp on the full need, a bureau advisor can provide you a detailed shortlist of options. Those options will all be qualified of the job, and the real selection can be made based on best content and fit.

Know what you’re looking for

Are you trying to attract clients to your event? Do you really want to drive home a message overcoming obstacles? Is the chief goal to give attendees an outlook at the upcoming political and economic client, or just a break at the end of the day?

Realize you have more than one audience

The ‘normal audience’ we’re conditioned to think of is made up of the people sitting in the audience, and sometimes all they want is a good laugh, an autograph, and something they can brag about to their friends back at the office.

The ‘other audience’ an event planner has to worry about are the executives who care more about making sure the speaker talks about leadership, teamwork, and how the company needs to really focus on having a great year.

Make sure you express to your agent or speaker what both audiences want so you can find someone who fits everything you need.

Another great tool filled with tips and articles is the speaker booking kit from Speaking.com

How to determine the best keynote speaker for your event.

Speaker contracting tips.

Working with a speaker’s bureau.

What to expect when booking a celebrity speaker.

How to prepare for your speaker’s visit.

Here is our list of the Top 100+ Women Speakers to Invite to Your Next Event

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