Julia O'Grady’s Post

How do I choose the right speaker for my event? Good question 🤔 Choosing the right speaker can make or break an event 🎙️ Whether it's for a corporate conference, team-building retreat, or motivational seminar, the key is aligning the speaker's expertise with the goals of your event... 1️⃣ Understand your event's goals What do you want your audience to take away? Whether it's inspiration, education, or actionable strategies, a speaker's message should directly support your objectives. 2️⃣ Match the speaker's expertise to the theme Does the speaker specialise in your event's key themes - e.g. leadership, innovation, resilience, wellbeing? Their experience and insights should resonate with the challenges or opportunities your audience faces. 3️⃣ Consider your audience A speaker's ability to connect with your specific audience is crucial. Consider the size, demographics, and interests of the group. A speaker who can speak their language will create the best experience. 4️⃣ Look for authenticity and energy Great speakers bring authenticity and energy that's contagious. Their passion should inspire your audience to act, think, or feel differently. 5️⃣ Check testimonials What have others said about their experiences with the speaker? Testimonials can help give you a sense of their impact and relevance. Finding the right speaker is about more than their credentials - it's about creating a meaningful connection between the speaker and your audience to elevate your event. ☀️ Not everyone has time to do the research and due diligence, and that's exactly what the Speaker Team are here for at Raise the Bar Speakers - we welcome a conversation to find you your perfect speaker! #EventPlanning #CorporateEvents #SpeakerSelection # Leadership #TeamBuilding #Motivation

🔍 𝗔𝗿𝗲 𝗬𝗼𝘂 𝗦𝘁𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝗛𝗼𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗠𝗲𝗲𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘀, 𝗼𝗿 𝗔𝗿𝗲 𝗬𝗼𝘂 𝗖𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗘𝘃𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀 𝗧𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗜𝗻𝘀𝗽𝗶𝗿𝗲? In today's world, every interaction matters, whether you're leading a company or managing a brand experience. 𝗔𝘀 𝗦𝗮𝘁𝘆𝗮 𝗡𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗮, 𝗖𝗘𝗢 𝗼𝗳 𝗠𝗶𝗰𝗿𝗼𝘀𝗼𝗳𝘁, 𝗽𝗼𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗶𝗻 𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗿𝗲𝗰𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝘁𝗮𝗹𝗸, 𝘄𝗲’𝗿𝗲 𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗺𝗮𝗻𝗮𝗴𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗻𝗼𝘄. The real question is: Are we still stuck in 2019, or are we embracing new ways to lead and engage? 💡 Here are some key takeaways that both clients and event managers can apply to create impactful and memorable experiences: 𝟭. 𝗧𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗸 𝗟𝗶𝗸𝗲 𝗮𝗻 𝗘𝘃𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗠𝗮𝗻𝗮𝗴𝗲𝗿: A simple meeting isn't enough to captivate people anymore. You need to create occasions that people want to attend. Every interaction should feel like an event that adds value and excitement. 𝟮. 𝗔𝗱𝗼𝗽𝘁 𝗡𝗲𝘄 𝗦𝗼𝗳𝘁 𝗦𝗸𝗶𝗹𝗹𝘀: The old rules don't apply anymore. The skills that worked in 2019 may not work today. Leaders must learn new soft skills to create occasions that foster collaboration and energy, even in a virtual or hybrid world. 𝟯. 𝗥𝗲-𝗥𝗲𝗰𝗿𝘂𝗶𝘁 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗥𝗲-𝗘𝗻𝗲𝗿𝗴𝗶𝘇𝗲: Don’t assume that just because someone was onboarded once, they are forever engaged. In the same way, an event's impact doesn’t end when it’s over. Constantly re-energize your team, clients, and partners to keep them motivated and aligned. 𝟰. 𝗕𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗖𝗹𝗮𝗿𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗚𝗲𝗻𝗲𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗘𝗻𝗲𝗿𝗴𝘆: Leadership today isn’t just about making decisions; it's about bringing clarity and generating energy in every situation. Whether you’re organizing an event or leading a team, focus on solving over-constrained problems creatively and with optimism. 𝟱. 𝗨𝘀𝗲 𝗧𝗲𝗰𝗵𝗻𝗼𝗹𝗼𝗴𝘆 𝗪𝗶𝘀𝗲𝗹𝘆: While tools and technology are abundant, the real scarcity lies in how we use them to connect, engage, and inspire. Make technology an enabler, not a distraction. 🔥 𝗟𝗲𝘁'𝘀 𝗿𝗲𝗶𝗺𝗮𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗲𝗻𝗴𝗮𝗴𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀! 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗻𝗲𝘄 𝘀𝗸𝗶𝗹𝗹𝘀 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗮𝗱𝗼𝗽𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗼 𝗰𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗼𝗰𝗰𝗮𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗺𝗮𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿? 𝗦𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗹𝗲𝘁’𝘀 𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗻 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝗲𝗮𝗰𝗵 𝗼𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝗼𝗻 𝗵𝗼𝘄 𝘁𝗼 𝗺𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘆 𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗰𝗼𝘂𝗻𝘁! #Leadership #EventManagement #Engagement #Innovation #SoftSkills #Technology #FutureOfWork #GrowthMindset

Loneliness Awareness Week 💙 Does your event create enough moments for connection? We know how it goes - multiple departments coming at you with content for the event, the agenda feels packed and you're struggling to fit everything in. Can you just lose that coffee break or make lunch a bit shorter? Don't 🤚 What you gain in time is not worth what you lose in experience. The success of your event depends on the feeling that everyone leaves with. Happy, unified guests means - 😊 Better information retention 😊 Increased brand loyalty 😊 Deeper working relationships This year's theme for Loneliness Awareness Week is 'Random Acts of Connection' - as event organisers we see it as more 'planned acts of connection', and it always features in our event design. Use our tips to make sure your attendees feel connected 🧑🤝🧑 What can you do today to make someone feel more connected? #lonelinessawarenessweek #randomactsofconnection #eventdesign #eventexperts #teambuilding #leadership #corporateevents #eventorganiser #eventmanagement #eventinspo #exceptionalexperiences

If you’ve ever been to a panel discussion or a conference and thought, “Wow, this moderator really knows how to keep things engaging and on point,” well, that’s exactly what I aim to bring to the table, when you send that invite. As a seasoned professional in the retail and corporate world, I’m passionate about facilitating conversations that drive meaningful insights and impactful interactions. Imagine me as the conductor of a symphony, orchestrating discussions, keeping the rhythm flowing, and ensuring that every voice is heard. 🎻 Whether it’s navigating complex industry trends, topics or sparking dynamic debates, I’m here to make sure every event is not just informative but also memorable. I’m looking forward to collaborating with innovative thinkers, industry leaders, and forward-looking organizations. If you’re planning an event and need someone to elevate the dialogue, let’s connect! You can DM, Call 0702937918 or alternatively; aceitwithfes@outlook.com Here’s to new beginnings and making every conversation count! 🌟 #CorporateModerator #EventFacilitation #PublicSpeaking #NewBeginnings #ProfessionalGrowth

Yesterday's Speaker Showcase event was a masterclass in storytelling, strategy, and engagement! We had the privilege of hearing from incredible speakers, each bringing their own unique value to the stage: ▫ Barry Du Bois moved us with his powerful story of surviving cancer and reminded us of the importance of a positive mindset, no matter the challenge. ▫ Therese Tarlinton shared practical and insightful strategies on collaboration and marketing that left us all thinking about new ways to drive business growth. ▫ Leona Watson brought light-heartedness and joy with a delightful story about being woken up by a penguin – a 2024 surprise none of us saw coming! 🐧 A special mention goes to our engaging MC, Luke Hannan MBA, whose ability to keep the energy high and the audience connected was key to the event's success. 🎤 Why do MCs and speakers matter so much to an event? 🎤 ◾ Creating a seamless flow: A skilled MC like Luke ensures that everything runs smoothly and that the audience stays engaged from start to finish. ◾ Driving value through storytelling: Speakers like Barry, Therese, and Leona don't just present – they connect, inspire, and make lasting impressions. ◾ Delivering actionable insights: Beyond the motivation, thought leaders like Therese bring real-world strategies that attendees can apply immediately to their work. At the end of the day, it’s the combination of powerful storytelling, actionable insights, and seamless event management that makes events like these stand out. The Venues Collection #speaker #showcase #inspiration #marketingtips #MC #events #eventplanner #sydney #leadership #insights #publicspeaking

What’s the most memorable connection you’ve made at an event? In the latest episode of Connected Leadership Bytes, we throwback to my conversation with Melva LaJoy Legrand, CMP, DES, a master event planner who shared powerful insights on creating authentic connections. Forget the typical impersonal networking events... Melva’s approach is all about designing experiences that make every attendee feel seen, valued, and heard. It’s not just about the speakers—it’s about every interaction, from check-in to post-event follow-up. Here are some of her standout tips: 💡 Design for diverse personalities: Create spaces where introverts and extroverts alike can connect meaningfully. 💡 Go beyond job titles: Foster connections through shared stories and experiences, not just professional credentials. 💡 Pre- and post-event engagement: Build relationships that last longer than the event itself. Melva’s perspective is invaluable for anyone planning events—from intimate gatherings to large conferences. 🎙️ Take a 'Byte' and listen here - https://lnkd.in/eqbWuX8h What strategies do you use to create meaningful connections? #EventPlanning #AuthenticConnection #ConnectedLeadership #Leadership

🔮 State of the Industry: 2025 Business Event Trends and Forecasts 🔮 From the rise of micro-events to the green revolution reshaping our industry, the way we design and execute events is evolving fast. 🚀 Join PCMA Event Leadership Institute, as an expert panel, including our own, Michelle Russell, explores: ✅ The trends redefining event experiences ✅ How AI is transforming event management ✅ Strategies to align with shifting attendee values ✅ Personalization tactics that drive engagement ✅ Practical ways to streamline operations 📅 Jan 30, 2025, 12:30 pm EST 🔗 Register for free on the link below. #EventProfs #BusinessEvents #PCMAConvene

🚨 Event Planners: Don’t Overlook These Key Details! 🚨 When planning an event, even seasoned pros can miss a few critical elements: 1) Accessibility: Ensure your venue and materials are accessible to all attendees. Overlooking this can alienate a significant portion of your audience (PCMA). 2) Post-Event Engagement: Failing to plan post-event follow-ups can result in lost connections and opportunities. Keep the momentum going with targeted communications (EventMB). 3) Contingency Plans: Always have a backup plan for tech failures, weather issues, or speaker cancellations. As event guru Howard Givner says, "Preparation is the difference between a hiccup and a disaster" (Event Leadership Institute). Make these a priority to elevate your events to the next level! 🌟 #EventPlanning #EventProfs #GameShowGuy

Struggling to keep your online events engaging? The secret lies in creating structured experiences that connect and inspire. 🎯 Online events don’t have to feel transactional or flat. At Community Leadership Core, we know they can be transformative—sparking engagement, building real connections, and fostering growth. Here’s how we make it happen. 👇 Think of interaction like a pyramid: One-on-one meetings are deeply personal but tough to scale. 🏔️ Emails are efficient but lack human connection. 📧 Online events? They’re the sweet spot—interactive and impactful, no matter where you are. 🖥️ Climbing this pyramid strengthens relationships, making online and in-person events essential for community growth. 🌱 Interactive online huddles are our focus—structured, engaging experiences designed to ensure everyone feels valued and connected. These aren’t just presentations; they’re dynamic spaces for participation and collaboration. Want to make your online events unmissable? Check out our blog for five actionable secrets that will transform your sessions. Link in the first comment! 👇”** #CommunityLeadershipCore #CLC #OnlineEvents #Engagement #CommunityBuilding #Leadership #EventPlanning #VirtualEvents

Mastering Influence: How event marketers drive alignment, executive buy-in, and partner trust As an event marketer, you’re not just planning logistics—you’re aligning visions, influencing stakeholders, and driving measurable outcomes. But let’s face it: navigating heavily matrixed organizations, securing executive buy-in, and building trust with partners can feel like climbing a mountain… in heels… while carrying a banner that says “This will be worth it, I promise!” So how do you keep pushing forward? ✅ 1. Influence Without Authority: Build coalitions across teams. Speak their language, tie your goals to their KPIs, and make everyone feel like they have a stake in the event’s success. ✅ 2. Executive Buy-In: Data talks, but stories inspire. Show execs the ROI and the emotional impact. Invite them to experience the value firsthand. ✅ 3. Partner Trust: Make partners feel like true collaborators, not vendors. Transparency, shared goals, and celebrating small wins together build long-term commitment. Remember: “Leadership is not about titles, positions, or flowcharts. It is about one life influencing another.” – John C. Maxwell Your events are more than moments—they’re movements. And you are the catalyst. Let’s hear it: What strategies have helped you win trust and drive engagement across your org? #EventMarketing #Leadership #StrategicPartnerships #ExecutiveEngagement #MarketingStrategy