Planners Say Motivation Is No. 1 Topic for Keynotes

Motivational messages are among the most appropriate keynote categories, according to a recent survey by M&C Research. Of the 116 meeting planners who responded, 69 percent say an uplifting speech is highly appropriate for their groups. Also popular are industry-related topics, cited by 62 percent, future trends (47 percent) and humor (41 percent).

While 15 percent of respondents do not pay their keynote speakers, 28 percent budget less than $5,000, and at the high end of the spectrum, 3 percent can pay more than $50,000 for a top name.

Word of mouth is the prevailing method of finding speakers, cited by 64 percent of respondents. Other common sources are events planners have attended and speakers bureaus.

Since planners value one another's advice so highly, we asked respondents to name their favorite speakers. For results, go to mcmag.com/
webexclusives.aspx.