4 Ways to Keep Your Speaker Search on Track

Finding great speaker options is exciting. But what happens after the proposal arrives? Between committee discussions, budget approvals, and competing priorities, even the most promising speaker search can lose momentum. With the busy holiday season approaching, here's how to keep things moving without adding more to your plate.

CHALLENGE

You've received a proposal with several great speakers. Maybe you've even identified a favorite. But before you can make a decision, you need feedback from leadership, budget confirmation, or time to review the options.

Suddenly, a few days turn into a few weeks, and the speaker search gets pushed further down the to-do list.

The challenge isn't always finding the right speaker. Sometimes, it's keeping the decision-making process on track.

TYPICAL METHOD

Most people think: Once the speaker proposal is in hand, the next step is simply to review the options and make a decision when everyone is ready.

RECOMMENDATION

But the truth is: You don't have to have every answer to keep the process moving. A few intentional conversations and clearly defined next steps can save time, reduce uncertainty, and help you make a more confident decision.

Don't Wait Until Everyone Agrees

When multiple stakeholders are involved, getting everyone on the same page can take time.

Instead of waiting for unanimous agreement, start by identifying which speakers are generating the most interest and where questions remain.

Insider Tip: Ask your team, "Who are our top two choices, and what information would help us make a decision?"

GDA's Client Portal includes a built-in polling feature that allows stakeholders to weigh in on speaker options, helping build consensus and simplify the decision-making process.

Your bureau partner can help address those questions, provide additional context, or refine the shortlist based on your team's feedback.

Keep the Conversation Going

Not ready to make a decision? That's okay!

Your speaker search doesn't have to come to a standstill while you work through internal approvals.

Whether you're waiting on budget confirmation, leadership feedback, or additional details, keeping your bureau partner informed allows them to help you navigate the next step.

Sometimes, a quick conversation can uncover a solution or alternative you hadn't considered.

Give Your Decision a Timeline

Even when your event is months away, establishing a realistic decision timeline can make the process easier.

With the holiday season just around the corner, calendars will fill up, decision-makers will be out of the office, and internal approvals may take longer than expected.

Think about when your committee will meet, when budgets will be approved, and when you'd ideally like to have your speaker confirmed. Then work backward to identify your next step.

Insider Tip: If you're hoping to finalize your speaker before the end of the year, start those conversations now. A little planning ahead can help you avoid getting caught in the holiday slowdown.

Remember: Speaker availability can change while decisions are pending. A clear timeline helps you stay informed and avoid unnecessary surprises.

Let Your Bureau Partner Help You Move Forward

Your bureau partner isn't just there to send proposals. They're a resource throughout the decision-making process.

Need additional information to present to leadership? Want to compare two finalists? Wondering whether your preferred speaker is still available?

These are exactly the conversations your GDA agent can help with.You don't need to have everything figured out before reconnecting. Sometimes, the most productive next step is simply a conversation.

ACTION STEPS

✅ Identify your top speaker choices and any unanswered questions.

✅ Establish a realistic timeline for committee feedback and approvals, keeping holiday schedules in mind.

✅ Keep your bureau partner informed as priorities or budgets change.

✅ Agree on a next step and follow-up date to keep your search moving.

Partner with GDA to maintain momentum!